Performance of endoscopic submucosal dissection for undifferentiated early gastric cancer: a multicenter retrospective cohort

Background and study aims Undifferentiated early gastric cancer (UD-EGC) represents an extended indication for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) based on the existing guidelines. This study evaluated the prevalence of UD-EGC recurrence after ESD, and potentially implicated risk factors. Patients and methods Data from 17 centers were collected retrospectively including demographics, endoscopic and pathological findings, and follow-up data from UD-EGC cases treated by ESD. Patients with incomplete resection or advanced disease were excluded. Descriptive statistics quantified variables and calculated the incidence of recurrence. Chi-square test was applied to assess any link between independent variables and relapse; significantly associated variables were inserted to a multivariable regression model. Results Seventy-one patients were eligible, with 2:1 female to male ratio and age of 65.8 ± 11.8 years. Mean lesion size was 33.5 ± 18.8 mm and the most frequent histological subtype was signet ring-cells UGC (2:1). Patients were followed-up every 5.6 ± 3.7 months with a mean surveillance period of 29.3 ± 15.3 months until data collection. Four patients (5.6%) developed local recurrence 8.8 ± 6.5 months post-ESD, with no lymph node or distal metastases been reported. Lesion size was not associated with recurrence ( P = 0.32), in contrast to lymphovascular and perineural invasion which were independently associated with local recurrence ( P = 0.006 and P < 0.001, respectively). Conclusions ESD could be considered as the initial step to manage UD-EGC, providing at least an "entire-lesion" biopsy to guide therapeutic strategy. When histology confirms absence of lymphovascular and perineural invasion, this modality could be therapeutic, providing low recurrence rates.

Premedication with simethicone for improving the quality of gastric mucosal visualization: a double-blind randomized controlled trial

Background and study aims  Saliva, bubbles, or mucus can limit gastric mucosal visualization (GMV), increasing the risk of missed lesions such as gastric cancer. Several studies using endoscopy photodocumentation-based scores have reported increased quality of GMV when mucolytic and/or defoaming agents are administered. This single-center, prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial aimed to evaluate whether simethicone administration could improve GMV. Patients and methods  Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either 200 mg of simethicone (Group A) or placebo (Group B). Two independent endoscopists reviewed the entire video recording from each examination to assess the quality of GMV. The primary outcome was the rate of adequate GMV, defined as the percentage of patients in each group with a video score scale < 7 based on gastric visualization of five gastric landmarks. Secondary outcomes included procedure duration, patient satisfaction, and side effects. Results  A total of 110 consecutive outpatients were randomly assigned to one of the two study groups (11 were excluded for various reasons). For the primary endpoint, 32 patients (61.5 %) in group A achieved adequate GMV compared to one of 47 (2.1 %) in group B (odds ratio [95 % confidence interval]: 73.6 [9.4-576.6]; P  < 0.001). Median procedure time did not differ between the groups ( P  = 0.55), and no differences were detected in patient satisfaction ( P  = 0.18) or side effects ( P  = 0.58). No serious adverse events were documented. Conclusions  Premedication with simethicone before upper gastrointestinal endoscopy significantly improves the quality of GMV without affecting the duration of the examination, patient satisfaction, and the rate of side effects.

Avulsion injuries of the thumb

Avulsion amputations of the thumb are generally thought to have a worse prognosis after replantation than other amputations. We report the results of 17 thumbs that had an avulsion amputation and were replanted. Fourteen of the 17 survived (82 percent). Our experience indicated that the survival rate was improved by restoring continuity of at least two veins and two arteries, using a Y-shaped vein graft and the princeps pollicis artery for the source of arterial circulation. Nerve grafts were used to bridge defects in avulsed digital nerves. When possible, avulsed tendons were reattached to their muscle. Key pinch strength was 60 percent of normal, and grip strength was always less than that of the normal hand. The age of the patients and the cold ischemia time had no significant effect on either survival or function of the replanted thumb. When excellent venous backflow occurred immediately after the vessel repair and continued for at least 20 minutes, the thumb always survived without complications.