Shaman Rajindrajith, Wathsala Hathagoda, Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana, Marc Benninga
{"title":"Non-retentive fecal incontinence in children: current perspectives and future directions.","authors":"Shaman Rajindrajith, Wathsala Hathagoda, Niranga Manjuri Devanarayana, Marc Benninga","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2671177","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2671177","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Non-retentive fecal incontinence (NRFI) is an uncommon condition. Those with NRFI often endure considerable social and emotional challenges-such as low self-esteem, embarrassment, and social isolation-that significantly impact their quality of life.</p><p><strong>Area covered: </strong>A literature search was conducted using PubMed and other related databases using appropriate keywords. Relevant articles published in English language were identified and critically appraised to synthesis current evidence and major gaps in the knowledge. The review covers historical aspects of evolution of the diagnostic criteria, epidemiology, psychological impact, clinical evaluation, therapeutic modalities and future perspectives of NRFI.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>After two decades of research, understanding of NRFI remains substantially minimal. Although we understand the condition is prevailing and having devastated psychological consequences, the pathophysiology of NRFI is still not clear. The knowledge gap significantly affects the development of novel therapeutic options. Future research should focus on elucidating physiological alterations such as gastrointestinal functions and gut-brain interaction using sophisticated high-definition colonic and anorectal manometry and fMRI studies to push the field forward. While using the standard care package to help these children, it is essential to explore the value of biofeedback, pelvic floor physiotherapy and neuromodulation in collaborative trials to advance the treatment options.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"557-569"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147835664","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Noninvasive diagnosis of clinically significant portal hypertension: current evidence and future directions.","authors":"Ioanna Papagiouvanni, Emmanuel A Tsochatzis","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2683676","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2683676","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) is related to poor prognosis and its early detection is crucial for timely clinical interventions, such as initiation of nonselective-beta-blockers. The hepatic vein pressure gradient remains the gold standard to diagnose CSPH; however, noninvasive tests (NITs) have been developed as valuable alternatives. In this review, we summarize the diagnostic performance and clinical utility of such techniques in patients with compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD).</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>A comprehensive literature search was performed, focusing on imaging methods, including elastographic techniques, ultrasound (US)-, magnetic resonance (MR)- and computed tomography (CT)-based methods, as well as serum biomarkers for the assessment of CSPH. The diagnostic accuracy of these techniques for the detection of esophageal varices is also discussed. Evidence on the combined use of NITs, emerging predictive models and developments following the Baveno VII consensus is summarized.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>NITs, particularly liver and spleen stiffness measurement, have been validated for the diagnosis of CSPH. Baveno VII has incorporated these tools into its recommendations for the management of cACLD. Future research should focus on the establishment of etiology-specific cutoff values and the further validation of alternative methods, such as MR elastography, spleen stiffness measurement and contrast enhanced US.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"537-555"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148137008","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tawfik Khoury, Wisam Sbeit, Andrea Lisotti, Bertrand Napoléon
{"title":"EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CDS) with lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS): a comprehensive technical review.","authors":"Tawfik Khoury, Wisam Sbeit, Andrea Lisotti, Bertrand Napoléon","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2682587","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2682587","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy using lumen-apposing metal stents (EUS-CDS-L) has evolved as a main therapeutic option for distal malignant biliary obstruction after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This review aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of the technical aspects for performing EUS-CDS-L.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review summarized the current evidence on all apsects of the EUS-CDS-L procedure, focusing on pre-procedural, procedural, and post-procedural management. We conducted a structured, detailed search of multiple databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane Library) from January 2010 to March 2026.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>EUS-CDS-L should be considered the preferred rescue strategy after failed ERCP in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction (DMBO), given its consistently high technical and clinical success rates and acceptable safety profile. Beyond salvage therapy, accumulating high-quality evidence suggests EUS-CDS-L's potential role as a primary drainage modality in selected patients, particularly in specializing centers. However, variability in technique, stent selection, and peri-procedural management continues to limit standardization. Future efforts should focus on protocol and peri-procedural harmonization.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"511-523"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148149217","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Eyad Gadour, Barbara Lattanzi, Antonio Facciorusso
