Vargas, Eric J.

Abstract Background and study aims Endoscopic ultrasound-guided gastrojejunostomy (EUS-GJ) is an endoscopic procedure for treating gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Limited data exist regarding the safety and efficacy of EUS-GJ in patients with malignant GOO with ascites. Thus, we aimed to study the outcomes and safety of EUS-GJ in GOO patients with vs. without ascites. Patients and methods This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with malignant GOO who underwent successful EUS-GJ at a tertiary care academic center. Primary outcomes included the efficacy and safety of EUS-GJ. Secondary outcomes included 30-day readmission, reintervention, and survival utilizing Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results A total of 55 patients (mean age of 67.0 ± 11.3 years, 40.0 % female) who underwent EUS-GJ, of whom 24 had ascites (small in 22, large in 2) were included. Clinical success was achieved in 91.7 % and 93.5 % (P = 1.00) of patients with and without ascites, respectively. A higher rate of adverse events (AEs) was noted in patients with ascites but this was not statistically significant (37.5 % vs. 19.4 %, P = 0.13). Four patients in the ascites group (16.6 %) developed clinical evidence of peritonitis or sepsis post-EUS-GJ. Eight patients with ascites developed worsening ascites within a month of EUS-GJ. In contrast, only one patient without ascites developed evidence of new ascites. The median survival of patients was not significantly different between the two groups (patients with ascites: 129 days vs. patients without ascites: 180 days, (P = 0.12). Conclusions The efficacy EUS-GJ in the presence of ascites is promising; however, the safety profile remains concerning given the high rate of AEs, specifically peritonitis and sepsis.

AbstractObjectiveSatiety, defined as the duration of the sensation of fullness, is usually measured by validated visual analog scales (VAS) for appetite. Gastric function plays a key role in food intake regulation. However, the association between gastric emptying (GE) and VAS appetite is unknown.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, 134 participants (mean [SEM] age = 39 [0.8] years, mean [SEM] BMI = 38 [0.5] kg/m2, 67% females) completed simultaneous measurements of GE and VAS appetite. After a 320‐kcal meal, GE was measured by scintigraphy and appetite by validated 100‐mm VAS for 240 minutes. Satiation was defined as calories consumed to terminate meal and was measured by an ad libitum meal. GE, VAS, and ad libitum meal tests were measured on the same day. Percent of meal retention in the stomach, VAS area under curve (AUC0‐240 min), and overall appetite score (OAS) were calculated. Pearson correlation (ρ) determined the association of GE with VAS appetite and satiation. Appetite components were also analyzed by quartiles based on GE120 min.ResultsGE120 min was correlated with sensation of VAS hungerAUC(0‐240 min) (ρ = 0.24, p = 0.004), fullnessAUC(0‐240 min) (ρ = 0.16, p = 0.05), and OASAUC(0‐240 min) (ρ = 0.20, p = 0.02). Patients with rapid GE120 min had a mean increase in VAS hungerAUC(0‐240 min) by 32 mm/min (15.62%, p = 0.03) compared with normal/slow GE120 min.ConclusionsGE is associated with the sensations of appetite, and rapid GE is associated with increased appetite, which may contribute to weight gain.

Abstract Background Spontaneous hyperinflation is reported to the Food and Drug Administration as a complication of intragastric balloons. It is postulated that orogastric contamination of the intragastric balloon may cause this phenomenon. We sought to investigate the effects of intentional balloon contamination with gastric contents on intragastric balloon diameter and contents, whether methylene blue plays a role in preventing spontaneous hyperinflation, and review the available literature on spontaneous hyperinflation. Methods Four pairs of balloons with different combinations of sterile saline, contaminants, and methylene blue were incubated in a 37° Celsius water bath for 6 months to simulate physiological conditions with serial measurements of balloon diameter. Our findings were compared against a systematic review across multiple databases to summarize the available literature. Results Balloon mean diameter decreased from 33.5 cm ± 0.53 cm to 28.5 cm ± 0.46 cm (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were seen with the methylene blue group. Only 11 cases were found reported in the literature. Conclusions Despite contaminating intragastric balloons with gastric aspirates, hyperinflation did not occur, and other factors may be in play to account for this phenomenon, when observed. Rates of hyperinflation remain under-reported in the literature. Further controlled experiments are needed.

