Provision of gastrointestinal endoscopy and related services for a district general hospital. Working Party of the Clinical Services Committee of the British Society of Gastroenterology

Effect of alverine citrate plus simethicone in colonoscopy: a randomized controlled trial

Colonoscopy is the standard procedure for screening, and surveillance of colorectal cancer, including the treatment for colonic lesions. Colonic spasm is an important problem from colonoscopy that affects both surgeons and patients. The spasm also might be the cause of longer cecal intubation time, difficulty of the procedure, and increased pain. Previous reports indicated that antispasmodic agents can decrease such symptoms. Therefore, we conducted this study to investigate the cecal intubation time of antispasmodic agents. A single blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted from 01/11/2020 to 31/08/2021. One hundred four patients were allocated to antispasmodic agent group and control group, in 1:1 ratio. The efficacy of median (range) cecal intubation time showed similar results of 5 (2, 14) and 5 (2, 15) minutes with no statistically significant difference. The mean scores of all domains i.e., pain, spasm, cleanliness, and difficulty were better in the antispasmodic agent group about 2.6 (1.4), 1.8 (0.8), 2.4 (0.9), and 2.0 (0.9), respectively, than control group but there were spasm and cleanliness showed statistically significant difference. Moreover, the satisfaction scores showed better efficacy in decreased spasm, decreased difficulty, and increased cleanliness than control group. Prescribing of antispasmodic drugs before colonoscopy might be the choice of treatment for the patients. The antispasmodic drugs will be beneficial to both of the patient and the doctor.

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.

Appropriateness of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Will the Diagnostic Yield Improve by the use of American Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines?

Aim

Open access endoscopy allows physicians and general practitioners (GIs) to refer patients for endoscopy without prior outpatient consultation. This system was introduced to reduce waiting time to the procedure and subsequent diagnosis. Concerns have been raised regarding misuse of this system with increasing number of inappropriate referrals and hence more normal examinations, which has implications on a public-funded health system. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriate use of the open access system at a rural New Zealand hospital and to see if the diagnostic yield improves by following the American Society of Gastroenterology (ASGE) guidelines for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy [esophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGD)].

Materials and methods

This was a prospective study including all the patients who had OGD at Taranaki Base Hospital between December 2013 and 2014. A total of 1,019 patients had OGD during this time period. The ASGE guidelines were used to see the relationship between appropriateness of OGD and finding of a relevant endoscopic diagnosis.

Results

Fifty-eight percent of the OGDs were judged to be appropriate and 42% inappropriate by the explicit criteria. No cancer was found in OGDs judged to be inappropriate. Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies judged appropriate yielded significantly more relevant lesions than those judged to be inappropriate [65% vs 32%; odds ratio 3.94, 99% confidence interval (CI) 2.78, 5.57; p < 0.01].

Conclusion

The use of ASGE guidelines increases diagnostic yield of OGDs done, which is crucial to cost-effectiveness of an open access system and makes the system more efficient in selecting and treating patients who need it the most, in an acceptable time span.

How to cite this article

Tahir M. Appropriateness of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Will the Diagnostic Yield Improve by the use of American Society of Gastroenterology Guidelines? Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2016;6(2):143-148.

Should computerised tomography replace endoscopy in the evaluation of symptomatic ingestion of corrosive substances?

INTRODUCTION

Corrosive ingestions are common, although most ingestions do not result in clinically significant effects. Limited guidance is available on the role of endoscopy and/or computerised tomography (CT) in the investigation of individuals with corrosive ingestion, and the present data regarding predictors of poor outcome are confusing. Furthermore, whilst there are many case series describing the use of endoscopy in corrosive ingestions, no clear ideal time frame has been established as to when it should be undertaken. More recently, CT has been used to grade injuries, but there are few studies on its role in managing corrosive injuries, and those studies that have been reported are conflicting in their results.

METHODS

A Medline search was performed with the terms 'Caustic ingestion' and 'Corrosive ingestion' and a second search by adding the words 'Endoscopy', 'CT', and 'Computerised tomography' as a subject term or keyword. These searches revealed a total of 277 reviews and papers, of which 33 original papers were relevant for analysis. Three further papers were identified during the analysis of these papers and a PubMed search of the same terms added one further paper, bringing the total to 37. There have been no prospective, randomised controlled trials directly comparing endoscopy and CT. Only two retrospective studies compared the use of CT and that of endoscopy. Thirty-five studies examined whether an endoscopy is always needed, and if so, within what time frame this should be done: CT or endoscopy? A review of these studies suggests that the data regarding the use of CT in these circumstances are not yet of sufficient weight to replace endoscopy as the first-line investigation in corrosive ingestion-related injury. Who needs investigation after corrosive ingestion? We believe that signs and symptoms indicate the likelihood of clinically significant injury in adults. Specifically, any evidence of oropharyngeal burns, drooling, vomiting, pain or dysphagia clearly indicates the need for an endoscopy. In children, it appears that an even greater degree of caution is needed. How soon after ingestion should investigation be performed? For whom an endoscopy is required, it is prudent to enable surgery and other specifics regarding management of corrosives to be decided quickly (< 12 h). There are many incidences where endoscopy has been done safely beyond 48 h although this is not needed frequently. Management recommendations Asymptomatic patients, particularly adults with a normal clinical examination and who can eat and drink normally, can be discharged safely without endoscopy. Endoscopy is preferred over CT in the assessment of risk in symptomatic patients with corrosive ingestion. If patients have any oropharyngeal injury and in particular symptoms of drooling, vomiting, dysphagia or pain (retrosternal or otherwise), the risk of having a high-grade injury is higher, and urgent endoscopy should be performed to grade the injury and determine whether surgical intervention is required. Patients who have non-specific symptoms, such as cough, should also undergo endoscopy, but this is less urgent.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the lack of high-quality clinical trial data, the available evidence and clinical experience support the use of early endoscopy (< 12 h) in patients who are symptomatic after ingestion of a corrosive substance. We propose a clinical guideline that can be used to help plan management of corrosives.

