Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective strategy for complete resection of superficial esophageal neoplasia. However, such lesions in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension
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ESD Is Safe and Effective for Esophageal Lesions in Cirrhotic Patients With Small Esophageal Varices
Manual Review of pH Tracings Helpful in Defining GERD After POEM
The prevalence of GERD after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) ranges from 13% to 58%. This variation is due to a lack of precise definitions and
Preservation of Oblique Sling Fibers During POEM Does Not Reduce Postprocedure GERD
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a standard treatment option for patients with achalasia but is associated with a high incidence of postprocedure gastroesophageal reflux disease
Endoscopic Therapy Is Highly Successful for Early Barrett’s Cancer
For patients with intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma (T1a EAC), endoscopic treatment (endoscopic resection, followed by ablation) is the current standard. This study focused on patients with
PPIs and Dementia: A Tale of Two Studies – Part One
Previous research has suggested a potential connection between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and a higher risk of dementia, causing concern among patients and health care
PPIs and Dementia: A Tale of Two Studies – Part Two
Previous research has suggested a potential connection between proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and a higher risk of dementia, causing concern among patients and health care
Modified POEM Technique Can Be Effective for Postfundoplication Dysphagia
Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) as a treatment option for GERD involves 3 techniques based on the wrap extension: Nissen (total, 360°), Toupet (posterior, 270°), and Dor
Currently Available Drugs Work for Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Presently, there is no specific drug recommendation as the preferred treatment for active eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) nor clear guidance on the comparative effectiveness of various
Patients With Refractory GERD Should Be Screened for Psychological Symptoms
In patients with GERD, there is a need to understand the poor symptom-reflux association and the potential role of psychological processes in reporting esophageal symptom
Ultrasound Capsule Endoscopy Produces Images Comparable to EUS Images
The current standard method for diagnosing and staging esophageal subepithelial lesions and tumors is endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). This study focused on a newly developed medical
One-Fourth of Patients Do Not Get Appropriate Follow-up After Esophageal Food Bolus Impaction
Dealing with esophageal food bolus impactions (FBIs) is a frequent gastrointestinal emergency. Effective handling of esophageal FBIs entails promptly conducting an endoscopic assessment and addressing
Increasing Prevalence and Incidence of Eosinophilic Esophagitis Globally
Given reports on the rising global incidence and prevalence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and the associated societal impact, investigators conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis
GERD After Sleeve Gastrectomy Related to Proximal Gastric Pressurization
Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) has become a popular choice for weight loss due to its ease and effectiveness. However, it can worsen symptoms of esophageal reflux
Consider Endoscopic Upper GI Screening in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Cancer
It is known that some patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) can develop a second primary tumor (SPT). Timely detection of SPTs
Short POEM as Good as Long POEM for Achalasia Treatment
For the treatment of patients with achalasia, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has shown comparable effectiveness to surgery. During POEM, the typical length of the myotomy
Using AI To Identify Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus and Dysplasia From Pathology Reports
Natural language processing (NLP) is a computer technology that uses language cues and context to interpret findings and mine large databases to identify desired clinical
Pneumatic Dilation Associated With Higher Complication and Readmission Rates in Patients With Achalasia
Data directly comparing treatment options for achalasia are limited, namely peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM), and endoscopic pneumatic dilation (PD). The current
A Severity Index May Be Clinically Useful in the Management of Patients With EoE
The Index of Severity for EoE (I-SEE) is a new tool created by a multidisciplinary team to identify meaningful features of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) disease
Long-Term Exposure to Air Pollution Is a Risk Factor for Esophageal Cancer
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 (fine particulate matter) is a known risk factor for lung cancer. However, the evidence linking PM2.5 to esophageal cancer is sparse
Local Steroid Injection After Esophageal ESD Does Not Prevent Strictures in All Patients
Local triamcinolone (TA) therapy involves injecting approximately a 100-mg dose of TA into the ulcer immediately after an endoscopic submucosal dissection procedure to reduce the
Not All Patients Require Radiotherapy After ESD for T1b Esophageal Cancer
Endoscopic resection (ER) plays a critical role in both treating and diagnosing superficial esophageal cancer. However, the incidence of lymph node metastasis in patients with
Endoscopic Therapy Can Successfully Treat Post-POEM GERD
