Efficient-gastro: optimized EfficientNet model for the detection of gastrointestinal disorders using transfer learning and wireless capsule endoscopy images

Gastrointestinal diseases cause around two million deaths globally. Wireless capsule endoscopy is a recent advancement in medical imaging, but manual diagnosis is challenging due to the large number of images generated. This has led to research into computer-assisted methodologies for diagnosing these images. Endoscopy produces thousands of frames for each patient, making manual examination difficult, laborious, and error-prone. An automated approach is essential to speed up the diagnosis process, reduce costs, and potentially save lives. This study proposes transfer learning-based efficient deep learning methods for detecting gastrointestinal disorders from multiple modalities, aiming to detect gastrointestinal diseases with superior accuracy and reduce the efforts and costs of medical experts. The Kvasir eight-class dataset was used for the experiment, where endoscopic images were preprocessed and enriched with augmentation techniques. An EfficientNet model was optimized via transfer learning and fine tuning, and the model was compared to the most widely used pre-trained deep learning models. The model's efficacy was tested on another independent endoscopic dataset to prove its robustness and reliability.

As how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing endoscopy

With incessant advances in information technology and its implications in all domains of our lives, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a requirement for improved machine performance. This brings forth the query of how this can benefit endoscopists and improve both diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy in each part of the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, it also raises the question of the recent benefits and clinical usefulness of this new technology in daily endoscopic practice. There are two main categories of AI systems: computer-assisted detection (CADe) for lesion detection and computer-assisted diagnosis (CADx) for optical biopsy and lesion characterization. Quality assurance is the next step in the complete monitoring of high-quality colonoscopies. In all cases, computer-aided endoscopy is used, as the overall results rely on the physician. Video capsule endoscopy is a unique example in which a computer operates a device, stores multiple images, and performs an accurate diagnosis. While there are many expectations, we need to standardize and assess various software packages. It is important for healthcare providers to support this new development and make its use an obligation in daily clinical practice. In summary, AI represents a breakthrough in digestive endoscopy. Screening for gastric and colonic cancer detection should be improved, particularly outside expert centers. Prospective and multicenter trials are mandatory before introducing new software into clinical practice.

Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatology in Italy before and after the COVID-19: Lessons learned and management changes by SIGENP

Around the world, the 2019 Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has raised serious public health problems and major medical challenges. The Italian Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition (SIGENP) published several papers on the impact of COVID-19 on the current management, diagnosis, and treatment of acute and chronic gastrointestinal, hepatic, immune-mediated, and functional disorders. The present article summarizes the most relevant SIGENP reports and consensus during and after the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak, including the diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), indications and timing of digestive endoscopy, and insights into the novel hepatitis.

Retrospective observational study on safety of sedation for colonoscopies in ASA I and II patients performed by a nurse and under the supervision of anesthesiology

INTRODUCTION

Out of operating room sedation with propofol by non-anaesthesiologists (Non Anaesthesiologist Administration of Propofol: NAAP) is a growing practice. This is due to the increase in minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedures requiring sedation, and the difficulty of anaesthesiology services to respond adequately to this demand.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study is to assess the safety of a programme of nurse sedationist-administered target controlled infusion (TCI) of propofol in colonoscopies supervised by anaesthesiologists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Over a period of 6 months, all ASA I and II patients who required colonoscopy and met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. A total of 381 colonoscopies were performed. Episodes of desaturation, hypo- or hypertension, bradycardia or tachyarrhythmia and the need for anaesthesiology assistance during sedation were analysed. After the procedure, patient satisfaction was assessed on a scale of 1-5, and pain was assessed on a numerical verbal scale of 1-5.

RESULTS

A small percentage (5%) of patients presented oxygen saturation of less than 90%, without requiring mask ventilation; 7.35% presented hypotension, 3.94% presented bradycardia, and the supervising anaesthesiologist was called in 22% of cases. Patient satisfaction at the end of the procedure was 4.27 out of 5.