{"title":"Techniques and outcomes review of the endoscopic management of gastrointestinal bleeding.","authors":"Eyad Gadour, Barbara Lattanzi, Antonio Facciorusso","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2683679","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2683679","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a frequent and potentially life-threatening emergency that imposes a substantial healthcare burden worldwide. Over the past three decades, advances in endoscopic technology and technique have transformed management, shifting the emphasis from predominantly diagnostic procedures to targeted, minimally invasive therapeutic interventions across the upper, lower, and small bowel.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review synthesizes current evidence and guideline-based strategies for endoscopic management of GI bleeding, with a structured focus on non-variceal and variceal upper GI bleeding, lower GI bleeding, and small bowel bleeding. Key therapeutic modalities include combination therapies for peptic ulcer bleeding, band ligation for esophageal and selected gastric varices, argon plasma coagulation (APC) for vascular malformations and tumor bleeding, and emerging approaches such as over-the-scope clips (OTSC), hemostatic powders, radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and self-expandable metal stents (SEMS). Capsule endoscopy and device-assisted enteroscopy have markedly improved the evaluation and treatment of small bowel bleeding. We also review risk stratification scores, transfusion strategies, and timing of endoscopy, all of which are crucial to optimizing outcomes.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Successful management of GI bleeding demands a personalized approach integrating patient-specific factors, bleeding etiology, and local expertise. Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted imaging and novel hemostatic devices, are poised to refine diagnosis, risk prediction, and therapy selection. Nonetheless, clinical judgment, multidisciplinary collaboration, rigorous training, and thoughtful resource allocation remain paramount to ensure safe, effective, and sustainable care in this rapidly evolving field.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"571-587"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148101249","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis.","authors":"Beatriz Sordi Chara, Guadalupe Garcia-Tsao","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2656231","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2656231","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Variceal bleeding (VB) is a defining event of decompensation in cirrhosis and remains cause of morbidity and mortality. The presence of other decompensating events determines management and prognosis.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This review discusses risk-stratified management and prevention of VB, including acute therapy, indications for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), and stage-specific primary and secondary prophylaxis. A PubMed/MEDLINE search prioritized trials, meta-analyses, and guidelines.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>In patients presenting with VB, standard management consists of vasoconstrictive drugs, antibiotics, and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL). If bleeding cannot be controlled, TIPS placement should be considered. Recent studies show preemptive TIPS confers survival benefit in patients at high risk of failing standard therapy, defined as Child-Pugh scores 10-13 or 8-9 with active bleeding at endoscopy. In patients whose bleeding is controlled who do not undergo TIPS during the acute episode, secondary prophylaxis consists of nonselective beta-blockers (NSBBs) plus EVL. In patients with ascites, NSBB or EVL is recommended for high-risk varices to prevent first bleeding. In compensated cirrhosis, the goal is to prevent decompensation, including VB, ascites, and hepatic encephalopathy. Therapy targets patients at high risk of decompensation defined by clinically significant portal hypertension using elastography and platelet count. NSBBs, preferably carvedilol, are recommended.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"439-447"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147662335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Update on biliary endoscopy: a comprehensive review.","authors":"Yukiko Takayama, Yousuke Nakai, Ryunosuke Hakuta, Ryota Nakabayashi, Nao Otsuka, Noriko Ishigaki, Masataka Kikuyama","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2667876","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2667876","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has shifted from diagnostic to therapeutic procedures such as stone extraction and biliary drainage. In addition, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) has an important role in biliary endoscopy, too. While the role of endoscopy for biliary tract diseases has expanded to various indications, endoscopists need to select appropriate procedures or devices from various options.</p><p><strong>Area covered: </strong>Our review covers various aspects of endoscopic procedures for biliary tract diseases. To support this review, a PubMed search was conducted on biliary endoscopy, focusing on the most relevant papers with no time restrictions. Treatment selection for bile duct stones includes ampullary interventions and peroral cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy. Biliary drainage using fully covered metal stents are widely selected both for distal malignant and benign biliary strictures but plastic stents are recently preferred for unresectable hilar malignant biliary obstruction. EUS-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is now established as an option in difficult ERCP but can be a first-line treatment if expertise is available.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Modified biliary stents are developed, such as inside stents, stents with antimigration or antireflux features and an individualized approach needs to be investigated. EUS-BD can be applied to various procedures, but its training is to be established for safe performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"485-496"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766769","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The non-surgical therapy of uncomplicated gallbladder stones: is there a niche?","authors":"Tilman Sauerbruch, Frank Lammert","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2656233","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2656233","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In Western countries gallstone prevalence is around 10%. 80% are cholesterol stones. The elucidation of their pathophysiology, particularly from the 1970s to the 1990s, led to the development of various non-surgical treatments. The disadvantages of these therapies, together with the development of minimally invasive gallbladder removal, have largely rendered non-surgical approaches obsolete. However, a relatively high proportion of patients who undergo cholecystectomy do not become completely symptom-free. To this end, we address the role of non-surgical therapy for uncomplicated gallbladder stones, which has received little attention in recent decades.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Based on extensive research in PubMed we present the pathophysiology of stones, oral litholysis, direct litholysis and shock wave lithotripsy. The role of these treatments to surgery in selective therapy as well as primary and secondary prevention is discussed. Moreover, we allude to the association of cholesterol gallstones with cardiovascular disorders.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Too little is known about when and how gallstones develop and how gallstones respond to preventive measures regarding cardiovascular diseases. Further research is needed for a more individualized therapy - especially with respect to non-surgical approaches - of the rather benign gallstone disease that nevertheless has a high impact on health economics.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"409-424"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147689182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammad Bashashati, Christopher N Andrews, Jiande D Z Chen, Richard W McCallum, Kenneth L Koch