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is increasingly being used as mainline therapy for patients with achalasia. After POEM, approximately 30% to 50% of patients experience abnormal
POEM Better Than Pneumatic Dilation in Treating Achalasia Symptoms After Surgical Myotomy
Research into peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as a rescue therapy for patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms after laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) is increasing. Although
Majority of At-Risk Patients Not Screened for Barrett’s Esophagus
The current screening model for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) has limitations because patients need to be identified by their primary care physician and then referred to
Dietary Therapy Can Be Extremely Helpful for Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
There are several elimination diet regimens available, including the 6-food elimination diet (SFED), 4-food elimination diet (FFED), one-food elimination diet (OFED), and targeted elimination diet
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Also Effective in Patients With Prior Achalasia Treatment
Some studies suggest that prior treatment may increase the difficulty and success of tunneling during a peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) procedure, but recent studies have
Time To Start Paying Attention to Postendoscopy Upper GI Cancers
Upper gastrointestinal cancers (UGICs) are typically diagnosed through endoscopy, but some cases may be missed and diagnosed later, known as postendoscopy UGICs (PEUGICs). PEUGICs are
Assessing Visualization During Upper Endoscopy
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) requires clear visualization of the upper gastrointestinal (UGI) mucosa, but there is no standardized method to assess mucosal visualization. Lesions are often missed
Optimum Barrett’s Inspection Time Is Critical for a High-Quality Endoscopy
Endoscopic surveillance of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is recommended to reduce mortality and morbidity related to esophageal adenocarcinoma. A thorough endoscopic inspection of a BE segment
Patients With Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer With Lymphovascular or Submucosal Invasion Need Additional Therapy After Endoscopic Resection
In patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with invasion into the muscularis mucosa (pMM-ESCC) with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), the Japan Esophageal Society recommends additional treatment
Endoscopic Presence of LA Grade B but Not Grade A Erosive Esophagitis Confirms GERD
Per the Lyon Consensus, endoscopic documentation of Los Angeles (LA) grade C or D esophagitis is conclusive evidence of GERD, whereas LA grades A and
Quality Indicators for Eosinophilic Esophagitis Management
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic condition increasingly encountered in clinical practice. The establishment of quality indicators (QIs) in EoE will lead to the standardization
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Effective in Chronic Opioid Use-related Esophageal Motility Disorders
Chronic opioid use can lead to a variety of esophageal disorders, including type III achalasia, esophagogastric outflow obstruction (EGJOO), diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and hypercontractile
Artificial Intelligence Continues To Be Impressive for Characterization of Barrett’s Neoplasia
Barrett’s esophagus (BE)-related neoplasia is frequently missed during upper endoscopy, and characterization of mucosal changes may help in its detection. The primary aim of this
Artificial Intelligence Accurately Delineates the Extent of Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Subtle surface changes associated with early-stage esophageal squamous cell cancer (ESCC) can be difficult to detect during standard endoscopy. The primary aim of this study
Obese Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Have Lower Response to Therapy
Current treatment options for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) include the use of topical corticosteroids. This study aimed to demonstrate whether outcomes of topical corticosteroids
GERD: Atypical Symptoms and Endoscopic Therapy
Atypical GERD symptoms, including cough and hoarseness, can be difficult to treat, even with proton pump inhibitors and laparoscopic surgical fundoplication. Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF),
Artificial Intelligence Beats General Endoscopists for the Detection of Barrett’s Neoplasia
Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a precancerous condition that can lead to the development of dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma (neoplasia). Since neoplasia can present as subtle
Endoscopic Resection Plus Chemoradiotherapy Similar to Surgical Resection for
High-risk Stage I Esophageal Cancer Traditionally, surgical resection has been the standard for the treatment of patients with clinical stage I T1a-bN0M0 esophageal squamous cell
Genetic Risk Loci, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle Risk Factors in Barrett’s Esophagus and Cancer
Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) involve scanning the DNA of a large cohort to identify any genetic variants associated with the disease in question. Previous GWAS
Favorable Long-Term Outcomes With ESD for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer
Endoscopic resection is a minimally invasive and curative treatment option for those with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), although more
Potassium Competitive Acid Blocker Better Than Proton Pump Inhibitor in Healing Higher Grades of Erosive Esophagitis
Erosive esophagitis, a complication of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), is documented in 30% to 50% of GERD patients undergoing endoscopy. Current guidelines recommend proton
