Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided, fine-needle core biopsy (FNB), and through-the-needle microforceps biopsy (TTNB) are latest tools for evaluating pancreatic lesions. We aim to provide subspecialty surgical pathologists' experience with EUS-FNB/TTNB in diagnosing pancreatic lesions at a large academic center.

A 3-year review identified 101 EUS pancreatic specimens submitted for surgical pathology: 87 biopsy specimens (FNB = 58, TTNB = 29) and 14 fine-needle aspirations (FNAs). Diagnoses were compared with cytology and resection specimens when available.

Of the 101 cases, 10 had previous EUS-FNA cytology with inconclusive diagnoses. Rebiopsy with EUS-FNB/TTNB provided definitive diagnoses in 9 cases. Thirty-five cases (18 cystic and 17 solid lesions) had concurrent surgical pathology and cytology specimens. The diagnostic yield of EUS-FNB/TTNB biopsy specimens (69%) was significantly higher than that of cytology specimens (26%, P = .0017), as was the diagnostic accuracy (P = .0012). This diagnostic advantage was statistically significant in cystic lesions (FNB/TTNB [83.3%] vs cytology [16.7%] for achieving a specific diagnosis, P = .0002) but not in solid lesions (61.5% vs 46.2%, P = .6951). Only in 1 case did cytology (adenocarcinoma) provide a more definitive diagnosis than surgical pathology (high-grade dysplasia cannot exclude adenocarcinoma).

The EUS-FNB/TTNB methods complement EUS-FNA cytology in diagnosing pancreatic lesions, and they often outperforms concurrent cytology specimens, particularly in cystic lesions.

Background: The frequency of propensity score matching (PSM) use in research is exponentially increasing; however, its use in nursing has not yet been explored and is possibly underused. Methods: Synthetic knowledge synthesis has been used on two corpora of publications from the Web of Science bibliographic database for the following purposes: first, to identify the content of the current nursing PSM studies; second, to identify the content of nursing observational, retrospective, or other quasi-experimental studies; and finally, based on the above analyses, to explore new possibilities for further use of PSM in nursing. Findings: The use of PSM in nursing is very sparse, but the number and content of observational, retrospective, and similar nursing research is increasing and becoming more extensive. Ten prolific themes in observational nursing studies were identified. Based on these studies, several influential studies in which PSM has already been successfully used in comparable healthcare topics have been selected as opportunities for extended PSM use in nursing. Conclusions: As shown in the healthcare disciplines, the extended use of PSM in nursing research might make nursing research more consistent, relevant, internally and externally valid, and consequently more useful in clinical practice and research.

Endoscopic ultrasound with fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) has not been well studied in pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs). This study evaluates the diagnostic performance of EUS-FNB for PCLs and its impact on management decisions.

We conducted a single-center, retrospective study of patients who had EUS-FNB between March 2016 and February 2024. We included patients with ≥ 6-month follow-up and excluded those with a solid pancreatic mass. We obtained clinical, radiologic, endoscopic, surgical, laboratory, and pathology data from chart review. We evaluated: (A) diagnostic yield; (B) predictors of diagnostic FNB; (C) diagnostic accuracy compared to surgical histopathology; (D) appropriateness of management decisions; and (E) adverse events. We compared the appropriateness of management decisions between diagnostic and non-diagnostic FNB.

100 subjects underwent EUS-FNB for PCLs (56% microcystic or with mural nodule). FNB yielded a histologic diagnosis in 60% of sampled lesions. Performing 2 or more needle passes was the only significant predictor of a diagnostic FNB (p = 0.02). Compared to surgical histopathology (n = 21), FNB needles highly accurately diagnosed specific cyst types (IPMN = 85.7%, MCN = 90.5%, SCA = 95.2%, NET = 95.2%, SPN = 100%) and malignant PCLs (accuracy = 81.0%; specificity = 100%; sensitivity = 72.7%). There was a 7.2-fold increase of appropriate management decisions when FNB was diagnostic vs. non-diagnostic (p < 0.001). This was due to improvement in surveillance discontinuation for benign cysts and in appropriate surgical resection for malignant PCLs (p < 0.001). Post-FNB pancreatitis occurred in 4% of patients.