Guidelines for designing a digestive disease endoscopy unit: report of the World Endoscopy Organization

A dedicated digestive disease endoscopy unit is structurally and functionally differentiating rapidly as a result of increasing diagnostic and therapeutic possibilities in the last 10-20 years. Publications with practical details are scarce, imposing a challenge in the construction of such a unit. The lack of authoritative information about endoscopy unit design means that architects produce their own design with or without consulting endoscopists working in such a unit. A working group of the World Endoscopy Organization discussed and outlined a practical approach fordesign and construction of a modern endoscopy unit. Designing the layout is extremely important, necessitating thoughtful planning to provide comfort to the endoscopy staff and patients, and efficient data archiving and transmission during endoscopic services.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and tooth erosion: SEPAHAN systematic review no. 10

Many systemic diseases affect oral health. The aim of this research was to conduct a systematic review on the association between dental erosion (DE) and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the effect of saliva's flow rate, buffering capacity and oral microbial changes caused by GERD. All descriptive, analytical studies up to December 2011 that have relevant objectives, proper sampling method and sufficient results were included by searching PubMed and Scopus electronic data bases. Fifteen studies were selected according to our inclusion criteria (10 in adult and 5 in children population). There was a strong association between DE and GERD in the adult population, and the relationship in the children population was found to be of less importance. Early diagnosis and treatment of refluxed acid in both age groups through lifestyle changes and medications can prevent further damage and tooth loss.

Quality assurance in endoscopy nursing

Since the 1960s quality assurance has become an integral part of medicine and nursing. The aims of quality assurance cover patient and staff safety and satisfaction, economical factors and the implementation of health care policy. Endoscopy units can be established in hospitals, primary care or ambulatory endoscopy centres. The quality of endoscopy facilities should be the same irrespective where endoscopy is carried out. Endoscopy staff is responsible for individualised, comprehensive patient care, technical assistance including reprocessing, documentation and management of endoscopy units. Quality criteria for endoscopy nursing cover pre, intra and post procedure care. However, a complete separation between clinical medical and nursing outcome criteria is often difficult in Endoscopy, as the clinical interventions are a combination of both medical and nursing actions. It is the combined effort of all staff with the support from the health care provider that leads to a high quality of patient care in Endoscopy.

A nine-year audit of open-access upper gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: results and experience of a single centre

BACKGROUND

The appropriateness and safety of open-access endoscopy are very important issues as its use continues to increase.

OBJECTIVE

To present a review of a nine-year experience with open-access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with respect to indications, diagnostic efficacy, safety and diseases diagnosed.

METHODS

A retrospective, observational case series of all patients who underwent open-access endoscopy between January 2000 and December 2008 was conducted. Indications were classified as appropriate or not appropriate according to American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) guidelines. Endoscopic diagnoses were based on widely accepted criteria. Major complication rates were assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 20,620 patients with a mean age of 58 years were assessed, of whom 11,589 (56.2%) were women and 9031 (43.8%) were men. Adherence to ASGE indications led to statistically significant, clinically relevant findings. The most common indications in patients older than age 45 years of age were dyspepsia (28.5%) and anemia (19.7%) in the ASGE-appropriate group, and dyspepsia in patients younger than 45 years of age without therapy trial (6.6%) in the nonappropriate group. Of the examinations, 38.57% were normal. Hiatal hernia and nonerosive gastritis were the most common findings. Important diagnoses such as malignancies and duodenal ulcers would have been missed if endoscopies were performed only according to appropriateness. There were only two major complications and no mortalities.

CONCLUSIONS

Open-access upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is a safe and effective system. More relevant findings were found when adhering to the ASGE guidelines. However, using these guidelines as the sole determining factor in whether to perform an endoscopy is not advisable because many clinically relevant diagnoses may be overlooked.

Gastroenterology service in a teaching hospital in rural New Zealand, 1991-2003

AIM: To retrospectively collect inpatient and outpatient data and to assess the use of endoscopic procedures during the years 1991, 1997 and 2003 to analyse for trends.

