This issue would review a broad range of endoscopic complications throughout the entire GI tract and include complications related to almost all types of endoscopic procedures. Typically, articles and endoscopy courses only briefly mention specific types of complications related to one or two endoscopic procedures. To date, this would be the only issue whose sole focus is on endoscopic complications and their management and will prove a useful resource for the gastroenterologist. The authors will be expert endoscopists from around the country whose knowledge of this topic should be far ranging and include use of new devices.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is the leading emergency leading to hospitalization and urgent endoscopy. The field of gastrointestinal bleeding is rapidly evolving. The epidemiology is changing with more complex older patients on anticoagulant and antithrombotic agents presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The initial management has rapidly evolved with new transfusion thresholds, the use of risk stratification scores and no more nasogastric tubes. There is new data and recommendations on optimal timing of endoscopy. Medical therapies have also evolved with changes in proton pump inhibitor administration and the use of prokinetics to improve endoscopic visualization. Many modifications in endoscopic therapy have recently been advanced including the use of endoscopic ultrasound guided angiotherapy, topical sprays (i.e. Hemospray) and over-the-scope clips. In order to give optimal care to patients, it is critical that practicing gastroenterologists are aware of the many recent advances in management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

The Guest Editors have assembled key opinion leaders to provide state of the art articles on this important update on ERCP. A chapter on cannulation techniques and sphincterotomy will highlight recent literature on wire-guided cannulation, use of papillotomes, when and if to precut for entry and the use of smart circuitry for papillotomy. A chapter on surgically altered anatomy will highlight the increasing occurrence of biliary tract disease in patient’s s/p gastric bypass for obesity along with other surgery and the use of balloon enteroscopes, overtubes and intraoperative procedures A chapter on EUS assisted biliary and pancreatic access will highlight the growing experience with these combine techniques. There is growing literature on preventing post-ercp pancreatitis which is changing the standard of care and Joe Elmunzer is the best person to highlight this. Stu Sherman will review advances in the management of bile duct stones and when to intervene in gallstone pancreatitis. Peter Cotton just published a landmark study on SOD that will change the standard of care and will review the state of the science on this disease as it relates to both biliary tract and pancreatic disease. The management of benign biliary strictures and leaks is evolving with the introduction of covered metal stents and Jacques Deviere is at the forefront. Amrita Sethi will discuss diagnosis of biliary malignancy highlighting the use of FISH, molecular markers and enhanced imaging such as pCLE. Michele Kahaleh will review recent experience with biliary tumor ablation using RFA probes and PDT. Alan Barkun helps endoscopists determine when to use plastic stents, metal stents, and covered stents and when to drain one, two or three segments of liver in patients with malignant biliary obstruction. George Papachristo and Dhiraj Yadav will review most recent data on endoscopic therapy for acute recurrent and smoldering acute pancreatitis. Nagy Reddy will provide on update on endotherapy for painful chronic pancreatitis. Finally, Raj Shah will update on advances in pancreatoscopy and cholangioscopy including the use of ultra slim per-oral scopes and new digital mother/baby scopes.

Provides the comprehensive knowledge required to perform ERCP safely and effectively Authored by the very best in the field, this “how-to” guide to mastering the crucial yet complex gastrointestinal procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) covers the entire range of both standard and advanced techniques, using a highly practical approach. It also places a strong emphasis on patient education, safety, and minimizing risks, offering “tips and tricks” and key points throughout to aid rapid understanding. The book is filled with over 250 illustrations Covering ERCP preparation, techniques, clinical applications, and quality and safety, ERCP: The Fundamentals, 3rd Edition begins with chapters on “getting prepared,” including training and competence; facilities and equipment; risk assessment and reduction; sedation, anesthesia, and medications. It then covers “what can be done,” describing standard devices and techniques; intraductal therapies; ampullectomy; and reporting and documentation. Next it has chapters on “what should be done,” clinical applications of ERCP in acute cholangitis; peri-cholecystectomy; difficult bile duct stones; biliary pain; and numerous forms of pancreatitis. The book finishes with coverage of adverse events and how to ensure competent practice. Teaches all of the standard and advanced ERCP techniques Focuses on patient safety/comfort throughout Brilliantly-illustrated with endoscopic, EUS and radiologic images, and anatomical drawings Offers a step-by-step, practical approach to ERCP—highlighting potential technical and anatomical hazards Packed with tips and tricks boxes and key points boxes to assist comprehension 20 high-definition videos of ERCP performed by the experts, perfect to improve clinical technique Full reference to the very latest ASGE, ACG, ASG and UEGW guidelines throughout Brought to you by world pioneers in endoscopy, ERCP: The Fundamentals, 3rd Edition is an essential purchase for gastroenterologists and endoscopists of all levels.

Dr. Van Dam is one of key leaders in the field of diagnostic endoscopy, and he has enlisted authors who are top experts in their fields to submit state-of-the-art clinical reviews on endoscopy and biliary tract disease. Articles are devoted to infections, choledoscopy, common bile duct stones, benign and malignant bile duct strictures, motility disorders, and EUS access and drainage of the common bile duct. Attention is also given to patients with bile duct injury, congenital anomalies, and to liver transplant patients. Readers will come away with a full overview of endoscopy and the patient with biliary tract disease.

In this issue of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Clinics of North America, guest editor Dr. Amrita Sethi brings her considerable expertise to the topic of Submucosal and Third Space Endoscopy. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is now recognized as one of the preferred treatment modalities for premalignant gastrointestinal epithelial lesions and early gastric cancer without lymph node metastasis. ESD techniques require advanced skills, and this issue brings together top experts in the field who provide the information endoscopists need to improve these skills. Contains 15 practice-oriented topics including building the toolbox of devices to optimize a practice in submucosal endoscopy; understanding the principles of electrocautery for submucosal endoscopy; endoscopic submucosal dissection in the colon and rectum; techniques for peroral endoscopic myotomy, from mouth to anus; management of adverse events of submucosal endoscopy; and more. Provides in-depth clinical reviews on submucosal and third space endoscopy, offering actionable insights for clinical practice. Presents the latest information on this timely, focused topic under the leadership of experienced editors in the field. Authors synthesize and distill the latest research and practice guidelines to create clinically significant, topic-based reviews.

Over a short few decades, the field of pediatric endoscopy has matured from the exploratory to the routine. Performance of endoscopic procedures in children is now a fundamental aspect of the practice of more than 2000 pediatric gastroenterologists in North America, and endoscopic instruments are increasingly being developed with an eye to their pediatric applications. Ensuring safe and effective endoscopy in children requires specific medical knowledge and technical competency, in addition to appropriately designed equipment and settings. Obtaining consent from parents, as well as assent from patients, for the purposes of performing diagnostic and therapeutic gastrointestinal procedures begins with a deep understanding of risks and benefits that endoscopy affords and is typically gained through formal training in the field. Diagnostic endoscopy may help to confirm common pediatric conditions including eosinophilic esophagitis and inflammatory bowel disease, while therapeutic procedures to treat strictures in the GI tract may help children avoid more invasive surgeries. Using endoscopy in children to achieve hemostasis or to remove commonly swallowed foreign bodies, such as lithium batteries or high-powered magnets, can be lifesaving, and the insertion of feeding tubes can help medically complex patients to thrive. In short, pediatric endoscopy is an integral component of healthcare for children, and gaining and understanding of its best practices may help all clinicians to better recognize its role in pediatric disease outcomes.