EUS-FNB accurately diagnoses different PCL types and their degree of neoplasia, leading to more appropriate management decisions. Future prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

This Technical and Technology Review from the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) represents an update of the previous document on the technical aspects of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided sampling in gastroenterology, including the available types of needle, technical aspects of tissue sampling, new devices, and specimen handling and processing. Among the most important new recommendations are:ESGE recommends end-cutting fine-needle biopsy (FNB) needles over reverse-bevel FNB or fine-needle aspiration (FNA) needles for tissue sampling of solid pancreatic lesions; FNA may still have a role when rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE) is available.ESGE recommends EUS-FNB or mucosal incision-assisted biopsy (MIAB) equally for tissue sampling of subepithelial lesions ≥20 mm in size. MIAB could represent the first choice for smaller lesions (<20 mm) if proper expertise is available.ESGE does not recommend the use of antibiotic prophylaxis before EUS-guided tissue sampling of solid masses and EUS-FNA of pancreatic cystic lesions.

The increasing use of high-resolution cross-sectional imaging has significantly enhanced the detection of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs), including pseudocysts and neoplastic entities such as IPMN, MCN, and SCN. However, accurate categorization of PCLs remains a challenge. This study aims to improve PCL evaluation by developing and validating a radiomics-based software tool leveraging machine learning (ML) for lesion classification. The model categorizes PCLs into mucinous and non-mucinous types using a custom dataset of 261 CT examinations, with 156 images for training and 105 for external validation. Three experienced radiologists manually delineated the images, extracting 38 radiological and 214 radiomic features using the Pyradiomics module in Python 3.13.2. Feature selection was performed using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression, followed by classification with an Adaptive Boosting (AdaBoost) model trained on the optimized feature set. The proposed model achieved an accuracy of 89.3% in the internal validation cohort and demonstrated robust performance in the external validation cohort, with 90.2% sensitivity, 80% specificity, and 88.2% overall accuracy. Comparative analysis with existing radiomics-based studies showed that the proposed model either outperforms or performs on par with the current state-of-the-art methods, particularly in external validation scenarios. These findings highlight the potential of radiomics-driven machine learning approaches in enhancing PCL diagnosis across diverse patient populations.

Biliary strictures represent a narrowing of the bile ducts, leading to obstruction that may result from benign or malignant etiologies. Accurate diagnosis is crucial but challenging due to overlapping features between benign and malignant strictures. This review presents a comprehensive diagnostic approach that integrates biochemical markers, imaging modalities, and advanced endoscopic techniques to distinguish between these causes. Imaging tools such as ultrasound, MRI/MRCP, and CECT are commonly used, each with distinct advantages and limitations. Furthermore, endoscopic procedures such as ERCP and EUS are key in tissue acquisition, enhancing diagnostic accuracy, especially for indeterminate or complex strictures. Recent innovations, including artificial intelligence and new endoscopic techniques, hold promise in enhancing precision and reducing diagnostic challenges. This review emphasizes a multidisciplinary strategy to improve diagnostic pathways, ensuring timely management for patients with biliary strictures.

Pancreatic cancer is the fourth deadliest cancer in the U [...].

Pancreatic cysts are mostly incidental findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans, with few patients presenting with abdominal pain or other symptoms. The accurate diagnosis of cysts is important as management depends on the type (neoplastic or non-neoplastic). Cross-sectional imaging is fast being replaced with endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and various techniques based on that such as EUS-guided fine needle aspiration, EUS-guided needle confocal laser endomicroscopy, EUS-through-the-needle biopsy, and contrast-enhanced EUS. Clinical studies have reported varying diagnostic and adverse event rates with these modalities. In addition, American, European, and Kyoto guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts have provided different recommendations. In this editorial, we elaborate on the clinical guidelines, recent studies, and comparison of different endoscopic methods for the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue sampling includes the techniques of fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle biopsy (FNB), and both procedures have revolutionized specimen collection from the gastrointestinal tract, especially from remote/inaccessible organs. EUS-FNB has replaced FNA as the procedure of choice for tissue acquisition in solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs) across various society guidelines. FNB specimens provide a larger histological tissue core (preserving tissue architecture) with fewer needle passes, and this is extremely relevant in today's era of precision and personalized molecular medicine. Innovations in needle tip design are constantly under development to maximize diagnostic accuracy by enhancing histological sampling capabilities. But, apart from the basic framework of the needle, various other factors play a role that influence diagnostic outcomes, namely, sampling techniques (fanning, aspiration or suction, and number of passes), collection methods, on-site evaluation (rapid, macroscopic, or visual), and specimen processing. The choice taken depends strongly on the endoscopist's preference, available resources at the disposal, and procedure objectives. Hence, in this review, we explicate in detail the concepts and available literature at our disposal on the topic of EUS-guided pancreatic tissue sampling to best guide any practicing gastroenterologist/endoscopist in a not-to-ideal set-up, which EUS-guided tissue acquisition technique is the "best" for their case to augment their diagnostic outcomes.