CONCLUSION

Sedation during colonoscopy in ASA I and II patients following an agreed protocol can be safely administered by nurse sedationists under the supervision of an anaesthesiologist.

[Development and thoughts of digestive endoscopy in children]

After nearly 40 years of development, digestive endoscopy in children has been widely applied, and it has helped to expand the spectrum of pediatric digestive system diseases and greatly improve the diagnosis and treatment of pediatric digestive system diseases. Pediatric digestive endoscopy has become a subject. However, there are some problems such as the unbalanced development of pediatric digestive endoscopy across China, the lack of homogeneity in diagnosis and treatment system, the tendency of adult-oriented diagnosis and treatment techniques, and the localization of training quality, which affect the standardized and healthy development of pediatric digestive endoscopy. The diagnosis and treatment with digestive endoscopy in children should adhere to both pediatric characteristics and technological innovation to propose the concept of comfort, emphasize the importance of standardization (including the space and process for endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, perioperative evaluation, training mode, and access qualification), standardize the minimally invasive techniques, and develop artificial intelligence. It is of great importance to formulate related consensus statements and guidelines on the basis of medical safety and the features of the growth and development of children, so as to achieve the high-quality development of pediatric digestive endoscopy, effectively improve the diagnosis and treatment levels of pediatric digestive endoscopy, and bring benefits to more pediatric patients.

The effectiveness of high-flow nasal cannula during sedated digestive endoscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Studies evaluating the role of high-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) in sedated digestive endoscopy have reported conflicting results. This meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness of HFNC in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy procedures under sedation.

METHODS

PubMed, Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Web of Science, were searched from inception to 31 July 2021. Only randomized clinical trials comparing HFNC with standard nasal cannula oxygen (SNC) during sedated digestive endoscopy were included. The incidence of hypoxemia was the primary outcome, and the secondary outcome was the percentage of patients who needed airway interventions.

RESULTS

Seven studies that enrolled 2998 patients were included. When compared to SNC, HFNC was associated with a significant reduction in hypoxemia incidence (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.64) and airway intervention requirements (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.69), with both high heterogeneity (I² = 81% and 94%). In subgroup analysis, when hypoxemia was defined as pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂) < 90%, low risk of hypoxemia subjects who received HFNC were associated with a significant reduction in hypoxemia incidence (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.07; heterogeneity I² = 39%) and airway intervention requirements (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.04; heterogeneity I² = 15%). However, in the high risk of hypoxemia subjects, there were no significant differences between the two oxygen administration techniques in both primary (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.36 to 1.78; heterogeneity I² = 0%) and secondary outcomes (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.46 to 1.59; heterogeneity I² = 0%).

CONCLUSIONS

Compared to SNC, HFNC not only reduce the incidence of hypoxemia but also reduce the requirements for airway interventions during sedated digestive endoscopy procedures, especially in patients at low risk for hypoxemia. In high risk of hypoxemia patients, there were no significant differences between the two oxygen administration techniques. Trial registration PROSPERO International prospective register of systematic reviews on 28 July 2021, registration no. CRD42021264556.

Effectiveness of digestive endoscopy and surgery in the treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis: a meta-analysis and systematic review

Background

Digestive endoscopy and surgery are the primary invasive methods for the clinical treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis. However, there are relatively few studies evaluating the effectiveness and safety of these two methods.

Methods

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on endoscopic and surgical treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis published from January 2000 to December 2020 were searched in the PubMed, Medline, Embase, China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM), and WanFang databases. The Cochrane System Review Manual was adopted to evaluate the quality of the included literature, and Review Manager 5.3 was used for data analysis.

