Objective To validate the efficacy of the prediction model for difficulty of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) through an independent cohort. Methods A total of 617 patients with achalasia who underwent POEM at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2021 to December 2023 were included. The general data of patients were collected, and the predictive value of the prediction model for POEM difficulty in the validation cohort was estimated. The stratified analysis was undergone according to the difficulty risk scores. Results In 617 consecutive patients, technical difficulty was observed in 90 cases (14.6%). The predictive model demonstrated moderate discriminatory capacity with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of 0.711 (95%CI 0.643-0.780). Patients were stratified into three risk categories according to the difficulty risk scores: low-risk (＜0.1), medium-risk (0.1-0.25), and high-risk (≥0.25). The corresponding technical difficulty rates were 7.3%, 16.9%, and 51.6%, respectively. Conclusion The prediction model for POEM difficulty built by our center shows good stability and discrimination, and has good clinical application value.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of ileocecal valve lipoma.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed on data of ileocecal lipoma patients who underwent ESD at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from December 2013 to June 2023. According to the lesion location, the patients were divided into ileocecal valve group and cecum group. The operation time, operation speed, en bloc resection rate, complications, and follow-up outcomes between the two groups were compared.Results:A total of 59 patients with ileocecal lipoma were enrolled, including 31 patients in the ileocecal valve group and 28 patients in the cecum group.There were no significant differences in gender, age, specimen size, or lesion size between the two groups ( P>0.05). Lipomas in both the ileocecal valve group and the cecum group were successfully resected by ESD. The en bloc resection rates were 100.0% (31/31) and 92.9% (26/28) respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=0.033, P=0.133). Median operative duration significantly differed between the two groups ( ileocecal valve group 26 min VS cecum group 20 min, Z=-0.136, P=0.027), as did resection speed (ileocecal valve group 0.14 cm2/min VS cecum group 0.24 cm2/min, Z=-0.223, P=0.022). Adverse events included one postoperative fever in the ileocecal valve group and one delayed bleeding in the cecum group. During the median follow-up of 38 months (7-106 months), there was no case of residual tumor or recurrence. Conclusion:Despite technical challenges in ESD of ileocecal valve lipoma, it is still a safe, feasible and effective treatment method.

Objective:To explore the influences of FibroScan detection on the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant rats transfected with hepatitis B virus and the growth of their offspring rats.Methods:Sixty SPF-grade SD rats with a male-to-female ratio of 5∶1 were selected，randomly divided the female rats into the groups of mid-pregnancy with hepatitis B，late-pregnancy with hepatitis B，normal mid-pregnancy，normal late-pregnancy，and control group，and the rats in the mid-pregnancy and late-pregnancy groups were subjected to FibroScan testing on the 10th and 15th days of gestation respectively. The number of offspring rats in each group was randomly reduced to 10 on the 3rd day after delivery，and the offspring rats were divided into the groups of mid-pregnancy with hepatitis B，late-pregnancy with hepatitis B，normal mid-pregnancy，normal late-pregnancy，and control group. The pregnancy outcome levels of pregnant rats were observed by adopting a stratified analysis strategy，including differences in weight changes，number of deliveries，fetal rat outcomes，lactation conditions，litter size，and litter weight. The growth levels of offspring rats，including differences in weight，body length，tail length，and the time of fur growth，tooth eruption，eye opening，and ear standing on the 21st day were observed，and the survival rate of the offspring rats was compared.Results:With regard to the pregnancy outcome levels of the pregnant rats，there were no statistically significant differences in weight changes during pregnancy among the five groups of pregnant rats［ F（4，45）=2.627，Adjusted P=0.222］. There were also no statistically significant differences in the number of deliveries，fetal rat outcomes，and lactation conditions（Adjusted P=1.000）. The number of deliveries［ F（4，21.095）=2.280，Adjusted P=0.222］and litter weight［ F（4，20.128）=2.159，Adjusted P=0.222］showed no statistically significant differences. After correction using the BH method，none of the indicators showed significant differences（ P>0.05）. In terms of the growth levels of the offspring rats，among the five groups of offspring rats，there were no statistically significant differences in body weight on the 21st day［H（4）=11.623，Adjusted P=0.135］，body length on the 21st day［H（4）=10.962，Adjusted P=0.135］，and tail length on the 21st day［H（4）=9.126，Adjusted P=0.058］. Besides，the differences in the time of fur growth，tooth eruption，eye opening，and ear standing［H（4）=0.000，Adjust P=1.000］showed no statistical significance. The survival rate on the 7th day，14th day，and 21st day was 100%，with no significant differences（Adjusted P=1.000）. After correction using the BH method，none of the indicators showed significant differences（ P>0.05）. Conclusion:FibroScan detection had no significant influences on the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant rats with hepatitis B or on the growth of their offspring rats in multiple stages，dimensions，and indicators，indicating that FibroScan detection is safe for pregnant rats. This research provides an animal experimental basis for the safe use of FibroScan in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection.

