Discovery SB provides safe advancement of the enteroscope into the distal small bowel. Maximum depth of insertion appears comparable to that of balloon enteroscopy while taking less time. The device is easy to use and may be effectively operated in as few as five training cases.

Blood produces the most durable cushion compared with standard agents, also having the advantages of being readily available and without cost. Albumin 25 % provides as durable a cushion as hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

EUS-guided alcohol injection consistently causes focal areas of pancreatic necrosis. Contrast-enhanced EUS with microspheres improves visualization of altered pancreatic vascular perfusion and can be used to facilitate detection of small pancreatic lesions and its follow-up post-ablation.

Creation of a preliminary pneumoperitoneum with a Veress needle facilitates gastric wall puncture and entrance into the peritoneal cavity without injury to adjacent organs, and can improve the safety of NOTES.

Simulated colonoscopy training in a low-cost physical model improved the performance of surgery interns with decreased procedure time, increased rates of complete colonoscopy and appropriate scope withdrawal.