Percutaneous endoscopic versus surgical gastrostomy in patients with benign and malignant diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis

To compare the complications and mortality related to gastrostomy procedures performed using surgical and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy techniques, this review covered seven studies. Five of these were retrospective and two were randomized prospective studies. In total, 406 patients were involved, 232 of whom had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy and 174 of whom had undergone surgical gastrostomy. The analysis was performed using Review Manager. Risk differences were computed using a fixed-effects model and forest and funnel plots. Data on risk differences and 95% confidence intervals were obtained using the Mantel-Haenszel test. There was no difference in major complications in retrospective (95% CI (-0.11 to 0.10)) or randomized (95% CI (-0.07 to 0.05)) studies. Regarding minor complications, no difference was found in retrospective studies (95% CI (-00.17 to 0.09)), whereas a difference was observed in randomized studies (95% CI (-0.25 to -0.02)). Separate analyses of retrospective and randomized studies revealed no differences between the methods in relation to mortality and major complications. Moreover, low levels of minor complications were observed among endoscopic procedures in randomized studies, with no difference observed compared with retrospective studies

Insufflation of Carbon Dioxide versus Air During Colonoscopy Among Pediatric Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/Aims: Carbon dioxide is increasingly used in insufflation during colonoscopy in adult patients; however, air insufflation remains the primary practice among pediatric gastroenterologists. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate insufflation using CO2 versus air in colonoscopies in pediatric patients. Methods: Individualized search strategies were performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and LILACS databases following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and Cochrane working methodology. Randomized control trials (RCTs) were selected for the present meta-analysis. Pooled proportions were calculated for outcomes including procedure time and abdominal pain immediately and 24 hours post-procedure. Results: The initial search yielded 644 records, of which five RCTs with a total of 358 patients (CO2: n=178 versus air: n=180) were included in the final analysis. The procedure time was not different between the CO2 and air insufflation groups (mean difference, 10.84; 95% confidence interval [CI], -2.55 to 24.22; p=0.11). Abdominal pain immediately post-procedure was significantly lower in the CO2 group (risk difference [RD], -0.15; 95% CI; -0.26 to -0.03; p=0.01) while abdominal pain at 24 hours post-procedure was similar (RD, -0.05; 95% CI; -0.11 to 0.01; p=0.11). Conclusions: Based on this systematic review and meta-analysis of RCT data, CO2 insufflation reduced abdominal pain immediately following the procedure, while pain was similar at 24 hours post-procedure. These results suggest that CO2 is a preferred insufflation technique when performing colonoscopy in pediatric patients

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration and Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Based Tissue Sampling in Suspected Malignant Biliary Strictures: A Meta-Analysis of Same-Session Procedures

Background/Aims: The diagnosis of biliary strictures can be challenging. There are no systematic reviews studying same-session endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based tissue sampling and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for the diagnosis of biliary strictures. Methods: A systematic review was conducted on studies analyzing same-session EUS and ERCP for tissue diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures. The primary outcome was the accuracy of each method individually compared to the two methods combined. The secondary outcome was the accuracy of each method in pancreatic and biliary etiologies. In the meta-analysis, we used Forest plots, summary receiver operating characteristic curves, and estimates of the area under the curve for intention-to-treat analysis. Results: Of the 12,132 articles identified, six were included, resulting in a total of 497 patients analyzed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy of the association between the two methods were: 86%, 98%, 12.50, 0.17, and 96.5%, respectively. For the individual analysis, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS-FNA were 76%, 100%, and 94.5%, respectively; for ERCP-based tissue sampling, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 58%, 98%, and 78.1%, respectively. For pancreatic lesions, EUS-FNA was superior to ERCP-based tissue sampling. However, for biliary lesions, both methods had similar sensitivities. Conclusions: Same-session EUS-FNA and ERCP-based tissue sampling is superior to either method alone in the diagnosis of suspected malignant biliary strictures. Considering these results, combination sampling should be performed when possible

A comparison of the efficiency of 22G versus 25G needles in EUS-FNA for solid pancreatic mass assessment: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Our aim in this study was to compare the efficiency of 25G versus 22G needles in diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions by EUS-FNA. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis. Studies were identified in five databases using an extensive search strategy. Only randomized trials comparing 22G and 25G needles were included. The results were analyzed by fixed and random effects. A total of 504 studies were found in the search, among which 4 randomized studies were selected for inclusion in the analysis. A total of 462 patients were evaluated (233: 25G needle/229: 22G needle). The diagnostic sensitivity was 93% for the 25G needle and 91% for the 22G needle. The specificity of the 25G needle was 87%, and that of the 22G needle was 83%. The positive likelihood ratio was 4.57 for the 25G needle and 4.26 for the 22G needle. The area under the sROC curve for the 25G needle was 0.9705, and it was 0.9795 for the 22G needle, with no statistically significant difference between them (p=0.497). Based on randomized studies, this meta-analysis did not demonstrate a significant difference between the 22G and 25G needles used during EUS-FNA in the diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions

Endoscopic Band Ligation Versus Argon Plasma Coagulation in the Treatment of Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background/Aims Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the most commonly used endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has emerged as an alternative therapy. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE. This is the first systematic review that included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic. Methods A comprehensive search was performed using electronic databases to identify RCTs comparing APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. Results Four RCTs were included, with a total of 204 patients. EBL was related to higher endoscopic eradication rates risk difference [RD], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.14, 0.44]; I2=0%) and less bleeding recurrence than APC (RD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.15, 0.44]; I2=0%). Patients treated with EBL required fewer blood transfusions (mean difference [MD], 1.49; 95% CI [0.28, 2.71]; I2=96%) and hospitalizations (MD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.19, 0.39]; I2=0%). The number of sessions required for the obliteration of lesions was higher with APC. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. Conclusions EBL is superior to APC in the treatment of GAVE in terms of endoscopic eradication rates, recurrence of bleeding, and transfusion requirements

Approach to Endoscopic Procedures: A Routine Protocol from a Quaternary University Referral Center Exclusively for Coronavirus Disease 2019 Patients

OBJECTIVES: The present coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has ushered in an unprecedented era of quality control that has necessitated advanced safety precautions and the need to ensure the adequate protection of healthcare professionals (HCPs). Endoscopy units, endoscopists, and other HCP may be at a significant risk for transmission of the virus. Given the immense burden on the healthcare system and surge in the number of patients with COVID-19, well-designed protocols and recommendations are needed. We aimed to systematically characterize our approach to endoscopic procedures in a quaternary university hospital setting and provide summary protocol recommendations. METHOD: This descriptive study details a COVID-19-specific protocol designed to minimize infection risks to patients and healthcare workers in the endoscopy unit. RESULTS: Our institution, located in Sa˜o Paulo, Brazil, includes a 900-bed hospital, with a 200-bed-specific intensive care unit exclusively designed for patients with moderate and severe COVID-19. We highlighted recommendations for infection prevention and control during endoscopic procedures, including appropriate triage and screening, outpatient management and procedural recommendations, role and usage of personal protective equipment (PPE), and role and procedural logistics involving COVID-19-positive patients. We also detailed hospital protocols for reprocessing endoscopes and cleaning rooms and also provided recommendations to minimize severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 transmission. CONCLUSION: This COVID-19-specific administrative and clinical protocol can be replicated or adapted in multiple institutions and endoscopy units worldwide. Furthermore, the recommendations and summary protocol may improve patient and HCP safety in these trying times

ERCP versus EUS for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture: systematic review and meta-analysis