Results

Ten articles were included in this meta-analysis, involving a total of 401 patients, including 188 in the endoscopy group and 213 in the surgery group. Meta-analysis results revealed that the clinical remission rate (CRR) [odds ratio (OR) =1.30, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58-2.92, P=0.52], new organ failure rate (OFR) (OR =0.53, 95% CI: 0.26-1.09, P=0.08), abdominal bleeding rate (ABR) (OR =0.62, 95% CI: 0.33-1.15, P=0.13), and intensive care unit (ICU) stay time (IST) [mean deviation (MD) =-7.33, 95% CI: -16.76 to 2.11, P=0.13] were not significantly different between the endoscopy and surgery groups. In the endoscopy group, the mortality rate (OR =0.56, 95% CI: 0.31-1.02, P=0.05), intestinal fistula rate (IFR) or gastrointestinal perforation rate (GPR) (OR =0.50, 95% CI: 0.26-0.99, P=0.05), and pancreatic fistula rate (PFR) (OR =0.09, 95% CI: 0.04-0.23, P<0.00001) were markedly lower compared to the surgery group.

Discussion

There was no obvious difference in the clinical efficacy of endoscopic and surgical treatment of necrotizing pancreatitis. However, endoscopy can greatly reduce the incidence of postoperative death and major complications in patients.

[Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine neoplasms]

The incidence of neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) is increasing globally, and gastrointestinal NEN (GI-NEN) is the most common type of NEN. Diagnosis and treatment of GI-NEN are quite different, according to tumor's location, size, background, cell origin, and pathogenesis. Digestive endoscopy has unique advantages in detecting of GI-NEN. However, endoscopist should not perform endoscopic resection arbitrarily, due to the high heterogeneity and complexity of GI-NEN. We need to establish the concept about comprehensive assessment for GI-NEN, including medical history and physical signs, serology, imaging, radionuclide and end·oscopic examination, to make an individualized treatment after rigorous multidisciplinary discussion.

Implications of SARS-COV-2 infection in the diagnosis and management of the pediatric gastrointestinal disease

Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease, functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs), inflammatory bowel disease (IBDs) and acute or chronic diarrhea are quite frequent in the pediatric population. The approach, the diagnosis and management can be changed in the 2019 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic era. This review has focused on: i) the current understanding of digestive involvement in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infected children and adolescents and the clinical implications of COVID-19 for pediatric gastroenterologists, ii) the impact of COVID-19 on the clinical approach to patients with pre-existing or onset diseases, including diagnosis and treatment, and iii) the role and limited access to the instrumental diagnosis such as digestive endoscopy. To date, it is unclear if immunosuppression in patients with IBD and chronic liver disease represents a risk factor for adverse outcomes. Scheduled outpatient follow-up visits may be postponed, especially in patients in remission. Conversely, telemedicine services are strongly recommended. The introduction of new therapeutic regimens should be made on an individual basis, discussing the benefits and risks with each patient. Furthermore, psychological care in all children with chronic disease and their parents should be ensured. All non-urgent and elective endoscopic procedures may be postponed as they must be considered at high risk of viral transmission. Finally, until SARS-CoV-2 vaccination is not available, strict adherence to standard social distancing protocols and the use of personal protective equipment should continue to be recommended.

Management of gastrointestinal endoscopy unit during post covid-19 endemic outbreak: A report from Wuhan epicenter

The COVID-19 pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and causing a global public health emergency. During the outbreak, Wuhan was the first reported and hardest-hit city. With the dramatic drop in number of confirmed cases and subsequent ending of Wuhan lock down, asymptomatic carriers and patients in their recovery period still pose an increased risk. Strict and effective infection control protocols should be established and followed.

Reorganization of the endoscopic activity of Cancer Institutes during phase II of the Covid-19 emergency

After the lockdown during the emergency phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, we have to deal with phase 2, a period of uncertain duration, with a controlled and progressive return to normalization, in which we need to reconcile our work and our movements with the presence of the virus on our territory. Digestive endoscopic activity is a high-risk transmission procedure for Covid-19. The measures put in place to protect healthcare personnel and patients are stressful and "time-consuming" and lead to a reduction in the number of endoscopic procedures that can be performed. In this scenario, the Oncological Institutes are forced to make a rigorous selection of patients to undergo endoscopic examinations and treatments, according to lists of exceptional priorities, in order to guarantee cancer patients and subjects at high risk of developing digestive tumors, a preferential diagnostic and therapeutic process, protected from contagion risks. For this purpose, cuts and postponing times of endoscopic performances are here proposed, which go beyond the guidelines of scientific societies and have little evidences in the literature. These changes should be applied limited to this exceptional period and in proportion to the capacity of each operating unit in order to meet the demands of the patients.

