Benjamin Meier

Endoscopic full-thickness resection: current status

Conventional endoscopic resection techniques such as endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection are powerful tools for treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, those techniques are restricted to superficial layers of the gastrointestinal wall. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is an evolving technique, which is just about to enter clinical routine. It is not only a powerful tool for diagnostic tissue acquisition but also has the potential to spare surgical therapy in selected patients. This review will give an overview about current EFTR techniques and devices.

Transjugular local thrombolysis with/without TIPS in patients with acute non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis

BACKGROUND & AIMS Therapeutic anticoagulation is the standard treatment in patients with acute non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). In critically ill patients, anticoagulation only may not suffice to achive rapid and stable recanalization. This study evaluates efficacy and safety of transjugular interventional therapy in acute non-cirrhotic PVT. METHODS This retrospective study includes 17 consecutive patients with acute noncirrhotic, non-malignant PVT. Main indication for interventional therapy was imminent intestinal infarction (n=10). Treatment consisted of a combination of transjugular thrombectomy, local fibrinolysis and - depending on thrombus resolution - transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. RESULTS Recanalization was successful in 94.1%. One- and two-year secondary PV patency rates were 88.2%. Major complications (n=3) resolved spontaneously in all but one patient (heparin induced thrombocytopenia type 2 with intestinal infarction). Symptoms improved in all patients. However, segmental bowel resection had to be performed in two (11.8%). During a median follow-up of 28.6 months, no patient experienced portal hypertensive complications. Presence of JAK2 V617F mutation predicted both short-term and long-term technical success. CONCLUSIONS Transjugular recanalization is safe and effective in patients with acute non-cirrhotic, non-malignant PVT. It should be considered especially in patients with imminent bowel infarction and low likelihood of recanalization following therapeutic anticoagulation. Patients with JAK2 mutation ought to be followed meticulously.

Effective treatment of benign biliary strictures with a removable, fully covered, self-expandable metal stent: A prospective, multicenter European study

Background Temporary placement of removable, fully covered, self-expandable metal stents (fcSEMS) for treatment of benign biliary strictures (BBS) has been reported to be effective. However, the optimal extraction time point remains unclear and stent migration has been a major concern. Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this treatment modality using an fcSEMS with a special antimigration design and prolonged stent indwell time. Methods We performed a prospective, single-arm study at six tertiary care centers in Europe. Patients with BBS underwent endoscopic or percutaneous implantation of an fcSEMS (GORE® VIABIL® Biliary Endoprosthesis, W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA). The devices were scheduled to be removed nine months later, and patients were to return for follow-up for an additional 15 months. Results Forty-three patients were enrolled in the study. Stricture etiology was chronic pancreatitis in the majority of patients (57.5%). All fcSEMS were placed successfully, either endoscopically (76.7%) or percutaneously (23.3%). Stent migration was observed in two patients (5.2%). Primary patency of the SEMS prior to removal was 73.0%. All attempted stent removals were successful. At removal, stricture was resolved or significantly improved without need for further therapy in 78.9% of patients. Stricture recurrence during a follow-up of two years post-implant was observed in two patients. Conclusions Temporary placement of the fcSEMS is a feasible, safe and effective treatment for BBS. The design of the device used in this study accounts for very low migration rates and facilitates easy stent retrieval, even after it has been in place for up to 11 months.

Endoscopic removal of over-the-scope clips: Clinical experience with a bipolar cutting device

Background Over-the-scope clips (OTSCs) are increasingly used for the closure of perforations/fistulae, hemostasis and endoscopic full-thickness resection (FTRD system). When OTSC-associated complications occur or re-therapy at the OTSC site is needed, OTSC removal may be indicated. An experimental study in an animal model and a case series have shown good results for OTSC removal with a bipolar cutting device. We present a larger clinical study using this device. Methods Data of all consecutive patients with indication for OTSC removal were collected and analyzed retrospectively. OTSCs were cut at two opposing sites using a bipolar grasping device to apply short direct current impulses. OTSC fragments were extracted with a standard forceps and a cap at the tip of the endoscope to avoid tissue damage. Results Between December 2012 and February 2016 a total of 42 OTSC removals in the upper (n = 25) and lower (n = 17) gastrointestinal tract have been performed at our department. Overall technical success, defined as cutting the OTSC at two opposing sites and extraction of both fragments, was achieved in 92.9% (39/42) of all cases. Successful fragmentation of the OTSC was achieved in 97.6% (41/42). Minor bleedings were rare and could be managed endoscopically in all cases. There were no perforations and no major or delayed bleedings. Conclusion Endoscopic OTSC removal with a bipolar cutting device is feasible, effective and safe. This technique can be applied in the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Hybrid endoscopic mucosal resection and full-thickness resection: a new approach for resection of large non-lifting colorectal adenomas (with video)

BackgroundClip-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) with an over-the-scope device has been recently described to be feasible and effective for the resection of non-lifting adenomas in the lower gastrointestinal tract. However, tumor size is the major limitation of that technique. We describe a hybrid technique using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) in ten patients with large non-lifting colorectal adenomas to reduce tumor size and facilitate clip-assisted EFTR.MethodsData of ten consecutive patients (median age 72.5 years, SD 8.86) who underwent combined EMR and EFTR in the colon were analyzed retrospectively. The main outcome measures were technical success, histological confirmation of full-thickness resection, and adverse events.ResultsAll lesions (median size 35.5 mm, SD 5.99) could be resected successfully. No immediate or delayed adverse events were observed. Histology confirmed full-thickness resection in all cases. Three-month follow-up showed no residual or recurrent adenomas.ConclusionsHybrid EMR–EFTR in the colon seems to be an effective approach for large non-lifting lesions with positive lateral lifting signs. Prospective studies are needed to further evaluate efficacy, safety, rate of recurrence, and long-term outcome of this technique.