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are a heterogeneous group of lesions with increasing incidence, usually identified incidentally on imaging studies (multidetector computed tomography (MDCT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)) [...].

In the past decades, endoscopic ultrasound has developed from a diagnostic tool to a platform for many therapeutic interventions. Various technological advancements have emerged since the last Brazilian Consensus, demanding a review and update of the recommendations based on the best scientific evidence.

A group of 32 renowned echoendoscopists selected eight relevant topics to be discussed to generate clinical questions. After that, a literature review was conducted to answer these questions based on the most updated evidence.

Thirty-three statements were formulated and voted on by the experts to reach a consensus. The Oxford System was used to grade the level of evidence.

There is mo-derate evidence to support that the needle shape, gauge, or aspiration technique does not influence the yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue sampling of pancreatic solid lesions. There is moderate evidence to support using EUS-TTNB of the cyst wall to differentiate between mucinous and non-mucinous cystic neoplasms. There is little evidence to support the EUS-guided treatment of gastric varices. There is a high level of evidence to support that EUS-guided biliary drainage and ERCP present similar outcomes in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction. There is a high level of evidence for using EUS to diagnose neoplastic pancreatic cysts and detect necrosis before indicating drainage. There is moderate evidence to support EUS-GE over duodenal stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with a life expectancy higher than 2 months. There is a high level of evidence to support the use of RFA in treating both functioning and non-functioning types of NET.

Digestive endoscopy is a highly dynamic medical discipline, with the recent adoption of new endoscopic procedures. However, comprehensive guidelines on the role of antibiotic prophylaxis in these new procedures have been lacking for many years. The Guidelines Commission of the French Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SFED) convened in 2023 to establish guidelines on antibiotic prophylaxis in digestive endoscopy for all digestive endoscopic procedures, based on literature data up to September 1, 2023. This article summarizes these new guidelines and describes the literature review that fed into them.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) directs bile flow into the digestive tract and has been mostly used in patients with malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) where endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biliary drainage was unsuccessful or was not feasible. Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMS) are deployed during EUS-BD, with the newer electrocautery-enhanced LAMS reducing procedure time and complication rates due to the inbuilt cautery at the catheter tip. EUS-BD with electrocautery-enhanced LAMS has high technical and clinical success rates for palliation of MBO, with bleeding, cholangitis, and stent occlusion being the most common adverse events. Recent studies have even suggested comparable efficacy between EUS-BD and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography as the primary approach for distal MBO. In this editorial, we commented on the article by Peng et al published in the recent issue of the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery in 2024.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided vascular interventions were first reported in 2000 in a study that evaluated the utility of EUS in sclerotherapy of esophageal varices. Currently, gastric variceal therapy and portosystemic pressure gradient (PPG) measurements are the most widely utilized applications. Ectopic variceal obliteration, splenic artery embolization, aneurysm/pseudoaneurysm treatment, portal venous sampling, and portosystemic shunt creation using EUS are some of the other emerging interventions. Since the release of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA)'s commentary in 2023, which primarily endorses EUS-guided gastric variceal therapy and EUS-PPG measurement, several new studies have been published supporting the use of EUS for various vascular conditions. In this review, we present the recent advances in this field, critically appraising new studies and trials.

Pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) pose a diagnostic challenge due to their increasing incidence and the limitations of cross-sectional imaging and endoscopic-ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). EUS-guided through the needle biopsy (EUS-TTNB) has emerged as a promising tool for improving the accuracy of cyst type determination and neoplastic risk stratification. EUS-TTNB demonstrates superior diagnostic performance over EUS-FNA, providing critical preoperative information that can significantly influence patient management and reduce unnecessary surgeries. However, the procedure has risks, with an overall adverse event rate of approximately 9%. Preventive measures and further prospective studies are essential to optimize its safety and efficacy. This review highlights the potential of EUS-TTNB to enhance the diagnostic and management approaches for patients with PCLs. It examines the current state of EUS-TTNB, including available devices, indications, procedural techniques, specimen handling, diagnostic yield, clinical impact, and associated adverse events.

Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) has traditionally been the standard modality for pancreatic endotherapy. However, in certain situations, failure of retrograde ductal access may warrant an alternative modality of drainage. This can occur in various settings like difficult and/or surgically altered anatomy or duodenal obstruction. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) is a relatively newer addition to the armamentarium for endoscopic access to the PD.