Wireless pH Monitoring Is Better at 96 Hours Than 48 Hours in Patients With GERD Unresponsive to PPI Therapy
A significant portion of patients with reflux-like symptoms do not have GERD and could potentially discontinue proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy. Although wireless pH monitoring
Top Recommendations for the Diagnosis and Management of Esophagogastric Variceal Bleeding
The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy has released updated recommendations on the diagnosis and management of esophagogastric variceal hemorrhage. Of the 16 recommendations, all are
Increased Risk of Eosinophilic Gastritis and Enteritis in Families of Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors. The genetic risk of distal eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases in patients with EoE is not
Artificial Intelligence Can Help Extract Dysplasia Diagnoses From Electronic Health Records
Natural language processing (NLP) is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) systems that involves teaching computers the ability to understand written text like how humans
Dietary Therapy for Eosinophilic Esophagitis Unpopular Among Gastroenterologists
Recent studies have demonstrated that dietary elimination therapy is an effective nonprescription treatment for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), yet many providers are still hesitant about recommending
Trigger-Food Elimination Diets Are Effective for Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
One treatment method for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is the six-food elimination diet (SFED), which removes milk, wheat, soy, egg, tree nuts/peanuts, and fish/shellfish
Healing of Mucosal Ablation Areas After Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus
Endoscopic therapy for patients with neoplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE) involves resection followed by mucosal ablation. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of the flat BE mucosa leads to
Decrease in Dietary Sugar Reduces GERD Symptoms and Esophageal Acid Exposure
Although dietary changes are recommended for patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), randomized controlled trials (RCTs) supporting these management strategies are lacking. This RCT evaluated
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Plus Radiofrequency Ablation Exhibits High Eradication Rates in Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus
Current strategies for the endoscopic treatment of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) focus on resection of nodular lesions within BE and then the ablation of the flat
Upper Endoscopy Is an Aerosol-Generating Procedure
It is unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted through the aerosol route during GI endoscopic procedures. As more hospitals and endoscopy units are resuming prepandemic
Chronic Opioid Exposure Can Lead to a Higher Likelihood of Hypercontractile Esophagus and Distal Esophageal Spasm
Given a major increase (50%) in opioid prescriptions across the United States from 2000 to 2010, there is renewed interest in evaluating the effects of
Improving Quality in Upper Endoscopy
With more than 6.1 million EGDs performed in the United States annually, establishing quality measures is imperative. Having well-defined quality measures can ensure consistency for
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy for Achalasia Is Effective up to 4 Years
Recent guidelines have recommended peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) as first-line therapy for all subtypes of achalasia, given that POEM and laparoscopic Heller myotomy have comparable
Artificial Intelligence Detects Dysplasia in Histopathology Slides From Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus
The degree of dysplasia in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is key to determining the application of BE endoscopic therapy and assigning surveillance intervals. Multiple
Benign Tight Esophageal Strictures Can Be Managed With Weekly Dilations
For patients with complex benign esophageal strictures, including tight, long, or tortuous strictures, endoscopic dilation is usually performed at 2- to 4-week intervals. The success
Expert Review Advises Personalized Approach to GERD Diagnosis and Treatment
GERD, manifested by typical symptoms of heartburn as well as regurgitation and additional extraesophageal symptoms, such as chronic cough, sore throat, and globus sensation, affects
Screening Endoscopy Should Be Considered in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer to Identify a Second Primary Esophageal Tumor
Individuals diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are known to have an increased risk of developing a second primary tumor in the
Poor Squamous Regeneration After Barrett’s Endoscopic Therapy Increases Risk for Treatment Failure and Disease Progression
A small subset of patients who undergo Barrett’s endoscopic therapy (BET) using radiofrequency ablation (RFA) will have evidence of poor mucosal healing (mucosal edema, ulcers,
Robotic Endoscopy Improves Efficacy and Safety of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is technically difficult and relies on appropriate countertraction and visibility to safely remove lesions of interest. Robot-assisted endoscopy has been under
The Functional Lumen Imaging Probe Can Be Used to Assess Response to Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy
Clinical response after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is subjectively assessed using the Eckardt score (ES) or objectively tested using high-resolution manometry (HRM) or barium esophagram.
