Development of a predictive model for hypoxia due to sedatives in gastrointestinal endoscopy: a prospective clinical study in Korea

Background/Aims

Sedation has become a standard practice for patients undergoing gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. However, considering the serious cardiopulmonary adverse events associated with sedatives, it is important to identify patients at high risk. Machine learning can generate reasonable prediction for a wide range of medical conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the risk factors associated with sedation during GI endoscopy and develop a predictive model for hypoxia during endoscopy under sedation.

Methods

This prospective observational study enrolled 446 patients who underwent sedative endoscopy at the Korea University Ansan Hospital. Clinical data were used as predictor variables to construct predictive models using the random forest method that is a machine learning algorithm.

Results

Seventy-two of the 446 patients (16.1%) experienced life-threatening hypoxia requiring immediate medical intervention. Patients who developed hypoxia had higher body weight, body mass index (BMI), neck circumference, and Mallampati scores. Propofol alone and higher initial and total dose of propofol were significantly associated with hypoxia during sedative endoscopy. Among these variables, high BMI, neck circumference, and Mallampati score were independent risk factors for hypoxia. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the random forest-based predictive model for hypoxia during sedative endoscopy was 0.82 (95% confidence interval, 0.79-0.86) and displayed a moderate discriminatory power.

Conclusions

High BMI, neck circumference, and Mallampati score were independently associated with hypoxia during sedative endoscopy. We constructed a model with acceptable performance for predicting hypoxia during sedative endoscopy.

Effect of Probiotics in Stress-Associated Constipation Model in Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae

The pathophysiology of functional bowel disorders is complex, involving disruptions in gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, gut-brain-microbiota interactions, and psychosocial factors. Light pollution, as an environmental stressor, has been associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms and the aggravation of stress-related conditions. In this study, we investigated the effects of environmental stress, particularly continuous light exposure, on intestinal motility and inflammation using zebrafish larvae as a model system. We also evaluated the efficacy of probiotics, specifically Bifidobacterium longum (B. longum), at alleviating stress-induced constipation. Our results showed that continuous light exposure in zebrafish larvae increased the cortisol levels and reduced the intestinal motility, establishing a stress-induced-constipation model. We observed increased inflammatory markers and decreased intestinal neural activity in response to stress. Furthermore, the expressions of aquaporins and vasoactive intestinal peptide, crucial for regulating water transport and intestinal motility, were altered in the light-induced constipation model. Administration of probiotics, specifically B. longum, ameliorated the stress-induced constipation by reducing the cortisol levels, modulating the intestinal inflammation, and restoring the intestinal motility and neural activity. These findings highlight the potential of probiotics to modulate the gut-brain axis and alleviate stress-induced constipation. Therefore, this study provides a valuable understanding of the complex interplay among environmental stressors, gut function, and potential therapeutic strategies.

Prognostic Impact of Minimal Pelvic Fluid in Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Minimal pelvic fluid (MPF) is occasionally encountered on computed tomography (CT) scans during the initial staging of newly diagnosed pancreatic cancer. However, its clinical relevance has scarcely been studied. This study intends to explore the incidence of minimal pelvic fluid and its relevance in terms of survival in locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The medical records of patients with LAPC at 4 tertiary referral institutions were retrospectively reviewed from January 2005 to December 2015. Minimal pelvic fluid was defined as a fluid collection volume in the pelvic cavity of <100 mL as determined by abdominal CT. The association between the presence of MPF and patient survival was evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 59 patients (male:female, 33:26; median age, 68 years; range 46-82 years) with LAPC were enrolled. Of the 59 patients, 22.0% (n = 13) had MPF, and 78.0% (n = 46) had no pelvic fluid (NPF). Baseline clinical characteristics in the 2 groups, including extent of the tumor stage, extent of spread to the lymph nodes stage, and pattern of treatments, were not significantly different. However, median overall survival was significantly less in the MPF group [9.7 months, (95% CI, 5.9-13.5)] than in the NPF group as determined by the log-rank test [16.9 months, (95% CI, 9.3-24.5)] (P = .002), and univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the presence of MPF independently predicted a poor prognosis.

CONCLUSION

The presence of MPF was found to be significantly associated with reduced survival and an independent poor prognostic biomarker in LAPC patients.

Minimally invasive treatment of duodenal obstruction with acute pancreatitis caused by two large bezoars

Bezoar without gastrointestinal surgical history occurring simultaneously in the gastric and duodenal lumen is very rare. We report a case of acute pancreatitis due to duodenal obstruction caused by two large bezoars. Two large bezoars were detected in the gastric and duodenal lumen, respectively, on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and oesophagogastroduodenoscopy images. Bezoars were crushed and removed using endoscopic devices such as trapezoid basket and lithotripsy handle. After removal of bezoars, blood tests and CT follow-up tests confirmed improvement. In the case of bezoar, which causes duodenal obstruction, it is difficult to administer coke for dissolution, and if it is difficult to perform surgical approach due to old age, an endoscopic treatment using mechanical lithotripsy devices can be an alternative option.

Comparison of Two Types of Guidewires for Malignant Hilar Biliary Obstruction by Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: There is insufficient information regarding the optimal guidewire for managing malignant hilar biliary obstruction (MHBO). Therefore, a newly designed 0.025-inch guidewire was compared with the conventional 0.035-inch guidewire for selective cannulation of both intrahepatic ducts (IHDs) in patients with MHBO. Methods: Patients were randomly enrolled into the curved type newly designed 0.025-inch guidewire group (0.025 group) or the curved type conventional 0.035-inch guidewire group (0.035 group). The primary outcome was the selective cannulation rate of IHD. If the assigned guidewire failed to pass the stricture within 5 min, the crossover guidewire was selected. If the crossover guidewire failed to cross the stricture within the next 5 min, it was judged as a failed selective cannulation of both IHDs. Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled (0.025 group, n = 47; 0.035 group, n = 43). There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the groups regarding sex, age, BMI, obstruction level, and clinical presentation. Four patients (8.5%) in the 0.025 group the cannulation of the IHD failed and the conventional 0.035-inch guidewire was substituted in a second attempt; the 0.035-inch guidewire failed to cross the stricture in all four patients. In the 0.035 group, eleven patients (25.6%) failed to achieve selective cannulation of IHD, and the 0.025-inch guidewire was substituted; the newly designed 0.025-inch guidewire crossed the stricture in ten of these (10/11, 90.9%). The selective cannulation rate of IHD was significantly higher in the 0.025 group (95.1% vs. 85.5%, p = 0.043). Conclusions: The 0.025 group exhibited a higher success rate for selective cannulation of both IHDs in MHBO than did the 0.035 group.

Efficacy analysis of hemostatic spray following endoscopic papillectomy: A multicenter comparative study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic post-papillectomy bleeding is a serious adverse event with a prevalence ranging from 2% to 45.3%. Conventional hemostatic methods, including diluted epinephrine injection before papillectomy or argon plasma coagulation after papillectomy, did not show a preventive role in reducing immediate or delayed post-papillectomy bleeding. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of a hemostatic powder spray for post-papillectomy bleeding and compare with those of conventional modalities.

METHODS

Patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy were enrolled in five tertiary hospitals. The group was divided into hemostatic spray and conventional control groups according to the bleeding control methods. The main outcome measurements were delayed bleeding rate and any adverse events related to the procedures.

