Background Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a mini-invasive technique for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria, which enables a full-thickness resection of tumors and can provide a complete basis for pathological diagnosis. Gastric fistula closure after EFTR is a challenge for endoscopists. In this study, we introduced EFTR with fistula closure using the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and safety of fistula closure with OTSC by a retrospective analysis on the cases of EFTR with defect closure using OTSC for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria in our hospital. Methods The patients were selected who underwent EFTR for gastric subepithelial tumors originating from the muscularis propria (tumor diameter ≤2 cm) in our hospital from October 2013 to March 2014. After a full-thickness resection of tumors, the bilateral gastric mucous membranes of defect were clamped using twin graspers and then drawn into the transparent cap of OTSC, and the OTSC was released to close the defect after full suctioning. The success rate of defect closure with OTSC was observed, and the endoscopic follow-up was performed at 1 week, 1 and 6 months after operation to check OTSC closure. Results Totally 23 patients were included into the study. The full-thickness resection rate of gastric tumors in the muscularis propria was 100 % (23/23), the success rate of defect closure was 100 %, and the average time of defect closure was 4.9 min (range 2–12 min). All patients experienced no postoperative complications such as bleeding and perforation. The postoperative follow-up time was 1–6 months (mean 3 months), and no OTSC detachment was found. Conclusions OTSC can be used to perform EFTR with defect closure for gastric tumors in the muscularis propria (tumor diameter ≤2 cm). It is simple, convenient, safe and effective.

With the remarkable improvements in ultrasound equipment, transabdominal ultrasound after oral administration of an echoic cellulose-based gastric ultrasound contrast agent (TUS-OCCA) has recently been suggested to be effective in initial screening of gastric cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic value of TUS-OCCA for gastric cancer. Consecutive patients with gastric cancers who underwent resection in our hospital were enrolled. Before the lesion was resected, TUS-OCCA examination was performed by a skilled examiner who was blinded to the site, size, and endoscopy diagnosis of the lesion. TUS-OCCA findings were compared with those of endoscopy and pathological diagnoses as the gold standard. There were a total of 288 consecutive patients enrolled in the study, including 228 with advanced gastric cancers (T2–T4 stage), 50 with early gastric cancer (26 with stage T1b and 24 with stage T1a), and 10 with high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. TUS-OCCA had a detection rate of 100 % (228/228) for advanced gastric cancers, 77 % (20/26) for stage T1b, 67 % (16/24) for stage T1a, and 60 % (6/10) for high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia. The majority of patients with undetectable neoplasms using TUS-OCCA were obese (body mass index, 28.7–31.8 kg/m2). The overall accuracy of TUS-OCCA in determining the T stage of gastric cancer was 77.3 % (62.5 % for T1a, 70 % for T1b, 71.1 % for T2, 85.2 % for T3, and 73.3 % for T4). These findings indicate that TUS-OCCA achieved a high detection rate for gastric cancers and was useful in assessing the degree of gastric cancer invasion.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has become the main treatment for early esophageal cancer. While treating the disease, ESD may also cause postoperative esophageal stricture, which is a global issue that needs resolution. Various methods have been applied to resolve the problem, such as mechanical dilatation, glucocorticoids, anti-scarring drugs, and regenerative medicine; however, no standard treatment regimen exists. This article describes and evaluates the strengths and limitations of new and promising potential strategies for the treatment and prevention of esophageal strictures.

Comprehensive review of diagnostic modalities for early chronic pancreatitis

Background: Owing to the development of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and video capsule endoscopy (VCE) in recent years, direct visualization of the entire small intestinal mucosa has become possible. Because of the nonspecific symptoms and the anatomic location of the small bowel, diagnosis of isolated small bowel Crohn’s disease (CD) remains a challenge. The aim of this research was to explore the value of DBE for isolated small bowel CD in situations where routine tests cannot confirm the diagnosis. Methods: This study included patients with suspected isolated small bowel CD who were hospitalized in Shengjing Hospital from April 2014 to June 2018. We included patients presenting with chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal mass, perianal lesions, and systemic symptoms including weight loss, fever, and anemia after excluding infection factors. Patients with purely colonic CD were excluded from this cohort. Patients with suspected isolated small bowel CD underwent DBE. Results: In 16/18 patients, pathological findings were detected by DBE. In 12 of the cases, small bowel CD was confirmed. The remaining four patients were diagnosed with small bowel inflammation, duodenal carcinoma, ileum inflammation and small bowel ulcers. However, the diagnosis of CD was confirmed in 14/18 (78%) patients by taking into account the clinical presentation, endoscopic and histological results as well as the experimental treatment. DBE assisted in the diagnosis in 86% (12/14) of the patients. Conclusions: In the diagnosis of small bowel CD, DBE is a helpful tool. Before assessment with DBE, clinical features, colonoscopy, and CT were used to initially assess the intestine. According to the lesions indicated by CT, we chose the most appropriate endoscope insertion route, and combined the endoscopic characteristics and pathological results of DBE to confirm the diagnosis.

Background: Ligation-assisted endoscopic enucleation (EE-L) was developed for the pathological diagnosis and resection of small gastrointestinal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. The technique combines endoscopic band ligation and endoscopic enucleation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EE-L in the diagnosis and resection of gastrointestinal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. Methods: A total of 43 patients were eligible for inclusion in this study from June 2009 to June 2011. Endoscopic ligation was first performed to force the tumor to assume a polypoid form with a pseudostalk. EE-L was then performed until the tumor was completely enucleated from the muscularis propria. Wound closure was performed using clips and adhesive tissue. Results: All 43 tumors were completely enucleated. The mean enucleation time was 7.2 minutes (range, 5–11 minutes). No perforation, massive hemorrhage, or peritonitis requiring further endoscopic or surgical intervention occurred. Histopathology, 19 lesions were identified as gastrointestinal stromal tumors and 24 lesions were identified as leiomyomas. The mean follow-up time was 20.4 months (range, 14–38 months). No recurrence has occurred during the follow-up period. Conclusions: EE-L appears to be a safe, effective, and relatively simple method for the histologic diagnosis and removal of small gastrointestinal tumors originating from the muscularis propria.