ITALIAN ASSOCIATION OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGISTS (AME) AND INTERNATIONAL CHAPTER OF CLINICAL ENDOCRINOLOGY (ICCE). POSITION STATEMENT FOR CLINICAL PRACTICE: PROLACTIN-SECRETING TUMORS

Prolactinomas are the most frequent pituitary adenomas. Prolactinoma may occur in different clinical settings and always require an individually tailored approach. This is the reason why a panel of Italian neuroendocrine experts was charged with the task to provide indications for the diagnostic and therapeutic approaches that can be easily applied in different contexts. The document provides 15 recommendations for diagnosis and 54 recommendations for treatment, issued according to the GRADE system. The level of agreement among panel members was formally evaluated by RAND-UCLA methodology. In the last century prolactinomas represented the paradigm of pituitary tumors for whom the development of highly effective drugs obtained the best results, allowing to avoid neurosurgery in most cases. The impressive improvement of neurosurgical endoscopic techniques allows a far better definition of the tumoral tissue during surgery and the remission of endocrine symptoms in many patients with pituitary tumors. Consequently, this refinement of neurosurgery is changing the therapeutic strategy in prolactinomas, allowing the definitive cure of some patients with permanent discontinuation of medical therapy.

De Novo Vesicoureteral Reflux Following Ureterocele Decompression in Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Comparing Laser Puncture versus Electrosurgical Incision Techniques

Background: The available endoscopic techniques for ureterocele decompression include laser puncture (LP), electrosurgical incision (ES), and cold-knife incision. This systematic review was performed to compare the efficacy of LP versus ES techniques with special emphasis on de novo VUR. Methods: Four databases were systematically searched by the authors. The inclusion criteria were all comparative studies in which ureterocele decompression was performed by either LP or ES endoscopic techniques. Outcomes including the incidence of de novo VUR, the need for endoscopic retreatment of the ureterocele, and the need for secondary surgical procedures were studied. Risk ratios (RR) were calculated for all outcomes and the Mantel-Haenszel method was utilized for the estimation of pooled RR. The methodological quality was assessed by the Downs and Black scale. Results: Five studies were considered for systematic review, while four of them were included in the meta-analysis. Out of 202 children, 67 developed de novo VUR. Significantly lower rates of reflux were observed in the LP group vis-a-vis ES group (RR = 0.17, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.32, p < 0.00001). Endoscopic retreatment rates (n = 20) demonstrated no significant difference among the two patient groups (RR = 0.66, 95% CI 0.26–1.68, p = 0.38). A total of 46 secondary procedures were performed in 170 children, mostly ureteral re-implantations, with a significantly lower need of secondary surgeries following LP versus ES (RR = 0.26, 95% CI 0.13–0.49, p < 0.0001). The risk of bias in the included studies was low-to-moderate. Conclusions: When compared to the ES technique, the LP technique is associated with a significantly low incidence of de novo VUR and requirement for secondary surgeries (particularly anti-reflux surgeries). Endoscopic retreatment rates showed no significant difference between the two techniques. However, due to the moderate risk of bias in two out of four included studies, randomized controlled trials are needed in the future.

Clinical Impact of the Patient Age Following Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy: A Review