METHODS: This retrospective survey was conducted in a University-associated Gastroenterology Unit offering secondary and tertiary health care services for a population of approximately 182 000 people in Southern New Zealand. Data collected included patient contacts (in- and outpatients), gastroscopic and colonoscopic investigations.

RESULTS: We observed a significant increase in the absolute numbers of patient contacts over the years (1991: 2308 vs 1997: 2022 vs 2003: 2783, P < 0.0001) with inflammatory bowel disease, other diseases of the colon, anus and rectum and iron studies related disorders decreasing significantly but liver disease and constipation increasing linearly over time. The use of endoscopy services remained relatively stable but colonoscopic investigations for a positive family history of colorectal cancer increased significantly while more gastroscopies were performed for unexplained anaemia.

CONCLUSION: The whole spectrum of gastroenterology contacts was studied. A substantial proportion of colonoscopies and outpatient consultations were undertaken to screen for colorectal cancer. This proportion is likely to grow further. Our findings have implications for the recruitment and training of the next generation of gastroenterologists.

[Guidelines for the rational use of endoscopy to improve the detection of relevant lesions in an open-access endoscopy unit: a prospective study]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Almost 50% of gastrointestinal endoscopies performed in our Unit correspond to patients coming from primary care. Since resources are finite, adherence to appropriate indications for these procedures is essential. We prospectively assessed the appropriateness of gastrointestinal endoscopies referred from Primary Care according to the European Panel on the Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EPAGE) criteria.

PATIENTS AND METHOD

From May to June 2005, all consecutive patients referred from Primary care to our unit for open-access endoscopy were included (478 colonoscopies and 264 gastroscopies). Appropriateness of each exploration was established according to the EPAGE criteria. In order to evaluate whether appropriateness of use correlated with the diagnostic yield of endoscopies, relevant endoscopic findings were recorded.

RESULTS

In 146 patients (20%), an endoscopy indication was not listed in the EPAGE guidelines or data were incomplete and they were not evaluated. In the remaining 596 patients, the indication of the procedure was considered appropriate in 401 (67%) patients (253 [69%], colonoscopies and 148 [65%], gastroscopies). The diagnostic yield was significantly higher for appropriate endoscopies (30% vs 7%, p < 0.001). Endoscopies were more appropriate in older patients and in non-foreigners.

CONCLUSIONS

The diagnostic yield of gastrointestinal endoscopies in patients coming from primary Care increases with the appropriateness of indications according to the EPAGE criteria. Since a noteworthy proportion of these patients' endoscopies are considered inappropriate, the implementation of validated guidelines for its appropriate use could improve this situation.

Terminal ileal photography or biopsy to verify total colonoscopy: does the endoscope agree with the microscope?

BACKGROUND

Various modalities exist to document the extent of colonoscopy, including a terminal ileum (TI) biopsy, which is considered the criterion standard by some authorities. A TI biopsy adds to procedure costs, is potentially hazardous, and the detection of pathology in routinely acquired biopsy specimens of a macroscopically normal TI is limited. A safer, less costly alternative for documenting total colonoscopy is desirable.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of TI photography as a means of documenting total colonoscopy. We also assessed the diagnostic yield of TI biopsies in patients with a macroscopically normal TI.

DESIGN

Prospective, observational study.

SETTING

District general hospital in the United Kingdom.

PATIENTS

A total of 232 unselected patients undergoing colonoscopy, TI intubation, photography, and biopsy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Independent, experienced endoscopists were asked to state whether villi (and, therefore, TI entry) were "definitely," "probably," or "definitely not" depicted in TI photographs. This was compared with TI histology as a means of verifying total colonoscopy. The diagnostic yield of biopsy specimens from a macroscopically normal TI was determined.

RESULTS

Reviewers agreed that villi were "definitely present" in 93.8%, "probably present" in 5.9%, and "definitely not" present in 0.3% of cases, with excellent interobserver agreement (kappa value = 0.778, P < .0001). TI photographs "definitely" depicting villi (93.8%) did not differ significantly from histology confirming TI mucosa (96.1%, P = .285). Microscopic evidence of pathology was only detectable in 2.3% of patients with an endoscopically normal TI.

CONCLUSIONS

TI photography is an effective, safe, and cost-effective means of documenting total colonoscopy. Routine biopsy of a "normal" TI has a low diagnostic yield.

Gastrointestinal endoscopy decontamination failure and the risk of transmission of blood-borne viruses: a review

The risk of blood-borne virus transmission with an inadequately decontaminated endoscope during gastrointestinal endoscopy remains unclear, although it is likely to be low. A systematic review of the literature was undertaken to determine previous episodes of blood-borne virus transmission in these circumstances. In total, 31 articles were included in this review. No articles relating to possible transmission of human immunodeficiency virus were identified. The articles included were generally case series or case reports and were written prior to the comprehensive endoscope decontamination guidelines in use today. The results suggest that hepatitis B and hepatitis C transmission are low during endoscopy with an inadequately decontaminated endoscope.

