What Is Appropriate Upper Endoscopic Interval Among Dyspeptic Patients With Previously Normal Endoscopy? A Multicenter Study With Bayesian Change Point Analysis

Background/Aims

Appropriate interval for performing follow-up endoscopy among dyspeptic patients without abnormal findings on previous endoscopy is unclear. We analyzed the multicenter-collected data from the Korean Society of Neurogastroenterology and Motility.

Methods

We collected clinical data of the patients who visited the gastroenterology department and underwent 2 or more sessions of upper endoscopy during 2012–2017 at 6 university hospitals in Korea. Patients with endoscopic interval between 90 days and 760 days were included. For those with multiple endoscopic sessions, only the first 2 were analyzed. Positive outcome was defined as adenoma or cancer in the upper gastrointestinal tract. To identify the point of change and estimate the properties of the stochastic process before and after the change, we used Bayesian regression with Metropolis-Hastings algorithm.

Results

There were 1595 patients. Mean age was 58.8 years (standard deviation, 12.8). Median interval of endoscopy was 437 days (standard deviation, 153). On follow-up endoscopy, there were 12 patients (0.75%) who had neoplasia (4 with gastric cancer and 8 with gastric adnoma). As with the prior hypothesis, we presumed the change point (CP) of increase in frequency of organic lesion as 360 days. After random-walk Metropolis-Hastings sampling with Markov-Chain Monte Carlo iterations of 5000, the CP was 560 days (95% credible interval, 139–724). Estimated average of frequency of dysplastic lesions increased by a factor of 4.4 after the estimated CP.

Conclusion

To rule out dysplastic lesions among dyspeptic patients who had previously normal endoscopy, a 2-year interval could be offered as follow-up interval for repeat upper endoscopy.

Combination of propofol and dezocine to improve safety and efficacy of anesthesia for gastroscopy and colonoscopy in adults: A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are important and common endoscopic methods for the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal and colorectal diseases. However, endoscopy is usually associated with adverse reactions such as nervousness, nausea, vomiting, choking cough, and pain. Severe discomfort, such as vomiting, coughing, or body movement, may lead to aggravation of a pre-existing condition or even interruption of examination or treatment, especially in some critically ill patients with physiological dysfunction (e.g., cardiovascular or respiratory disease). The optimal methods for inducing analgesia and sedation in endoscopy are areas of ongoing debate; nevertheless, determining an appropriate regimen of sedation and analgesia is important.

AIM

To evaluate the effects of propofol combined with dezocine, sufentanil, or fentanyl in painless gastroscopy and colonoscopy.

METHODS

Four hundred patients were randomly assigned to one of four groups for anesthesia: intravenous dezocine, sufentanil, fentanyl, or saline. Propofol was administered intravenously for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.

RESULTS

The dosage of propofol in the dezocine group was significantly lower than those in other groups (P < 0.01). Bispectral index and Steward score (0-6 points, an unresponsive, immobile patient whose airway requires maintenance to a fully recovered patient) after eye opening in the dezocine group were significantly higher than those in other groups (P < 0.01). Awakening time and postoperative pain score (0-10 points, no pain to unbearable pain) in the dezocine group were significantly lower than those in other groups (P < 0.01). Mean arterial pressure and pulse oxygen saturation in the dezocine group were significantly more stable at various time points (before dosing, disappearance of eyelash reflex, and wakeup) than those in other groups (P < 0.01). The rates of hypopnea, jaw thrust, body movements, and usage of vasoactive drugs in the dezocine group were significantly lower than those in other groups (P < 0.01). Additionally, the rates of reflex coughing, nausea, and vomiting were not statistically different between the four groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

The combination of propofol and dezocine can decrease propofol dosage, reduce the risk for the development of inhibitory effects on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems, increase analgesic effect, decrease body movement, shorten awakening time, and improve awakening quality.

[Preliminary application of endoscopic titanium clip localization combined with three-dimensional CT reconstruction in the determination of resection margin of gastric central cancer under laparoscopy]