Background: Clinically erratic cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) outflow within brain ventricles was described as non-communicating and communicating hydrocephalous. Neurosurgical patients are commonly seen with increased intracranial pressure due to increased CSF accumulation. (1) Initially scientists followed ventriculoperitoneal shunt an inexpensive and available technique to treat hydrocephalous disorders. Due to least successful outcomes, Scientists used other alternative endoscopic techniques. These endoscopic techniques include aqueductal endoscopic stenting, aqueductoplasty and third ventriculostomy (2). Defining success rate of Endoscopic third ventriculostomy clinical and radiographic analysis are considered gold standard. Objectives: Our review aims to assess comparative role of patient age, patient selection, hydrocephalus etiology, surgical advancement and epigenetic treatment strategies following endoscopic third ventriculostomy focusing hydrocephalous. The main objectives of current study, to critically analyze available literature till to date and a step forward for the development of standard surgical protocols. Methodology: Clinical studies from Level I-IV published in English language focusing human subject only were only considered by retrieving NCBI/PubMed, Medline databases. Studies purely focusing third ventriculostomy in subject of patient age, hydrocephalus etiology and age associated complications were processed further. Objective based data inspection approach was followed. From each included study focusing third ventriculostomy detailed information demographic information was collected. Further data analysis was done by using SAS and multiple tools of Microsoft Excel Version 2010. Outcomes: From total 11 included studies specifically focusing hydrocephaly treatment via endoscopic third ventriculostomy, 757 patients with equal 1:1 male and female gender ratio and 125 cases of unknown gender were considered. Current study highlighting efficacy of Endoscopic third ventriculostomy at the rate of 77% effective treating obstructive hydrocephalus. On basis of etiological concerns about 36.32 % cases hydrocephalous cases were linked with encephalitis, underweight birth and nonspecific etiology. However, 24 % cases of hydrocephalus were led by group of tumors including, Ependymoma, Medulloblastoma, Meningioma, Cerebella pontine angle Tumors and Pineal gland carcinomas as well. 154 (20%) cases of obstructive hydrocephalus were associated with aqueduct stenosis, 16% cases reporting hemorrhage and only 23 cyst cases. Conclusion and future recommendations: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) is a safe and effective (77%) treatment option for the treatment of obstructive hydrocephalus among all age groups. However, specifically highest efficacy was noted among patients of 15-30-year age group. Understanding disease etiology and patient selection criteria both are considered potential components following successful endoscopic third ventriculostomy. We highly recommend further research following a universal age criteria and reporting results in distinct age category to standardize ETV treating hydrocephaly efficiently. Key words: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy, ETV, hydrocephalous, aqueductal endoscopic stenting, aqueductoplasty.

Endoscopic Vacuum-assisted Closure in a Patient with an Overtube-induced Esophageal Perforation

An esophageal perforation is one of the most fatal clinical events, with a mortality rate of up to 21%. This may arise postoperatively or post-endoscopically. In the past, surgical treatment, such as an esophagectomy, was performed these cases. However, the procedure was challenging and had a high risk of postoperative complications. Recently, advancements in endoscopic techniques have been made, and endoscopic procedures became a common treatment modality for patients with esophageal perforation, even in those with underlying diseases. Among the endoscopic procedures, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC) has been known to be safe and effective. We present the case of a 64-year-old female with advanced liver cirrhosis and an overtube-induced esophageal perforation during esophageal variceal ligation. She was successfully treated with E-VAC.

A bi-foraminal craniometric-guided approach to endoscopic third ventriculostomy and biopsy of a pineal tumour

Background: Pineal tumors are very rarely encountered, with an incidence of <1% of intracranial lesions in adults. Life-threatening hydrocephalus due to obstruction of the third ventricle can result from the location of these tumours. Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and tumor biopsy is a safe and feasible strategy, particularly if the tumor appears benign. This mitigates the high risks of uncontrollable venous bleeding from open and stereotactic biopsies. While typically performed using either ipsilateral single or dual bur holes, the location of the tumor may require modifications to the standard endoscopic techniques. Case Description: A 55-year-old male presented with signs of intracranial hypertension and was found to have obstructive hydrocephalus due to a pineal tumour. The tumour displayed a right-sided dominance when the pre-operative imaging was assessed, which would risk forniceal injury if biopsied via a right-sided burr hole. Craniometric measurements revealed a superior trajectory to the tumour via the left foramen of Monro. A biforaminal approach was performed, with a traditional ETV using a right coronal bur hole and biopsy via a left frontal bur hole. This minimized forniceal stretching and allowed a safe biopsy. Conclusion: The bi-foraminal approach has not been widely described in the literature but can potentially avoid morbidity with biopsy in patients with right-sided pineal tumours. We believe this technique should be considered, particularly in low-resource settings where neuroendoscopy is not commonly done, and where the use of ipsilateral single or dual-bur holes may lead to forniceal injury.

Advanced Endoscopic Imaging and Interventions in GERD: An Update and Future Directions

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most common gastrointestinal diseases encountered in primary care and gastroenterology clinics. Most cases of GERD can be diagnosed based on clinical presentation and risk factors; however, some patients present with atypical symptoms, which can make diagnosis difficult. An esophagogastroduodenoscopy can be used to assist in diagnosis of GERD, though only half of these patients have visible endoscopic findings on standard white light endoscopy. This led to the development of new advanced endoscopic techniques that enhanced the diagnosis of GERD and related complications like squamous cell dysplasia, Barrett's esophagus, and early esophageal adenocarcinoma. This is conducted by improved detection of subtle irregularities in the mucosa and vascular structures through optical biopsies in real-time. Management of GERD includes lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, endoscopic and surgical intervention. Minimally invasive endoscopic intervention can be an option in selected patients with small hiatal hernia and without complications of GERD. These endoscopic interventions include endoscopic fundoplication, endoscopic mucosal resection techniques, ablative techniques, creating mechanical barriers, and suturing and stapling devices. As these new advanced endoscopic techniques are emerging, data surrounding the indications, advantages and disadvantages of these techniques need a thorough understanding.