Safety in digestive endoscopy procedures in the covid era recommendations in progres of the italian society of digestive endoscopy

The new corona virus disease has started in Wuhan - China at the end of 2019 and quickly spread with a pandemic trend across the rest of the world. The scientific community is making an extraordinary effort to study and control the situation, but the results are just partial. Based on the most recent scientific literature and strong statements by the most prestigious international health institutions, the Italian Society of Digestive Endoscopy has drawn up some recommendations about the use of personal protective equipment, the correct way of dressing and undressing of endoscopists and nurses, before and after digestive endoscopy procedures. In addition, some other important indications are given to reduce the risk of contamination of healthcare providers during endoscopic activities, in the setting of a pandemic. Nevertheless, because of the very quick evolution of our knowledge on this issue, these recommendations must be considered as evolving, because they could change in a short time.

Prevention program for the COVID-19 in a children’s digestive endoscopy center

The pneumonia caused by the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) outbreak in Wuhan, China constitutes a public health emergency of international concern. The gastrointestinal symptoms of vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain and the detection of COVID-19 nucleic acid from fecal specimens in a small number of patients suggest the possibility of transmission via the gastrointestinal tract. People of all ages are vulnerable to this virus, including children. Digestive endoscopy is an invasive procedure during which children cannot wear masks; therefore, they have higher risks of exposure to COVID-19, and the digestive endoscopy center is a relatively high-risk area for COVID-19 infection. Based on these factors and in combination with related policies and regulations, a prevention and control program for the COVID-19 pneumonia in a children's digestive endoscopy center was established to prevent the COVID-19 nosocomial infection.

Propofol vs traditional sedatives for sedation in endoscopy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Propofol is commonly used for sedation during endoscopic procedures. Data suggests its superiority to traditional sedatives used in endoscopy including benzodiazepines and opioids with more rapid onset of action and improved post-procedure recovery times for patients. However, Propofol requires administration by trained healthcare providers, has a narrow therapeutic index, lacks an antidote and increases risks of cardio-pulmonary complications.

AIM

To compare, through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis, sedation with propofol to traditional sedatives with or without propofol during endoscopic procedures.

METHODS

A literature search was performed using MEDLINE, Scopus, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Scopus, LILACS, BVS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases. The last search in the literature was performed on March, 2019 with no restriction regarding the idiom or the year of publication. Only randomized clinical trials with full texts published were included. We divided sedation therapies to the following groups: (1) Propofol versus benzodiazepines and/or opiate sedatives; (2) Propofol versus Propofol with benzodiazepine and/or opioids; and (3) Propofol with adjunctive benzodiazepine and opioid versus benzodiazepine and opioid. The following outcomes were addressed: Adverse events, patient satisfaction with type of sedation, endoscopists satisfaction with sedation administered, dose of propofol administered and time to recovery post procedure. Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5 software version 5.39.