This comprehensive state-of-art review aims to give an overview of the indications, technical details, different approaches, and outcomes of EUS-PDD, with the latest evidence available in scientific literature.

Akin to its biliary drainage counterpart, EUS-PDD enables an EUS-assisted-ERP using rendezvous technique or EUS-guided drainage through transmural stenting. The technique has evolved over the ensuing years with multitude of accessories, approaches, and devices to optimize the outcomes. However, the technical success and adverse events rates need to be further improved. Additionally, it has a steep learning curve with requirements of advanced technical skill and optimum infrastructure back-up. Meticulous patient selection, precise knowledge of ductal anatomy, appropriate approach, and carefully chosen accessories can improve its clinical outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Pancreatic lesions consist of both neoplastic and non-neoplastic lesions and often pose a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge due to similar clinical and radiological features. In recent years, pancreatic lesions have been discovered more frequently as incidental findings due to the increased utilization and widespread availability of abdominal cross-sectional imaging. Therefore, it becomes imperative to establish an early and appropriate diagnosis with meticulous differentiation in an attempt to balance unnecessary treatment of benign pancreatic lesions and missing the opportunity for early intervention in malignant lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an important diagnostic modality for the identification and risk stratification of pancreatic lesions due to its ability to provide detailed imaging and acquisition of tissue samples for analysis with the help of fine-needle aspiration/biopsy. The recent development of EUS-based technology, including contrast-enhanced endoscopic ultrasound, real-time elastography-endoscopic ultrasound, miniature probe ultrasound, confocal laser endomicroscopy, and the application of artificial intelligence has significantly augmented the diagnostic accuracy of EUS as it enables better evaluation of the number, location, dimension, wall thickness, and contents of these lesions. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the role of the different types of EUS available for the diagnosis and differentiation of pancreatic cancer from other pancreatic lesions while discussing their key strengths and important limitations.

The malignant progression of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) remains understudied with a knowledge gap, yet its exploration is pivotal for effectively stratifying patient risk and detecting cancer at its earliest stages. Within this review, we delve into the latest discoveries on the molecular level, revealing insights into the IPMN molecular landscape and revised progression model, associated histologic subtypes, and the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis and malignant progression of IPMN. Low-grade PCLs, particularly IPMNs, can develop into high-grade lesions or invasive carcinoma, underscoring the need for long-term surveillance of these lesions if they are not resected. Although KRAS and GNAS remain the primary oncogenic drivers of neoplastic development in IPMNs, additional genes that are important in tumorigenesis have been recently identified by whole exome sequencing. A more complete understanding of the genes involved in the molecular progression of IPMN is critical for effective monitoring to minimize the risk of malignant progression. Complicating these strategies, IPMNs are also frequently multifocal and multiclonal, as demonstrated by comparative molecular analysis. Algorithms for preoperative cyst sampling and improved radiomic techniques are emerging to model this spatial and temporal genetic heterogeneity better. Here, we review the molecular pathology of PCLs, focusing on changes associated with malignant progression. Developing models of molecular risk stratification in PCLs which can complement radiologic and clinical features, facilitate the early detection of pancreatic cancer, and enable the development of more personalized surveillance and management strategies are summarized.

Early systemic anticoagulation (SAC) is a common practice in acute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP), and its impact on in-hospital clinical outcomes had been assessed. However, whether it affects long-term outcomes is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of SAC on 90-day readmission and other long-term outcomes in ANP patients.

During January 2013 and December 2018, ANP patients admitted within 7 days from the onset of abdominal pain were screened. The primary outcome was 90-day readmission after discharge. Cox proportional-hazards regression model and mediation analysis were used to define the relationship between early SAC and 90-day readmission.

A total of 241 ANP patients were enrolled, of whom 143 received early SAC during their hospitalization and 98 did not. Patients who received early SAC experienced a lower incidence of splanchnic venous thrombosis (SVT) [risk ratio (RR) = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.26-0.60, P < 0.01] and lower 90-day readmission with an RR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.41-0.91, P = 0.02) than those who did not. For the quality of life, patients who received early SAC had a significantly higher score in the subscale of vitality (P = 0.03) while the other subscales were all comparable between the two groups. Multivariable Cox regression model showed that early SAC was an independent protective factor for 90-day readmission after adjusting for potential confounders with a hazard ratio of 0.57 (95% CI: 0.34-0.96, P = 0.04). Mediation analysis showed that SVT mediated 37.0% of the early SAC-90-day readmission causality.