Progression in Barrett’s Esophagus Score Can Be Used for Estimating Neoplastic Progression
Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a known precancerous lesion for esophageal dysplasia and adenocarcinoma (EAC); however, it is unclear who will progress to high-grade dysplasia (HGD)
Empiric Esophageal Dilation Is Not Useful for Nonobstructive Dysphagia
Empiric esophageal dilation often is performed for patients presenting with dysphagia who have no evidence of an anatomic obstruction or lesion. However, there is little
Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Use Changes Histologic Diagnosis in More Than Half of All Patients With Visible Barrett’s Esophagus Neoplasia
Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have emerged as important treatment techniques for patients with visible lesions in Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Whereas
Barrett’s Endoscopic Therapy Using Hybrid-Argon Plasma Coagulation Is Safe and Effective
Endoscopic therapy for Barrett’s esophagus (BE) usually involves resection of visible lesions by endoscopic mucosal resection followed by mucosal ablation using radio frequency ablation. Hybrid
Endoscopic Resection for Early Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Invading the Muscularis Mucosae Without Lymphovascular Invasion
Superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) involving the epithelium and lamina propria is treated with endoscopic resection (ER) due to negligible risk of lymph node
Single Dose of Intravenous Antibiotics Before Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Sufficient for Infection Prevention
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an endoscopic procedure that exposes the contents of the esophagus to the sterile mediastinum during the myotomy. This allows microbial
Cryoballoon Ablation Has Similar Efficacy to but Higher Stricture Rates Than Radiofrequency Ablation in Barrett’s Endoscopic Therapy
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely utilized in the treatment of neoplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE) after endoscopic resection of all visible lesions. Cryotherapy is another form
A Negative Upper Endoscopy in Patients With GERD Reduces Incidence and Mortality From Upper GI Cancers
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is the most common reason for referral for upper endoscopy. This study sought to determine whether there is a relationship between
Barrett’s Esophagus-Specific Training Improves Adherence to Diagnosis and Treatment Guidelines
The accurate diagnosis and management of patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) are important for the early recognition and minimally invasive treatment of BE neoplasia. Despite
Artificial Intelligence Similar to Expert Endoscopists at Differentiating Between Mucosal and Submucosal Barrett’s Cancer
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems using convolutional neural networks have been developed to differentiate between esophageal cancer (EAC), high-grade dysplasia, and nondysplastic Barrett’s esophagus. However, until
Smoking, Obesity, Alcohol, and GERD Continue To Be Common, Modifiable Risk Factors for Upper GI Cancers
Among upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancers, gastric and esophageal cancers rank third and sixth, respectively, as the most common cause of death due to cancer worldwide.