Objective: To evaluate the accuracy of endoscopic titanium clip localization combined with CT three-dimensional reconstruction for the control of incision margin in early gastric cancer under laparoscopy. Methods: A prospective analysis was made for gastric cancer whose lesions were located in the middle of the stomach and T stage was 1 to 2 from October 2017 to January 2019 at Department of Gastrointestinal and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital. Totally 25 patients were eventually enrolled in the study. There were 17 males and 8 females aging of (63.6± 7.2) years (range: 48 to 77 years). All cases were treated with titanium clip localization under endoscope combined with CT three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction to construct a virtual panorama of gastric cavity and lesions, and to design surgical margins. Laparoscopic surgical resection was performed according to the surgical margins designed before operation. The distance from the gastric angle to the origin of the minor curvature of the incisional margin, the distance from the gastric angle to the the center of lesion and the distance of the upper incision margin were measured under three-dimensional CT reconstruction and under actual specimen. Paired t test was used to compare the three distances measured by two methods. Results: The measured distances from the gastric angle to the center of the lesion and the proximal incisional margin under 3D reconstruction CT were according to the measured values of actual specimens ((2.67±1.38) cm vs. (2.83±1.56) cm, t=1.51, P=0.14; (5.23±0.60) cm vs. 5 cm, t=1.93, P=0.07); the measured distances from the gastric angle to the origin of the minor curvature of the incisional margin under CT 3D reconstruction were different with the measured values of solid specimens ((5.94±0.94) cm vs. (6.37±0.90) cm, t=3.52, P=0.00). Conclusion: The method of titanium clip localization combined with CT 3D reconstruction can provide a feasible laparoscopic localization method and incision edge solution for T1 to 2 gastric central cancer.

Correlates of gastroenterology health-services utilization among patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: a large database analysis

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with high utilization of health care services. Diagnostic tests usually are not required to establish GERD diagnosis, but endoscopy is recommended for patients with alarm symptoms such as dysphagia and unintentional weight loss, and those whose symptoms are not relieved by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) therapy. Evidence on the correlates of utilization of gastroenterology health services among GERD patients is limited. The study aim was to examine associations of patient and physician’s characteristics with high utilization of gastroenterology services.

Methods

In a cross-sectional study using the database of the second largest integrated care organization in Israel, data of all adult GERD patients (N = 75,219) in 2012–2015 were analyzed. High utilization of services was assessed using two dependent variables analyzed separately: undergoing two or more gastroscopies or having six or more visits to a gastroenterology consultant during the study-period.

Results

Overall, 11,261 (15.0%) patients had two or more gastroscopies and 23,703 (31.5%) had six or more visits to a gastroenterology consultant. The likelihood of high utilization of gastroscopy increased with age; in immigrants from the Former Soviet Union versus patients who were born in Israel; residents of Jerusalem, the south, the north and Haifa districts versus the center district; in patients with high PPI purchases, and in patients who belonged to clinics in which the physician-manger had no board certification. The correlates were similar for visits to a gastroenterology consultant.

Conclusions

Patient and physician’s characteristics were related to high utilization of gastroenterology services among GERD patients. The associations with age and country of birth might reflect more severe disease. The regional differences warrant further research and interventions at the district level. Training in gastroenterology of primary care physicians without a board certification is warranted.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13584-019-0335-3) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Low Sensitivity of Simtomax Point of Care Test in Detection of Celiac Disease in a Prospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Point of care tests (POCTs) might be used to identify patients with undiagnosed celiac disease who require further evaluation. We performed a large multicenter study to determine the performance of a POCT for celiac disease and assessed celiac disease prevalence in endoscopy centers.

METHODS

We performed a prospective study of 1055 patients (888 adults; median age, 48 yrs and 167 children; median age, 10 yrs) referred to 8 endoscopy centers in Germany, for various indications, from January 2016 through June 2017. Patients were tested for celiac disease using Simtomax, which detects immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG antibodies against deamidated gliadin peptides (DGP). Results were compared with findings from histologic analyses of duodenal biopsies (reference standard). The primary aim was to determine the accuracy of this POCT for the detection of celiac disease, to identify candidates for duodenal biopsy. A secondary aim was to determine the prevalence of celiac disease in adult and pediatric populations referred for outpatient endoscopic evaluation.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of celiac disease was 4.1%. The POCT identified individuals with celiac disease with 79% sensitivity (95% CI, 64%-89%) and 94% specificity (95% CI, 93%-96%). Positive and negative predictive values were 37% and 99%. When we analyzed the adult and pediatric populations separately, we found the test to identify adults with celiac disease (prevalence 1.2%) with 100% sensitivity and 95% specificity. In the pediatric population (celiac disease prevalence 19.6%), the test produced false-negative results for 9 cases; the test therefore identified children with celiac disease with 72% sensitivity (95% CI 53%-86%). Analyses of serologic data revealed significantly lower DGP titers in the false-negative vs the true-positive group.

CONCLUSIONS

In a study of more than 1000 adults and children, we found the Simtomax POCT to detect celiac disease with lower overall levels of sensitivity than expected. Although the test identifies adults with celiac disease with high levels of sensitivity and specificity, the prevalence of celiac disease was as low as 1.2% among adults. The test's lack of sensitivity might be due to the low intensity of the POCT bands and was associated with low serum DGP titers. Study ID no: DRKS00012499.