Objective:To explore the influences of FibroScan detection on the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant rats transfected with hepatitis B virus and the growth of their offspring rats.Methods:Sixty SPF-grade SD rats with a male-to-female ratio of 5∶1 were selected，randomly divided the female rats into the groups of mid-pregnancy with hepatitis B，late-pregnancy with hepatitis B，normal mid-pregnancy，normal late-pregnancy，and control group，and the rats in the mid-pregnancy and late-pregnancy groups were subjected to FibroScan testing on the 10th and 15th days of gestation respectively. The number of offspring rats in each group was randomly reduced to 10 on the 3rd day after delivery，and the offspring rats were divided into the groups of mid-pregnancy with hepatitis B，late-pregnancy with hepatitis B，normal mid-pregnancy，normal late-pregnancy，and control group. The pregnancy outcome levels of pregnant rats were observed by adopting a stratified analysis strategy，including differences in weight changes，number of deliveries，fetal rat outcomes，lactation conditions，litter size，and litter weight. The growth levels of offspring rats，including differences in weight，body length，tail length，and the time of fur growth，tooth eruption，eye opening，and ear standing on the 21st day were observed，and the survival rate of the offspring rats was compared.Results:With regard to the pregnancy outcome levels of the pregnant rats，there were no statistically significant differences in weight changes during pregnancy among the five groups of pregnant rats［ F（4，45）=2.627，Adjusted P=0.222］. There were also no statistically significant differences in the number of deliveries，fetal rat outcomes，and lactation conditions（Adjusted P=1.000）. The number of deliveries［ F（4，21.095）=2.280，Adjusted P=0.222］and litter weight［ F（4，20.128）=2.159，Adjusted P=0.222］showed no statistically significant differences. After correction using the BH method，none of the indicators showed significant differences（ P>0.05）. In terms of the growth levels of the offspring rats，among the five groups of offspring rats，there were no statistically significant differences in body weight on the 21st day［H（4）=11.623，Adjusted P=0.135］，body length on the 21st day［H（4）=10.962，Adjusted P=0.135］，and tail length on the 21st day［H（4）=9.126，Adjusted P=0.058］. Besides，the differences in the time of fur growth，tooth eruption，eye opening，and ear standing［H（4）=0.000，Adjust P=1.000］showed no statistical significance. The survival rate on the 7th day，14th day，and 21st day was 100%，with no significant differences（Adjusted P=1.000）. After correction using the BH method，none of the indicators showed significant differences（ P>0.05）. Conclusion:FibroScan detection had no significant influences on the pregnancy outcomes of pregnant rats with hepatitis B or on the growth of their offspring rats in multiple stages，dimensions，and indicators，indicating that FibroScan detection is safe for pregnant rats. This research provides an animal experimental basis for the safe use of FibroScan in pregnant women with chronic HBV infection.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of ileocecal valve lipoma.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was performed on data of ileocecal lipoma patients who underwent ESD at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from December 2013 to June 2023. According to the lesion location, the patients were divided into ileocecal valve group and cecum group. The operation time, operation speed, en bloc resection rate, complications, and follow-up outcomes between the two groups were compared.Results:A total of 59 patients with ileocecal lipoma were enrolled, including 31 patients in the ileocecal valve group and 28 patients in the cecum group.There were no significant differences in gender, age, specimen size, or lesion size between the two groups ( P>0.05). Lipomas in both the ileocecal valve group and the cecum group were successfully resected by ESD. The en bloc resection rates were 100.0% (31/31) and 92.9% (26/28) respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( χ2=0.033, P=0.133). Median operative duration significantly differed between the two groups ( ileocecal valve group 26 min VS cecum group 20 min, Z=-0.136, P=0.027), as did resection speed (ileocecal valve group 0.14 cm2/min VS cecum group 0.24 cm2/min, Z=-0.223, P=0.022). Adverse events included one postoperative fever in the ileocecal valve group and one delayed bleeding in the cecum group. During the median follow-up of 38 months (7-106 months), there was no case of residual tumor or recurrence. Conclusion:Despite technical challenges in ESD of ileocecal valve lipoma, it is still a safe, feasible and effective treatment method.