INTRODUCTION: To assess the effects of sleeve gastrectomy (SG) and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) on acid reflux and esophageal motor function and to evaluate the observation of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) after bariatric surgery. METHODS: We searched 5 databases for adults who underwent SG or RYGB and had esophageal pH test and/or esophageal manometry before and after surgery. A separate systemic search of observational studies and a retrospective review at 3 institutions of adults who developed EAC after these surgeries were conducted. Outcomes were changes in manometric and pH parameters and EAC cases after SG and RYGB. RESULTS: A total of 27 nonrandomized studies (SG: 612 patients; RYGB: 470 patients) were included. After SG, lower esophageal sphincter pressure and esophageal body amplitude were decreased and the risk of ineffective esophageal motility was increased. Total and recumbent acid exposure times were increased. After RYGB, an increased risk of ineffective esophageal motility was observed. Total, upright, and recumbent acid exposure times were decreased. The total reflux episodes remained unchanged but with increased nonacid reflux and decreased acid reflux events. Including our largest series, 31 EAC cases have been reported to date after SG and RYGB. DISCUSSION: This systematic review demonstrates increased acid reflux after SG and decreased acid reflux after RYGB. An observed increased nonacid reflux after RYGB might contribute to failure of gastroesophageal reflux disease improvement. This refluxate might be noxious to the esophagus, warranting further studies. RYGB might not entirely preserve esophageal function as previously believed.

Background and Aims Presence of malignant regional lymph nodes (MRLNs) precludes curative oncological resection or liver transplantation for cholangiocarcinoma (CCA). Limited data support the utility of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)/fine needle aspiration (FNA) for detection of MRLNs in extrahepatic CCA, but there are no data for its role in intrahepatic CCA (iCCA). The aim of this study is to evaluate the staging impact of EUS for CCA, including analysis by subtype. Approach and Results We identified consecutive patients with CCA who underwent EUS staging at a single tertiary care center from October 2014 to April 2018. Among this cohort, we abstracted clinical demographic, radiographical, procedural, cytopathological, and surgical data. STATA 15 software was used for comparative analysis calculations (StataCorp LP, College Station, TX). The study cohort included 157 patients; 24 (15%), 124 (79%), and 9 (6%) with intrahepatic, perihilar, and distal CCA, respectively. EUS was able to identify regional lymph nodes (RLNs) in a higher percentage of patients compared to cross‐sectional imaging (86% vs. 47%; P < 0.001). FNA was performed in 133 (98.5%) patients with RLNs, with a median of three passes per node. EUS‐FNA identified MRLN in 27 of 31 (87.1%) patients ultimately found to have MRLNs. For iCCA, EUS detected a higher percentage of RLN compared to cross‐sectional imaging (83% vs. 50%; P = 0.048), with MRLNs identified in 4 (17%) patients. Among the entire cohort, identification of at least one MRLN by EUS was associated with lower median survival (353 vs. 1,050 days; P < 0.001) and increased risk of death (hazard ratio = 4.1; P < 0.001). Conclusions EUS‐FNA is effective for identifying MRLN in patients with CCA, and should be routinely incorporated into staging of all CCA subtypes given the impact of MRLN on prognosis and management decisions.

INTRODUCTION: Increasing rates of obesity have led to increased numbers of bariatric surgeries performed world-wide. However, some patients do not achieve significant weight loss or develop weight regain following these procedures. Other than estimating the size of the gastric remnant at endoscopy or transaxial imaging, there are limited approaches to quantitate the function of the post-surgical stomach in order to evaluate the disparate weight patterns, or to develop strategy for future treatments, e.g., pharmacotherapy or endoscopic intervention. We hypothesize that altered gastric function in the pre- and post-surgical periods may offer an explanation. Studies performed thus far are difficult to interpret due to heterogeneity in approaches to diagnostic evaluation. The aims of this project were: to assess the feasibility of a new protocol for simultaneous evaluation of gastric accommodation and gastric emptying in the post-bariatric state; and to report normative values in healthy volunteers. METHODS: Methods: We utilized single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and gamma scintigraphy to concurrently study postprandial gastric accommodation responses and gastric emptying rates of a limited size meal designed for subsequent use in post-bariatric patients. The standard meal consisted of 1 egg and 1 extra egg yolk scrambled with 111 Indium-activated charcoal (∼130kcal, 9.5g fat) and 120mL 2% milk (130kcal, 4.4g fat). Gastric accommodation was measured using 99m Technetium-SPECT. SPECT imaging was obtained concomitant with gastric emptying of the 111 In-labeled meal. Anterior and posterior scans of the abdomen were obtained for estimating gastric emptying parameters every 15 minute until 90 minutes, and then in 30-minute intervals until 240 minutes or complete emptying. RESULTS: Data on 28/30 healthy volunteers (35.7% men; 67% Caucasian) with completed studies to date are shown in the Table 1 (data presented as mean ± standard deviation). Gastric emptying proportion at 1, 2, and 4 hours, T 1/2 , and gastric volumes including accommodation are graphically depicted in Figures 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: Discussion: This study has demonstrated feasibility of simultaneous measurement of gastric emptying and accommodation and provides normal values; this sets the stage for future baseline and post-operative scans on patients undergoing sleeve gastrectomy.