RESULTS

A total of 40 patients who received a hemostatic spray (n = 18) or conventional hemostatic methods (n = 22) after endoscopic papillectomy were included. The prevalence of delayed bleeding was not different in the two groups: 27.8% and 36.4% in hemostatic spray and conventional control groups (P = 0.564), respectively. The adverse events such as post-papillectomy pancreatitis and cholangitis were not different in the two groups. There were no procedure-related mortalities.

CONCLUSION

Hemostatic spray is technically feasible and safe for the prevention or management of post-papillectomy bleeding. Hemostatic spray can be one of the options for post-papillectomy bleeding control methods owing to its convenient use.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary adenoma: A multi-center study

BACKGROUND

Ampullary adenoma is a rare premalignant lesion, but its incidence is increasing. Endoscopic papillectomy has become the first treatment of choice for ampullary adenomas due to its safety and effectiveness, thereby replacing surgical resection. However, recurrence rates and adverse events after endoscopic papillectomy were reported in up to 30% of cases.

AIM

To review the long-term outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy and investigate the factors that affect these outcomes.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who underwent endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenoma at five tertiary hospitals between 2013 and 2020. We evaluated clinical outcomes and their risk factors. The definitions of outcomes were as follow: (1) curative resection: complete endoscopic resection without recurrence; (2) endoscopic success: treatment of ampullary adenoma with endoscopy without surgical intervention; (3) early recurrence: reconfirmed adenoma at the first endoscopic surveillance; and (4) late recurrence: reconfirmed adenoma after the first endoscopic surveillance.

RESULTS

A total of 106 patients were included for analysis. Of the included patients, 81 (76.4%) underwent curative resection, 99 (93.4%) had endoscopic success, showing that most patients with non-curative resection were successfully managed with endoscopy. Sixteen patients (15.1%) had piecemeal resection, 22 patients (20.8%) had shown positive/uncertain resection margin, 11 patients (16.1%) had an early recurrence, 13 patients (10.4%) had a late recurrence, and 6 patients (5.7%) had a re-recurrence. In multivariate analysis, a positive/uncertain margin [Odds ratio (OR) = 4.023, P = 0.048] and piecemeal resection (OR = 6.610, P = 0.005) were significant risk factors for early and late recurrence, respectively. Piecemeal resection was also a significant risk factor for non-curative resection (OR = 5.424, P = 0.007). Twenty-six patients experienced adverse events (24.5%).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic papillectomy is a safe and effective treatment for ampullary adenomas. Careful selection and follow-up of patients is mandatory, particularly in cases with positive/uncertain margin and piecemeal resection.

Prokinetic effects of diatrizoate meglumine (Gastrografin®) in a zebrafish for opioid-induced constipation model

Constipation is a common disease that reduces life quality. Drugs of various mechanisms are being developed to resolve this affliction. Intestinal motility can be easily monitored in zebrafish, and so we selected this organism to develop a constipation model to measure drug-induced prokinetic effects. In this study, intestinal motility was monitored in zebrafish by tracking intestinal transit using fluorescence, after which an opioid-induced constipation model was established using loperamide. We then evaluated the prokinetic effect of diatrizoate meglumine (Gastrografin®), which has been empirically used to treat post-operative ileus or adhesive small bowel obstructions. Diatrizoate meglumine was effective in promoting bowel movements in an opioid-induced zebrafish constipation model and its prokinetic effect was associated with an increased expression of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) markers. Therefore, the loperamide-induced zebrafish constipation model developed herein is a promising tool to evaluate novel constipation therapies.

A case report of a patient presented with skin ulcer after treatment of lenvatinib

A 60-year-old man diagnosed with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) presented to the hospital with pain in the perineal region. He had been taking lenvatinib every day for 2 months after he was diagnosed with HCC with metastases to the lymph node, small bowel mesentery, and retroperitoneal space. Enhanced abdominal computed tomography revealed mild elevation in intensity in the perineal subcutaneous tissue with subcutaneous emphysema. The patient was diagnosed with Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade 3, skin ulceration of stage IV with full-thickness skin loss and tissue necrosis in the muscular layer. The patient was taken off the medication with prescription of antibiotics, and after 3 weeks, the skin has fully recovered. This is the first report of an HCC patient who presented with a skin ulceration of stage IV after lenvatinib treatment. We recommend stopping the medication immediately and changing to alternative treatments with appropriate supportive care.

[Impact of COVID-19 on Gastroenterology Fellowship Training]

Background/Aims

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak caused numerous social and cultural changes, but few studies focused on their effects on gastroenterology (GI) fellowship training. This study evaluated the impact of COVID-19 on GI fellowship training.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire was sent out to GI fellows in Korea between 15 February and 15 March 2021. The questionnaire included questions regarding the characteristics of GI fellows, perception of COVID-19 outbreak, impact of COVID-19 outbreak, and telemedicine on the education of a GI fellowship.

Results

Among 111 answers, 94 respondents were analyzed. The GI fellows were provided with sufficient information about the COVID-19 outbreak (74.7%), well educated, and provided with personal protective equipment use (74.7% and 83.9%, respectively). On the other hand, outpatient schedule and volume decreased in 25.5% and 37.8% of respondents, respectively. Moreover, endoscopy sessions and volume decreased in 51.1% and 65.6% of respondents, respectively. As a result, 78.9% of respondents were concerned that the COVID-19 outbreak adversely affected their education. Telemedicine utilization was introduced during the COVID-19 outbreak, but only 20.0% and 10.6% of respondents agreed that telemedicine has benefits from the patient's and doctor's perspectives, respectively. In addition, only 25.9% of respondents were willing to continue telemedicine if adequately reimbursed, and 68.2% of respondents were concerned that it adversely affected their education.

Conclusions

The COVID-19 outbreak has adversely affected GI fellowship training in Korea for outpatient clinics, gastrointestinal endoscopy, educational conferences, and telemedicine. This study highlights that GI fellowship training needs more attention in the COVID-19 outbreak.

Influence of Metabolic Syndrome on Cancer Risk in HBV Carriers: A Nationwide Population Based Study Using the National Health Insurance Service Database

PURPOSE

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and metabolic syndrome (MS) are known independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and other extrahepatic organ malignancies. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether MS and HBV have synergistic effects on cancers and to examine whether increasing the number of MS components could lead to higher risk of cancer development.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluated data from 1,504,880 HBV-infected adults who underwent a regular HCC screening program provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service between 2009 and 2016.

RESULTS

The prevalence of MS in Korean HBV patients was 38.7% (582,449/1,504,880). Among individuals with HBV infection, the presence of MS was associated with an increased risk for the majority of malignancies except for HCC (HR = 0.862, p-value < 0.05). The presence of a higher number of MS components was associated with a significantly increased risk of developing cancers in most organs; only HCC was negatively associated with an increasing number of MS components (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that the presence of MS increases the risk for most malignancies, excluding HCC. Moreover, we found that as the number of MS components increased, the risk for most cancers also increased; this trend was reversed in HCC.

Incidence and risk factors for postoperative common bile duct stones in patients undergoing endoscopic extraction and subsequent cholecystectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In patients who undergo cholecystectomy after endoscopic common bile duct (CBD) stone extraction, CBD stones found postoperatively could be problematic. This study aimed to investigate the incidence and risk factors of postoperative CBD stones after cholecystectomy.

