Comparative efficacy and safety of supine versus prone positioning in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is conventionally performed in the prone position (PP). Recent studies have shown that the supine position (SP) is an effective alternative, with comparable success rates. We conducted a meta-analysis to directly compare the safety and efficacy of the two ERCP positions.

Endoscopic Balloon Dilation Versus Stent Placement in the Management of Dominant Strictures in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background & Aims: Dominant strictures (DS) in primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) remain a matter of concern due to the cholestatic symptoms. Treatment options include endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) or stent placement. The objective of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety between EBD and stent placement.

Comparison of the safety, efficacy, and rates of GERD between full-thickness versus modified peroral endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Studies have shown variable results when comparing full-thickness (FT) peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) with modified myotomy (MM) techniques (such as selective circular myotomy [CM] and oblique fiber-sparing myotomy [OS]). We performed a meta-analysis to reconcile the data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies comparing FT to MM POEM for treatment of achalasia.

Impact of COVID-19 on Venous Thromboembolism in Inflammatory Bowel Disease Hospitalizations: A Propensity-Matched Analysis.

Background And Aim: Patients diagnosed with Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) face a notably higher risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE), leading to significant health challenges. Similarly, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is associated with an increased susceptibility to thrombosis. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID-19 on the risk of developing VTE in patients with an underlying diagnosis of IBD.

Pre-endoscopy erythromycin versus metoclopramide for upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Given the limited head-to-head trials comparing the outcomes of pre-endoscopy erythromycin and metoclopramide for upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), a network meta-analysis (NMA) and component NMA were conducted.

Methods: A comprehensive review of the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane databases was conducted for randomized controlled trials comparing pre-endoscopy erythromycin or metoclopramide for UGIB with or without gastric lavage (GL) to placebo and/or GL. The primary outcome was the adequate visualization of the mucosa.

Efficacy and safety of repeat endoscopic submucosal dissection for recurrent, synchronous, and metachronous esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the preferred treatment for early-stage esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), providing a minimally invasive endoscopic alternative to surgery with potential for complete resection and organ preservation. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeat ESD for recurrent ESCC lesions located on or near previous ESD scars.

Methods: A systematic search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane (from inception to November 2024) identified studies on repeat ESD for recurrent ESCC near previous ESD scars.

NSBBs, EBL or Combined Therapy for High-Risk Varices: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background And Aims: Non-selective beta blocker (NSBB) is the preferred treatment option for primary prophylaxis of high-risk oesophageal varices, and endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is reserved for those intolerant to NSBB. In this meta-analysis, we aim to compare the outcomes of NSBB, EBL and combined therapy for primary prophylaxis of high-risk oesophageal varices.

Methods: Major databases, such as MedLine, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched in October 2024 to identify studies comparing clinical outcomes between combined approaches versus NSBB versus EBL only.

Evaluating the impact of the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet versus a calorie-restricted diet on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Aim: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) can lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Diets high in refined carbohydrates and saturated fats elevate MASLD risk. The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet has shown metabolic benefits.

Prophylactic clipping versus no clipping after endoscopic mucosal resection of large non-pedunculated colon polyps: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

Background And Aims: Delayed post-polypectomy bleeding (DPPB) is an established adverse event after EMR of large non-pedunculated colon polyps (LNPCPs). Although clipping is commonly used in clinical settings, particularly for LNPCPs and for patients on antithrombotic agents, the cost-effectiveness of prophylactic clipping is not well studied.

Methods: We conducted an incremental cost-effectiveness analysis comparing prophylactic clipping (PC) versus no clipping (NC) for DPPB over a 1-year time horizon using a Markov decision tree model based on pooled randomized controlled trial data.

Deep Learning Methods in the Imaging of Hepatic and Pancreaticobiliary Diseases.

Reports indicate a growing role for artificial intelligence (AI) in the evaluation of pancreaticobiliary and hepatic conditions. A key focus is differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, which is crucial for treatment decisions. AI improves diagnostic accuracy through high sensitivity and specificity, while CNN algorithms enhance image analysis and reduce variability.