RESULTS

A total of 23 clinical trials were included (n = 3854) from the initial search of 6410 articles. For Group I (Propofol vs benzodiazepine and/or opioids): The incidence of bradycardia was not statistically different between both sedation arms (RD: -0.01, 95%CI: −0.03–+0.01, I²: 22%). In 10 studies, the incidence of hypotension was not statistically difference between sedation arms (RD: 0.01, 95%CI: −0.02–+0.04, I²: 0%). Oxygen desaturation was higher in the propofol group but not statistically different between groups (RD: −0.03, 95%CI: −0.06–+0.00, I²: 25%). Patients were more satisfied with their sedation in the benzodiazepine + opioid group compared to those with monotherapy propofol sedation (MD: +0.89, 95%CI: +0.62–+1.17, I²: 39%). The recovery time after the procedure showed high heterogeneity even after outlier withdrawal, there was no statistical difference between both arms (MD: -15.15, 95%CI: −31.85–+1.56, I²: 99%). For Group II (Propofol vs propofol with benzodiazepine and/or opioids): Bradycardia had a tendency to occur in the Propofol group with benzodiazepine and/or opioid-associated (RD: -0.08, 95%CI: −0.13–−0.02, I²: 59%). There was no statistical difference in the incidence of bradycardia (RD: -0.00, 95%CI: −0.08–+0.08, I²: 85%), desaturation (RD: −0.00, 95%CI: −0.03–+0.02, I²: 44%) or recovery time (MD: -2.04, 95%CI: −6.96–+2.88, I²: 97%) between sedation arms. The total dose of propofol was higher in the propofol group with benzodiazepine and/or opiates but with high heterogeneity. (MD: 70.36, 95%CI: +53.11–+87.60, I²: 61%). For Group III (Propofol with benzodiazepine and opioid vs benzodiazepine and opioid): Bradycardia and hypotension was not statistically significant between groups (RD: -0.00, 95%CI: −0.002–+0.02, I²: 3%; RD: 0.04, 95%CI: −0.05–+0.13, I²: 77%). Desaturation was evaluated in two articles and was higher in the propofol + benzodiazepine + opioid group, but with high heterogeneity (RD: 0.15, 95%CI: 0.08–+0.22, I²: 95%).

CONCLUSION

This meta-analysis suggests that the use of propofol alone or in combination with traditional adjunctive sedatives is safe and does not result in an increase in negative outcomes in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.

[Application of artificial intelligence in diagnosis of medical endoscope]

Through a brief overview of the origin and development of artificial intelligence, the research progress of artificial intelligence in digestive endoscopy, ophthalmoscopy and electronic colposcopy was summarized, and the importance of its application was clarified. This article induced the main problems and suggestions of artificial intelligence in the development of medical endoscopes, and prospected the future application of artificial intelligence in medical endoscopy diagnosis.

Research status and prospect on risk assessment of sedation and anesthesia in endoscopy

Digestive endoscopy plays an important role in the prevention and treatment of gastrointestinal cancer. Although the safety of anesthesia for digestive endoscopy is very high, pre-anesthesia evaluation is still a key step to ensure the safety of the patients. Due to the lack of anesthesia risk assessment procedures and methods worldwide, we need to establish an anesthesia nurse training management system with Chinese characteristics to facilitate convenient and cost-effective anesthesia assessment on an outpatient basis or by telephone. Moreover, an anesthesia risk assessment system for digestive endoscopy should be established. With the wide use of digestive endoscopy, it is believed that China will construct a comprehensive assessment system as well as an assessment form for pre-anesthesia evaluation as soon as possible.

Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of neuroendocrine tumors of the digestive system

The authors evaluated the role of endoscopic techniques in the diagnosis and in the potential treatment of neuroendocrine tumors (NET) localized in the gastro-entero-pancreatic system, on the basis of their experience and of the international literature. NET are rare tumors that arise from neuroendocrine cells of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. It is a possibility that both the digestive endoscopy and EUS play an important role in the diagnosis, staging and surveillance of this disease. In some cases, especially in the early stages, surgical endoscopy allows the treatment of such tumors.

Hemostatic effect of topical hemocoagulase spray in digestive endoscopy

AIM: To evaluate the hemostatic effect of topical hemocoagulase spray in digestive endoscopy.

METHODS: Eighty-nine patients who developed oozing bleeding during endoscopic treatment from September 2014 to October 2014 at Center for Digestive Endoscopy, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were randomly divided into either a study group (n = 39) or a control group (n = 50). The study group was given topical hemocoagulase spray intraoperatively, while the control group was given traditional 8% norepinephrine spray. Hemostatic efficacy was compared between the two groups. Bleeding site, wound cleanliness and perforation were recorded, and the rates of perforation and late bleeding were compared.