METHODS

A total of 278 patients (mean age, 59.2 years; 71 men [51.1%]) who underwent endoscopic removal of CBD stones followed by cholecystectomy from January 2013 to December 2017 were included. An endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD) tube was placed immediately after endoscopic clearance of the CBD stones in all patients until cholecystectomy. An ENBD tubogram was obtained in all patients to determine the presence of postoperative CBD stones.

RESULTS

Postoperative CBD stones were detected in 20.1% (56/278). An ENBD tubogram was obtained after an average of 2.42 days postoperatively. Based on univariate analysis, the statistically significant risk factors for postoperative CBD stone were CBD stones >2, CBD stone size >10 mm, cholesterol stone, maximum diameter of CBD >15 mm, treatment with endoscopic sphincterotomy alone, and use of endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy (EML). In multivariate analysis, cholesterol stone, CBD stones >2, CBD stone size >10 mm, and EML were related to postoperative CBD stones after cholecystectomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the relatively high rate of postoperative CBD stones after cholecystectomy, careful follow-up should be considered in patients with high-risk factors to detect CBD stones early.

Can prophylactic argon plasma coagulation reduce delayed post-papillectomy bleeding? A prospective multicenter trial

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic post-papillectomy bleeding occurs in 3% to 20% of the cases, and delayed bleeding is also problematic. However, there is no consensus on how to reduce delayed post-papillectomy bleeding. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic argon plasma coagulation (APC) to minimize delayed bleeding and reduce the persistence of residual tumors after endoscopic papillectomy.

METHODS

In a prospective pilot study of patients with benign ampullary tumors, the prophylactic APC group underwent APC at the resection margin following a conventional snaring papillectomy. Then, 24 h later after the papillectomy, all patients underwent a follow-up duodenoscopy to identify post-papillectomy bleeding and were followed up until 12 months. The main outcomes were the delayed (≥24 h) post-papillectomy bleeding rate and the tumor persistence rate.

RESULTS

The delayed post-papillectomy bleeding rate was 30.8% (8/26) in the prophylactic APC group and 21.4% (6/28) in the non-APC group (P = 0.434). The post-procedure pancreatitis rates were 23.1% (6/26) and 35.7% (10/28), respectively (P = 0.310). The rate of tumor persistence did not differ between the two groups at 1 month (12.5% vs 7.4%, P = 0.656), 3 months (4.2% vs 3.7%, P = 1.00), 6 months (8.3% vs 3.7%, P = 0.595), and 12 months (0% vs 3.7%, P = 1.00). There were no procedure-related mortalities or serious complications.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic APC may not be effective in reducing delayed post-papillectomy bleeding or remnant tumor ablation immediately after conventional papillectomy (Clinical trial registration-cris.nih.go.kr; KCT0001955).

Incidence and Significance of Biliary Stricture in Chronic Pancreatitis Patients Undergoing Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy for Obstructing Pancreatic Duct Stones

Background/Aims

This study assessed the significance of biliary stricture in symptomatic chronic pancreatitis patients requiring extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to remove obstructing pancreatic calculi.

Methods

A total of 97 patients underwent ESWL followed by ERCP to remove pancreatic calculi between October 2014 and October 2017 at Virginia Mason Medical Center. Significant biliary stricture (SBS) was defined as a stricture with upstream dilation on computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography scans accompanied by cholestasis and/or cholangitis. SBS was initially managed by either a plastic stent or fully covered self-expandable metallic stent (fcSEMS). If the stricture did not resolve, the stent was replaced with either multiple plastic stents or another fcSEMS. Data were collected by retrospectively reviewing the medical records.

Results

Biliary strictures were noted in approximately one-third of patients (34/97, 35%) undergoing ESWL for pancreatic calculi. Approximately one-third of the biliary strictures (11/34, 32%) were SBS. Pseudocysts were more frequently found in those with SBS (36% vs 8%, p=0.02), and all pseudocysts in the SBS group were located in the pancreatic head. The initial stricture resolution rates with fcSEMSs and plastic prostheses were 75% and 29%, respectively. The overall success rate for stricture resolution was 73% (8/11), and the recurrence rate after initial stricture resolution was 25% (2/8).

Conclusions

Although periductal fibrosis is the main mechanism underlying biliary stricture development in chronic pancreatitis, inflammation induced by obstructing pancreatic calculi, including pseudocysts, is an important contributing factor to SBS formation during the acute phase.

First-line Helicobacter pylori Eradication Rate of the 10-day Hybrid Therapy

Background/Aims: To improve the eradication rate of a first-line therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection, alternate regimens such as sequential, concomitant, and hybrid therapies have been tried. The aim of this study was to evaluate the eradication rate of the 10-day hybrid therapy as a first-line therapy.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study enrolled 124 patients from the Korea University Ansan Hospital between April 2016 and December 2019. The 10-day hybrid therapy comprised 5 days of dual therapy (proton pump inhibitor [PPI] standard dose and amoxicillin 1 g, twice daily) followed by 5 days of quadruple therapy (PPI, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, twice daily). We compared the 10-day hybrid therapy with the 10-day concomitant therapy comprising PPI, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg, twice daily. Eradication was assessed by a ¹³C-urea breath test or gastroscopic biopsy at least 4 weeks after treatment completion.Results: The eradication rates of the 10-day hybrid and concomitant therapies were 74.2% (46/62) and 67.7% (42/62), respectively, in the intention-to-treat (ITT) analysis and 88.5% (46/52) and 82.4% (42/51), respectively, in the per-protocol (PP) analysis. There was no significant difference in the eradication rates between the two groups in the ITT (P=0.429) and PP analysis (P=0.380). Adverse events developed in 75.0% and 70.6% of patients in the hybrid and concomitant groups, respectively, but there was no significant difference (P=0.615).Conclusions: The 10-day hybrid therapy can be an option for a first-line therapy of Helicobacter pylori infection.

Production of ERCP training model using a 3D printing technique (with video)

BACKGROUND

ERCP training models are very different in terms of anatomical differences, ethical issues, storage problems, realistic tactile sensation, durability and portability. There is no easy way to select an optimized model for ERCP training. If the ERCP training model could be made as a soft silicone model using 3D printing technique, it would have numerous advantages over the models presented so far. The purpose of this study was to develop an optimized ERCP training model using a 3D printing technique and to try to find ways for implementing various practical techniques.

METHODS

All organ parts of this model were fabricated using silicone molding techniques with 3D printing. Especially, various anatomy of the ampulla of Vater and common bile duct (CBD) were creatively designed for different diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In order to manufacture each of the designed organ parts with silicone, a negative part had to be newly designed to produce the molder. The negative molders were 3D printed and then injection molding was applied to obtain organ parts in silicone material. The eight different types of ampulla and CBD were repeatedly utilized and replaced to the main system as a module-type.

RESULTS

ERCP training silicone model using 3D technique was semi-permanently used to repeat various ERCP procedures. All ERCP procedures using this model could be observed by real-time fluoroscopic examination as well as endoscopic examination simultaneously. Using different ampulla and CBD modules, basic biliary cannulation, difficult cannulation, stone extraction, mechanical lithotripsy, metal stent insertion, plastic stent insertion, and balloon dilation were successfully and repeatedly achieved. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was also performed on a specialized ampulla using a Vienna sausage. After repeat procedures and trainings, all parts of organs including the ampulla and CBD modules were not markedly damaged or deformed.