Gastrointestinal tumors are a serious and threatening public health concern.Endoscopic minimally invasive treatment is an im-portant way to achieve early diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal tumors.Here,we summarize the history and current status of en-doscopic minimally invasive resection of early-stage gastrointestinal tumors,and explain the application of the new ERBEC concepts of endo-scopic minimally invasive surgery for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumors,which include elements,reservation-resection,bilateral-bene-fit,expansion,and collaboration.We also discuss the future direction of endoscopic minimally invasive resection for gastrointestinal tumors.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of endoscopic radial incision (ERI) for congenital membranous duodenal stenosis (MDS).Methods:The clinical data of 13 children with MDS receiving ERI in the Department of Gastroenterology of Xi'an Children's Hospital from May 2017 to December 2021 were reviewed and analyzed. The perioperative management, surgical procedures, postoperative complications and follow-up were summarized.Results:There were 5 boys and 8 girls with a median disease duration of 8 (2-20) months, and the median age of diagnosis was 13 months (5-30 months). The septum of 10 cases (10/13) was located in the descending part of the duodenum, and that of 3 cases (3/13) in the horizontal part. The papilla of 1 case (1/13) opened on the septum, that of 3 cases (3/13) within 5 cm of the mouth side of the septum, and that of 9 cases (9/13) within 5 cm of the anal side of the septum. The median diameter of the septal aperture was 3 mm (2-6 mm). All 13 children successfully underwent ERI with a median operation time of 20 min (15-32 min). The average surgical incision was 3 strokes (2-4 strokes), and the endoscope with outer diameter 9.9 mm could pass stenosis after ERI. The median incision diameter was 10 mm (10-12 mm). All patients achieved relief of clinical symptoms after ERI. One patient (1/13) suffered from the postoperative delayed bleeding, which was stopped by endoscopic titanium clamping. No intestinal perforation or duodenal papilla injury occurred, and median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (5-10 days). The upper gastrointestinal angiogram and gastroscopy were repeated 3 months after ERI, and the median diameter of stenosis was 12 mm (10-15 mm), which was significantly dilated compared with before. The mean body weight increase at 1 month after ERI was 1.20 kg (0.50-1.80 kg), and the mean body weight increase at 3 months was 3.50 kg (2.50-4.00 kg), which reached the normal body weight of the same age.Conclusion:ERI is safe and effective for the treatment of MDS in children, and shows good clinical application and promotion value.