The application of early SAC may reduce the risk of 90-day readmission in the survivors of ANP patients, and reduced SVT incidence might be the primary contributor.

Main-duct (MD-) and mixed-type (MT-) IPMNs harbor an increased risk of pancreatic cancer and warrant surgical resection. Preoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) are important in the diagnosis of IPMNs. The aim of this study was to investigate whether endoscopic procedures manipulating the MD impact postoperative adverse events in patients with MD- and MT-IPMNs.

We performed a retrospective study of 369 patients who underwent resections for MD- or MT-IPMN at two tertiary centers (2000-2019). Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed for postoperative adverse events to compare the risks between intervention (ERCP, EUS-FNA with branch duct (BD) aspirated, EUS-FNA with MD aspirated from the duct directly or cyst/mass arising from MD) versus no-intervention group.

33.1 % of patients had a preoperative ERCP and 69.4 % had EUS-FNA. Postoperative adverse events included: 30-day readmission (12.7 %), delayed gastric emptying (13.8 %), pancreatic fistula (10.3 %), abdominal abscess (5.7 %), cardiopulmonary adverse events (11.4 %), and mortality (1.4 %). The model was adjusted for potential confounders. There were no significant differences between the ERCP and no-ERCP groups for specific adverse events. Compared to no-EUS-FNA groups, groups of EUS-FNA with BD aspiration and EUS-FNA with MD aspiration from the main pancreatic duct directly or cyst/mass arising from MD did not show a significant increase in specific adverse events.

Postoperative adverse events were not significantly increased among patients who had ERCP or EUS-FNA before surgical resection for MD- or MT-IPMNs. Endoscopic procedures directly sampling the MD can be safely pursued for diagnostic purposes in selected cases.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal gastrointestinal malignancies. Despite advances in cross-sectional imaging, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical techniques, the 5-year overall survival is only 12%. With the advent and rapid adoption of AI across all industries, we present a review of applications of DL in the care of patients diagnosed with PC. A review of different DL techniques with applications across diagnosis, management, and monitoring is presented across the different pathological subtypes of pancreatic cancer. This systematic review highlights AI as an emerging technology in the care of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Insulinomas are the most common functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) that lead to incapacitating hypoglycemia. Guidelines recommend surgical resection as the mainstay of management. However, surgery is fraught with complications, causing significant peri/post-operative morbidity. Since insulinomas are usually benign, solitary, small (<2 cm), and do not need lymphadenectomy, hence, in this regard, endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) is now being increasingly performed, to circumvent these adverse events and impairment of pancreatic function.

A comprehensive literature search was undertaken across various databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus), with no language restriction, for relevant articles (case series, reviews, case reports) pertaining to EUS-RFA for insulinoma and PNETs, till October 2023. In this review, we have explicated the role of EUS-RFA for insulinoma management, detailing thoroughly its mechanism of action, EUS-RFA devices with data on its safety and efficacy, and an algorithmic approach for its management.

EUS-RFA is being advocated as a 'mini-invasive' option with the potential to replace surgery as a first-line approach for benign, sporadic, solitary, and small (<2 cm) insulinomas. Under real-time guidance, EUS-RFA has immense precision, is safe, predictable, with acceptable safety profile. Presently, it is being frequently performed for high-risk or inoperable candidates. Current need-of-the-hour is a randomized controlled trial to substantiate its role in the therapeutic algorithm for insulinoma management.

Due to their aspecific macroscopic appearance, uncommon pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are often misdiagnosed as mucinous lesions and improperly resected. We aimed to evaluate the endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided through-the-needle biopsy (TTNB) capacity of the preoperative diagnosis of uncommon PCLs. Overall, 136 patients with PCLs who underwent EUS-TTNB between 2016 and 2022 were retrospectively identified. Common histotypes (e.g., IPMN, serous cystadenoma, and mucinous cystadenoma) were excluded and 26 (19.1%) patients (15 female, mean age 52.9 ± 10.4) were analyzed. The EUS findings, adverse events (AEs), and TTNB outcomes in uncommon PCLs were evaluated. The cysts histotype was accurately diagnosed by TTNB in 24/26 (92.3%) cases (seven cystic neuroendocrine tumors, four squamoid cysts, three acinar cells cystadenomas, two lymphoepithelial cysts, two mucinous non-neoplastic cysts, two bronchogenic cysts, two cystic lymphangiomas, one solid-pseudopapillary neoplasm, and one schwannoma). In the remaining two cases, lymphangioma was eventually diagnosed after resection. Surgery was performed in 15/26 (57.7%) patients. The mean follow-up of non-surgical patients was 32.5 months. One severe acute case of pancreatitis (3.8%) that required surgery occurred after EUS-TTNB. Uncommon pancreatic/peripancreatic lesions represent the 19.1% of PCLs in our series, with mainly benign histotypes. TTNB demonstrated a high diagnostic performance with a low rate of AEs in this setting, representing a reliable tool with which to avoid useless surgery.