Dysphagia referrals to a district general hospital gastroenterology unit: hard to swallow

The aim of our study was to audit dysphagia referrals received by a specialist gastroenterology unit during an entire year. We used a prospective audit carried out over a 12-month period at the District General Hospital gastroenterology unit. The audit included 396 consecutive patients who were referred with swallowing difficulties. We found that 60 referrals (15.2%) were inaccurate and the patients had no swallowing problem. Of the 336 patients with genuine dysphagia, only 29 (8.6%) were new cancer cases. The large majority of subjects had benign disease mostly related to acid reflux. Weight loss was significantly associated with malignancy but also occurred in one third of patients with reflux alone. The temporal pattern of dysphagia was not significantly predictive of cancer. All the cancer patients were above the age of 50 years. Although patients were in general assessed rapidly after hospital referral, the productivity, in terms of early tumor diagnosis, was extremely low. We conclude that there is a substantial rate of inaccurate referrals of dysphagia patients. Most true cases of swallowing difficulty relate to benign disease. Even the devotion of considerable resources to the early diagnosis of esophago gastric malignancy in an attempt to conform with best practice guidelines results in a very low success rate in terms of the detection of potentially curable tumors.

Comparison between the two systems to evaluate the appropriateness of endoscopy of the upper digestive tract

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the diagnostic performance of the two systems for the evaluation of the appropriateness of upper digestive endoscopy suggested by the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) and by the European Panel on the Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EPAGE).

METHODS

Patients referred for the upper digestive endoscopy (EGD) to a University Outpatients Clinic of Northeastern Italy were consecutively included in this prospective observational study. Before the EGD, the endoscopist assigned the patients to one of the ASGE appropriateness classes; another endoscopist then identified the detailed clinical scenario for the patients, which corresponds to scenarios examined by EPAGE by using a nine-point scale: 1-3 inappropriate; 4-6 uncertain; and 7-9 appropriate. The relationship between the appropriateness of use and the presence of relevant endoscopic lesions (neoplasms, ulcers, esophagitis, erosive gastritis/duodenitis, stenosis, and varices) was assessed, calculating the sensitivity and the specificity for each of the ASGE criteria, and each of the EPAGE scores, and plotting them to form a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) provides a summary measure of test performance, and can vary from a minimum of 0.5 to a maximum of 1.0. We compared the AUC of the ROC curve derived from the ASGE criteria against that derived from the EPAGE criteria.

RESULTS

A total of 2,300 consecutive patients were included in the study (42% men; mean age: 57.3; range: 12-99); comparison of appropriateness criteria according to the ASGE and EPAGE could be made for 2,000 patients. The AUC of the ROC curve derived from the ASGE criteria was 0.553 (95% CI: 0.527-0.579), significantly higher than the AUC of the ROC curve derived from the EPAGE score: 0.523 (95% CI: 0.497-0.549; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

We suggest that the diagnostic yield for relevant endoscopic findings obtained by both the systems (ASGE and EPAGE) is low; slightly better results could be accomplished by the ASGE criteria.

How do general practitioners rate their relationship with gastroenterologists?

BACKGROUND

Relations between general practitioners and the hospital consultants are often considered difficult, and occasionally generate conflicts, potentially affecting the patient management and healthcare system organisation. These views, however, have partly been contradicted by structured surveys and qualitative studies.

AIMS

We conducted a survey on the general practitioners' opinions regarding their relations with the gastroenterological-endoscopy services in order to explore current attitudes, any negative aspects and assess scope for improvement.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Structured questionnaires were sent to 221 general practitioners in the Veneto region of Italy; the questionnaire was based on 26 questions concerning their subjective relations with the gastroenterologists, expertise in the gastroenterological problems and perceived efficiency of gastroenterological services.

RESULTS

As many as 106 doctors answered the postal questionnaire (mean: 15 per province; range 5-20). Responses to the structured questions totalled to 2,339 items, out of which 1,234 (53%) presented positive responses, particularly with regard to admissions' management and the adequacy of referral reports. Many general practitioners reported of their participation in the meetings on gastroenterological problems. Homecare referrals were limited in number, even for the patients with tube feeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Relations between the general practitioners in Veneto and local gastroenterological services were generally good, possibly reflecting the well-developed outreach network. This liaison could be further improved via closer interrelations based not only on the patient referrals but also on the professional and information exchange to promote successful practice.

A prospective study of colonoscopy practice in the UK today: are we adequately prepared for national colorectal cancer screening tomorrow?

AIM

To study the availability and quality of adult and paediatric colonoscopy in three National Health Service (NHS) regions.

METHOD

A prospective four month study of colonoscopies in North East Thames, West Midlands, and East Anglia.

PATIENTS

Subjects undergoing colonoscopy in 68 endoscopy units.