Background/Aims: Previous studies reveal that immune-mediated neuroinflammation plays a key role in the etiology of esophageal achalasia. However, the understanding of leucocyte phenotype and proportion is limited. This study aim to evaluate the phenotypes of leukocytes and peripheral blood mononuclear cells transcriptomes in esophageal achalasia. Methods: We performed high-dimensional flow cytometry to identified subsets of peripheral leukocytes, and further validated in lower esophageal sphincter histologically. RNA sequencing was applied to investigate the transcriptional changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients with achalasia. Cell-type Identification by Estimating Relative Subsets of RNA Transcripts (CIBERSORT) was used for estimating the immune cell types. A differential gene expression analysis was performed and the differential expressed genes were subjected to gene ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes network, protein-protein interaction network construction. Results: An imbalance between innate and adaptive immune cells occurred in achalasia. Specifically, neutrophils and CD8+ T cells increased both in peripheral blood and lower esophageal sphincter in achalasia. Eosinophils decreased in peripheral blood but massively infiltrated in lower esophageal sphincter. CIBERSORT analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells RNA sequencing displayed an increased prevalence of CD8+ T cells. 170 dysregulated genes were identified in achalasia, which were enriched in immune cells migration, immune response, etc. Proton pump inhibitor analysis revealed the intersections and gained 7 hub genes in achalasia, which were IL-6, Toll-like receptor 2, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor, complement C3, and complement C1q A chain. Conclusion Patients with achalasia exhibited an imbalance of systematic innate and adaptive immunity, which may play an important role in the development of achalasia.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic value of one-time biliopancreatic-duct-imaging-system (eyeMax)-assisted endoscopic retrograde appendicitis therapy (ERAT) for children.Methods:A total of 11 children who were diagnosed as having uncomplicated acute appendicitis by imaging in Xi′an Children′s Hospital from August to November 2022 were enrolled. All patients received subscope-assisted ERAT. Subscope was intubated into the appendix cavity to observe the mucosa directly. Appendicitis was treated through cleansing, fecalith extraction, stent drainage. The clinical manifestations under subscope were recorded, as well as the treatment success rate, intubation success rate, the effective rate, complication incidence during and after the operation.Results:The age of 11 children was 7.93±2.67 years old. Appendix intubation was successful in all patients. Congestion and swelling of the mucosa in appendiceal orifice and appendix cavity were seen under the subscope in 11 children. There were 6 cases with appendiceal fecaliths, 8 cases with pus and 6 cases with luminal distortion or stenosis. Perforation was observed in 1 case during the operation and no other complication occurred. All patients were treated under subscope, including flushing appendiceal cavity (11 cases), fecalith extraction with extraction basket (3 cases), and appendiceal drainage with stenting (2 cases). The symptoms and signs were relieved after the operation, and the effective rate within 48 hours was 10/11. There were no procedure-related complications or recurrence during postoperative follow-up for 1 week to 4 months.Conclusion:Acute appendicitis could be diagnosed by observing the appendix cavity directly under one-time biliopancreatic-duct-imaging-system-assisted ERAT, and also could be treated with the system, where appendix could be preserved and radiation damage could be avoided with safety and effectiveness.

Objective:To summarize the thoracic and abdominal CT presentations after endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) and to analyze its significance in the evaluation and management of postoperative complications.Methods:Data of 82 patients who underwent gastrointestinal EFR at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University and received a chest and/or abdominal CT within 1 week from September 2016 to September 2021 were collected retrospectively. The patients were divided into the intervention group ( n=38) and the control group ( n=44) according to the presence or absence of special postoperative interventions or prolonged hospital stays. The differences in the incidence of abnormal CT presentations between the two groups were analyzed. Risk factors for abnormal CT presentation were explored by multifactorial analysis. Results:Among the 82 patients, the main CT presentations were pneumoperitoneum in 51 patients (62.2%), abdominal and pelvic effusion in 30 patients (36.6%), pneumothorax in 5 (6.1%), pleural effusion in 43 (52.4%), and pulmonary inflammation in 16 (19.5%). The incidence of pelvic and abdominal effusions ( W=637.48, P=0.031) and pleural effusions ( W=622.06, P=0.031) in CT was higher in the intervention group than that in the control group. Age was an independent risk factor for air-related complications after EFR (>60 years old VS ≤60 years old: OR=0.17, 95% CI: 0.05-0.56, P=0.002). Conclusion:CT presentations of pelvic and abdominal effusion and pleural effusion after EFR is of great significance in suggesting complications, while patients with other CT presentations often do not require special intervention or prolonged hospital stay. Postoperative CT in elderly patients is less likely to detect air-related complications.