Adequate bowel preparation is of paramount importance for the effectiveness of preventive colonoscopy as it allows visualization of the mucosal surface and adenomas detection, the pre-malignant lesions leading to colon cancer. Still, a considerable portion of patients fail to achieve adequate bowel cleansing, with predictors of inadequate bowel preparation being at the focal point of several studies, so far. Incorporation of these factors within predictive models has been implemented in an effort to promptly identify patients at risk for inadequate bowel preparation and thus, timely adopt practices that have the potential to improve bowel cleansing. Ultimately, this could lead to improved procedural outcomes not only in terms of neoplastic detection rate but also interval repeat procedures, expenses, patient convenience and adverse events risk. Aim of this manuscript is to present an up to date overview of all predictive scores/models addressing bowel cleansing adequacy in everyday clinical practice.

Predictive models (PMs) in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) have the potential to improve patient outcomes, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and guide therapeutic interventions. This review aims to summarize the current state of predictive models in ERCP and EUS and their clinical implications. To be considered useful in clinical practice a PM should be accurate, easy to perform, and may consider objective variables. PMs in ERCP estimate correct indication, probability of success, and the risk of developing adverse events. These models incorporate patient-related factors and technical aspects of the procedure. In the field of EUS, these models utilize clinical and imaging data to predict the likelihood of malignancy, presence of specific lesions, or risk of complications related to therapeutic interventions. Further research, validation, and refinement are necessary to maximize the utility and impact of these models in routine clinical practice.

Data on how to teach endosonographers needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (nCLE)-guided histologic diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) are limited. Hence, we developed and tested a structured educational program to train early-career endosonographers in nCLE-guided diagnosis of PCLs.

Twenty-one early-career nCLE-naïve endosonographers watched a teaching module outlining nCLE criteria for diagnosing PCLs. Participants then reviewed 80 high-yield nCLE videos, recorded diagnoses, and received expert feedback (phase 1). Observers were then randomized to a refresher feedback session or self-learning at 4 weeks. Eight weeks after training, participants independently assessed the same 80 nCLE videos without feedback and provided histologic predictions (phase 2). Diagnostic performance of nCLE to differentiate mucinous versus nonmucinous PCLs and to diagnose specific subtypes were analyzed using histopathology as the criterion standard. Learning curves were determined using cumulative sum analysis.

Accuracy and diagnostic confidence for differentiating mucinous versus nonmucinous PCLs improved as endosonographers progressed through nCLE videos in phase 1 (P < .001). Similar trends were observed with the diagnosis of PCL subtypes. Most participants achieved competency interpreting nCLE, requiring a median of 38 assessments (range, 9-67). During phase 2, participants independently differentiated PCLs with high accuracy (89%), high confidence (83%), and substantial interobserver agreement (κ = .63). Accuracy for nCLE-guided PCL subtype diagnoses ranged from 82% to 96%. The learned nCLE skills did not deteriorate at 8 weeks and were not impacted by a refresher session.

We developed a practical, effective, and durable educational intervention to train early-career endosonographers in nCLE-guided diagnosis of PCLs.

To evaluate the effect of HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) therapy on the survival and prognosis of patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer, and the clinical application of serological prognostic indicators.

We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological features, laboratory tests and follow-ups of 192 patients. Among the patients, 57 were treated with HIFU prior to chemotherapy (HIFU-priority), and 135 patients received chemotherapy followed by HIFU (HIFU-second). Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to determine the prognostic value of tumor inflammation-related serological markers. A nomogram model was established based on the identified prognostic factors.