RESULTS: Successful hemostasis was achieved in 39 (100%) patients of the study group and in 47 (94.0%) patients of the control group, and there was no significant difference in the rate of successful hemostasis between the two groups. Compared with the control group, after topical hemocoagulase spray in the study group, the surgical field was clearer, the bleeding site was more easily identified, and the wound was cleaner. There was no significant difference in the rate of perforation between the study and control groups (16.7% vs 35.0%, P = 0.477), but the rates of late bleeding (0% vs 15.8%, P = 0.048) and overall complications (P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the study group.

CONCLUSION: Topical hemocoagulase spray has a definite hemostatic effect for oozing bleeding in digestive endoscopy, and this method is convenient, safe, and reliable. It is expected to become a new method for endoscopic hemostasis.

Impact of nursing care program on psychological stress reaction in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy

AIM: To investigate the impact of nursing care program on psychological stress reaction in patients undergoing digestive endoscopy.

METHODS: Eighty patients who would undergo gastrointestinal endoscopy at our hospital from March 2014 to March 2015 were randomly divided into either an observation group or a control group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group received routine psychological intervention, and the observation group received specialized psychological intervention based on a comprehensive assessment of patients' psychological stress reactions. Prior to the implementation of gastrointestinal endoscopy, a homemade general information questionnaire, the Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and the Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) were administered to obtain the patients' general information and psychological status. Mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) levels were recorded.

RESULTS: In the observation group, three cases had mild anxiety and one case had severe anxiety, while the corresponding figures in the control group were eight and two. There was a statistically significant difference in the number of cases of mild anxiety and severe anxiety between the two groups (P < 0.05). The SAS score and SDS score were significantly lower in the observation group than in the control group (SAS score: 51.45 ± 9.55 vs 58.37 ± 15.02; SDS score: 49.91 ± 10.63 vs 54.58 ± 14.37, P < 0.05). In the control group, MAP and HR were increased significantly, while the observation group had no significant changes.

CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing digestive endoscopy patients are prone to varying degrees of psychological stress, and psychological nursing care could significantly reduce the psychological side effects in patients.

Frontiers of robotic endoscopic capsules: a review

Digestive diseases are a major burden for society and healthcare systems, and with an aging population, the importance of their effective management will become critical. Healthcare systems worldwide already struggle to insure quality and affordability of healthcare delivery and this will be a significant challenge in the midterm future. Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE), introduced in 2000 by Given Imaging Ltd., is an example of disruptive technology and represents an attractive alternative to traditional diagnostic techniques. WCE overcomes conventional endoscopy enabling inspection of the digestive system without discomfort or the need for sedation. Thus, it has the advantage of encouraging patients to undergo gastrointestinal (GI) tract examinations and of facilitating mass screening programmes. With the integration of further capabilities based on microrobotics, e.g. active locomotion and embedded therapeutic modules, WCE could become the key-technology for GI diagnosis and treatment. This review presents a research update on WCE and describes the state-of-the-art of current endoscopic devices with a focus on research-oriented robotic capsule endoscopes enabled by microsystem technologies. The article also presents a visionary perspective on WCE potential for screening, diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopic procedures.

Over-the-scope clip to close a gastrocutaneous fistula after esophagectomy

Over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system is becoming a new reliable technique which is available for the endoscopic closure of fistulas, bleeding, perforations and so on. We describe the case of a patient with a non-healing gastrocutaneous fistula after esophagectomy for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma which was successfully closed using an OTSC system. This is the first report of the use of OTSC to treat a non-healing gastrocutaneous fistula successfully after esophagectomy. We believe our experience will give such patients an ideal way to cure the fistula without suffering too much and also explore new application of OTSC.

Endoscopic molecular imaging of gastrointestinal tumors

In China, the incidence and mortality of gastrointestinal cancers are high, and early diagnosis is the key to improving the survival rate. In recent years, endoscopic molecular imaging in tumor diagnosis with its unique advantages has attracted more and more attention. With the rapid development of molecular biology, the mechanism of tumor occurrence and development has been gradually elucidated. The advent of fluorescent labeled molecular probes and targeted binding to molecular targets of gastrointestinal tumors makes it possible achieve real-time endoscopic molecular diagnosis of digestive tract tumors, which has a significant impact on tumor targeted therapy. In this paper, we review the progress in endoscopic molecular imaging of digestive tract tumors.