Diagnostic utility of nasogastric tube aspiration and the ratio of blood urea nitrogen to creatinine for distinguishing upper and lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding

OBJECTIVES

The American College of Gastroenterology's 2016 clinical guidelines for treating lower gastrointestinal (GI) tract bleeding recommends evaluating of nasogastric tube aspiration and the ratio of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) to creatinine to differentiate upper from lower GI bleeds. However, the evidence base to support recommending these 2 diagnostic variables is low. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of nasogastric tube aspiration and the BUN-to-creatinine ratio for distinguishing between upper and lower GI bleeding.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic review of the literature to find studies reporting the diagnostic precision of the BUN-to-creatinine ratio and nasogastric aspiration in patients with GI bleeding without hematemesis.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of both methods is low for detecting upper GI bleeding. Both blood in the aspirate and an elevated BUN-to-creatinine ratio significantly increase the probability of finding an upper GI source. The positive likelihood ratio varies from positive 2 to 11. However, the sensitivity of both tests for a diagnosis of upper GI bleeding is very low (negative likelihood ratio of 0.6).

CONCLUSION

A negative result on either of the 2 diagnostic tests provides little useful information and does not firmly rule out an upper GI bleed. Nasogastric tube aspiration cannot be recommended for distinguishing between upper and lower GI bleeding. If the diagnosis is in doubt, endoscopic exploration of the upper GI tract is necessary.

Effect of anesthesia with propofol plus remifentanil vs etomidate plus remifentanil on respiratory function and stress in elderly patients with esophageal leukoplakia treated by gastroscopy

BACKGROUND

With the development of society and the advancement of science and technology, the patient's requirements for comfort during gastroscopy are constantly increasing, and more attention has been paid to the possible adverse reactions. More and more patients choose to undergo painless gastroscopy. Elderly patients have vascular tolerance, significant organ function decline, and higher requirements for anesthetic drugs due to age and degenerative changes. Therefore, it is important to choose the correct anesthetic drugs during gastroscopy in elderly patients.

AIM

To compare the effects of anesthesia with propofol plus remifentanil and etomidate plus remifentanil on respiratory function and stress in elderly patients with esophageal leukoplakia.

METHODS

A total of 200 elderly patients (aged 62-73 years) with esophageal leukoplakia who underwent painless gastroscopy at the Endoscopy Center of our hospital from April 2018 to October 2018 were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into either a control group or a study group, with 100 patients in each group. The control group was anesthetized with propofol and remifentanil, and the study group was anesthetized with etomidate and remifentanil. Serum oxygen saturation (SPO₂) and stress hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone, glucocorticoid, and angiotensin) before and at the end of treatment were compared between the two groups. Hemodynamics during treatment, adverse reactions during treatment, and the difference in time to recovery of spontaneous breathing time were also compared.

RESULTS

Serum levels of stress hormones in the two groups were comparable before treatment. At the end of treatment, serum levels of stress hormones (adrenocorticotropic hormone, glucocorticoid, and angiotensin) in the study group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Hemodynamics was more stable in the study group (P < 0.05). SPO₂ was significantly higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The rate of adverse reactions was significantly reduced in the study group (P < 0.05). However, the time to recovery of spontaneous breathing was significantly shorter in the control group than in the study group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Compared with anesthesia with propofol plus remifentanil, etomidate plus remifentanil in elderly patients with esophageal leukoplakia can reduce inflammatory factors and stress hormones more significantly, maintain hemodynamics and intraoperative blood oxygenation saturation more stably, and have fewer adverse reactions, but is associated with longer time to recovery of spontaneous breathing.

Vitamin D deficiency and risk of Helicobacter pylori infection in older adults: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause increased predisposition to various infectious diseases and the addition of vitamin D to antimicrobial treatment may improve treatment responses. However, the relationship between vitamin D and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) remains to be determined.

AIMS

To assess the association between vitamin D deficiency and H. pylori infection.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included patients aged 65 and over, who underwent gastroscopy and had gastric biopsy performed between 2010 and 2017. Of the 441 patients, 254 had available 25-hydroxyvitamin D level results and were included in the analyses. Patients were categorized into H. pylori (+) and H. pylori (-) groups, according to histopathological examination results of gastric biopsies. Serum 25(OH) vitamin D levels less than 20 ng/mL were defined as vitamin D deficiency.

RESULTS

Of all patients, 43 were H. pylori (+) and 211 were H. pylori (-). More patients had vitamin D deficiency (< 20 ng/mL) in the H. pylori (+) group than the H. pylori (-) group (86% vs 67.3%, p = 0.014). The proportion of H. pylori (+) patients decreased across increasing quartiles of 25(OH) vitamin D levels (p for trend = 0.010). In multivariable logistic regression analysis, vitamin D deficiency was associated with increased odds of H. pylori infection after adjustment for age, gender, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (OR = 3.02, 95% CI 1.19-7.69, p = 0.020).

