Sessile serrated polyp prevalence determined by a colonoscopist with a high lesion detection rate and an experienced pathologist

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of sessile serrated adenomas and/or polyps (SSA/Ps) is uncertain.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the prevalence of SSA/Ps and SSA/Ps with cytologic dysplasia (SSA/P-CD) by using a colonoscopist with a high lesion detection rate and an expert in serrated lesion pathology.

DESIGN

Retrospective screening colonoscopy study.

SETTING

Academic endoscopy unit.

PATIENTS

A total of 1910 average risk, asymptomatic patients aged ≥50 years underwent screening colonoscopy between August 2005 and April 2012 by a single colonoscopist with a high lesion detection rate.

INTERVENTIONS

Slides of all lesions in the serrated class proximal to the sigmoid colon and all rectal and sigmoid colon serrated lesions >5 mm in size were reviewed by an experienced GI pathologist.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Prevalence of SSA/Ps, defined as the proportion of patients with ≥1 SSA/P.

RESULTS

There were 1910 patients, of whom 389 had 656 lesions in the serrated class. Review by the experienced GI pathologist determined a prevalence of SSA/Ps without cytologic dysplasia of 7.4% and SSA/Ps-CD of 0.6% (total SSA/P prevalence 8.1%). SSA/Ps and SSA/Ps-CD comprised 5.6% and 0.3%, respectively, of all resected polyps. The mean size of SSA/Ps was 7.13 mm (standard deviation [SD] 4.66), and 51 of 77 (66.2%) polyps ≥10 mm in the serrated class were SSA/Ps.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design.

CONCLUSION

A colonoscopist with a high lesion detection rate and an experienced pathologist identified a high prevalence (8.1%) of SSA/Ps in a screening population. SSA/Ps are more common than previously believed.

Narrow-Band Imaging for Detection of Neoplasia at Colonoscopy: A Meta-analysis of Data From Individual Patients in Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Adenoma detection rate (ADR) is an important quality assurance measure for colonoscopy. Some studies suggest that narrow-band imaging (NBI) may be more effective at detecting adenomas than white-light endoscopy (WLE) when bowel preparation is optimal. We conducted a meta-analysis of data from individual patients in randomized controlled trials that compared the efficacy of NBI to WLE in detection of adenomas.

METHODS

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases through April 2017 for randomized controlled trials that assessed detection of colon polyps by high-definition WLE vs NBI and from which data on individual patients were available. The primary outcome measure was ADR adjusted for bowel preparation quality. Multilevel regression models were used with patients nested within trials, and trial included as a random effect.

RESULTS

We collected data from 11 trials, comprising 4491 patients and 6636 polyps detected. Adenomas were detected in 952 of 2251 (42.3%) participants examined by WLE vs 1011 of 2239 (45.2%) participants examined by NBI (unadjusted odds ratio [OR] for detection of adenoma by WLE vs NBI, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01-1.29; P = .04). NBI outperformed WLE only when bowel preparation was best: adequate preparation OR, 1.07 (95% CI, 0.92-1.24; P = .38) vs best preparation OR, 1.30 (95% CI, 1.04-1.62; P = .02). Second-generation bright NBI had a better ADR than WLE (second-generation NBI OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.05-1.56; P = .02), whereas first-generation NBI did not. NBI detected more non-adenomatous polyps than WLE (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.06-1.44; P = .008) and flat polyps than WLE (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.02-1.51; P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

In a meta-analysis of data from individual patients in randomized controlled trials, we found NBI to have a higher ADR than WLE, and that this effect is greater when bowel preparation is optimal.

Use of the WHO surgical safety checklist in trauma and orthopaedic patients

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends routine use of a surgical safety checklist prior to all surgical operations. The aim of this study was to prospectively audit checklist use in orthopaedic patients before and after implementation of an educational programme designed to increase use and correlate this with early complications, mortality and staff perceptions. Data was collected on 480 patients before the educational program and 485 patients after. Pre-training checklist use was 7.9%. The rates of early complications and mortality were 8.5% and 1.9%, respectively. Forty-seven percent thought the checklist improved team communication. Following an educational program, checklist use significantly increased to 96.9% (RR12.2; 95% CI 9.0-16.6). The rate of early complications and mortality was 7.6% (RR 0.89; 95% CI 0.58-1.37) and 1.6% (RR 0.88; 95% CI 0.34-2.26), respectively. Seventy-seven percent thought the checklist improved team communication. Checklist use was not associated with a significant reduction in early complications and mortality in patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery. Education programs can significantly increase accurate use and staff perceptions following implementation.