Training program for nurse specialists of digestive endoscopy department: A qualitative research

AIM: To explore the needs of specialized nursing training for nurses of digestive endoscopy department and to investigate the current situation of specialized nursing training in digestive endoscopy department, so as to provide a reference for establishing standardized training program for nurses of digestive endoscopy department.

METHODS: Based on analyzing literature review and authoritative sources, the research group confirmed the interview framework. Totally, 17 head nurses who came from digestive endoscopy centers in different provinces and cities participated in this qualitative study. Focus group interview was used in this study.

RESULTS: It is necessary for nurses of digestive endoscopy department to receive specialized nursing training. Current training programs are lack of standardization and accordance. The training content should include two parts: comprehensive nursing skills and endoscopic specialist skills. The training methods can be showed as theoretical study, video study, simulation training, and teaching by doing and so on. These methods match different levels of training.

CONCLUSION: There should be a unified regulation in the training program of nurse specialists from digestive endoscopy department in which trainers should pay more attention to the cultivation of comprehensive ability on the basis of handling specialized skills. The training program should be divided into different grades according to nurses' ability.

Current status of diagnostic and therapeutic levels of digestive endoscopy practitioners in Guizhou Province

AIM: To investigate the current status of diagnostic and therapeutic levels of digestive endoscopy practitioners in Guizhou, so as to provide a reference for improving their diagnostic and therapeutic levels and the training modes.

METHODS: We adopted an on-site survey by handing out questionnaires to each subject.

RESULTS: The technical levels of diagnosis and treatment in Guizhou Province were low, and the medical knowledge was lacking. There were obvious differences among different grades of hospitals, and the hospitals in developed provinces were much better than those in Guizhou Province. However, the facilities and implementation of further training were not ideal. The diagnostic and therapeutic levels of digestive endoscopy practitioners and training situation in Guizhou Province need to be improved.

CONCLUSION: To improve the diagnostic and therapeutic levels of digestive endoscopy practitioners in Guizhou, endoscope room should be independently set and associated professionals should be arranged in second-class hospitals. The connections between third- and second-class hospitals should be strengthened, the training facilities should be improved, and standardized training of endoscopists should be reinforced.

Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs management before gastrointestinal endoscopy: do clinicians adhere to current guidelines?

BACKGROUND

Managing antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs before endoscopy may be challenging.

AIMS

To assess whether the pre-endoscopic management of antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs is adherent to current guidelines and the influence of patients' characteristics, referring physician's specialty, type of endoscopic procedure and therapeutic regimen on adherence.

METHODS

Two hundred and twenty patients taking aspirin, thienopyridines or warfarin and scheduled for upper endoscopy (± biopsies), variceal band ligation, colonoscopy (± biopsies or polypectomy), were prospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

In 109 patients (49.5%) the management of antiplatelet/anticoagulant drugs was thoroughly compliant with guidelines. Neither demographic characteristics, nor in/outpatient status, nor type of endoscopic procedure, nor physician's specialty influenced the adherence but the therapeutic regimen had a significant impact (p < 0.0001) as compliance was less likely in patients on warfarin. Unwarranted drugs withholding was more frequent before colonoscopy than upper endoscopy (p = 0.0001). Warfarin was stopped longer than recommended more frequently than aspirin (p = 0.009). The International Normalized Ratio was properly checked before endoscopy in 47.7% of patients. Among the 55 patients who withheld warfarin, the decision about bridging to low molecular weight heparin was appropriate in 21 (38.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with guidelines is low especially in the management of warfarin, both among gastroenterologists and other physicians.

Clinical effect of digestive endoscopy combined with quadruple therapy in treatment of gastric ulcer bleeding

AIM: To assess the clinical efficacy of endoscopy combined with quadruple therapy in the treatment of gastric ulcer bleeding.