CONCLUSION

Vitamin D deficiency can be associated with increased risk of H. pylori infection. The potential protective effect of vitamin D against H. pylori infection and its possible role in the treatment of H. pylori should be evaluated in prospective trials.

Impacted dental bridge in the esophagus following general anesthesia: A case report

A dental bridge impacted in the esophagus of a 43-year-old man was successfully removed using endoscopy, without any further complications. It is of utmost importance that the medical staff carefully assess the patient's dental condition, provide clear documentation, and notify the patient appropriately to prevent dental prosthesis-related complications and claims. Anesthesiologists also need to be more cautious in the perioperative period, even after extubation, because this complication may not be completely avoidable.

Direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) assessment in diagnostic gastroscopy: nationwide evidence of validity and competency development during training

Background

Validated competency assessment tools and the data supporting milestone development during gastroscopy training are lacking. We aimed to assess the validity of the formative direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) assessment tool in diagnostic gastroscopy and study competency development using DOPS.

Methods

This was a prospective multicentre (N = 275) analysis of formative gastroscopy DOPS assessments. Internal structure validity was tested using exploratory factor analysis and reliability estimated using generalisability theory. Item and global DOPS scores were stratified by lifetime procedure count to define learning curves, using a threshold determined from receiver operator characteristics (ROC) analysis. Multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of DOPS competence.

Results

In total, 10086 DOPS were submitted for 987 trainees. Exploratory factor analysis identified three distinct item groupings, representing ‘pre-procedure’, ‘technical’, and ‘post-procedure non-technical’ skills. From generalisability analyses, sources of variance in overall DOPS scores included trainee ability (31%), assessor stringency (8%), assessor subjectivity (18%), and trainee case-to-case variation (43%). The combination of three assessments from three assessors was sufficient to achieve the reliability threshold of 0.70. On ROC analysis, a mean score of 3.9 provided optimal sensitivity and specificity for determining competency. This threshold was attained in the order of ‘pre-procedure’ (100–124 procedures), ‘technical’ (150–174 procedures), ‘post-procedure non-technical’ skills (200–224 procedures), and global competency (225–249 procedures). Higher lifetime procedure count, DOPS count, surgical trainees and assessors, higher trainee seniority, and lower case difficulty were significant multivariable predictors of DOPS competence.

Conclusion

This study establishes milestones for competency acquisition during gastroscopy training and provides validity and reliability evidence to support gastroscopy DOPS as a competency assessment tool.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1007/s00464-019-06737-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorised users.

[What would you do with a patient with non-valvular atrial fibrillation treated with direct-acting oral anticoagulants who had to undergo gastroscopy or colonoscopy?]

In Spain, approximately 25% of patients anticoagulated due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation use a direct-acting anticoagulant (DOAC). It is foreseeable that most of them at some point in their lives should undergo invasive procedures or surgical treatments. This makes the management of DOAC in these situations essential in order to perform the procedure with maximum safety and minimise the risk to the maximum of haemorrhage and thrombosis. The management of this situation is based on the evaluation of the haemorrhagic risk of the patient, and the procedure to be performed, the risk of thromboembolism, and renal function. The pharmacokinetic characteristics of the DOAC also should be taken into account, especially its half-life, the degree of renal elimination and its peak action.

Establishing a model to measure and predict the quality of gastrointestinal endoscopy

BACKGROUND

Tens of millions of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are performed every year in China, but the quality varies significantly and related factors are complex. Individual endoscopist- and endoscopy division-related factors may be useful to establish a model to measure and predict the quality of endoscopy.

AIM

To establish a model to measure and predict the quality of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in mainland China.

METHODS

Selected data on endoscopy experience, equipment, facility, qualification of endoscopists, and other relevant variables were collected from the National Database of Digestive Endoscopy of China. The multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the potential predictive variables for occurrence of medical malpractice and patient disturbance. Linear and nonlinear regressions were used to establish models to predict incidence of endoscopic complications.

RESULTS

In 2012, gastroscopy/colonoscopy-related complications in mainland China included bleeding in 4,359 cases (0.02%) and perforation in 914 (0.003%). Endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiopancreatography-related complications included severe acute pancreatitis in 593 cases (0.3%), bleeding in 2,151 (1.10%), perforation in 257 (0.13%) and biliary infection in 4,125 (2.11%). Moreover, 1,313 (5.0%) endoscopists encountered with medical malpractice, and 5,243 (20.0%) encountered with the disturbance from patients. The length of endoscopy experience, weekly working hours, weekly night shifts, annual vacation days and job satisfaction were predictors for the occurrence of medical malpractice and patient disturbance. However, the length of endoscopy experience and the ratio of endoscopists to nurses were not adequate to establish an effective predictive model for endoscopy complications.