Variations in treatment of an anastomotic leakage after Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy

Background: Anastomotic Leakage (AL) after Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy (ILE) is a severe complication that often needs immediate treatment. However, there is no consensus on the optimal treatment. The aim of this study was to describe the outcomes of the different treatment options in patients with either contained or uncontained AL after ILE. Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients that developed AL after ILE in three high volume hospitals. Treatment was based on local preference. Endoscopic and surgical treatment were compared for patients with either contained (leakage confined to the mediastinum) or uncontained AL (leakage with intrapleural manifestations). Results: In total, 73 patients with an AL were included. A contained leak was observed in 39 patients. Twenty-five patients (64%) underwent an endoscopic approach that was successful in 19 patients (76%); fourteen patients (36%) underwent a surgical approach that was successful in 11 patients (79%). Significantly more patients were (re)admitted to the ICU in the surgical group; other outcomes were similar. An uncontained leak was observed in 34 patients. Endoscopic treatment was chosen in 14 patients (41%) and was successful in 10 patients (71%). A surgical approach was performed in 20 patients (59%) and was successful in 12 patients (60%). (Re) admission rate to the ICU was significantly higher in the surgical group, other outcomes were similar. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that there is high variability in the treatment of AL after esophagectomy. Surgical and endoscopic techniques are both successfully used for patients with either contained or uncontained leakages. However, more research is necessary before a treatment algorithm can be developed. Keywords: esophageal cancer; esophageal surgery; minimally invasive surgery; anastomotic leakage; endoscopic procedures.

Is There an Increasing Incidence of Gastroesophageal Junctional Adenocarcinoma and Barrett Esophagus in Asia? A Review of Diagnostic Conundrums

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Epidemiology data of gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers in Asia are extremely scarce. It is hardly registered by any cancer registry in the region, and only a few reports are available. Based on existing literature works, the overall trend indicates similar or gradually increasing GEJ cancers in Asia but comparably less than the West. The increasing trend in Asia is likely a result of rising risk factors, especially of gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity. <b><i>Summary:</i></b> However, epidemiology data may be misleading due to several contentious diagnostic issues. The diagnostic conundrums are due to inherent complexity of the GEJ as a functional and pathological unit. Challenging diagnostic issues in Asia include the following: nonstandardized landmark of the GEJ, misclassification of Barrett esophagus, targeted versus nontargeted tissue sampling, histopathology disagreement and challenges in screening or surveillance of dysplastic BE and early GEJ cancer. The recent Asian-Pacific survey led by the Asian Barrett Consortium (ABC) has provided useful insights into these contentious issues. A key learning point from these diagnostic limitations is that the awareness of the disease and adherence to existing recommendations or guidelines are poor in the region. <b><i>Key Messages:</i></b> Standardization in diagnostic methodology is vital for accurate epidemiology data, and this can only come from better awareness and adherence through educational and international efforts. Last, surveillance strategy may need a paradigm shift from a purely diagnostic approach to a combined targeted surveillance and treatment approach using novel endoscopic techniques.

Robotic Hybrid Coronary Revascularization - a need for strategy specific data.

Robotic totally endoscopic techniques to perform the LITA to LAD graft, coupled with PCI, provides the least invasive option to achieve hybrid coronary revascularization (HCR). Shorter hospital stay and reduced need for blood transfusions have been consistently being reported by several studies along with similar long-term outcomes. Considerable variations exist in the definition of HCR which can be single or two-staged with surgical revascularization being carried out after PCI or vice versa. Variations also exist with respect to usage of cardiopulmonary bypass, surgical incisions, and use of minimally invasive robotic techniques. The different strategies of HCR do not lead to similar outcomes and the findings of one strategy cannot be extrapolated to the entire group. Studies reporting different strategies of HCR, should ideally provide more granular data when reporting outcomes.