Abstract Background and study aim The role of esophageal overtubes in upper gastrointestinal endoscopic suturing is unknown. This study aimed to determine whether overtube use was associated with technical success or adverse events. Patients and methods A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic suturing for various indications was performed. Results A total of 719 patients underwent endoscopic suturing for various indications, including endoscopic bariatric procedures in 262, stent fixation in 258, defect closure in 190, and hemostasis in nine. An overtube was used in 186 procedures (25.9 %). Technical success was achieved in all cases. Minor mucosal trauma occurred in 15 cases (8.1 %) with use of an overtube, and none without an overtube (P < 0.0001). No full-thickness esophageal perforation or hemorrhage related to overtube use or the suturing device occurred. Conclusions Endoscopic suturing can be performed safely for a variety of indications, including endoscopic bariatric procedures, defect repair, and stent fixation without an esophageal overtube. Minor esophageal mucosal trauma and equipment cost are increased when an overtube is used.

Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are the most widely available endoscopic bariatric therapy for class I and II obesity in the United States. Although simple in application and reversible by nature, these devices may help patients initiate the important first steps in weight loss maintenance, provided that parallel efforts are in motion to prevent weight recidivism. Too often, therapeutic nihilism stems from unrealistic expectations of a given therapy. In the case of IGBs, this sentiment may occur when these interventions are applied in a vacuum and not within the purview of a multidisciplinary program that actively involves dieticians, endocrinologists, gastroenterologists, and surgeons. There is a clear and present need to apply different tactics in the remissive strategy to control the obesity pandemic, more so in a struggling landscape of an ever-widening gap in bridging interventions. With such demand, the IGB is an available tool that could be helpful when correctly implemented. In this exposition, we summarize the current state of IGBs available worldwide, discuss their mechanism of action, relay evidence for their short- and long-term efficacy, address safety profile concerns, and suggest procedural considerations in the real-world quotidian application.

Background The overall effectiveness of aspiration therapy (AT) for obesity relies on optimal aspiration timing after a meal, which can vary depending on a patient’s rate of gastric emptying (GE). Our aim was to identify if baseline GE rates were associated with differences in aspiration efficiency (AE). Methods Subjects from an ongoing AT clinical trial were enrolled in this study. AE was calculated as the absolute gastric residual and calories aspirated at 20 and 40 min. Participants were then divided by baseline GE rate into two groups (slow vs fast). Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to compare AE at 20 and 40 min between the groups. Exploratory linear regression was used to assess relationship between GE and AE. Results 7 patients (85% female) were coenrolled in the study. Mean age and body mass index were 39.8±9.44 and 43±5, respectively. AE did not significantly differ between the 20 and 40 min time points for the group as a whole (34.3% vs 36.9%; p>0.5). However, those with fast GE aspirated more calories than those with slow GE (20 min: 200 kcal vs 72.5 kcal; 40 min: 154 kcal vs 63 kcal) (p=0.05). On linear regression, delayed GE was associated with poorer aspiration (20 min: β=−107 calories; p=0.019; R2=0.7). 4/7 patients had significant differences in residual/caloric aspiration across the two time points. Conclusion Patients undergoing AT may benefit from a GE test to optimise their AE. Paradoxically faster GE times saw better aspiration. Prospective studies are revealing a personalised approach to obesity.