CONCLUSION

The workload and job satisfaction of endoscopists are valuable predictors for medical malpractice or patient disturbance. More comprehensive data are needed to establish quality-predictive models for endoscopic complications.

Gastroscopy Should Come Before Colonoscopy Using CO2 Insufflation in Same Day Bidirectional Endoscopies: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Aims

Same day bidirectional endoscopies (esophagogastroduodenoscopies [EGD]s and colonoscopies) are routinely performed. However, the best sequence of procedures is unknown, as is whether the use of carbon dioxide (CO₂) affects the preferred sequence of procedures. This study aims to determine the preferred sequence of procedures and choice of insufflation gas (air or CO₂) in patients undergoing same day bidirectional endoscopies.

Methods

Two hundred adults with a clinical indication for same day bidirectional endoscopies were randomized equally into four groups: A1 (EGD first, CO₂ as insufflator); A2 (EGD first, air as insufflator); B1 (colonoscopy first, CO₂ as insufflator); and B2 (colonoscopy first, air as insufflator). All procedures were performed with conscious sedation (Midazolam/Fentanyl). The primary outcome was patients’ overall comfort/satisfaction with the procedures and sedation received, as assessed by questionnaires and validated scoring scales (Nurse-Assessed Patient Comfort Score [NAPCOMS], La Crosse [WI]) collected during the procedures, before discharge, and on day 7 postprocedure.

Results

Two hundred patients were randomized, with data available for 186. Mean Midazolam dose between groups was significantly less in the EGD first groups (P=0.01). During the procedures, no differences were found in patients’ comfort as per the nurse reported NAPCOMS scores (P=0.19) or the Lacrosse (WI) endoscopy scores (P=0.05). On postprocedure days 0 and 7, no differences were found in the patients’ reported Lacrosse (WI) scores, nausea, sore throat, dizziness, satisfaction with sedation or overall level of procedural satisfaction (P>0.05 for each). However, bloating and discomfort were significantly lower in the CO₂ arms (P<0.001).

Conclusions

This randomized controlled trial using validated patient comfort scoring assessments for same day bidirectional endoscopies demonstrated that the sequence of procedures affects the sedation used but does not affect overall patient comfort or satisfaction. Lesser sedation is needed in the EGD first group, and less postprocedural abdominal pain/discomfort and bloating is seen with CO₂ insufflation.

The effect of using simethicone with or without N-acetylcysteine before gastroscopy: A meta-analysis and systemic review

BACKGROUND/AIM

To assess the efficacy and safety of simethicone with or without N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as premedications before gastroscopy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane library and Web of Science database for randomized clinical controlled trials regarding simethicone ± NAC as oral drinking agents before gastroscopy. Statistical software RevMan5.3 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Ten randomized clinical trials that fulfilled the inclusion criteria were further pooled into a meta-analysis, which included 5,750 patients. The rate of positive findings in simethicone plus NAC group was higher than that in water group (risk ratio [RR] =1.31, 95%CI: 1.12-1.53, P = 0.0006) with high level of evidence. There was no significant difference on the rate of positive findings when comparing simethicone with simethicone plus NAC (RR = 1.02, 95%CI: 0.90-1.16, P = 0.71) and with water (RR = 1.13, 95%CI: 0.82-1.55, P = 0.46), respectively. Simethicone plus NAC showed better total mucosal visibility score than simethicone alone (MD = -0.14 (-0.25, -0.03), P = 0.01) without obvious heterogeneity. Both simethicone plus NAC and simethicone alone offer more benefit than water. The procedure time in simethicone group was shorter than that in water group (MD = -1.23 (-1.51, -0.96), P < 0.00001). Regarding adverse events, there was no significant difference in simethicone and water group (RR = 0.45, 95%CI: 0.2-1.0, P = 0.05, I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

As premedication of gastroscopy, simethicone plus NAC offers more benefit on positive findings and total mucosal visibility score.

Comparison of two supplement oxygen methods during gastroscopy with intravenous propofol anesthesia in obese patients: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Hypoxemia is a major complication in obese patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy under intravenous anesthesia or sedation due to altered airway anatomy. We design this randomized controlled trial (RCT) to compare efficacy and safety of the Wei nasal jet tube (WNJT) and nasal prongs for supplement oxygen during gastroscopy with intravenous propofol anesthesia in obese patients.