RESULTS

A total of 9223 colonoscopies were studied. The mean number of colonoscopies performed over the four month period was 142 in district general hospitals and 213 in teaching hospitals. Intravenous sedation was administered in 94.6% of procedures, but 2.2% and 11.4% of "at risk" patients did not have continuous venous access or did not receive supplemental oxygen, respectively. Caecal intubation was recorded in 76.9% of procedures but the adjusted caecal intubation rate was only 56.9%. Reasons for failing to reach the caecum included patient discomfort (34.7%), looping (29.7%), and poor bowel preparation (19.6%). A normal colonoscopy was reported in 42.1%. The most common diagnosis was polyps (22.5%) followed by diverticular disease (14.9%). Inflammatory bowel disease was recorded in 13.9% and carcinoma in 3.8%. Only half of the patients remembered being told of possible adverse events prior to the procedure. Rectal bleeding requiring admission following colonoscopy was reported in six patients. The overall perforation rate was 1:769 and colonoscopy was considered a possible factor in six deaths occurring within 30 days of the procedure. Only 17.0% of colonoscopists had received supervised training for their first 100 colonoscopies and only 39.3% had attended a training course.

CONCLUSION

There is serious under provision of colonoscopy service in most NHS hospitals. Endoscopy sedation guidelines are not always adhered to and there is a wide variation in practice between units. Colonoscopy is often incomplete and does not achieve the target 90% caecal intubation rate. Serious complications of colonoscopy were comparable with previous studies. Training in colonoscopy is often inadequate and improved practice should result from better training.

Diagnosis of gastritis by means of a combination of serological analyses

BACKGROUND

Gastroscopy and examination of biopsy is normally required for diagnosis of gastritis. This is costly and inconvenient for the patient, and there is a need for a simple pregastroscopic screening method to reduce the endoscopy workload. Our aim was to develop a serological screening test for gastritis.

METHODS

Sera from subjects examined with gastroscopy and biopsy were analyzed for H,K-ATPase antibodies, Helicobacter pylori antibodies and pepsinogen I. The diagnoses were normal gastric mucosa (n=50), duodenal ulcer (n=53) and atrophic corpus gastritis, with (n=50) or without pernicious anemia (n=46).

RESULTS

An evaluation scheme was constructed to optimize the diagnostic agreement between serology and gastric mucosal morphology. The sensitivity to detect gastritis was 98% (146/149) (95% CI 94-100%) and the specificity 84% (42/50) (95% CI 71-93%). Additional sera from 483 subjects from the general population were analyzed. There was a good agreement between serology and gastric mucosal morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

Assays of multiple serum analytes are useful for the initial screening of gastritis. They are complementary to upper gastroscopy by identification of subjects with a normal gastric mucosa, those who qualify for eradication of H. pylori, and those who have developed atrophy and are at risk of developing malignancy and, therefore, require gastroscopic examination.

Cost effectiveness of omeprazole and ranitidine in intermittent treatment of symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease

OBJECTIVE

This 1-year study compared the cost effectiveness of omeprazole and ranitidine when used as initial therapy in an intermittent treatment strategy for the management of patients with symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease with or without erosive oesophagitis.

DESIGN AND SETTING

A prospective health economic analysis was conducted alongside an international multicentre randomised, double-blind clinical study. The economic analysis was performed from a societal perspective.

PATIENTS

A total of 704 patients in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, Germany, France, Italy and Spain were randomised to 1 of the 3 treatment groups.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were randomised to receive either omeprazole 20 mg once daily, omeprazole 10 mg once daily or ranitidine 150 mg twice daily. Initial treatment failure resulted in dose titration and drug switching from ranitidine to omeprazole, and subsequently open maintenance treatment.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES AND RESULTS

The estimated mean direct medical costs (medication and number of visits and endoscopies) were found to be lower for both dosages of omeprazole than for ranitidine in all countries except Germany. However, none of the differences were statistically significant. The differences between omeprazole 10 mg and omeprazole 20 mg were small and nonsignificant. With regard to numbers of symptom-free days, both omeprazole 20 mg and omeprazole 10 mg were found to be more effective than ranitidine. However, none of the differences were statistically significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Following a pragmatic interpretation, incorporating intermediate short term results, the results in this study give no support to the notion that a step-up approach, either as dose titration from omeprazole 10 mg to omeprazole 20 mg or as drug switching from ranitidine to omeprazole, will result in cost savings and thereby be cost effective.

Serologic screening before endoscopy: the value of Helicobacter pylori serology, serum recognition of the CagA and VacA proteins, and serum pepsinogen I

BACKGROUND

We wanted to assess the diagnostic value of pre-endoscopy screening by Helicobacter pylori serology, serum recognition of the CagA and VacA proteins, and serum pepsinogen I levels (sPGI) in patients up to 55 years of age with uncomplicated simple dyspepsia.

