Clinical controversies in endoscopic ultrasound

The field of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) is growing rapidly. Although EUS has enhanced our ability to diagnose and treat a wide variety of GI conditions, there are many controversial issues regarding the appropriate application of EUS techniques. In this review we discuss five controversial topics in EUS: the utility of EUS in staging of esophageal and gastric cancer; selection of appropriate needle gauge for fine needle aspiration (FNA); use of the stylet in FNA; and the emerging role of contrast agents in endoscopic ultrasound

An international experience with single-operator cholangiopancreatoscopy in patients with altered anatomy

Background and study aims: The utility of digital single- operator cholangiopancreatoscopy (D-SOCP) in surgically altered anatomy (SAA) is limited. We aimed to evaluate the technical success and safety of D-SOCP in patients SAA. Patients and methods: Patients with SAA who underwent D-SOCP between February 2015 and June 2020 were retrospectively evaluated. Technical success was defined as completing the intended procedure with the use of D-SOCP. Results: Thirty-five patients underwent D-SOCP (34 D-SOC, 1 D-SOP). Bilroth II was the most common type of SAA (45.7 %), followed by Whipple reconstruction (31.4 %). Twenty-three patients (65.7 %) patients had prior failed ERCP due to the presence of complex biliary stone (52.2 %). A therapeutic duodenoscope was utilized in the majority of the cases (68.6 %), while a therapeutic gastroscope (22.7 %) or adult colonoscope (8.5 %) were used in the remaining procedures. Choledocholithiasis (61.2 %) and pancreatic duct calculi (3.2 %) were the most common indications for D-SOCP. Technical success was achieved in all 35 patients (100 %) and majority (91.4 %) requiring a single session. Complex interventions included electrohydraulic or laser lithotripsy, biliary or pancreatic stent placement, stricture dilation, and target tissue biopsies. Two mild adverse events occurred (pancreatitis and transient bacteremia). Conclusions: In SAA, D-SOCP is a safe and effective modality to diagnose and treat complex pancreatobiliary disorders, especially in cases where standard ERCP attempts may fail

The new kid on the block for advanced imaging in Barrett’s esophagus: a review of volumetric laser endomicroscopy

Advanced imaging techniques used in the management of Barrett’s esophagus include electronic imaging enhancement (e.g. narrow band imaging, flexible spectral imaging color enhancement, and i-Scan), chromoendoscopy, and confocal laser endomicroscopy. Electronic imaging enhancement is used frequently in daily practice, but use of the other advanced technologies is not routine. High-definition white light endoscopy and random four quadrant biopsy remain the standard of care for evaluation of Barrett’s esophagus; this is largely due to the value of advanced imaging technologies not having been validated in large studies or in everyday practice. A new advanced imaging technology called volumetric laser endomicroscopy is commercially available in the United States. Its ease of use and rapid acquisition of high-resolution images make this technology very promising for widespread application. In this article we review the technology and its potential for advanced imaging in Barrett’s esophagus

Current practice and perception of screening for medication adherence in inflammatory bowel disease.

BackgroundAdherence to medication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) improves outcomes. Current practices of screening for adherence to IBD medications are unknown. The goal of this study was to determine current practice and perception of screening for medication adherence among US-based gastroenterologists.MethodsA survey was mailed electronically to gastroenterologists whose electronic-mail address was listed in the American College of Gastroenterology database. Physicians who cared for IBD patients were invited to answer.ResultsAbout 6830 surveys were sent to gastroenterologists nationwide, and 395 physicians who cared for IBD patients completed the survey. The true response rate is unknown, as the number of physicians caring for IBD patients in the database is unknown. About 77% (n = 303) of physicians who responded stated they screen for adherence to medication. Of the 77% of physicians who screened for adherence, only 19% (n = 58) use accepted measures of screening for adherence (pill counts, prescription refill rates, or adherence surveys). The remaining 81% used patient interview to screen for adherence, a measure considered least accepted to determine adherence, as it overestimates adherence. The average number of IBD patients observed in 1 week had no statistical significance in predilection for screening (P = 0.82). Private practice physicians (P = 0.05), younger physicians (P = 0.03), and physicians with fewer years of experience (P = 0.02) all were more likely to screen. About 95% of responders thought determining a low adherer to medicine was important because an intervention can increase adherence.ConclusionsThe majority of gastroenterologists surveyed recognize that adherence to medication is important and improves outcomes. The majority of physicians in this study are screening for nonadherence in IBD, but are not using accepted measures for adherence detection. If this study truly reflects the majority of physicians nationwide, changing the way physicians screen for adherence, may detect more low adherers to medication