METHODS

The study will be a single-center, prospective RCT. A total of 308 obese patients will be recruited and randomly assigned to receive either the WNJT (group A) or nasal prongs (group B). During gastroscopy with intravenous propofol anesthesia, 5 L/min of oxygen will be delivered through the jet port of the WNJT in the group A and via the nasal prongs in the group B. The primary outcome is the incidence of hypoxemia and severe hypoxemia. The secondary outcomes are adverse events during the gastroscopy, postoperative complications, and satisfaction of the anesthetist, physician, and patient.

DISCUSSION

This RCT aims to clarify whether the WNJT can result in reduced incidences of hypoxemia and complications and provide improved satisfaction to the anesthetist, physician, and patient. Thus, it can be determined if the WNJT is a useful tool for supplement oxygen in obese patients undergoing gastroscopy with intravenous propofol anesthesia. The results will provide the evidence for anesthesiologists to make a decision regarding the choice of supplementary oxygen methods in this condition.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial, ChiCTR-IOR-17013089 . Registered on 23 October 2017.

[Acute iron poisoning : Successful treatment of a potentially fatal suicidal attempt]

We present the case of a patient who took 150 mg per kg bodyweight of iron in a suicidal attempt. We illustrate the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures required to successfully cope with this poisoning, which is, by surprise, potentially lethal.

Endoscopic Findings of Children with Familial Mediterranean Fever

PURPOSE

Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an auto inflammatory disease characterized by periodic fever, synovitis and serositis. Patients may be admitted to gastroenterology units due to gastrointestinal symptoms. In this study; we aimed to analyze endoscopic findings and diagnostic utility of endoscopic procedure in children with FMF.

METHODS

Patient with FMF that was performed endoscopy for the gastrointestinal symptoms were included to the study (39 of 164 patients, 53 procedure). A control group was randomly designed as age and gender matched four endoscopic procedures per one endoscopic procedure of patients with FMF (n=212).

RESULTS

No different was found between the patients and control group in esophagogastroscopy findings. However, the diagnosis of gastrointestinal pathology was made by esophagogastroscopy in 46.2% patients. Colonoscopic examination revealed that the frequency of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) was higher in undiagnosed patients compared to both the control group (50.0% vs. 6.9%, p<0.05, odds ratio [OR]:13.4 and 95% confidence inteval [95% CI]: 2.1-84.3) and the patients under colchicine treatment (50.0% vs. 8.3%, p<0.05, OR: 11 and 95% CI: 0.8-147.8). Colonoscopic procedure that was made after the diagnosis was found to provide contribution by 16.7% in determining the etiology of the additional symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FMF may be admitted to pediatric gastroenterology outpatient clinic prior to diagnosis or during the follow-up period. The frequency of IBD is high in undiagnosed patients with FMF. Endoscopic procedures may be helpful in these patients for the diagnosis accompanying mucosal lesions.

Effect of ultra-early and early gastroscopy on hemostasis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding

AIM

To compare the effect of ultra-early and early gastroscopy on hemostasis in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

METHODS

A total of 110 cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding were selected and divided into an ultra-early group (onset of admission and gastroscopy within 8 h, 48 cases) and an early group (onset of admission and gastroscopy within 8-24 h, 62 cases) according to the time of gastroscopy. The Forrest grade, bleeding detection rate, detection rate of active bleeding, success rate of hemostasis, bleeding volume, blood transfusion rate, hospitalization time, and rate of rebleeding were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The Forrest classification of bleeding in the two groups had no statistical difference (P > 0.05). There were also no significant differences in the detection rates of hemorrhage and active bleeding between the two groups (P > 0.05). The successful rates of hemostasis in the two groups were 91.67% and 93.55%, respectively, with no significant difference (P > 0.05). The amount of bleeding, hospital stay, and blood transfusion in the ultra-early group were 174.58 mL ± 13.14 mL, 5.71 d ± 1.65 d, and 4.17%, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the early group (184.65 mL ± 16.24 mL, 7.02 d ± 2.01 d, and 8.06 %; P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in rebleeding rate between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultra-early or early gastroscopy is highly effective in detection of bleeding in patients with upper gastroin-testinal bleeding and achieving hemostasis, and ultra-early gastroscopy can better reduce bleeding and transfusion rates, shorten hospital stay, and is associated with better results.

Value of gastroscopy in dyspepsia patients without warning symptoms

AIM

To assess the clinical diagnostic value of gastroscopy in dyspepsia patients without warning symptoms.

METHODS

Clinical data for patients undergoing gastroscopy for dyspepsia, including demographic information and symptoms, were collected with questionnaires and analyzed by combining with gastroscopic and histopathological findings.