Upper GI Screening Endoscopy in Individuals With a Family History of Barrett’s Esophagus or Esophageal Cancer
The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) continues to increase and is still associated with a poor prognosis with a 5-year survival rate of 20%. The
Endoscopic Septotomy Is Safe and Effective for the Treatment of Zenker’s Diverticulum
Zenker’s diverticulum (ZD) can lead to dysphagia to both solids and liquids and can be treated endoscopically or surgically. This retrospective, single-center, observational study evaluated
Artificial Intelligence During Barrett’s Endoscopy Is Accurate for Reporting Prague Criteria
During endoscopy, the extent of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is quantified by endoscopists using the widely accepted Prague C&M (circumferential and maximal lengths) criteria. Prague C&M
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Effective and Safe for Spastic Esophageal Motility Disorders
Spastic esophageal motility disorders (SEMDs) include a group of esophageal dysmotility conditions that are difficult to treat and often refractory to nonsurgical and/or endoscopic measures.
Neoplasia Detection Rate Can Be Used as a Quality Indicator for Endoscopy in Barrett’s Esophagus
Standardized quality metrics evaluating the performance of a high-quality examination in patients with Barrett’s esophagus are lacking. The neoplasia detection rate (NDR), defined as the
Narrow-Band Imaging Is a Good Screening Modality for Esophageal Squamous Cell Cancer for Expert and General Endoscopists
Those at high risk or with a prior history of esophageal squamous cell cancer (SCC) are recommended to undergo screening or surveillance using dye-based chromoendoscopy.
Only 80% Eradication Rates of Barrett’s Esophagus With Long-Term Follow-Up of Endoscopic Therapy Studies
Patients with high-grade dysplasia and/or early cancer in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) are treated with endoscopic therapy (BET), with the goal of complete eradication of all
One in 5 Upper GI Neoplastic Lesions Missed During Endoscopy
Cancers of the esophagus and stomach (upper gastrointestinal neoplasia [UGIN]) account for more than one-third of all GI cancers and 1.5 million deaths worldwide. Previous
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Is Safe and Effective: A 10-Year Follow-Up of Patients
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), an endoscopic modality for managing major esophageal motility disorders, has gained popularity in the last decade. Multiple controlled studies and systematic
Esophageal Dilation Is Safe and Effective in Patients With Difficult-to-Treat Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The phenotypes of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) range from mild inflammation to severe fibrostenotic disease. Although current therapies (diet, proton pump inhibitors, and steroids) have shown
Adverse Events Are Uncommon After Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy, Score Predicts Those at Risk
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a widely accepted, effective endoscopic procedure for the management of achalasia. Although POEM is considered a relatively safe procedure, studies
Oral Budesonide Suspension Is Effective in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a chronic inflammatory disorder, can be treated with steroids, proton pump inhibitors, and dietary modifications. There have been advances in the formulations
Endoscopic GERD Treatment With Full-Thickness Plication Is Safe and Effective
Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), a relatively common condition impacting up to 40% of the adult population, can be treated with proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), laparoscopic
Postendoscopy Barrett’s Neoplasia Rates Are Low
The majority of neoplasia (high-grade dysplasia [HGD] and/or esophageal adenocarcinoma [EAC]) in patients with Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is detected at the initial endoscopy, ie, prevalent
Nonendoscopic Detection of Barrett’s Esophagus Using Methylated DNA Markers
Currently, an upper GI endoscopy with biopsies of the columnar-lined distal esophagus is necessary to diagnose Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Easier, noninvasive, nonendoscopy-based testing techniques have
POEM and Surgical Myotomy for Achalasia Show Comparable Functional Luminal Imaging Probe Measurement Results at 1 Year
The functional luminal imaging probe (FLIP) measures the distensibility index (DI) at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ). This is a measure of GEJ compliance, which has
Antireflux Surgery Is Associated With a Low 90-Day Mortality Rate in Patients With GERD
Laparoscopic antireflux surgery (ARS) is an effective treatment for patients with well-documented gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). In this retrospective cohort study, investigators used national databases
Pneumatic Dilation Is Ineffective for Postfundoplication Dysphagia
Persistent dysphagia (ie, symptoms for more than 3 months) after fundoplication surgery is reported in up to 25% of patients. After anatomical causes of dysphagia
Linked Color Imaging Improves Neoplasia Detection
Image-enhanced endoscopy is aimed at improving the detection of neoplastic lesions in the luminal GI tract during standard white-light endoscopy (WLE). Linked color imaging (LCI)
Endoscopic Features for Recognizing Buried Barrett’s Esophagus
Buried Barrett’s esophagus (BE) mucosa, or subsquamous intestinal metaplasia, is defined as intestinal metaplasia that is present under a lining of endoscopically intact squamous epithelium.
