Background/Aims: Scissor-type endoscopic submucosal dissection (ST-ESD) knives can reduce the adverse events associated with ESDs. This study aimed to compare ST-ESD and non-scissor-type (NST)-ESD knives. Methods: We identified ten studies that compared the performance characteristics and safety profiles of ST-ESD and NST-ESD knives. Fixed- and random-effects models were used to calculate the pooled proportions. Heterogeneity was assessed using the I2 test. Results: On comparing ST-ESD knives to NST-ESD knives, the weighted odds of en bloc resection was 1.61 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.90–2.90; p=0.14), R0 resection was 1.10 (95% CI, 0.71–1.71; p=0.73), delayed bleeding was 0.40 (95% CI, 0.17–0.90; p=0.03), perforation was 0.35 (95% CI, 0.18–0.70; p<0.01) and ESD self-completion by non-experts was 1.89 (95% CI, 1.20–2.95; p<0.01). There was no heterogeneity, with an I2 score of 0% (95% CI, 0%–54.40%). Conclusions The findings of reduced odds of perforation, a trend toward reduced delayed bleeding, and an improvement in the rates of en bloc and R0 resection with ST-ESD knives compared to NST-ESD knives support the use of ST-ESD knives when non-experts perform ESDs or as an adjunct tool for challenging ESD procedures.

Background/Aims: We aim to assess the influence of obesity on gastroparesis (GP) hospitalizations in the United States (US). Methods: The National Inpatient Sample was analyzed from 2007-2017 to identify all adult hospitalizations with a primary discharge diagnosis of GP. They were subdivided based on the presence or absence of obesity (body mass index > 30). Hospitalization characteristics, procedural differences, all-cause inpatient mortality, mean length of stay (LOS), and mean total hospital charge (THC) were identified and compared. Results: From 2007-2017, there were 140 293 obese GP hospitalizations accounting for 13.75% of all GP hospitalizations in the US. Obese GP hospitalizations were predominantly female (76.11% vs 64.36%, P < 0.001) and slightly older (51.9 years vs 50.8 years, P < 0.001) compared to the non-obese cohort. Racial disparities were noted as Blacks (25.49% vs 22%, P < 0.001) had higher proportions of GP hospitalizations with obesity compared to the non-obese cohort. Furthermore, we noted higher rates of inpatient upper endoscopy utilization (6.05% vs 5.42%, P < 0.001), longer mean LOS (5.71 days vs 5.32 days, P < 0.001), and higher mean THC ($53 373 vs $45 040, P < 0.001) for obese GP hospitalizations compared to the non-obese group. However, obese GP hospitalizations had lower rates of inpatient mortality (0.92% vs 1.33%, P < 0.001), and need for nutritional support with endoscopic jejunostomy (0.25 vs 0.56%, P < 0.001) and total parenteral nutrition (1.46% vs 2.33%, P < 0.001) compared to the non-obese cohort. Conclusions In the US, compared to non-obese, a higher proportion of obese GP hospitalizations were female and Blacks. Obese GP hospitalizations also had higher THC, LOS, and rates of upper endoscopy.

Background/Aims: Colonic volvulus (CV), a common cause of bowel obstruction, often requires intervention. We aimed to identify hospitalization trends and CV outcomes in the United States. Methods: We used the National Inpatient Sample to identify all adult CV hospitalizations in the United States from 2007 to 2017. Patient demographics, comorbidities, and inpatient outcomes were highlighted. Outcomes of endoscopic and surgical management were compared. Results: From 2007 to 2017, there were 220,666 CV hospitalizations. CV-related hospitalizations increased from 17,888 in 2007 to 21,715 in 2017 (p=0.001). However, inpatient mortality decreased from 7.6% in 2007 to 6.2% in 2017 (p<0.001). Of all CV-related hospitalizations, 13,745 underwent endoscopic intervention, and 77,157 underwent surgery. Although the endoscopic cohort had patients with a higher Charlson comorbidity index, we noted lower inpatient mortality (6.1% vs. 7.0%, p<0.001), mean length of stay (8.3 vs. 11.8 days, p<0.001), and mean total healthcare charge ($68,126 vs. $106,703, p<0.001) compared to the surgical cohort. Male sex, increased Charlson comorbidity index scores, acute kidney injury, and malnutrition were associated with higher odds of inpatient mortality in patients with CV who underwent endoscopic management. Conclusions Endoscopic intervention has lower inpatient mortality and is an excellent alternative to surgery for appropriately selected CV hospitalizations.