RESULTS

A Total of 521 cases were enrolled, of which 163 (31.3%) had primary lesions that were detectable by gastroscopy, including 95 (18.2%) with erosive esophagitis, 65 (12.5%) with peptic ulcers, and 3 (0.58%) with upper malignancy. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that male gender, epigastric pain, and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection were independent risk factors for the presence of primary lesions detectable by gastroscopy.

CONCLUSION

Dyspepsia is one of the main reasons for outpatients seeking medical treatment in Department of Gastroen-terology. Gastroscopy is a necessity for these patients even without any warning symptoms, which is especially true for male patients, patients with epigastric pain or H. pylori infection, in order to prevent the omission of organic diseases such as peptic ulcer, reflux esophagitis, and even upper malignancy.

Effects of small-dose remifentanil combined with index of consciousness monitoring on gastroscopic polypectomy: a prospective, randomized, single-blinded trial

BACKGROUND

With the development of painless diagnosis and treatment, remifentanil, a synthetic opioid agonist, is increasingly used in gastroscopy for its rapid, short-term, and potent analgesic effect. However, the dosage of remifentanil used in endoscopy is unclear. Index of consciousness (IOC) is a new anesthesia depth-monitoring indicator that can be divided into index of consciousness 1 (IOC₁) and index of consciousness 2 (IOC₂); IOC₁ is used for estimating a patient's sedation state, whereas IOC₂ reflects analgesic depth. We hypothesized that combining with IOC₁ and IOC₂ monitoring may be helpful to identify an optimal remifentanil dosage in gastroscopic polypectomy.

METHODS

One hundred twenty patients scheduled for gastroscopic polypectomy were enrolled and were randomly assigned to remifentanil 2 ng/mL (group R2), 4 ng/mL (group R4), or 6 ng/mL (group R6), and 40 cases were in each group. During the anesthesia period, remifentanil was kept at the initial given concentration but propofol was adjusted according to IOC₁. The primary outcomes were the dosage of propofol and remifentanil. The secondary outcomes were the variety of IOC₁ and IOC₂, patients' awakening time, and peri-operative adverse reactions such as hypotension, hypertension, bradycardia, tachycardia, body movements, hypoxemia, therapy interruption, nausea, vomiting, aspiration, and intra-operative awareness.

RESULTS

With the increasing dosage of remifentanil, the propofol dosage and patients' awakening time decreased significantly, the morbidity of hypertension and body movements also declined, but the incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, and hypoxemia rose. In group R2, the value of IOC₂ remained above 50 during the treatment. However, IOC₂ dropped to below 30 at the beginning of the gastroscopy in group R6, and there was statistical difference in hypoxemia between groups R2 and R6 (P <0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

With the help of IOC monitoring, we found that a target concentration of remifentanil 4 ng/mL is comparatively ideal in patients under gastroscopic polypectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register: ChiCTR-OOD-16009489 , on October 19, 2016.

Upper gastrointestinal tract capsule endoscopy using a nurse-led protocol: First reported experience

AIM

To test the feasibility and performance of a novel upper gastrointestinal (GI) capsule endoscope using a nurse-led protocol.

METHODS

We conducted a prospective cohort analysis of patients who declined gastroscopy (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, OGD) but who consented to upper GI capsule endoscopy. Patients swallowed the upper GI capsule following ingestion of 1 liter of water (containing simethicone). A series of positional changes were used to exploit the effects of water flow and move the upper GI capsule from one gravity-dependent area to another using a nurse-led protocol. Capsule transit time, video reading time, mucosal visualisation, pathology detection and patient tolerance was evaluated.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included in the study. The mean capsule transit times in the oesophagus and stomach were 28 s and 68 min respectively. Visualisation of the following major anatomical landmarks was achieved (graded 1-5: Poor to excellent): Oesophagus, 4.8 (± 0.5); gastro-oesophageal junction (GOJ), 4.8 (± 0.8); cardia, 4.8 (± 0.8); fundus, 3.8 (± 1.2); body, 4.5 (± 1); antrum, 4.5 (± 1); pylorus, 4.7 (± 0.8); duodenal bulb, 4.7 (± 0.7); second part of the duodenum (D2), 4.7 (± 1). The upper GI capsule reached D2 in 64% of patients. The mean video reading time was 48 min with standard playback mode and 20 min using Quickview (P = 0.0001). No pathology was missed using Quickview. Procedural tolerance was excellent. No complications were seen with the upper GI capsule.

CONCLUSION

The upper GI capsule achieved excellent views of the upper GI tract. Future studies should compare the diagnostic accuracy between upper GI capsule and OGD.