METHODS: One hundred and sixty-four patients with gastric ulcer bleeding treated at our hospital from February 2010 to February 2012 were randomly divided into either a treatment group or a control group, with 82 cases in each group. The treatment group underwent endoscopic therapy combined with quadruple therapy, while the control group received quadruple therapy only. The efficacy and factors associated with re-bleeding were analyzed.

RESULTS: The response rate was 96.2% in the treatment group. Of all 164 patients, 23.8% developed re-bleeding. The amount of bleeding and the percentage of patients with phase A1 or more ulcer were higher in the control group than in the treatment group. Hemoglobin, platelet count, and the percentage of patients undergoing endoscopic treatment were less in the control group than in the treatment group. Multivariate analysis showed that ulcer grade, hemoglobin and endoscopic treatment were independent risk factors for re-bleeding.

CONCLUSION: Digestive endoscopy combined with quadruple therapy is safe and effective in the treatment of gastric ulcer bleeding. Endoscopic treatment, lower hemoglobin, and higher ulcer grade are risk factors for re-bleeding.

International digestive endoscopy network 2012: a patchwork of networks for the future

This special September issue of Clinical Endoscopy will discuss various aspects of diagnostic and therapeutic advancement of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy, explaining what is new in digestive endoscopy and why international network should be organized. We proposed an integrated model of international conference based on the putative occurrence of Digestive Endoscopy Networks. In International Digestive Endoscopy Network (IDEN) 2012, role of endoscopy in gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus, endoscopy beyond submucosa, endoscopic treatment for stricture and leakage in upper GI, how to estimate the invasion depth of early GI cancers, colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), a look into the bowel beyond colon in IBD, management of complications in therapeutic colonoscopy, revival of endoscopic papllirary balloon dilation, evaluation and tissue acquisition for indeterminate biliopancreatic stricture, updates in the evaluation of pancreatic cystic lesions, issues for tailored endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoluminal stents, management of upper GI bleeding, endoscopic management of frustrating situations, small bowel exploration, colorectal ESD, valuable tips for frustrating situations in colonoscopy, choosing the right stents for endoscopic stenting of biliary strictures, advanced techniques for pancreaticobiliary visualization, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliopancreatic drainage, and how we can overcome the obstacles were deeply touched. We hope that IDEN 2012, as the very prestigious endoscopy networks, served as an opportunity to gain some clues for further understanding of endoscopic technologies and to enhance up-and-coming knowledge and their clinical implications from selected 25 peer reviewed articles and 112 invited lectures.

Management of acquired bronchobiliary fistula: A systematic literature review of 68 cases published in 30 years

AIM: To outline the appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for acquired bronchobiliary fistula (BBF).

METHODS: Literature searches were performed in Medline, EMBASE, PHMC and LWW (January 1980-August 2010) using the following keywords: biliobronchial fistula, bronchobiliary fistula, broncho-biliary fistula, biliary-bronchial fistula, tracheobiliary fistula, hepatobronchial fistula, bronchopleural fistula, and biliptysis. Further articles were identified through cross-referencing.

RESULTS: Sixty-eight cases were collected and reviewed. BBF secondary to tumors (32.3%, 22/68), including primary tumors (19.1%, 13/68) and hepatic metastases (13.2%, 9/68), shared the largest proportion of all cases. Biliptysis was found in all patients, and other symptoms were respiratory symptoms, such as irritating cough, fever (36/68) and jaundice (20/68). Half of the patients were treated by less-invasive methods such as endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. Invasive approaches like surgery were used less frequently (41.7%, 28/67). The outcome was good at the end of the follow-up period in 28 cases (range, 2 wk to 72 mo), and the recovery rate was 87.7% (57/65).

CONCLUSION: The clinical diagnosis of BBF can be established by sputum analysis. Careful assessment of this condition is needed before therapeutic procedure. Invasive approaches should be considered only when non-invasive methods failed.