Prevalence of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma in patients with irregular Z-line: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: The irregular Z-line, defined as a segment of columnar mucosa less than 1 cm in the distal esophagus, is often biopsied despite guidelines advising against it due to a low risk of progression to esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). However, the clinical significance of an irregular Z-line remains unclear. This meta-analysis examines the prevalence of Barrett's esophagus, dysplasia, and EAC in patients with an irregular Z-line.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of Pegbelfermin in MASH-Associated Hepatic Fibrosis A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Introduction: Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), an advanced form of fatty liver disease, is characterized by liver inflammation and fibrosis, with an emerging interest in fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 analogs, particularly pegbelfermin (PGBF). This study evaluates the efficacy and safety of PGBF in treating MASH-associated hepatic fibrosis.

Methods: This meta-analysis followed Cochrane guidelines and PRISMA standards.

Comparing the safety and efficacy of over-the-scope suturing, through-the-scope suturing, and endoscopic hand suturing for closure of GI defects after endoscopic resection: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Data comparing the efficacy and safety of OverStitch (Apollo Endosurgery, Marlborough, Mass, USA), X-Tack (Apollo Endosurgery), and endoscopic hand suturing (EHS) for closure of GI defects after endoscopic resection are limited. We conducted a meta-analysis of the available data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies evaluating different closure systems for GI defects.

Trends and Financial Burden of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors in the United States: A Comprehensive Analysis of United States Hospitalizations.

Background: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are associated with a substantial economic burden to the healthcare system despite their relatively low incidence and prevalence compared to other more common malignancies. This study aimed to evaluate trends in GIST-related hospitalizations, inpatient mortality, and the financial burden of GISTs in the United States.

Methods: The National Inpatient Sample (NIS) database from 2016 to 2020 was used to identify adult hospitalizations (age > 18 years) with a primary diagnosis of GIST.

Real-world Effectiveness of Dupilumab in Eosinophilic Esophagitis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

Background: Dupilumab is the only FDA-approved medication for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Clinical trials have shown its effectiveness in alleviating symptoms and decreasing inflammation associated with EoE. However, real-world data on its efficacy is still limited.

Endoscopic band ligation versus argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of gastric antral vascular ectasia: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the established endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Recently, the use of endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has gained recognition as an alternate approach. The objective of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of APC versus EBL in the treatment of GAVE.

Transforming outcomes: the pivotal role of self-expanding metal stents in right- and left-sided malignant colorectal obstructions-bridge to surgery: a comprehensive review and meta-analysis.

Background/aims: Self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) are an alternative to emergency surgery (ES) for malignant colorectal obstruction. This study aimed to compare surgical outcomes between SEMS as a bridge to surgery (BTS) and ES in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction.

Methods: A comprehensive database search was conducted until October 2023 to compare outcomes between SEMS as a BTS and ES.

Safety and efficacy of lumen-apposing metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) has variable outcomes according to the type of lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) used. We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the available data.Online databases, including EMBASE, PubMed, and SCOPUS, were searched from inception to 30 January 2024.

Endoscopic dilation of small-intestine strictures in Crohn's disease by balloon-assisted enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) (both single- and double-balloon enteroscopy) has garnered attention in the treatment of small intestine strictures in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). This study aimed to evaluate the pooled clinical outcomes of BAE-mediated endoscopic dilation of small intestine strictures in patients with CD.

Methods: We searched multiple databases for articles reporting outcomes following BAE for small intestinal strictures in patients with CD.

Underwater versus conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal lesions: systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background And Aims: Effect of underwater endoscopic submucosal dissection (UESD) on clinical outcomes as compared with conventional ESD (CESD) remains unclear. We conducted a meta-analysis of the available data.

Methods: Online databases were searched for studies comparing UESD with CESD for colorectal lesions.