METHODS

Consecutive dyspeptic patients referred for open-access endoscopy, excluding patients with alarm symptoms, recent intake of acid suppressants, or ingestion of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. H. pylori status was determined by histology and urease testing. H. pylori serologic status was determined with the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting, serum recognition of CagA and VacA with Western blot, and sPGI levels by radioimmunoassay.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifteen patients were studied (mean age, 40 years: range, 20-55 years), of whom 58 were H. pylori-positive in biopsy-based tests. Twenty-one patients (18%) had significant gastroduodenal lesions (erosions, ulcers, or cancer). The sensitivity (specificity) of the ELISA (optimized) and Western blot in determining H. pylori status was 94.8% (89.5%) and 100% (96.4%), respectively. Screening strategies based on the ELISA or Western blot for determining H. pylori serologic status would have detected 95% or 100% of significant lesions, respectively, and each 'saved' 47% of endoscopies for simple dyspepsia. Serum recognition of the CagA protein would have detected 95% of significant lesions and 'saved' 55% of endoscopies, whereas recognition of the VacA protein would have detected only 81% of the lesions. Screening by H. pylori serology plus a 'low' (<55 ng/ml) or 'high' sPGI (>125 ng/ml) would detect only 57% of significant lesions, although the only case of cancer was included in the hypopepsinogenaemic subgroup of just 11 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In patients with uncomplicated, simple dyspepsia up to 55 years of age, screening by H. pylori serology identified 95%-100% of patients with significant gastroduodenal lesions while potentially saving 46.9% of endoscopies. Serum recognition of the CagA protein identified 95% of lesions and would have saved an additional number of endoscopies (7.9%) compared with basic serology. Measurement of sPGI was of limited diagnostic value.

Major early complications from diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

There is a lack of multicenter prospective studies on complications of diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

METHODS

We studied 2769 consecutive patients undergoing ERCP at nine centers in the Triveneto region of Italy over a 2-year period. Six centers performed ERCP on less than 200 patients per year (small centers). General and ERCP-specific major complications were predefined. Data were collected at the time of ERCP, before discharge, and in cases of readmission within 30 days. ERCP was defined as therapeutic when endoscopic sphincterotomy (n = 1583), precut (n = 419), or drainage (n = 701) had been carried out, singularly or in combination.

RESULTS

One hundred eleven major complications (4.0%) were recorded: moderate-severe pancreatitis 36 (1.3%), cholangitis 24 (0.87%), hemorrhage 21 (0.76%), duodenal perforation 16 (0.58%), others 14 (0.51%). Among 942 diagnostic ERCPs there were 13 major complications (1.38%) and 2 deaths (0.21%), whereas among 1827 therapeutic ERCPs there were 98 major complications (5.4%) and 9 deaths (0.49%). The difference in the incidence of complications between diagnostic and therapeutic ERCPs was statistically significant (p < 0.0001). Small center and precut were recognized as independent risk factors for overall major complications of therapeutic ERCP, whereas the following risk factors were identified in relation to specific complications: (1) pancreatitis: age less than 70 years, pancreatic duct opacification, and nondilated common bile duct; (2) cholangitis: small center, jaundice; (3) hemorrhage: small center; and (4) retroperitoneal duodenal perforation: precut, intramural injection of contrast medium, and Billroth II gastrectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Major complications are mostly associated with therapeutic procedures and low case volume. Present data support a policy of centralization of ERCP in referral centers. A more selected and safer use of precut may be expected to further limit the adverse events of ERCP.

Factors affecting patient tolerance of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Doctors are optimistic in their perception of how acceptable endoscopy is for patients. We analyzed elements that contribute to a poor experience for the patient and the agreement between the perceptions of endoscopists and patients. Eighty-four out-patients who had undergone gastroscopy completed questionnaires (response rate of 73%) 48 to 96 hours after the procedure. The endoscopist completed a similar questionnaire. Questions concerned overall tolerance, swallowing, retching and vomiting, sedation, duration, diagnosis, age, and sex. Data from both doctor and patient were available in 84 cases. The type of sedation, administration of hyoscine or Xylocaine (Astra Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Kings Langley, UK), diagnosis, and expression of need for more sedation were not statistically significantly related to the overall patient score. The largest contribution to a poor overall tolerance score arose from difficulty in swallowing the endoscope, followed by the duration of the procedure. A total of 8.3% of patients reported some overall difficulty which was not recognized by the endoscopist. In relation to retching and vomiting, 11.9% of patients had difficulty with retching and vomiting, which went unrecognized by the doctor, and 18% had difficulty in swallowing the endoscope. There was fair agreement between the assessments of overall acceptability of both endoscopists and patients. Difficulty in intubation, however, is the major contributor to a poor tolerance of gastroscopy and also the issue on which doctors and patients disagreed the most.

Outpatient therapeutic ERCP: a series of 262 consecutive cases

BACKGROUND

Because of possible complications, it has been common practice to admit most if not all patients undergoing therapeutic ERCP. Therefore, little descriptive data exist on the safety of outpatient therapeutic ERCP.

METHODS

We assessed 262 consecutive ERCPs in 209 patients undergoing outpatient therapeutic ERCP over a 5-year period, with particular attention to the development of complications. All outpatient endoscopic sphincterotomies and stent placements performed over a 5-year period were prospectively entered into an ongoing data base that was used for the analysis. In addition, hospital and office records for all patients were retrospectively reviewed, including a 30 to 45 day follow-up in a private office setting.