CONCLUSIONS

We made a specialized ERCP training silicon model with 3D printing technique. This model is durable, relatively cheap and easy to make, and thus allows the users to perform various specialized ERCP techniques, which increases its chances of being a good ERCP training model.

[Relief of Cancer Pain in Patients with Pancreatic Cancer]

Pancreatic cancer is a dismal disease with a poor prognosis and is one of the most painful malignancies. Therefore, adequate pain control is essential to improving the patient's quality of life. Pain in pancreatic cancer has complex pathophysiologic mechanisms and different characteristics. The choice of pain management modalities should be individualized depending on the pain characteristics using a multidisciplinary approach. The treatment options available include medical treatment, chemotherapy, celiac plexus/ganglion neurolysis, radiotherapy, and endoscopic technique. This review discusses the medical and interventional options, leading to optimal pain management in patients with pancreatic cancer.

Outcomes of Infected versus Symptomatic Sterile Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis Treated with a Minimally Invasive Therapy

Background/Aims

Acute pancreatitis complicated by walled-off necrosis (WON) is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and if infected, typically necessitates intervention. Clinical outcomes of infected WON have been described as poorer than those of symptomatic sterile WON. With the evolution of minimally invasive therapy, we sought to compare outcomes of infected to symptomatic sterile WON.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study examining patients who were undergoing dual-modality drainage as minimally invasive therapy for WON at a high-volume tertiary pancreatic center. The main outcome measures included mortality with a drain in place, length of hospital stay, admission to intensive care unit, and development of pancreatic fistulae.

Results

Of the 211 patients in our analysis, 98 had infected WON. The overall mortality rate was 2.4%. Patients with infected WON trended toward higher mortality although not statistically significant (4.1% vs 0.9%, p=0.19). Patients with infected WON had longer length of hospitalization (29.8 days vs 17.3 days, p<0.01), and developed more spontaneous pancreatic fistulae (23.5% vs 7.8%, p<0.01). Multivariate analysis showed that infected WON was associated with higher odds of spontaneous pancreatic fistula formation (odds ratio, 2.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.20 to 5.85).

Conclusions

This study confirms that infected WON has worse outcomes than sterile WON but also demonstrates that WON, once considered a significant cause of death, can be treated with good outcomes using minimally invasive therapy.

Prognostic assessment using a new substaging system for Barcelona clinic liver cancer stage C hepatocellular carcinoma: A nationwide study

AIM & BACKGROUND

Advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (Barcelona clinic liver cancer [BCLC] stage C) needs subclassification to more accurately predict survival. This study aims to establish a substaging system of BCLC stage C HCC patients for accurate prognosis.

METHODS

Data from 564 patients with newly diagnosed BCLC stage C HCC from three tertiary-care hospitals affiliated with the Korea University (training set) were assessed retrospectively. Variables affecting overall survival (OS) were analysed, and patients were substaged according to the number of prognostic factors they fulfilled. The substaging system was validated using a nationwide database from the Korean Liver Cancer Association (validation set; n = 742).

RESULTS

In the training set, tumour factors such as tumour burden ≥10 cm, major portal vein invasion and distant metastasis, as well as underlying liver function, were independently associated with OS. BCLC stage C was classified into four substages (C1-4) according to the number of prognostic factors. Substages C1, C2, C3 and C4 showed a median OS of 17.50 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.57-26.43), 10.13 months (95% CI, 8.17-12.09), 4.20 months (95% CI, 3.42-4.98), and 2.90 months (95% CI, 2.34-3.46) respectively (P < 0.05). This substaging system also had good discriminative ability in predicting survival in the validation set. In addition, it was considered that the BCLC substaging is better than Hong Kong liver cancer substaging in predicting the OS for patients with advanced HCC.

CONCLUSION

Our substaging for BCLC stage C might help predict patients' prognosis better.

Significance of radiographic splenic vessel involvement in the pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma of the body and tail of the gland

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Unlike pancreatic head tumors, little is known about the biological significance of radiographic vessel involvement with pancreatic body/tail adenocarcinoma. We hypothesized radiographic splenic vessel involvement may be an adverse prognostic factor.

METHODS

All distal pancreatectomies performed for resectable pancreatic adenocarcinoma between 2000 and 2016 were reviewed and clinicopatholgic data were collected, retrospectively. Preoperative computed tomography imaging was re-reviewed and splenic vessel involvement was graded as none, abutment, encasement, or occlusion.

RESULTS

Among a total of 71 patients, splenic artery or vein encasement/occlusion was present in 41% (29 of 71) of patients, each. There were no significant differences in tumor size or grade, margin positivity, and perineural or lymphovascular invasion. However, splenic artery encasement/occlusion (P = 0.001) and splenic vein encasement/occlusion (P = 0.038) both correlated with lymph node positivity. Splenic artery encasement was associated with a reduced median overall survival (20 vs 30 months, P = 0.033). Multivariate analysis also showed that splenic artery encasement was an independent risk factor of worse survival (hazard ratio, 2.246; 95% confidence interval, 1.118-4.513; P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

Patients with cancer of the body or tail of the pancreas presenting with radiographic encasement of the splenic artery, but not the splenic vein, have a poorer prognosis and perhaps should be considered for neoadjuvant therapy before an attempt at curative resection.

Characteristics and epidemiology of gastric cancer in Korea: Disparity in sex and age according to histologic classification

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Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The overall incidence of gastric cancer is higher in males, but signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC) is more common in younger females. However, the sex disparity according to the histological classification of GC in Korea has not studied much. The aim of this study is to analyze the difference of clinical manifestation between sex groups and to assess sex disparity to gastric cancer. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 1488 patients (459 females (30.8%) and 2017 males (69.0%)) who diagnosed with gastric cancer at Korea University Ansan Hospital from 2009 to 2017. The patients were divided into three groups according to Lauren’s classification: Intestinal type GC (IGC), diffuse type GC (DGC), mixed type. The difference of clinicopathologic characteristics between these groups and sex groups were compared. Results: The age-group-specific annual incidence rates for intestinal and diffuse type GC were analyzed. The incidence of IGC increased from 40s in males. In females, the incidence of DGC was higher in young age and the proportion of IGC was increased rapidly after age 60 in females. Most of IGC appeared after age 60. (19.3% in below 60 vs. 80.7% in above 60 in females, 35.1% vs. 64.9% in males, p < 0.001) IGC seemed to appear 10-20 years earlier in male than female. Female patients were associated with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, SRC and DGC. Diffuse and mixed type GC was more frequent with younger, female patients and associated with advanced GC and TNM stage. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the patients with IGC had a higher cumulative survival rate than those with DGC (5-year survival rate 88.2% vs. 80.5%, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Female patients with IGC were older than male patient and appeared about 10-20 years later. But this difference did not observed in DGC. Therefore, unlike DGC, sex hormones such as estrogen may act in development of IGC. This is supported by an increase of IGC in females after menopause. Further studies on role of estrogen in the development of gastric cancer are needed.

Multicenter phase II trial of modified FOLFIRINOX in gemcitabine-refractory pancreatic cancer

AIM

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of modified FOLFIRINOX as a second-line treatment for gemcitabine (GEM)-refractory unresectable pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS

This study was a prospective, multicenter, one-arm, open-label, phase II trial. Patients with unresectable PC, who showed disease progression during GEM-based chemotherapy were enrolled. All patients were administered FOLFIRINOX with reduced irinotecan and oxaliplatin (RIO; irinotecan 120 mg/m² and oxaliplatin 60 mg/m²), which was set according to the phase I study of FOLFIRINOX. The objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), adverse events were evaluated. Additionally, changes in quality of life (QoL) were assessed using a questionnaire on QoL.