Univariate analysis showed that receiving the treatment regimen in HIFU-priority was a significant protective factor for overall survival (OS, p < 0.001). Tumor stage, high C-reactive protein (CRP), high gamma-glutamyl transferase(γGT) high carbohydrate antigen 125 (CA125), high neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), high lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) and liver metastasis were significant risk factors for poor prognosis (p < 0.05). CRP combined with normal tumor marker CA125 (CRP + CA125) was associated with longer OS (p = 0.005). Multivariate analysis shows that HIFU-priority is a protective factor for OS (Hazard Ratio, HR: 0.38; 95% confidence interval(CI): 0.25-0.57), tumor stage (HR: 1.61; 95% CI: 1.12-2.31), CRP + CA125 (HR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.02-2.08) and γGT (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.04-1.98) are risk factors for OS and serve as independent prognostic factors in the nomogram.

Early application of HIFU treatment improves the OS of patients with inoperable pancreatic cancer. CRP + CA125 and γGT are independent prognostic factors.

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are increasingly diagnosed with the development of medical imaging technology and people's self-care awareness. However, two of their sub-types, serous cystic neoplasms (SCN) and mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN), are often misclassified from each other. Because SCN is primarily benign and MCN has a high rate of malignant transformation. Distinguishing SCN and MCN is challenging and essential.

MRIs have many different modalities, complete with SCN and MCN diagnosis information. With the help of an artificial intelligence-based algorithm, we aimed to propose a multi-modal hybrid deep learning network that can efficiently diagnose SCN and MCN using multi-modality MRIs.

A cross-modal feature fusion structure was innovatively designed, combining features of seven modalities to realize the classification of SCN and MCN. 69 Patients with multi-modalities of MRIs were included, and experiments showed performances of every modality.

The proposed method with the optimized settings outperformed all other techniques and human radiologists with high accuracy of 75.07% and an AUC of 82.77%. Besides, the proposed disentanglement method outperformed other fusion methods, and delayed contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRIs proved most valuable in diagnosing SCN and MCN.

Through the use of a contemporary artificial intelligence algorithm, physicians can attain high performance in the complex challenge of diagnosing SCN and MCN, surpassing human radiologists to a significant degree.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma has a very high mortality rate which has been only minimally improved in the last 30 years. This high mortality is closely related to late diagnosis, which is usually made when the tumor is large and has extensively infiltrated neighboring tissues or distant metastases are already present. This is a paradoxical situation for a tumor that requires nearly 15 years to develop since the first founding mutation. Response to chemotherapy under such late circumstances is poor, resistance is frequent, and prolongation of survival is almost negligible. Early surgery has been, and still is, the only approach with a slightly better outcome. Unfortunately, the relapse percentage after surgery is still very high. In fact, early surgery clearly requires early diagnosis. Despite all the advances in diagnostic methods, the available tools for improving these results are scarce. Serum tumor markers permit a late diagnosis, but their contribution to an improved therapeutic result is very limited. On the other hand, effective screening methods for high-risk populations have not been fully developed as yet. This paper discusses the difficulties of early diagnosis, evaluates whether the available diagnostic tools are adequate, and proposes some simple and not-so-simple measures to improve it.

Intraoperative pancreatoscopy is a promising procedure that might guide surgical resection for suspected main duct (MD) and mixed type (MT) intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs). The aim of the present study was to assess the diagnostic yield and clinical impact of intraoperative pancreatoscopy in patients operated on for MD and MT-IPMNs.

This is a retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing surgery for suspected MD or MT-IPMN underwent intraoperative pancreatoscopy and frozen section analysis. In all patients who required extended resection due to pancreatoscopic findings, we compared the final histology with the results of the intraoperative frozen section analysis.

In total, 46 patients, 48% females, mean age (range) 67 years (45-82 years) underwent intraoperative pancreatoscopy. No mortality or procedure related complications were observed. Pancreatoscopy changed the operative course in 30 patients (65%), leading to extended resections in 20 patients (43%) and to parenchyma sparing procedures in 10 patients (22%). Analyzing the group of patients who underwent extended resections, 7 (35%) displayed lesions that needed further surgical treatment (six high grade dysplasia and one with G1 pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor) and among those 7, just 1 (14%) would have been detected exclusively with histological frozen section analysis of the transection margin. The combination of both pancreatoscopy and frozen section analysis lead to 86% sensitivity and 92% specificity for the detection of pathological tissue in the remnant pancreas.

Intraoperative pancreatoscopy is a safe and feasible procedure and might allow the detection of skip lesions during surgery for suspect MD-involving IPMNs.

