Background/Aims This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) using a core needle for hepatic solid masses (HSMs). Additionally, the study aimed to assess factors that influence the diagnostic accuracy of EUS-FNB for HSMs. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent EUS-FNB for the pathological diagnosis of HSMs was conducted between January 2013 and July 2017. The procedure had been performed using core needles of different calibers. The assessed variables were mass size, puncture route, needle type, and the number of needle passes. Results Fifty-eight patients underwent EUS-FNB for the pathologic evaluation of HSMs with a mean mass size of 21.4±9.2 mm. EUS-FNB was performed with either a 20-G ( n =14), 22-G ( n =29) or a 25-G core needle ( n =15). The diagnostic accuracy for this procedure was 89.7%, but both specimen adequacy for histology and available immunohistochemistry stain were 91.4%. The sensitivity and specificity of EUS-FNB were 89.7% and 100%, respectively. There was one case involving bleeding as a complication, which was controlled with endoscopic hemostasis. According to the multivariate analysis, no variable was independently associated with a correct final diagnosis. Conclusions EUS-FNB with core biopsy needle is a safe and highly accurate diagnostic option for assessing HSMs. There were no variable factors associated with diagnostic accuracy.

Objectives Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) has been proposed as an alternative to surgery or percutaneous cholecystostomy in patients with acute calculus cholecystitis (ACC). We aimed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ETGBD via endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (ETGBS) or endoscopic naso-gallbladder drainage (ENGBD) as either a bridging or a definitive treatment option for patients with ACC when a cholecystectomy is delayed or cannot be performed. Methods From July 2014 to December 2018, 171 patients with ACC in whom ETGBD were attempted were retrospectively reviewed. The technical and clinical success rates and adverse events were evaluated. Moreover, the predictive factors for technical success and the stent patency in the ETGBS group with high surgical risk were examined. Results The technical and clinical success rates by intention-to-treat analysis for ETGBD were 90.6% (155/171) and 90.1% (154/171), respectively. Visible cystic duct on cholangiography were significant technical success predictor (adjusted odds ratio: 7.099, 95% confidence interval: 1.983-25.407, P = 0.003) as per logistic regression analysis. Adverse events occurred in 12.2% of patients (21/171: mild pancreatitis, n = 9; acute cholangitis, n = 6; postendoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding, n = 4; and stent migration, n = 1; ACC recurrence, n = 1), but all patients were treated with conservative management and endoscopic treatment. Among the ETGBS group, the median stent patency in 70 patients with high surgical risk was 503 days (interquartile range: 404.25-775 days).

We concluded that endoclip application using a cap-fitted forward-viewing gastroscope is feasible and safe and may be an effective technique for the treatment and/or prevention of post-ES hemorrhage.

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Background/Aims: Percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (PTCS) is used for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary diseases in patients with failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, particularly those with surgically altered anatomy. However, few studies are available on the clinical use of Spyglass DS direct visualization system (SpyDS)-assisted PTCS. This study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of SpyDS-assisted PTCS in patients with surgically altered anatomy, particularly those with a Roux-en-Y reconstruction.Methods: Thirteen patients (six women, median age 71.4 years [range, 53 to 83 years]) with surgically altered anatomy (four Roux-en-Y choledochojejunostomies, seven Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomies, and two Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomies) who underwent SpyDS-assisted PTCS between January 2019 and August 2020 were included and the data was acquired by retrospectively reviewing electronic medical record.Results: A total of 19 SpyDS-assisted PTCS procedures were performed in the 13 patients: eight had bile-duct stones, and five had biliary strictures. All SpyDS-assisted PTCS procedures were successfully performed. The total procedure time was 42.42±18.0 minutes (mean±standard deviation). Bile duct clearance was achieved in all bile duct stone cases after a median of 2 (range, 1 to 3) procedures. In the five biliary stricture cases, the results of SpyBite forceps-guided targeted biopsy were consistent with adenocarcinoma (100% accuracy). The median hospitalization duration was 20 days (range, 14 to 30 days). No procedure-related morbidity or mortality occurred.Conclusions: SpyDS-assisted PTCS may be a safe, feasible, and effective procedure for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary diseases in patients with surgically altered anatomy, particularly in those with the Roux-en-Y reconstruction requiring a percutaneous approach. However, our findings need to be validated in further studies.