Endoscopic Screening Reduces Mortality From Esophageal Cancer in High-Risk Population
Although esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is the most common type of esophageal cancer in the Western world, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the dominant type
Artificial Intelligence Accurately Identifies Esophageal Lesions
Artificial intelligence (AI) studies for detecting and differentiating gastrointestinal lesions are on the rise. Various groups have developed a multitude of machine-learning algorithms to accurately
Recurrence of Intestinal Metaplasia in the Cardia After Barrett’s Endoscopic Therapy: What To Do?
In patients undergoing Barrett’s endoscopic therapy (BET), complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) is the final goal. However, studies have reported recurrence of IM, specifically
Failed Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy? What Next…?
Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is a minimally invasive procedure increasingly utilized to treat achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders. Despite its high efficacy, studies show
Reflux Monitoring Can Reduce the Inappropriate Use of Proton Pump Inhibitors in Patients With GERD
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are the main treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). However, 30% to 50% of patients with GERD fail to achieve adequate
Diaphragmatic Breathing Can Help Reduce GERD
Upright gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), also known as upright reflux, is thought to be a result of increased intragastric pressure. In turn, increases in intragastric
Achalasia Patients at Increased Risk for Esophageal Cancer
Achalasia can cause food retention, leading to bacterial overgrowth, irritation, and chronic inflammation, a proposed pathophysiological process that may lead to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).
Cryoballoon Ablation Can Be Used for Barrett’s Esophagus Endoscopic Therapy
Cryotherapy involves the application of a cryogen by way of spraying liquid nitrogen to the esophageal mucosa or by surface contact with a nitrous oxide-filled
Relapse in Eosinophilic Esophagitis Occurs Despite Treatment With Swallowed Topical Corticosteroids
Swallowed topical corticosteroids (STC) are effective as initial treatment in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and in achieving histological remission. However, their role in the
Neoplasia Detection Rate in Barrett’s Esophagus: A Measure of High-Quality Upper Endoscopy
Studies have reported that up to 25% of esophageal adenocarcinomas (EACs) are detected within 1 year of index endoscopy (missed cancer), emphasizing the need for
Budesonide Can Be Used for Maintaining Long-Term Remission in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic antigen-mediated immunological disorder that has a high relapse rate of >80% with cessation of therapy. Although corticosteroids (both topical
Implementing a Standardized Protocol Helps to Increase Diagnosis of Eosinophilic Esophagitis
The incidence of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), a condition characterized by esophageal eosinophilia and dysfunction, has been reported in about 5 to 10 per 100,000 individuals.
Motility Disorders Can Exist in Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis, Specifically in Those Not Responding to Therapy
Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is characterized by the presence of esophageal dysfunction along with histological evidence of ≥15 eosinophils per high-power field from esophageal biopsies. Recent
Dysphagia Is Common After Bariatric Surgery
Symptoms of dysphagia due to obstruction (mechanical or functional) can be caused by a noncompliant gastric pouch after bariatric surgery and, theoretically, could lead to
Nonendoscopic Screening for Barrett’s Esophagus: Are We There?
Upper endoscopy (EGD) with biopsy remains the gold standard for the diagnosis of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). Several nonendoscopic techniques (sponge, capsule) have utilized biomarkers, such
Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy Can Be Safe and Effective for Persistent Symptoms After Heller Myotomy
Persistent and recurrent symptoms have been reported in up to 20% of patients with achalasia after surgical treatment with Heller myotomy. The aim of this
Is Barrett’s Esophagus Thickness a Marker for Response to Radiofrequency Ablation Therapy?