RESULTS

Between August 2015 and May 2016, a total of 48 patients were enrolled. The median follow-up time was 259 d with a median of 8.5 cycles. The ORR and DCR were 18.8% and 62.5%, respectively, including one patient who showed complete remission. The median PFS was 5.8 mo [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.7-7.9] and median OS was 9.0 mo (95%CI: 6.4-11.6). Neutropenia (64.6%) was the most common grade 3-4 adverse event, followed by febrile neutropenia (16.7%). Although 14.6% of patients experienced grade 3 fatigue, most non-hematologic AEs were under grade 2. In the QoL analysis, the global health status score before treatment was not different from the score at the last visit after treatment (45.43 ± 22.88 vs 48.66 ± 24.14, P = 0.548).

CONCLUSION

FOLFIRINOX with RIO showed acceptable toxicity and promising efficacy for GEM-refractory unresectable PC. However, this treatment requires careful observation of treatment-related hematologic toxicities.

[The Effect of Helicobacter pylori Infection on Recurrence of Gastric Hyperplastic Polyp after Endoscopic Removal]

Background/Aims

Several previous studies suggest that eradication of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) leads to the disappearance of gastric hyperplastic polyps. However, little is known about the effect of H. pylori status and eradication on the recurrence of gastric polyps after endoscopic removal. Here, we investigated the recurrence of gastric polyps according to the final H. pylori status in patients who underwent endoscopic removal of gastric hyperplastic polyps.

Methods

Between January 2011 and December 2016, patients who underwent endoscopic removal of gastric hyperplastic polyps and were followed-up for more than two months were enrolled. The success of H. pylori eradication was assessed by histology and rapid urease test or urea breath test, at least 4 weeks after the completion of eradication treatment. At follow-up, the recurrence of gastric polyp was evaluated via esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Results

Seventy-nine patients were enrolled. During the mean follow-up period of 16.4 months, the recurrence rate of gastric polyp was 25.3%. Among those who received H. pylori eradication therapy, the H. pylori persistent group showed a higher recurrence of polyp than the H. pylori eradicated group; but there was no statistical significance (42.9% vs. 21.7%, p=0.269). Regarding the final H. pylori infection status, the recurrence rate of gastric polyps was significantly higher in the H. pylori positive group than in the H. pylori negative group (42.9% vs. 18.9%, p=0.031). In multivariate analysis, the final H. pylori infection status was a significant risk factor for gastric polyp recurrence after endoscopic removal.

Conclusions

The final positive H. pylori infection status is significantly associated with higher recurrence of gastric hyperplastic polyps after endoscopic removal.

Slow-Pull Using a Fanning Technique Is More Useful Than the Standard Suction Technique in EUS-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration in Pancreatic Masses

Background/Aims

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is useful for obtaining pancreatic mass samples. The combination of modified techniques (i.e., slow-pull technique and fanning technique) may improve the quality of the sample obtained by EUS-FNA. We investigated the effectiveness of a combined slow-pull fanning technique in EUS-FNA for pancreatic mass.

Methods

This prospective comparative study investigated EUS-FNA performed for pancreatic solid masses between August 2015 and July 2016. Pairwise specimens were alternately obtained using the following two techniques for targeted pancreatic lesions: standard suction or slow-pull with fanning. We compared the specimen quality, blood contamination, and diagnostic accuracy of these techniques.

Results

Forty-eight consecutive patients were included (29 men; mean age, 68.1±11.9 years), and 96 pancreatic mass specimens were obtained. The slow-pull with fanning technique had a significantly superior diagnostic accuracy than the suction technique (88% vs 71%, p=0.044). Furthermore, blood contamination was significantly reduced using the slow-pull with fanning technique (ratio of no or slight contamination, 77% vs 56%, p=0.041). No difference was observed in the acquisition of adequate cellularity between the groups. In the subgroup analysis, the tumor size and sampling technique were related to the EUS-FNA diagnostic accuracy.

Conclusions

The slow-pull with needle fanning technique showed a good diagnostic yield for EUS-FNA for pancreatic mass. This technique can be useful for performing EUS-guided sampling for diagnosing pancreatic disease.

Is the AIMS 65 Score Useful in Prepdicting Clinical Outcomes in Korean Patients with Variceal and Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding?

Background/Aims

Various clinical scoring systems, including the Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), Rockall risk score (RS), and AIMS65 score (AIMS65), have been validated to predict the clinical outcomes in patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). We compared the performance of these three scoring systems in predicting clinical outcomes in patients with UGIB in Korea.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated 286 patients with UGIB who visited emergency department. The primary outcome was the need for clinical intervention (endoscopic, radiologic, or surgical) and blood transfusion.

Results

The causes of UGIB were esophageal/gastric varices in 64 patients, peptic ulcer in 168, Mallory-Weiss tear in 32, malignancy of UGI tract in eight, and unknown in 14. One hundred seventy-four (61%) patients required blood transfusion, 166 (58%) required endoscopic intervention, and 10 (3.5%) required surgical intervention. The GBS outperformed the RS and AIMS65 in predicting the need for endoscopic intervention.

Conclusions

The GBS and RS were more accurate than AIMS65 in predicting the need for clinical interventions and transfusion patients with UGIB, regardless of variceal or nonvariceal bleeding. The AIMS65 may not be optimal for predicting clinical outcomes of UGIB in Korea.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in adult patients with biliary atresia: PROCESS-compliant case series

INTRODUCTION

Biliary atresia is a progressive inflammatory disease of the bile duct that eventually results in biliary cirrhosis. It is a rare neonatal disease that mandates treatment within the first 2 years of life in order for the infant to survive. Patients usually undergo palliative Kasai portoenterostomy. Even when Kasai portoenterostomy has been performed in a timely manner, progression is still inevitable. In fact, the majority of patients require curative liver transplantation at a later stage before reaching adulthood.

METHODS

Two jaundiced biliary atresia patients who have lived well beyond 20 years with their native liver after undergoing Kasai portoenterostomy and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were identified. The data on patients' clinical information, procedures performed, and outcomes were retrospectively collected by chart review.

RESULTS

Presence of a long Roux limb and acute angulation from external adhesions along with ductal anomaly from disease itself rendered ERCP challenging, and intraoperative ERCP had to be performed in 1 patient. As enteroscopes had to be used, availability of accessory devices was limited.

CONCLUSION

Management of adult biliary atresia patients with biliary obstruction with ERCP is feasible, at times, through multidisciplinary means.

Self-reported Sleep Impairment in Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Sleep impairment is a common complaint among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep impairment in FD or IBS patients, and to determine whether IBS-FD overlap induced more sleep disturbance than FD or IBS alone.

METHODS

A population-based cohort in South Korea including 2251 subjects was asked about gastrointestinal symptoms including IBS and dyspepsia-related symptoms. In addition, sleep disturbance was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires. One-way ANOVA and logistic regression were used to assess differences among the 4 groups (healthy subjects, IBS alone, FD alone, and IBS-FD overlap).