Background/AimsPresence of enhanced mural nodules, which can be visualized using computed tomography (CT), is one of high-risk stigmata in branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs). Conversely, the absence of enhanced mural nodules on preoperative imaging does not exclude malignant risk. The present study aimed to investigate other morphological features as predictors of malignancy in “pure” BD-IPMNs without enhanced mural nodules on CT.MethodsThis retrospective study included 180 patients with surgically confirmed “pure” BD-IPMNs of the pancreas and no enhanced mural nodules on preoperative CT. The study was conducted at 15 tertiary referral centers throughout South Korea. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant predictors of malignancy.ResultsBD-IPMNs with low-grade (n=84) or moderate-grade (n=76) dysplasia were classified as benign; those with high-grade dysplasia (n=8) or invasive carcinoma (n=12) were classified as malignant. The multivariate analysis revealed that cyst size ≥30 mm (odds ratio, 8.6; p=0.001) and main pancreatic duct diameter ≥5 mm (odds ratio, 4.1; p=0.01) were independent risk factors for malignancy in “pure” BD-IPMNs without enhanced mural nodules on CT. Endoscopic ultrasound detected enhanced mural nodules (6/82) that had been missed on CT, and two IPMNs with enhanced mural nodules were malignant.ConclusionsIn patients with “pure” BD-IPMNs who have no enhanced mural nodules on CT, cyst size ≥30 mm and main pancreatic duct diameter ≥5 mm may be associated with malignancy.

Background/Aims: The work environment in which endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is conducted has influence on its efficacy and safety. We aimed to assess the current status of ERCP work environments and to investigate the trends associated with the basic techniques of ERCP in Korea. Methods:The work environment and information on the basic techniques of ERCP were acquired by the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) through a national survey in 2019. The survey was performed at the KPBA conference in 2019. The contents of survey comprised of the current environment of ERCP, preparation before ERCP, and the preferred basic techniques used in ERCP.Results: Completed questionnaires were returned from 84 KPBA members. The mean ERCP volume per year was approximately 500. About 60% (50/84) reported that they worked with a dedicated ERCP team with experienced nurses. Two-thirds (57/84, 68%) answered that they had a fluoroscopy room used solely for ERCP procedures. All respondents intravenously hydrated the patient to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (84/84, 100%). The preferred procedural sedations were balanced propofol sedation (50%) and midazolam-only sedation (47%). Wire-guided cannulation was most commonly used for selective cannulation (81%). Endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage was preferred over endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (60% vs 22%). The initial method of ampullary intervention was endoscopic sphincterotomy in 60%. Conclusions:Data from the survey involving a large number of Korean ERCP doctors revealed considerable variabilities with regard to the work environment and basic techniques of ERCP in Korea. The study provides information regarding the current trends of ERCP that can be used to establish ERCP standards in Korea.

Solid pseudopapillary tumors of the pancreas are rare and typically occur in young women. Compared with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, solid pseudopapillary tumors are characterized by notable indolent biological behavior associated with a favorable prognosis. Despite their large size, these tumors rarely metastasize. Even in cases of hepatic metastasis, most lesions are usually solitary in distribution and are amenable to resection. We report a case of a 55-year-old man with a small solid pseudopapillary tumor (≤3-cm diameter) mimicking a pancreatic adenocarcinoma, with multiple hepatic metastases. The diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine-needle biopsy using a 22-G core needle. Unfortunately, rapid tumor progression led to patient mortality 5 months after diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first case report that describes a small solid pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas with multiple hepatic metastasis and poor prognosis in a patient who was diagnosed with this condition at the time of initial diagnosis. Clin Endosc Nov 22. [Epub ahead of print]