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a widely used modality for treating flat Barrett’s esophagus (BE) dysplasia, with the goal of achieving complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia
Is Obesity a Risk Factor for Barrett’s Esophagus?
While the role of obesity in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the role of GERD in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) are independently well established, there is
Use of a Magnetically Assisted Capsule Device for Examining the Esophagus
The magnetically assisted capsule endoscopy (MACE) system (MicroCam Navi; IntroMedic) is a novel noninvasive technique for visualizing the upper GI tract. This device utilizes a
ESD Versus EMR for Resecting Esophageal Neoplasia
Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is an effective method of resecting larger superficial esophageal lesions en bloc; however, it is fraught with advanced training needs, longer
Which Upper GI Findings During EGD Do Not Require Follow-Up?
The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has issued recommendations on conditions that do not require routine surveillance. Those related to upper GI endoscopy include:
Is Cryoballoon Ablation Ready for Barrett’s Endoscopic Therapy?
The 90˚-swipe cryoballoon ablation system (CbSAS90) is a new technology incorporating cryotherapy that has been proposed to treat Barrett’s esophagus (BE) segments. This technology is
What Therapy to Use for Patients With EoE: PPIs, Steroids, or Elimination Diets?
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Laserna-Mendieta EJ, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020 Jan 25. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), steroids, elimination diets, and esophageal dilation
Bile Acid Sequestrants Demonstrate Significant Benefit As Adjunctive Therapy in Refractory GERD
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Vaezi MF, et al. Gastroenterology 2020 Feb 21. Proton pump inhibitor- (PPI) refractory GERD, accounting for about one-third of all
Patients With Barrett’s Esophagus and Indefinite Dysplasia: What To Do?
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Krishnamoorthi R, et al. Gastrointest Endosc 2020 Jan. The risk of progression in Barrett’s esophagus (BE) with low-grade dysplasia has
The Battle Zone of Barrett’s Endoscopic Therapy: The Gastric Cardia
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Eluri S, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020 Jan. Long-term durability of complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia (CE-IM) is the
Dupilumab: A New Treatment Option for Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Hirano I, et al. Gastroenterology 2020 Jan. Medical treatment options for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) include proton pump inhibitors,
Physician and Patient Education Can Lead to Reduction in Inappropriate PPI Use
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Lin D, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Dec 27. The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) for the treatment
POEM Versus Surgery for Achalasia Treatment: Which One To Select?
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE reviewing Werner YB, et al. N Engl J Med 2019 Dec 5. Both peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) and surgical laparoscopic Heller’s
Does Prior Treatment Impact Outcomes of POEM in Patients With Achalasia?
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE reviewing Liu ZQ, et al. Endoscopy 2019 Apr. The major treatment options for achalasia include laparoscopic Heller myotomy, pneumatic balloon dilation,
1% Lugol’s Iodine Solution Should Be Used for Esophageal Chromoendoscopy
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE reviewing Gotoda T, et al. Gastrointest Endosc 2019 Oct 25. Lugol’s iodine has been utilized for dye-spray chromoendoscopy to detect esophageal
Medical Versus Surgical Treatment for Refractory Heartburn: What Should You Do?
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE reviewing Spechler SJ, et al. New Engl J Med 2019 Oct 17. Although proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely utilized for
How to Manage PPI-Refractory Regurgitation
Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE reviewing Bell R, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019 Sep 10. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) uses a series of titanium beads
Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis Need Long-Term Treatment
Although it is known that eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic disease and recurs if treatment is discontinued, the rates of recurrence and the impact
Are Potassium-Competitive Acid Blockers Superior to PPIs for GERD Treatment?
Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used for the treatment of GERD, including healing erosive esophagitis. Since several PPIs have a slow, cumulative onset of