RESULTS

Suspected or documented choledocholithiasis was the most common indication for ERCP and was present in 132 (50%), followed by malignant obstruction in 77 (29%), type I sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (on the basis of symptoms, liver test abnormalities, and bile duct dilatation) in 36 (14%), chronic pancreatitis in 10 (3.8%), HIV cholangiopathy in 4 (1.5%), and other conditions in 3 (1.1%). Overall, 181 patients (69%) underwent a sphincterotomy. The 30-day post-ERCP complication rate was 5.7% (95% CI: 3.2% to 9.3%), occurring in 15 of 262 cases. Complications necessitating hospitalization developed in 9 of the 262 ERCPs for a rate of 3.4% (95% CI: 1.6% to 6.4%). The mean duration of hospital stay among patients admitted for a complication was 2.7 +/- 1.8 days (range, 1 to 7 days). All patients were discharged without permanent sequelae. No 30-day procedure-related fatalities were reported.

CONCLUSION

In this selected series of 262 consecutive cases, endoscopic sphincterotomy and stent placement were safely performed in an ambulatory setting. Prior to recommending a generalized change in existing practice, however, this finding requires validation with larger series of cases, including the performance of other outpatient therapeutic ERCP techniques.

Quality improvement in gastrointestinal endoscopy: microbiologic surveillance of disinfection

BACKGROUND

Cleaning and disinfection procedures play an essential role in the prevention of infection transmission in gastrointestinal endoscopy. In spite of published detailed guidelines, several variants and weak points still exist.

METHODS

Cleaning-disinfection procedures were carried out according to "Working Party, Sydney 1990." A microbiologic surveillance protocol tested the contamination of endoscopes and of automatic washing machines. To assess and improve the efficacy of disinfection, we adopted a quality assurance program.

RESULTS

During a 2-year follow-up, the outside surfaces of gastroscopes were contaminated in 60.5% and channels in 41.3%; the outside areas of colonoscopes were contaminated in 62.3% and channels in 40.3%. Isolated bacteria were gram-negative organisms, particularly Pseudomonas species, and gram-positive organisms, mostly Staphylococcus species. The water reservoirs of automatic washing machines were frequently contaminated by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The disinfection of washing machines and alcohol rinsing of endoscopes after standard procedures significantly reduced the bacterial contamination.

CONCLUSIONS

The microbiologic surveillance pointed out the main weak points that could be improved by the adoption of corrective interventions. Quality assurance is a feasible method to assess the efficacy of cleaning-disinfection, and its wide application would improve quality of care.

Appropriateness of indications for diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: association with relevant endoscopic disease

BACKGROUND

Since the institution of open access endoscopy units there has been a considerable increase of referrals for UGI examinations. Therefore, guidelines for the appropriate use of UGI endoscopy are needed.

METHODS

The outcome of first diagnostic UGI endoscopy was prospectively assessed for several referral indications in a consecutive series of 2900 patients. Indications were judged "appropriate" when significantly (p < 0.01) associated with clinically "relevant" endoscopic findings.

RESULTS

The proportion of relevant disease for various indications was as follows: signs of UGI bleeding (42.2%); history of peptic ulcer (40.5%); dysphagia (31.9%), short-term (24.4%), and without therapy (20.9%). Relevant endoscopic findings were observed in 21.0% of dyspeptic patients aged 45 years or less, and in 25.3% of those older than 45 years of age.

CONCLUSIONS

The generally approved alarm symptoms should be a reason to perform endoscopy without hesitation. Dyspeptic symptoms, despite adequate empiric treatment, as well as first dyspeptic symptoms in patients older than 45 years should also be a reason for endoscopic investigation. Our results support the strategy to treat patients younger than 45 years who have isolated dyspepsia by a limited course of antipeptic agents, provided that they are seen for re-evaluation within 4 to 6 weeks.

Oral and dental manifestations in gastroesophageal reflux disease

One hundred seventeen patients with reflux disease were examined with respect to the severity of their disease and oral, dental, and salivary findings. Twenty-eight patients had dental erosion, whereas the remaining 89 patients did not. No mucosal changes could be observed to be linked with the reflux disease. In the mean, the patients with erosion were older (54 versus 49 years), and the mean duration of their reflux disease was longer in comparison to those without erosion (17 versus 11 years, respectively). The severity of the reflux disease was more marked among patients with erosion than in those without as assessed by esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the Maratka classification, histologic examination of gastric and esophageal biopsy specimens, and 24-hour esophageal pH monitoring. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in any salivary parameters studied, although the number of patients with low salivary-buffering capacity was higher among those with erosion than among those without. Patients taking beta-blocking agents or tranquilizers had more erosion than those who did not take these medications. The severity of the reflux disease was not associated with any subjective symptoms in the mouth or pharynx. The frequency of consumption of acidic drinks and foodstuffs as determined by a questionnaire did not differ between the patients with and without dental erosion. Thus severe reflux disease of long duration was found to be potentially detrimental to the teeth, whereas milder forms of the disease need not cause dental side effects.