Introdução: O diagnóstico histológico das estenoses biliares é fundamental na definição da terapêutica a ser empregada, devido à heterogeneidade dos resultados dos estudos comparando o uso do escovado citológico e da biópsia transpapilar na colangiopancreatografia retrógada endoscópica (CPRE) com a punção aspirativa ecoguiada com agulha fina (ECO-PAAF) no diagnóstico histológico da estenose biliar maligna, e o fato de não existirem revisões sistemáticas e metanálises comparando esses métodos, este estudo propõe comparar esses dois métodos no diagnóstico histológico da estenose biliar maligna, através de revisão sistemática e metanálise da literatura. Métodos: Utilizando as bases de dados eletrônicas Medline, Embase, Cochrane, LILACS, CINAHL, e Scopus foram pesquisados estudos datados anteriormente a novembro de 2014. De um total de 1009 estudos publicados, foram selecionados três estudos prospectivos comparando ECO-PAAF e CPRE no diagnóstico histológico da estenose biliar maligna e cinco estudos transversais comparando ECO-PAAF com o mesmo padrão-ouro dos outros três estudos comparativos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos ao mesmo padrão-ouro. Foram calculadas as variáveis do estudo (prevalência, sensibilidade, especificidade, valores preditivos positivos e negativos e acurácia) e realizada a metanálise utilizando os softwares Rev Man 5 e Meta-DiSc 1.4. Resultados: Um total de 294 pacientes foi incluído na análise. A probabilidade pré-teste para estenose biliar maligna foi de 76,66%. As sensibilidades médias da CPRE e da ECO-PAAF para o diagnóstico histológico da estenose biliar maligna foram de 49% e 76,5%, respectivamente; especificidades foram de 96,33% e 100%, respectivamente. As probabilidades pós-teste também foram determinadas: valores preditivos positivos de 98,33% e 100%, respectivamente, e valores preditivos negativos de 34% e 58,87%. As acurácias foram 60,66% e 82,25%, respectivamente. Conclusão: A ECO-PAAF é superior a CPRE com escovado citológico e/ou biópsia transpapilar no diagnóstico histológico da estenose biliar maligna. No entanto, um teste de ECO-PAAF ou CPRE com amostra histológica negativa não pode excluir a estenose biliar maligna, pois ambos os testes apresentam baixo valor preditivo negativoBackground and Aims: Due the heterogeneity of the results of studies comparing the use of ERCP-based brush cytology and forceps biopsy and EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture, and the fact that there are no systematic reviews and meta-analysis comparing these methods, in this review, we will compare ERCP against EUS-FNA for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture. Design: A systematic review of comparative studies (prospective or retrospective) was conducted analyzing EUS and ERCP for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture. Methods: The databases Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, LILACS, CINAHL, and Scopus were searched for studies dated previous to November 2014. We identified three prospective studies comparing EUS-FNA and ERCP for the diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture and five cross sectional studies comparing EUS-FNA with the same gold standard of the other three studies. All patients were submitted to the same gold standard method. We calculated study variables (prevalence, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy) and performed a meta-analysis using the Rev Man 5 and Meta-DiSc 1.4 softwares. Results: A total of 294 patients were included in the analysis. The pretest probability for malignant biliary stricture was 76.66%. The mean sensitivities of ERCP and EUS-FNA for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture were 49% and 76.5%, respectively; specificities were 96.33% and 100%, respectively. The post-test probabilities, positive predictive value (98.33% and 100%, respectively) and negative predictive value (34% and 58.87%, respectively) were determined. The accuracies were 60.66% and 82.25%, respectively. Conclusion: EUS- FNA is superior to ERCP with brush cytology and forceps biopsy for diagnosing malignant biliary strictures. However, a negative EUS-FNA or ERCP test may not exclude malignant biliary stricture because both have low negative post-test probabilitie

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography versus endoscopic ultrasound for tissue diagnosis of malignant biliary stricture: a prospective comparative study