RESULTS

Of 2251 subjects who were surveyed by questionnaire, 2031 responded (92.5% response rate) and were analyzed. The prevalence of IBS, FD, and IBS-FD overlap was 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.8-9.2%), 4.8% (95% CI, 3.9-5.8%), and 1.8% (95% CI, 1.2-2.4%), respectively. FD alone, but not IBS alone, was significantly associated with a poorer sleep quality index (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.43-5.01) and more daytime sleepiness (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.14-4.30), compared to healthy subjects. IBS-FD overlap had the greatest likelihood of a poorer sleep quality index (OR, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.83-8.19), daytime sleepiness (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.01-5.67), and insomnia (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.39-5.82), compared to healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

A correlation between functional gastrointestinal disorders and sleep disturbance was demonstrated, which was significantly pronounced in the context of IBS-FD overlap.

Self-reported Sleep Impairment in Functional Dyspepsia and Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Background/Aims

Sleep impairment is a common complaint among patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional dyspepsia (FD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sleep impairment in FD or IBS patients, and to determine whether IBS-FD overlap induced more sleep disturbance than FD or IBS alone.

Methods

A population-based cohort in South Korea including 2251 subjects was asked about gastrointestinal symptoms including IBS and dyspepsia-related symptoms. In addition, sleep disturbance was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and Epworth Sleepiness Scale questionnaires. One-way ANOVA and logistic regression were used to assess differences among the 4 groups (healthy subjects, IBS alone, FD alone, and IBS-FD overlap).

Results

Of 2251 subjects who were surveyed by questionnaire, 2031 responded (92.5% response rate) and were analyzed. The prevalence of IBS, FD, and IBS-FD overlap was 8.0% (95% confidence interval [CI], 6.8–9.2%), 4.8% (95% CI, 3.9–5.8%), and 1.8% (95% CI, 1.2–2.4%), respectively. FD alone, but not IBS alone, was significantly associated with a poorer sleep quality index (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.43–5.01) and more daytime sleepiness (OR, 2.21; 95% CI, 1.14–4.30), compared to healthy subjects. IBS-FD overlap had the greatest likelihood of a poorer sleep quality index (OR, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.83–8.19), daytime sleepiness (OR, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.01–5.67), and insomnia (OR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.39–5.82), compared to healthy subjects.

Conclusion

A correlation between functional gastrointestinal disorders and sleep disturbance was demonstrated, which was significantly pronounced in the context of IBS-FD overlap.

Aggressive intravenous hydration with lactated Ringer's solution for prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis: a prospective randomized multicenter clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS : The present study aimed to determine the type of intravenous hydration that is best suited to reducing the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

In a prospective randomized multicenter trial, average-to-high risk patients who underwent first-time ERCP were randomly assigned to three groups (1:1:1) who received: aggressive intravenous hydration (3 mL/kg/h during ERCP, a 20-mL/kg bolus and 3 mL/kg/h for 8 hours after ERCP) with either lactated Ringer's solution (LRS) or normal saline solution (NSS), or standard intravenous hydration with LRS (1.5 mL/kg/h during and for 8 hours after ERCP). The primary end point was post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP).

RESULTS

395 patients were enrolled, and 385 completed the protocols. The three groups showed no significant differences in demographic characteristics. There was a significant difference in the intention-to-treat (ITT) PEP rate between the aggressive LRS group (3.0 %, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.1 % - 5.9 %; 4 /132), the aggressive NSS group (6.7 %, 95 %CI 2.5 % - 10.9 %; 9 /134) and the standard LRS group (11.6 %, 95 %CI 6.1 % - 17.2 %; 15 /129; P = 0.03). In the two-group comparisons, the ITT PEP rate was significantly lower for the aggressive LRS group than for the standard LRS group (relative risk [RR] 0.26, 95 %CI 0.08 - 0.76; P = 0.008). There was no significant difference in the ITT PEP rate between the aggressive NSS group and the standard LRS group (RR 0.57, 95 %CI 0.26 - 1.27; P = 0.17).

CONCLUSION

Aggressive hydration with LRS is the best approach to intravenous hydration for the prevention of PEP in average-to-high risk patients.

Comparative study of Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of concomitant therapy vs modified quadruple therapy comprising proton-pump inhibitor, bismuth, amoxicillin, and metronidazole in Korea

BACKGROUND

The standard triple Helicobacter pylori regimen now shows unacceptably low treatment success in Korea. Administration of the concomitant therapy for 10 days, which has a high cure rate, is recommended as an alternative first-line treatment in areas of high clarithromycin resistance including Korea. Recently, modified bismuth-containing quadruple therapy with amoxicillin (PAM-B therapy) showed excellent results, regardless of dual clarithromycin and metronidazole resistance. This study compared the concomitant therapy with PAM-B therapy as a first-line treatment for H. pylori infection.

METHOD

Subjects infected with H. pylori and naïve to treatment were performed a head-to-head comparison between 10-day concomitant therapy [rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily] and 14-day PAM-B therapy [rabeprazole 20 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, metronidazole 750 mg, and tripotassium dicitrato bismuthate 600 mg (elemental bismuth 240 mg) twice daily]. Six weeks after treatment, H. pylori eradication was assessed.

RESULTS

Two hundred and seventy subjects were randomized. Both regimens achieved high cure rates: 83.0% (112/135) and 88.1% (119/135) by the intention-to-treat analysis and 95.5% (106/111) and 96.6% (114/118) by the per-protocol analysis, respectively. The intention-to-treat and per-protocol analyses revealed no statistically significant difference in the eradication rate (P = .299 and P = .743, respectively). Rates of adverse events were similar between groups (25.2% vs 23.0%, P -value: .776) Adverse events, which resulted in poor compliance, occurred in six patients of each group, but there were no serious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

PAM-B therapy is as effective as concomitant therapy for eradicating H. pylori with comparative safety. PAM-B therapy is regarded as a promising alternative to standard triple therapy for a first-line eradication in Korea.

Intraductal papillary bile duct adenocarcinoma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor in a case of neurofibromatosis type 1

We report our experience with a synchronous case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and intraductal papillary neoplasm of the bile duct (IPNB) in an elderly woman with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1). A 72-year-old woman presented with a 2-mo history of right upper abdominal pain unrelated to diet and indigestion. Fourteen years earlier, she had been diagnosed with NF-1, which manifested as café au lait spots and multiple nodules on the skin. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a multilocular low-density mass with septation, and mural nodules in the right hepatic lobe, as well as a 1.7-cm-sized well-demarcated enhancing mass in the third portion of the duodenum. The patient subsequently underwent right hepatectomy and duodenal wedge resection. We present here the first report of a case involving a synchronous IPNB and GIST in a patient with NF-1. Our findings demonstrate the possibility of various tumors in NF-1 patients and the importance of diagnosis at an early stage

Helicobacter pylori eradication rates of concomitant and sequential therapies in Korea

BACKGROUND

The efficacy of the standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori eradication has decreased to an unacceptable level. We aimed to compare the efficacy of sequential and concomitant therapies as for the first-line treatments for H. pylori eradication and analyzed the effect of clarithromycin resistance on the eradication rates.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Four hundred and seventy-eight patients with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned to either concomitant therapy (amoxicillin 1000 mg with clarithromycin 500 mg, metronidazole 500 mg, and pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily for 10 days) or sequential therapy (amoxicillin 1000 mg with pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily for 5 days, followed by clarithromycin 500 mg with metronidazole 500 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg twice daily for 5 days). The success of the eradication was evaluated 4-5 weeks after treatment completion. To evaluate the efficacy of the two regimens according to clarithromycin sensitivity, dual-priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex-polymerase chain reaction was also performed in the final third of the enrolled study populations.