Empirical H2-blocker therapy or prompt endoscopy in management of dyspepsia

The recommended strategy for management of dyspepsia is empirical treatment with an H2-blocking drug, followed by endoscopy if the symptoms do not respond or recur. We compared two strategies for the management of dyspepsia--treatment based on the results of prompt endoscopy (group 1) and empirical H2-blocker treatment with diagnostic endoscopy only in cases of therapeutic failure or symptomatic relapse within 1 year (group 2). Eligible patients had symptoms severe enough to justify empirical H2-blocker therapy. Symptoms, drug consumption, and sick-leave days were assessed through monthly diaries. Patients with non-organic dyspepsia diagnosed by endoscopy did not receive ulcer drugs. Of 414 patients randomised, 373 completed 1-year follow-up. Organic disease was found at endoscopy in 68 (33%) of 208 group-1 patients (ulcer in 45). Endoscopy was done in 136 (66%) of 206 group-2 patients. Case selection for endoscopy was not improved by the empirical treatment strategy, since the diagnostic profile was the same as in group 1 and 40% of the expected ulcer cases remained undiagnosed. After 1 year there were no differences in symptoms or quality of life measures. The empirical treatment strategy in dyspepsia was associated with higher costs, due mainly to a higher number of sick-leave days and cost of ulcer drug use. Prompt endoscopy is a cost-effective strategy in dyspeptic patients with symptoms severe enough to justify the current practice of empirical H2-blocker treatment.

Omeprazole: a pharmacoeconomic evaluation of its use in duodenal ulcer and reflux oesophagitis

Omeprazole regulates gastric acid secretion and is an effective treatment of acute duodenal ulcer and reflux oesophagitis, achieving more rapid healing and symptomatic relief than histamine H 2-receptor antagonists. When administered as maintenance therapy, omeprazole reduces the incidence of relapse. The drug is also highly effective in patients poorly responsive to histamine H 2-receptor antagonists. The daily acquisition cost of omeprazole is higher than that of histamine H 2-receptor antagonists in many countries, and thus it is important to evaluate the pharmacoeconomic impact of omeprazole in the short and long term treatment of duodenal ulcer and reflux oesophagitis. Pharmacoeconomic analyses have been performed in several clinical settings using pooled data from clinical trials or simulated models of clinical practice. In a single analysis using Finnish cost data, omeprazole was more cost effective than ranitidine in the treatment of duodenal ulcer disease over a 6-month period. The cost effectiveness of omeprazole was comparable to that of sucralfate-containing regimens, with patients receiving omeprazole being healed more quickly and experiencing a greater number of healthy days. Using a computer-model simulation and Swedish cost data, omeprazole was more cost effective than ranitidine when administered as intermittent treatment of duodenal ulcer over 5 years. Preliminary reports indicate that regimens which eradicate Helicobacter pylori are more cost effective than those which do not. As short term treatment of reflux oesophagitis, omeprazole 20 to 40 mg/day was the dominating treatment strategy, being less costly and more effective than ranitidine 300 to 1200 mg/day. Omeprazole 20 mg/day produced symptom-free days more cost effectively than either cimetidine 1.6 g/day or ranitidine 300 mg/day. More importantly, as long term (maintenance or intermittent) treatment of reflux oesophagitis, omeprazole 20 mg/day was more cost effective than both ranitidine 150 mg twice daily and 'phase 1' therapy (diet and antacids) over 6 and 12 months. Thus, based on analyses evaluated, omeprazole appears to be more cost effective than ranitidine in the short term treatment of duodenal ulcer. Results for long term treatment are less clear cut, but full details from some studies are not yet available. For the short term treatment of reflux oesophagitis omeprazole is more cost effective than ranitidine or cimetidine and for long term treatment omeprazole is more cost effective than ranitidine. As treatment for reflux oesophagitis, omeprazole is considered to be the dominating treatment strategy.

A prospective trial of endoscopic sclerotherapy v oesophageal transection and gastric devascularisation in the long term management of bleeding oesophageal varices

In a prospective three centre study oesophageal transection and gastric devascularisation have been compared with endoscopic sclerotherapy in the long term management of bleeding oesophageal varices. Cirrhotic patients (Child's A or B grade) with documented bleeding oesophageal varices were treated initially with emergency sclerotherapy, and after five days stability, were allocated to one of the two treatment regimes. The endoscopic sclerotherapy group underwent regular sclerotherapy until variceal obliteration while those undergoing surgery were not endoscoped unless bleeding recurred, when they were treated by sclerotherapy if appropriate. Ninety two patients were eligible for analysis (68% alcoholic cirrhosis; mean age 50.1 years) and follow up was achieved for a mean of 52.5 months (range 17-83). Mortality in the first three months was greater in the oesophageal transection and gastric devascularisation group (20% v 1%) but by two years the survival curves were the same and thereafter there was no difference in mortality. Rebleeding occurred in 13/41 (31%) patients, undergoing oesophageal transection and gastric devascularisation. The costs incurred during the first year of oesophageal transection and gastric devascularisation treatment were significantly greater than with endoscopic sclerotherapy (4369 pounds v 1067 pounds, p < 0.0001) and the high rate of rebleeding in the surgical group meant that no cost savings occurred in subsequent years. It is concluded that oesophageal transection and gastric devascularisation confers no benefit over endoscopic sclerotherapy in terms of long term survival and that it is not cost effective as judged by the current health care costs in the United Kingdom.