Introdução: As estenoses biliares são sempre desafiadoras, tanto no diagnóstico como na conduta terapêutica aplicada, seja ela curativa ou paliativa. A obtenção de espécimes se faz necessária uma vez que muitas doenças benignas mimetizam as neoplasias biliopancreáticas, tornando o diagnóstico anatomopatológico fundamental. Apesar da baixa acurácia, a colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) é o método tradicionalmente utilizado para diagnosticar estenoses biliares por meio do escovado citológico e da biópsia transpapilar. Por outro lado, diversos estudos têm reportado acurácia satisfatória da ecoendoscopia com punção aspirativa com agulha fina (EE-PAAF). Este estudo propõe comparar prospectivamente esses métodos no diagnóstico anatomopatológico da estenose biliar com suspeita de origem maligna. Métodos: Após a realização do cálculo amostral, 50 pacientes com estenoses biliares com suspeita maligna foram submetidos à CPRE com escovado citológico e biópsia transpapilar e à EE-PAAF durante a mesma sedação ou com intervalo máximo de sete dias. O padrão-ouro do resultado anatomopatológico dos métodos foram a cirurgia e o seguimento clínico por pelo menos seis meses. Foram avaliados os índices de acurácia (sensibilidade, especificidade, valor preditivo positivo e negativo, razão de verossimilhança positiva e negativa e acurácia), de concordância e as complicações entre os métodos, além da realização de subanálises, incluindo avaliação de técnicas, localização anatômica e tamanho da lesão. Resultados: O diagnóstico anatomopatológico obtido na associação dos dois métodos nos 50 pacientes (26 mulheres e 24 homens, com média de idade de 63,08 anos) foram: 47 malignos, um suspeito para malignidade e dois benignos. O diagnóstico definitivo definido pelo padrão-ouro demonstrou 48 estenoses malignas e duas benignas. O tamanho médio das lesões foi 3,48 cm, sendo 31 lesões extraductais e 19 intraductais, bem como 35 distais e 15 proximais. Na análise por intenção de tratamento, sensibilidade, especificidade e acurácia da EE foram superiores aos resultados da CPRE (93,8%, 100% e 94% contra 60,4%, 100% e 62%, respectivamente) (p = 0,034) com índices de complicações semelhantes. Não houve concordância entre os métodos e a combinação deles aumentou a sensibilidade e acurácia para 97,9% e 98%, respectivamente. Nas subanálises, a EE foi superior à CPRE tanto nas lesões extraductais com acurácia de 100% contra 54,8%, p=0,019, quanto nas lesões maiores que 1,5 cm (95,8% contra 61,9%, p=0,031). Entretanto os resultados foram semelhantes nas lesões intraductais e nas menores que 1,5 cm. Não houve diferença significativa entre os métodos nas análises de lesões proximais, distais e pancreáticas. Nas subanálises das técnicas empregadas, o escovado citológico e a biópsia transpapilar apresentaram resultados semelhantes entre si, tal como as técnicas de capilaridade e vácuo. Conclusão: A EE-PAAF é superior à CPRE associada ao escovado citológico e à biópsia transpapilar, com índices de complicações semelhantes. Não há concordância entre os métodos e a associação deles aumenta os índices de acurácia. A EE-PAAF é superior à CPRE com obtenção de espécimes na avaliação de lesões extraductais e nas maiores que 1,5 cm e é semelhante nas intraductais e nas menores que 1,5 cm. O escovado citológico e a biópsia transpapilar apresentam resultados semelhantes entre si, tal como as técnicas de capilaridade e vácuo. Não há diferença entre os métodos nas análises individuais de lesões distais, proximais e pancreáticasBackground and Aims: Biliary strictures are always a challenging clinical scenario and the anatomopathological diagnosis is essential in the therapeutic management, whether for curative or palliative purposes. The acquisition of specimens is necessary since many benign diseases mimic biliopancreatic neoplasms. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the traditionally used method, despite its low accuracy based on biliary brush cytology and forceps biopsy. On the other hand, several studies reported good accuracy rates using endoscopic ultrasound guided-fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). The aim of this prospective study is to compare the accuracy of EUS and ERCP for tissue sampling of biliary strictures. Methods: After performing the sample calculation, fifty consecutive patients with indeterminate biliary strictures were included to undergo ERCP and EUS procedures on the same sedation or with a maximum interval of 7 days. The gold standard method was surgery or six months\' follow-up. Evaluation of the accuracy indices (sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value, positive and negative likelihood ratio and accuracy), concordance and adverse events among the methods were performed. Also, subtype analyses of the techniques evaluation, anatomical localization and size of the lesion were included. Results: The final diagnosis reported in 50 patients (26 Female and 24 Male with a mean age of 63.08 years old) was 47 malignant, one suspicious for malignance and two benign lesions. Thirty-one lesions were extraductal and 19 intraductal, 35 were distal and 15 proximal strictures. The mean size of the lesion was 3.48 cm. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the sensibility and accuracy of EUS-FNA were superior than ERCP tissue sampling with biliary brush cytology and intraductal forceps biopsy (93.8%, 94% vs. 60.4%, 62%, respectively) (p=0.034), with similar adverse events. There was no concordance between the methods and combining both methods improved the sensitivity and accuracy for 97.9% and 98%, respectively. In the subtype analyses, the EUS-FNA was superior, with a higher accuracy than ERCP tissue sampling in evaluating extraductal lesions (100% vs. 54.8%, p=0.019) and in those larger than 1.5 cm (95.8% vs. 61.9%, p=0.031), but were similar in evaluating intraductal lesions and lesions smaller than 1.5 cm. There was no significant difference between the methods in the analyses of proximal, distal and pancreatic lesions. In the subtype analyses of the techniques employed, the brush cytology and the intraductal transpapillary biopsy presented similar results, as well as capillary and suction techniques. Conclusion: EUS-FNA is better than ERCP tissue sampling with biliary brush cytology and intraductal forceps biopsy with similar adverse events. There is no concordance between the methods and their association increases the accuracy. EUS-FNA is superior to ERCP tissue sampling in the assessment of extraductal lesions and in those larger than 1.5 cm and similar in the intraductal and in the lesions smaller than 1.5 cm. The brush cytology and intraductal transpapillary biopsy present similar results as well as capillary and suction techniques. There are no differences between methods in individual analyses of distal, proximal and pancreatic lesion