RESULTS

The eradication rates with concomitant or sequential therapy were 81.9% and 76.6% (P = .153) in intention-to-treat analysis, and 93.4% and 84.8% (P = .004) in per-protocol analysis, respectively. Among the 156 patients for whom dual-priming oligonucleotide-based multiplex-polymerase chain reaction was performed, 17.9% were clarithromycin resistant, and the efficacy of concomitant therapy was better than sequential therapy in the clarithromycin-resistant strains (100% vs 58.3%, P = .010).

CONCLUSION

Concomitant therapy was superior to sequential therapy as the first-line treatment for H. pylori eradication, especially in clarithromycin-resistant strains in Korea.

Successful access to the ampulla for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with situs inversus totalis: a case report

Background

Although various endoscopic techniques in situs inversus have been reported, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients with situs inversus is always challenging even for an experienced endoscopist. We performed ERCP using two different techniques, and compare the merits of each technique.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old woman presented with epigastric pain and jaundice for 3 days. Computed tomography revealed diffuse dilatation of the biliary tree, with multiple intrahepatic duct and common bile duct (CBD) stones, in addition to situs inversus totalis. ERCP was performed twice for CBD stone to remove the CBD stones using two techniques. For the first technique used, the patient was placed in a prone position with the endoscopist on the right side of the table. First, the endoscope was rotated 180° counterclockwise in the stomach, and was then shortened by turning 180° the counterclockwise again in the duodenum. For the second technique, we assessed the second portion of the duodenum by following the lesser curvature, while slowly turning the endoscope clockwise.

Conclusion

We present an unusual case of biliary stones in a patient with situs inversus who was treated using modified ERCP techniques.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12893-017-0307-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Bilateral versus unilateral placement of metal stents for inoperable high-grade malignant hilar biliary strictures: a multicenter, prospective, randomized study (with video)

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The efficacy of palliative biliary drainage by using bilateral or unilateral self-expandable metal stents (SEMSs) for a malignant hilar biliary stricture (MHS) remains controversial. This prospective, randomized, multicenter study investigated whether bilateral drainage by using SEMSs is superior to unilateral drainage in patients with inoperable MHSs.

METHODS

Patients with inoperable high-grade MHSs who underwent palliative endoscopic insertion of bilateral or unilateral SEMSs were enrolled. The main outcome measurements were the rate of primary reintervention for malfunction after successful placement of SEMSs, stent patency, technical and clinical success rates, adverse events, and survival duration.

RESULTS

A total of 133 pathology-diagnosed patients were randomized to the bilateral group (n = 67) or the unilateral group (n = 66). The primary technical success rates were 95.5% (64/67) and 100% (66/66) in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively (P = .244). The clinical success rates were 95.3% (61/64) and 84.9% (56/66), respectively (P = .047). The primary reintervention rates based on the per-protocol analysis were 42.6% (26/61) in the bilateral group and 60.3% (38/63) in the unilateral group (P = .049). The median cumulative stent patency duration was 252 days in the bilateral group and 139 days in the unilateral group. The risk of stent patency failure was significantly higher in the unilateral group (log-rank test; P < .01). In a multivariate Cox proportional hazard model to assess stent patency, bilateral SEMS placement was a favorable factor (adjusted hazard ratio 0.30, 95% confidence interval, 0.172-0.521; P < .001). Survival probability and late adverse events were not different between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral and bilateral drainage strategies by using SEMSs had similar technical success rates, but bilateral drainage resulted in fewer reinterventions and more durable stent patency in patients with inoperable high-grade MHSs. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02166970.).

Endoscopic biliary stent insertion through specialized duodenal stent for combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction facilitated by stent or PTBD guidance

OBJECTIVES

Endoscopic stenting for combined malignant biliary and duodenal obstruction is technically demanding. However, this procedure can be facilitated when there is guidance from previously inserted stent or PTBD tube. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and clinical success rate of endoscopic placement of biliary self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) through duodenal SEMS in patients with combined biliary and duodenal obstruction due to inoperable or metastatic periampullary malignancy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 12 patients with combined malignant biliary and duodenal stricture underwent insertion of biliary SEMS through the mesh of specialized duodenal SEMS from July 2012 to October 2016. Technical and clinical success rate, adverse events and survival after completion of SEMS insertion were evaluated.

RESULTS

The duodenal strictures were located in the first portion of the duodenum in four patients (Type I), in the second portion in three patients (Type II), and in the third portion in five patients (Type III). Technical success rate of combined metallic stenting was 91.7%. Insertion of biliary SEMS was guided by previously inserted biliary SEMS in nine patients, plastic stent in one patient, and PTBD in two patients. Clinical success rate was 90.9%. There were no early adverse events after the procedure. Mean survival period after combined metallic stenting was 91.9 days (range: 15-245 days).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic placement of biliary SEMS through duodenal SEMS is feasible with high success rates and relatively easy when there is guidance. This method can be a good alternative for palliation in patients with combined biliary and duodenal obstruction.

Diagnostic delay in inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of intestinal surgery

AIM

To investigate the factors affecting diagnostic delay and outcomes of diagnostic delay in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

METHODS

We retrospectively studied 165 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 130 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) who were diagnosed and had follow up durations > 6 mo at Korea University Ansan Hospital from January 2000 to December 2015. A diagnostic delay was defined as the time interval between the first symptom onset and IBD diagnosis in which the 76^th to 100^th percentiles of patients were diagnosed.

RESULTS

The median diagnostic time interval was 6.2 and 2.4 mo in the patients with CD and UC, respectively. Among the initial symptoms, perianal discomfort before di-agnosis (OR = 10.2, 95%CI: 1.93-54.3, P = 0.006) was associated with diagnostic delays in patients with CD; however, no clinical factor was associated with diagnostic delays in patients with UC. Diagnostic delays, stricturing type, and penetrating type were associated with increased intestinal surgery risks in CD (OR = 2.54, 95%CI: 1.06-6.09; OR = 4.44, 95%CI: 1.67-11.8; OR = 3.79, 95%CI: 1.14-12.6, respectively). In UC, a diagnostic delay was the only factor associated increased intestinal surgery risks (OR = 6.81, 95%CI: 1.12-41.4).

CONCLUSION

A diagnostic delay was associated with poor outcomes, such as increased intestinal surgery risks in patients with CD and UC.

Education and Training Guidelines for the Board of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE) developed a gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy board in 1995 and related regulations. Although the KSGE has acquired many specialists since then, the education and training aims and guidelines were insufficient. During GI fellowship training, obtaining sufficient exposure to some types of endoscopic procedures is difficult. Fellows should acquire endoscopic skills through supervised endoscopic procedures during GI fellowship training. Thus, the KSGE requires training guidelines for fellowships that allow fellows to perform independent endoscopic procedures without supervision. This document is intended to provide principles that the Committee of Education and Training of the KSGE can use to develop practical guidelines for granting privileges to perform accurate GI endoscopy safely. The KSGE will improve the quality of GI endoscopy by providing guidelines for fellowships and supervisors.