The growing importance of advanced endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (PanNETs) necessitates a comprehensive understanding of various biochemical markers, genetic testing methods, radiological techniques, and treatment approaches that encompass multiple disciplines within and beyond gastrointestinal oncology. This review aims to highlight key aspects of these topics, with a specific focus on emerging EUS-guided procedures for the management of PanNETs.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is commonly utilized in the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors, although as this modality relies primarily on the practitioner's visual judgment, it is prone to result in a missed diagnosis or misdiagnosis due to inexperience, fatigue, or distraction. Deep learning (DL) techniques, which can be used to automatically extract detailed imaging features from images, have been increasingly beneficial in the field of medical image-based assisted diagnosis. The present systematic review included a meta-analysis aimed at evaluating the accuracy of DL-assisted EUS for the diagnosis of pancreatic tumors diagnosis.

We performed a comprehensive search for all studies relevant to EUS and DL in the following four databases, from their inception through February 2023: PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library. Target studies were strictly screened based on specific inclusion and exclusion criteria, after which we performed a meta-analysis using Stata 16.0 to assess the diagnostic ability of DL and compare it with that of EUS practitioners. Any sources of heterogeneity were explored using subgroup and meta-regression analyses.

A total of 10 studies, involving 3,529 patients and 34,773 training images, were included in the present meta-analysis. The pooled sensitivity was 93% (95% confidence interval [CI], 87-96%), the pooled specificity was 95% (95% CI, 89-98%), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.98 (95% CI, 0.96-0.99).

DL-assisted EUS has a high accuracy and clinical applicability for diagnosing pancreatic tumors.

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42023391853, identifier CRD42023391853.

Endosonography, a minimally invasive imaging technique, has revolutionized the diagnosis and management of pancreatic diseases. This comprehensive review highlights the latest advancements in endosonography of the pancreas, focusing on key technological developments, procedural techniques, clinical applications and additional techniques, which include real-time elastography endoscopic ultrasound, contrast-enhanced-EUS, EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy. EUS is well established for T-staging and N-staging of pancreaticobiliary malignancies, for pancreatic cyst discovery, for identifying subepithelial lesions (SEL), for differentiation of benign pancreaticobiliary disorders or for acquisition of tissue by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration or EUS-guided fine-needle biopsy. This review briefly describes principles and application of EUS and its related techniques.

An intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the biliary tract (BT-IPMN) in the caudate lobe of the liver is a rare tumor originating from the bile duct. Approximately 40% of the intraductal papillary neoplasms of the biliary tract (IPNB) secrete mucus and can grow in the intrahepatic or extrahepatic bile ducts. A 65-year-old woman presented with recurrent episodes of right upper pain. She developed her first episode 8 years ago, which resolved spontaneously. The frequency of symptoms has increased in the last 2 years. She underwent laparoscopic hepatectomy and choledochal exploration and was pathologically diagnosed with a rare BT-IPMN of the caudate lobe after admission. Here, we review studies on IPNB cases and systematically describe the pathological type, diagnosis, and treatment of IPNB to provide a valuable reference for hepatobiliary surgeons in the diagnosis and treatment of this disease.

The overall prevalence of pancreatic cysts (PCs) is high in the general population. In clinical practice PCs are often incidentally discovered and are classified into benign, premalignant, and malignant lesions according to the World Health Organization. For this reason, in the absence of reliable biomarkers, to date clinical decision-making relies mostly on risk models based on morphological features. The aim of this narrative review is to present the current knowledge regarding PC's morphologic features with related estimated risk of malignancy and discuss available diagnostic tools to minimize clinically relevant diagnostic errors.

Pancreatic cancer and cholangiocarcinoma are life threatening oncological conditions with poor prognosis and outcome. Pancreatic cystic lesions are considered precursors of pancreatic cancer as some of them have the potential to progress to malignancy. Therefore, accurate identification and classification of these lesions is important to prevent the development of invasive cancer. In the biliary tract, the accurate characterization of biliary strictures is essential for providing appropriate management and avoiding unnecessary surgery. Techniques have been developed to improve the diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of pancreato-biliary lesions. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and associated techniques, such as elastography, contrasted-enhanced EUS, and EUS-guided needle confocal laser endomicroscopy, may improve diagnostic accuracy. In addition, intraductal techniques applied during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), such as new generation cholangioscopy and in vivo cellular evaluation through probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy, can increase the diagnostic yield in characterizing indeterminate biliary strictures. Both EUS-guided and intraductal approaches can provide the possibility for tissue sampling with new tools, such as needles, biopsies forceps, and brushes. At the molecular level, novel biomarkers have been explored that provide new insights into diagnosis, risk stratification, and management of these lesions.