High-definition colonoscopy versus Endocuff versus EndoRings versus full-spectrum endoscopy for adenoma detection at colonoscopy: a multicenter randomized trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Devices used to improve polyp detection during colonoscopy have seldom been compared with each other.

METHODS

We performed a 3-center prospective randomized trial comparing high-definition (HD) forward-viewing colonoscopy alone to HD with Endocuff to HD with EndoRings to the full spectrum endoscopy (FUSE) system. Patients were age ≥50 years and had routine indications and intact colons. The study colonoscopists were all proven high-level detectors. The primary endpoint was adenomas per colonoscopy (APC).

RESULTS

Among 1188 patients who completed the study, APC with Endocuff (APC mean ± standard deviation: 1.82 ± 2.58), EndoRings (1.55 ± 2.42), and standard HD colonoscopy (1.53 ± 2.33) were all higher than FUSE (1.30 ± 1.96; P < .001 for APC). The APC for Endocuff was higher than standard HD colonoscopy (P = .014). Mean cecal insertion times with FUSE (468 ± 311 seconds) and EndoRings (403 ± 263 seconds) were both longer than with Endocuff (354 ± 216 seconds; P = .006 and .018, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

For high-level detectors at colonoscopy, forward-viewing HD instruments dominate the FUSE system, indicating that for these examiners image resolution trumps angle of view. Further, Endocuff is a dominant strategy over EndoRings and no mucosal exposure device on a forward-viewing HD colonoscope. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02345889.).

Improving measurement of the adenoma detection rate and adenoma per colonoscopy quality metric: the Indiana University experience

BACKGROUND

The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is a validated marker of colonoscopy quality. However, the optimal measurement method is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The aims of our study were to (1) define benchmarks for the number of adenomas per screening colonoscopy (APC) quality metric; (2) study the association between ADRs for screening, surveillance, and diagnostic indications; and (3) explore the association of the screening ADR with an overall ADR inclusive of all colonoscopy indications.

DESIGN

Retrospective study.

SETTING

University hospital and associated ambulatory surgery center endoscopy units.

PATIENTS

Patients aged ≥50 years who underwent colonoscopy for screening, surveillance, or diagnostic indications by 20 endoscopists between January 1, 1999 and April 30, 2012.

INTERVENTION

Colonoscopy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

ADR, APC for screening, surveillance, and diagnostic indications.

RESULTS

A total of 21,766 colonoscopies were included. The indication was screening in 7434 (34.2%), surveillance in 8338 (38.3%), and diagnostic in 5994 (27.5%). The screening ADRs and APCs were significantly correlated (R = 0.91; P < .0001). For men, an ADR of 25% corresponded to an APC of 0.46 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.57); for women, an ADR of 15% corresponded to an APC of 0.20 (95% CI, 0.13-0.27). Overall, the ADR stratified by colonoscopy indication was highest for surveillance, followed by screening, then diagnostic. For men, a screening ADR of 25% corresponded to a surveillance ADR of 31.9% (95% CI, 24.8%-38.9%); for women, an ADR of 15% corresponded to a surveillance ADR of 24.3% (95% CI, 18.3%-30.5%). The corresponding diagnostic ADRs were 17.0% (95% CI, 12.4%-21.6%) and 15.4% (95% CI, 11.5%-19.3%), respectively. There was significant correlation between screening ADR and an overall ADR inclusive of all colonoscopy indications.

LIMITATIONS

External generalizability, retrospective design.

CONCLUSION

We propose minimum screening APC detection benchmarks of 0.50 for men and 0.20 for women. ADRs for screening, surveillance, and diagnostic colonoscopy are correlated and can be used to derive a simplified overall ADR inclusive of all colonoscopy indications.

Recurrence rates after EMR of large sessile serrated polyps

BACKGROUND

Little is known regarding the recurrence rate after EMR of large (≥20 mm) sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/Ps).

OBJECTIVE

To compare the recurrence rate among SSA/Ps and conventional adenomas in patients referred to a specialty practice for EMR.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Academic hospital and a satellite surgery center.

PATIENTS

A total of 362 consecutive patients referred for resection of large (≥20 mm) polyps in the colorectum.

INTERVENTIONS

All EMRs were performed with a submucosal contrast agent. All subjects had a follow-up surveillance examination (inspection and biopsy of the EMR) at our center.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Rates of residual polyp at follow-up examination.

RESULTS

Residual polyp was identified among 8.7% of SSA/Ps compared with 11.1% for conventional adenomas (P = .8).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design, procedures performed by a single experienced endoscopist, low number of serrated lesions.

CONCLUSIONS

The rate of recurrence after EMR of SSA/Ps is similar to the rate after EMR of conventional adenomas.