Endoscopic management of colorectal adenomas

Colorectal adenomas are well known precursors of invasive adenocarcinoma. Colonoscopy is the gold standard for adenoma detection. Colonoscopy is far more than a diagnostic tool, as it allows effective treatment of colorectal adenomas. Endoscopic resection of colorectal adenomas has been shown to reduce the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Difficult resection techniques are available, such as endoscopic mucosal resection, endoscopic submucosal dissection and endoscopic full-thickness resection. This review aims to provide an overview of the different endoscopic resection techniques and their indications, and summarizes the current recommendations in the recently published guideline of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

Transjugular portal vein recanalization with creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) in patients with chronic non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis

PURPOSE To determine safety and efficacy of transjugular portal vein recanalization with creation of intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (PVR-TIPS) in patients with chronic non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis (PVT). METHODS This retrospective study includes 17 consecutive patients with chronic non-cirrhotic PVT (cavernous transformation n = 15). PVR-TIPS was indicated because of variceal bleeding (n = 13), refractory ascites (n = 2), portal biliopathy with recurrent cholangitis (n = 1), or abdominal pain (n = 1). Treatment consisted of a combination of transjugular balloon angioplasty, mechanical thrombectomy, and-depending on extent of residual thrombosis-transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt and additional stenting of the portal venous system. RESULTS Recanalization was successful in 76.5 % of patients despite cavernous transformation in 88.2 %. Both 1- and 2-year secondary PV and TIPS patency rates were 69.5 %. Procedure-related bleeding complications occurred in 2 patients (intraperitoneal bleeding due to capsule perforation, n = 1; liver hematoma, n = 1) and resolved spontaneously. However, 1 patient died due to subsequent nosocomial pneumonia. During follow-up, 3 patients with TIPS occlusion and PVT recurrence experienced portal hypertensive complications. CONCLUSIONS PVR-TIPS is safe and effective in selected patients with chronic non-cirrhotic PVT. Due to technical complexity and possible complications, it should be performed only in specialized centers with high experience in TIPS procedures.

Effectiveness of TC-325 (Hemospray) for treatment of diffuse or refractory upper gastrointestinal bleeding – a single center experience

Background and study aims  TC-325 (Hemospray, Cook Medical) is a powder agent for endoscopic hemostasis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Although most publications are based on case-reports and retrospective studies, data on efficacy are promising. Here we report our experience with TC-325 for diffuse or refractory UGIB. Patients and methods  Data on patients receiving TC-325 for endoscopic hemostasis from November 2013 to February 2017 at our center were analyzed retrospectively. Primary endpoints were technical success (successful immediate hemostasis) and clinical success (effective hemostasis and no recurrent bleeding). Secondary endpoints were recurrent bleeding within 3 and 7 days, hospital mortality and TC-325 associated complications. TC-325 was used for bleeding not amenable to standard endoscopic treatment (e. g. diffuse bleeding) or as salvage therapy after failure of conventional methods Results  Fifty-two patients received TC-325 treatment. Most of the patients were treated for peptic ulcer bleeding (18/52 patients, 34.6 %) and post-interventional bleeding (13/52 patients, 25 %). Hemospray was used in 23/52 (44.2 %) patients as monotherapy and in 29/52 (55.8 %) patients as a salvage therapy. Application of the powder on the bleeding source was successful in all patients with no therapy-related adverse events (AEs). Immediate hemostasis was achieved in 51/52 (98.1 %) patients. Recurrent bleeding within 3 and 7 days was observed in 22/51 and 25/51 patients respectively (43.1 % and 49 %). The overall clinical success was 56.9 % on day 3 and 51 % on day 7. Total mortality was 15.4 % (8 patients), bleeding associated mortality was 3.8 % (2 patients). There were no therapy-related AEs. Conclusions  TC-325 showed a high technical success rate as monotherapy for bleeding sources not amenable to standard methods or as an “add-on” therapy after unsuccessful hemostasis. However, rebleeding was frequent in this cohort and further studies are warranted to exactly define a treatment algorithm for TC-325 use.

Endoscopic and Photodynamic Therapy of Cholangiocarcinoma

Background: Most patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) have unresectable disease. Endoscopic bile duct drainage is one of the major objectives of palliation of obstructive jaundice. Methods/Results: Stent implantation using endoscopic retrograde cholangiography is considered to be the standard technique. Unilateral versus bilateral stenting is associated with different advantages and disadvantages; however, a standard approach is still not defined. As there are various kinds of stents, there is an ongoing discussion on which stent to use in which situation. Palliation of obstructive jaundice can be augmented through the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Studies have shown a prolonged survival for the combinations of PDT and different stent applications as well as combinations of PDT and additional systemic chemotherapy. Conclusion: More well-designed studies are needed to better evaluate and standardize endoscopic treatment of unresectable CCA.

Sonografisch gesteuerte Biopsie fokaler Leberläsionen

The ultrasound-guided liver biopsy is an important tool to obtain histological samples of suspicious lesions. The technique is effective and complications are rare. After the procedure a standardized monitoring of the patient is necessary. We describe the procedure and the post-interventional monitoring of a liver biopsy step by step.