{"title":"Gastric electrophysiology.","authors":"Mohammad Bashashati, Christopher N Andrews, Jiande D Z Chen, Richard W McCallum, Kenneth L Koch","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2663975","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2663975","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The mechanical activity of the stomach is mediated by electrical signals. Circular smooth muscle contractions and propagation of peristaltic waves occur during plateau/action potentials and are linked to slow waves generated by interstitial cells of Cajal. These electrical activities form the basis of gastric electrophysiology (EP). Test meals elicit three per minute peristaltic contractions. In contrast, test meals may evoke gastric dysrhythmias in patients with gastroparesis and chronic unexplained nausea. Postprandial gastric myoelectrical activity (GMA) can be recorded with noninvasive electrogastrogram (EGG) and body surface gastric mapping (BSGM).</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This article overviews gastric slow waves, the electrical event that controls 3 cycles per minute (cpm) peristaltic contractions, their cellular origin, propagation patterns, electro-contractile coupling of smooth muscle cells, and modulation by the nervous system and hormones.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion/commentary: </strong>Gastric EP is a growing field with a 100-year-old history. Studies of dysrhythmic GMA in a variety of nausea conditions stimulated recent interest in gastric EP. Conventional EGG recordings use three electrodes with a single channel GMA signal recording. BSGM uses 64 electrodes with multiple channel recordings, providing various phenotypes, new diagnostic categories and new approaches to therapy for gastric motility disorders.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"459-473"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147766811","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Giulia Palumbo, Gianenrico Rizzatti, Fabrizio Termite, Andrea Tringali, Giulia Tripodi, Ivo Boskoski, Cristiano Spada
{"title":"Training in diagnostic and interventional endoscopic ultrasound: a state-of-the-art review.","authors":"Giulia Palumbo, Gianenrico Rizzatti, Fabrizio Termite, Andrea Tringali, Giulia Tripodi, Ivo Boskoski, Cristiano Spada","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2662559","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2662559","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has progressed from a primarily diagnostic modality to an essential diagnostic and therapeutic platform. The rapid expansion of EUS indications, particularly in advanced biliopancreatic interventions, has exposed important limitations in traditional training paradigms.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>This state-of-the-art review analyzes current approaches to training in diagnostic and interventional EUS, focusing on their strengths and limitations. We examine the declining relevance of fixed procedural volume thresholds and the growing adoption of competency-based educational frameworks supported by validated assessment tools. Key elements include structured curricula, performance assessment, simulation-based training, stepwise acquisition of interventional skills, and complication management. Emerging applications of artificial intelligence are also reviewed. The literature was identified through targeted searches of major biomedical databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Scopus) covering the period from January 2000 to January 2026, along with relevant international guideline documents.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>Competency-based training should be considered the foundation of modern EUS education. Future models will increasingly rely on simulation, artificial intelligence-driven feedback, and longitudinal performance monitoring to enhance objectivity and reproducibility. International harmonization of training standards remains essential.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"449-458"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147716501","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Derrick M Van Rooyen, Mingshu Cai, Balakrishnan R Nair, Nicholas J Talley
{"title":"Irritable bowel syndrome in the elderly: epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and relationship with frailty.","authors":"Derrick M Van Rooyen, Mingshu Cai, Balakrishnan R Nair, Nicholas J Talley","doi":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2651944","DOIUrl":"10.1080/17474124.2026.2651944","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common problem in elderly patients defined as over the age of 65 years, and presents unique clinical challenges that distinguish it from IBS in younger populations.</p><p><strong>Areas covered: </strong>Here, we emphasize the need for age-specific approaches to optimize clinical outcomes. An inverse relationship exists between age and IBS prevalence, which may be due to reduced intestinal visceral hypersensitivity or lower levels of anxiety in older people affected. Although the prevalence of IBS in the elderly is lower than in younger populations, it may be rising due to demographic shifts and increasing life expectancy. Emerging evidence indicates IBS is a risk factor for frailty syndrome, driven by multiple factors, which may, in turn, perpetuate IBS. This review covers a broad range of applicable comparative studies, including observational and population studies, as well as randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses, dating back to 1992.</p><p><strong>Expert opinion: </strong>IBS likely contributes to functional decline in the elderly, thereby leading to increased frailty, promoting a self-perpetuating cycle of deteriorating health outcomes. This highlights the importance of incorporating frailty assessment when managing older patients with IBS because early identification and intervention can potentially improve IBS management, and also serve as an outcome measure.</p>","PeriodicalId":12257,"journal":{"name":"Expert Review of Gastroenterology & Hepatology","volume":" ","pages":"381-394"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2026-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147520349","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}