Several studies presented at DDW 2026 highlighted emerging approaches that could reshape GI care, from less invasive Barrett’s esophagus surveillance to outpatient advanced endoscopy and digital therapies for pediatric abdominal pain.
Researchers reported that capsule sponge testing detected high-grade dysplasia and esophageal adenocarcinoma more effectively than standard Barrett’s surveillance endoscopy, while a next-generation device improved patient tolerability. Another study found that outpatient endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) was safe and feasible in more than 1,000 patients, potentially reducing hospital admissions and resource use. Meanwhile, a four-week web-based program combining hypnosis and cognitive behavioral therapy helped reduce anxiety and somatic stress in children with functional abdominal pain disorders, highlighting the growing role of digital therapeutics in GI care.