Revision of Quality Indicators for the Endoscopy Quality Improvement Program of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are widely used for the early diagnosis of stomach and colorectal cancer. The present revision integrates recent data regarding previous quality indicators and novel indicators suggested for gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures for the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea. The new indicators, developed by the Quality Improvement Committee of the Korean Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, vary in the level of supporting evidence, and most are based solely on expert opinion. Updated indicators validated by clinical research were prioritized, but were chosen by expert consensus when such studies were absent. The resultant quality indicators were graded according to the levels of consensus and recommendations. The updated indicators will provide a relevant guideline for high-quality endoscopy. The future direction of quality indicator development should include relevant outcome measures and an evidence-based approach to support proposed performance targets.

[Revision of Quality Indicators for the Endoscopy Quality Improvement Program of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea]

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are widely used for the early diagnosis of stomach and colorectal cancer. The present revision integrates recent data regarding previous quality indicators and novel indicators suggested for gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures for the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea. The new indicators, developed by the Quality Improvement Committee of the Korean Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, vary in the level of supporting evidence, and most are based solely on expert opinion. Updated indicators validated by clinical research were prioritized, but were chosen by expert consensus when such studies were absent. The resultant quality indicators were graded according to the levels of consensus and recommendations. The updated indicators will provide a relevant guideline for high-quality endoscopy. The future direction of quality indicator development should include relevant outcome measures and an evidence-based approach to support proposed performance targets.

[Endoscopic screening for upper gastrointestinal second primary malignancies in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma]

Objective: To evaluate the usefullness of flexible esophagoscopy and chromoendoscopy with Lugol's solution in the detection of synchronous esophageal neoplasm in patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HSCC). Methods: A retrospective review of 96 cases with HSCC that received surgical treatment from March 2016 to March 2017 was accomplished. In these patients, the site of origin were pyriform sinus (n=75), posterior pharyngeal wall (n=11) and postcricoid (n=10). Esophagoscopy was prospectively performed on all patients before treatment for HSCC. All patients underwent conventional white-light endoscopic examination with Lugol chromoendoscopy and narrow band image. Suspicious areas of narrow band image or Lugol-voiding lesions were observed and biopsied. The treatment strategy of primary HSCC was modified according to the presence of synchronous esophageal squamous cell neoplasms by a multidisciplinary approach. Results: Ninety-six patients were enrolled (age ranging from 37-80 years). All patients did not have previous treatment.Histopathological analysis revealed middle to high-grade dysplasia in 5 cases, Tis cancer in 5 cases, cancer in 16 cases and inflammation or normal findings in the others. Four cases were treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection before hypopharygeal surgery, 3 cases with lower esophageal cancers were treated with gastric pull-up combined with free jejunal flap after total circumferential pharyngolaryngectomy (TCPL) and certical esophagectomy, and 14 cases were treated with TCPL, total esophagectomy and gastric pull-up. Conclusions: Esophagoscopy is a feasible and justified procedure in HSCC cases as it enhances the detection of premalignant lesion or second primary cancer. Routine esophagoscopy for detecting synchronous second primary tumor should be recommended for patients with HSCC. The treatment strategy for primary HSCC is modified according to the presence of synchronous second primary tumor.

Serological biomarker testing helps avoiding unnecessary endoscopies in obese patients before bariatric surgery

Background

To assess the value of serological biomarker testing as a substitute for esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) in pre-operative assessment of patients referred for bariatric surgery.

Methods

Sixty-five obese patients with a mean age of 43 years (range: 21–65) and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 44 (range: 36–59) were studied. The patients were tested with a four-biomarker panel: pepsinogen I and II, gastrin-17 (basal and stimulated), and Helicobacter pylori (HP) antibodies (GastroPanel®, Biohit Oyj, Finland). On the basis of the biomarker test, the patients were classified into the HS (healthy stomach) group (n = 22) with the normal biomarker profile and the NHS (non-healthy stomach) group (n = 43). The classification of patients into HS and NHS was evaluated against the gold standard, i.e. EGDS with biopsies.

Results

The concordance (Cohen’s kappa) between the biomarker test and gastric histology was 0.68; 95% CI 0.504–0.854, with an overall agreement of 84.6% (95% CI 73.9–91.4%). In the NHS group, all 43 patients had biopsy-confirmed chronic gastritis: 39 non-atrophic HP-gastritis, 4 atrophic antrum gastritis (AGA) of moderate severity.

In the HS group only 6 patients had mild superficial H.pylori negative gastritis. Of the 22 HS subjects with the normal biomarker profile, 20 (31% of all 65) had no complaints either, while the remaining two had reflux symptoms with esophagitis. In the NHS group 10 patients had esophagitis and 8 had also reflux symptoms.

Conclusions

The normal biomarker profile is an excellent surrogate for healthy stomach, implicating that pre-operative EGDS could have been avoided in 31% of our asymptomatic bariatric surgery patients who had the normal biomarker profile.