Sedation for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: Practical Issues in Patient Safety and Quality Management

Simple Analysis of the Computed Tomography Features of Gastric Schwannoma

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to assess the computed tomography (CT) findings of gastric schwannoma (GS) and identify the difference between large (> 5 cm) and small (≤ 5 cm) GS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

CT findings of 38 pathologically proven cases of GSs were retrospectively reviewed. The CT evaluation of GS included categorical variables (location, contour, growth pattern, enhancement pattern, necrosis, ulceration, calcification, and lymph nodes) and continuous variables (size, CT value of 3 phases, and enhancement degree). The lesion was divided into 2 groups (large [> 5 cm] and small [≤ 5 cm] GS) according to the tumor size. The Fisher exact test was used for categorical variables and the Student t or Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables.

RESULTS

Of the 38 patients, there were 32 women and 6 men. The median age was 54.5 years (range 39-79). Most of patients (65.8%, [25 of 38]) had nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal or gastric pain, fullness and discomfort, bleeding, and melena. The tumors were mainly located in the stomach body (71.1% [27 of 38]), and the mean diameter was 3.7 cm (range 1.5 cm-10.3 cm), of which included large (> 5 cm) (n = 8) and small (≤ 5 cm) (n = 30). All of the GSs were benign, 9 of whom had palpable perigastric lymph nodes, which confirmed by pathology for the reactive inflammatory hyperplasia. Growth pattern, pattern of enhancement, necrosis, calcification, surface ulceration, and lymph node in the CT images were found to be significant variables for differentiating large (> 5 cm) and small (≤ 5 cm) GS (P < .05).

CONCLUSION

GSs were predominantly located at the gastric body and occurred most frequently in women between the ages of 40-70 years, and showed gradual enhancement after contrast enhancement. Palpable perigastric lymph nodes could not be considered as malignant factor of GS. There 7 computed CT criteria are significant difference between large (> 5 cm) and small (≤ 5 cm) GS.

Endoscopy training in Korea

It is essential to maintain high-quality endoscopy given the increasing number of endoscopic screens performed in Korea. The training of fellows to perform endoscopies is challenging. The rapid development of endoscopic techniques and rising patient complexity increase the training pressures. At the end of training, all practitioners must perform endoscopy safely and effectively. Here, we examine the current status of endoscopy training in Korea. Although our system produces many competent endoscopists, there is room for improvement. Formal training programs should be developed to train the trainers. Specific assessment tools measuring performance and improving training are required. Changes should be made at all levels to improve our endoscopy training system.