Association between bowel habits and quality of bowel preparation for colonoscopy

The effectiveness of colonoscopy is highly dependent on the quality of bowel preparation. Although many studies have previously evaluated the role of cleansing methods and dosing regimens, few have examined the association between bowel habits and subsequent bowel preparation. Here, we aimed to evaluate the impact of bowel habits on the quality of bowel preparation.A total of 404 patients who underwent a total colonoscopy and completed a personal bowel habit questionnaire at Korea University Hospital between December 2012 and December 2013 were enrolled. The usual stool form of patients was classified into 7 categories according to the Bristol Stool Scale (BSS). The quality of bowel preparation was determined during colonoscopy according to the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (OBPS). Segment scores of ≥3 or total OBPS scores of >7 were defined as poor bowel preparation.Poor bowel preparation was reported in 9.4% of observed colonoscopies. The odds ratio (OR) of poor bowel preparation being associated with infrequent bowel movements (<3/week) was 5.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.91-13.1, P = .001). BSS types 1 and 2 tended to have an association with poor bowel preparation, but the association was statistically insignificant (OR: 2.38; 95% CI, 0.90-6.33, P = .082). After adjusting for age, sex, drinking, presence of diabetes mellitus, and bowel preparation regimen, infrequent bowel movement (<3/week) was still significantly associated with poor bowel preparation. When subdividing by colonic segment, it was significantly associated with poor bowel preparation in all segments.Infrequent bowel movement (<3/week) was significantly associated with poor bowel preparation.

Standard and double-dose intravenous proton pump inhibitor injections for prevention of bleeding after endoscopic resection

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Endoscopic resection is commonly used to remove gastric neoplasms. However, effective dosing or scheduling of proton pump inhibitors for the prevention of delayed bleeding after endoscopic resection remains unclear.

METHODS

One hundred sixty-six patients with gastric adenoma or early gastric cancer were enrolled. After an endoscopic procedure, each subject was randomly assigned to 40 mg every 24 h (standard dose group) or 40 mg every 12 h (double-dose group) of intravenous pantoprazole for 48 h. Second-look endoscopy was performed on day 2 after endoscopic resection to compare signs of rebleeding and ulcer status between the two groups.

RESULT

Eighty-one patients of the standard dose group and 81 of the double-dose group were analyzed. There were no significant differences in the incidence of delayed bleeding events (1.3% vs 6.2%, P = 0.21) and bleeding ulcer at the second-look endoscopy (6.2% vs 3.9%, P = 0.69) between standard and double-dose groups. There were no other significant variables associated with delayed bleeding or bleeding ulcer on second-look endoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Intravenous pantoprazole 40 mg every 24 h or 12 h for 2 days after endoscopic resection was equally effective for the prevention of delayed bleeding.

Predictive Factors for Pain After Endoscopic Resection of Gastric Tumors

BACKGROUND

Abdominal pain is a common complaint following endoscopic resection (ER).

AIMS

To investigate the predictive factors for abdominal pain after ER.

METHODS

Patients who were scheduled to undergo endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of gastric adenoma or cancer were prospectively enrolled. Pain scores were checked every 6 h after ER and whenever patients complained of pain by using a 0-10 pain scale. If the pain score exceeded 5, 25 mg of intravenous (IV) pethidine was administered.

RESULTS

Among 156 patients who underwent ER, 66 (42.3 %) received IV pethidine due to moderate/severe abdominal pain. Both the number of patients complaining of abdominal pain and the pain scores decreased with time following the procedure, with only a few patients complaining of mild abdominal pain 2 days after ER. Multivariate analysis showed that female sex [odds ratio (OR) 2.88; confidence interval (CI) 1.31-6.33], tumor location in the lower third of the stomach (OR 5.46; CI 2.31-12.92), and procedures time more than 60 min (OR 2.96; CI 1.26-6.98) were significant predictive factors for developing pain after ER.

CONCLUSIONS

Female sex, tumor location in the lower third of the stomach, and longer procedure time were significantly associated with pain after ER. Close monitoring and active management of pain is recommended for patients who have these risk factors. With these efforts, the majority of patients could experience pain relief within 2 days after the procedure.

Room for Quality Improvement in Endoscopist-Directed Sedation: Results from the First Nationwide Survey in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS

This study sought to characterize the current sedation practices of Korean endoscopists in real-world settings.

METHODS

All active members of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy were invited to complete an anonymous 35-item questionnaire.

RESULTS

The overall response rate was 22.7% (1,332/5,860). Propofol-based sedation was the dominant method used in both elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy (55.6%) and colonoscopy (52.6%). The mean satisfaction score for propofol-based sedation was significantly higher than that for standard sedation in both examinations (all p<0.001). The use of propofol was supervised exclusively by endoscopists (98.6%). Endoscopists practicing in nonacademic settings, gastroenterologists, or endoscopists with.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopist-directed propofol administration is the predominant sedation method used in Korea. This survey strongly suggests that there is much room for quality improvement regarding sedation training and patient vigilance in endoscopist-directed sedation.

Clinical Features and Outcomes of Endoscopic Treatment for Stones in Stemware-Shaped Common Bile Ducts: A Multicenter Data Analysis

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Various anatomical features of the biliary tree affect ability to remove difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones. In this study, we evaluated the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the endoscopic treatment of stones in stemware-shaped CBDs.

METHODS

Thirty-four patients with a stone and a stemware-shaped CBD who were treated at different tertiary referral centers from January 2008 to December 2012 were studied retrospectively. When stone removal failed, percutaneous or direct peroral cholangioscopic lithotripsy, endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage, or surgery was performed as a second-line procedure.

RESULTS

The overall success rate of the first-line procedure was 41.2%. Five of the 34 patients (14.7%) experienced procedure-related complications. No procedure-related mortality occurred. Mechanical lithotripsy was required to completely remove stones in 13 patients (38.2%). Conversion to a second-line procedure was required in 20 patients (58.8%). Mechanical lithotripsy was needed in 75% and 66.7% of those with a stone size of <1 cm or ≥1 cm, respectively. Stone recurrence occurred in two patients (9.1%) after 6 months and 27 months, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The endoscopic treatment of stones in a stemware-shaped CBD is challenging. The careful assessment of difficult CBD stones is required before endoscopic procedures.

Prognostic value of inflammation-based markers in patients with pancreatic cancer administered gemcitabine and erlotinib

AIM: To evaluate the value of systemic inflammation-based markers as prognostic factors for advanced pancreatic cancer (PC).

METHODS: Data from 82 patients who underwent combination chemotherapy with gemcitabine and erlotinib for PC from 2011 to 2014 were collected retrospectively. Data that included the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, and the C-reactive protein (CRP)-to-albumin (CRP/Alb) ratio were analyzed. Kaplan-Meier curves, and univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to identify the prognostic factors associated with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

RESULTS: The univariate analysis demonstrated the prognostic value of the NLR (P = 0.049) and the CRP/Alb ratio (P = 0.047) in relation to PFS, and a positive relationship between an increase in inflammation-based markers and a poor prognosis in relation to OS. The multivariate analysis determined that an increased NLR (hazard ratio = 2.76, 95%CI: 1.33-5.75, P = 0.007) is an independent prognostic factor for poor OS. There was no association between the PLR and the patients’ prognoses in those who had received chemotherapy that comprised gemcitabine and erlotinib in combination. The Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test determined significantly worse outcomes in relation to PFS and OS in patients with an NLR > 5 or a CRP/Alb ratio > 5.

CONCLUSION: Systemic inflammation-based markers, including increases in the NLR and the CRP/Alb ratio, may be useful for predicting PC prognoses.