Water immersion simplifies cecal intubation in patients with redundant colons and previous incomplete colonoscopies

BACKGROUND

Interest in effective ways to complete colon examinations in patients who had previously undergone failed colonoscopies has increased recently.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether water immersion decreased the need for ancillary equipment to achieve cecal intubation in patients who had previously undergone incomplete colonoscopies.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center.

PATIENTS

A total of 345 consecutive patients referred to a tertiary center for the indication of a previous incomplete colonoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

Colonoscopy with or without water immersion insertion.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Cecal intubation rates, type of equipment, and maneuvers used.

RESULTS

Cecal intubation was achieved in 332 of 345 patients (96.2%) and was similar in those with and without water immersion (170/178, 95.5% vs 162/167, 97%, P = .58). An external straightening device was used in 6 of 178 cases with water immersion (3.4%) compared with 25 of 168 cases with air insufflation (15%) (P < .0001). Among patients with a redundant colon as the sole cause of previously incomplete examinations, water immersion required an external straightener in 7% compared with 37% with air insufflation during insertion (P < .0001), and position change was required in 5% of those with water immersion compared with 22% with air insufflation (P = .01).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective review; single-center, single-endoscopist study.

CONCLUSION

Water immersion decreases the need for external straightening devices and position change maneuvers in patients with redundant colons and previously incomplete colonoscopies.

Cold versus hot snare resection with or without submucosal injection of 6- to 15-mm colorectal polyps: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cold snare resection of colorectal lesions has been found to be safe and effective for an expanding set of colorectal lesions. In this study, we sought to understand the efficacy of simple cold snare resection and cold EMR versus hot snare resection and hot EMR for colorectal lesions 6 to 15 mm in size.

METHODS

At 3 U.S. centers, 235 patients with 286 colorectal lesions 6 to 15 mm in size were randomized to cold snaring, cold EMR, hot snaring, or hot EMR for nonpedunculated colorectal lesions 6 to 15 mm in size. The primary outcome was complete resection determined by 4 biopsy samples from the defect margin and 1 biopsy sample from the center of the resection defect.

RESULTS

The overall incomplete resection rate was 2.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], .8%-7.5%). All 7 incompletely removed polyps were 10 to 15 mm in size and removed by hot EMR (n = 4, 6.2%), hot snare (n = 2, 2.2%), or cold EMR (n = 1, 1.8%). Cold snaring had no incomplete resections, required less procedural time than the other methods, and was not associated with serious adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

Cold snaring is a dominant resection technique for nonpedunculated colorectal lesions 6 to 15 mm in size. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03462706.).

Failure to recognize serrated polyposis syndrome in a cohort with large sessile colorectal polyps

BACKGROUND

Serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) is a rare condition of multiple serrated colorectal polyps and cancers. Colorectal cancer risk is increased in SPS.

OBJECTIVE

We determined the prevalence of SPS in a cohort of patients with large (≥ 2 cm) sessile colorectal polyps and the rate at which the diagnosis was made by the clinicians.

DESIGN

Review of patient care database. The 2010 World Health Organization (WHO) criteria were used to identify cases of SPS.

SETTING

Tertiary academic center.

PATIENTS

529 consecutive patients referred for endoscopic resection of a sessile colorectal polyp ≥ 2 cm.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Prevalence of SPS in the cohort and frequency with which the referring physician and the endoscopist recognized SPS.

RESULTS

Of the 529 patients, 20 (4%) met the WHO criteria for SPS. Only 1 of these cases was suspected by a referring physician. Twelve cases (60%) were either diagnosed or suspected by the endoscopist at our center. Compared with all other patients without SPS, those with SPS were more likely to have an index lesion (the lesion that led to referral) that was serrated (60% vs 3.8%), to have a cecal or ascending colon index lesion (70% vs 45%), and to be current smokers (42% vs 15%). Including the first colonoscopy to remove the index lesion and 26 follow-up colonoscopies, the endoscopist at our center removed 183 serrated polyps from the 20 patients with SPS; of those polyps, 68 were >1 cm. Three patients were referred for surgical resection of involved colon. Eighteen of the 20 patients with SPS met the WHO criterion of 5 serrated polyps proximal to the sigmoid, of which 2 are >1 cm. Failure to recognize SPS by the referring physician was at least partly related to unrecognized serrated lesions. Failure to recognize SPS by the endoscopist at our institution was the result of not systematically applying WHO criteria to the polyp findings.

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

SPS was common in a cohort of patients with large sessile colorectal polyps, and it was frequently unrecognized. These data suggest the need for better detection of serrated lesions, better awareness of SPS, and more consistent application of SPS criteria to the polyp findings of individual patients.

Tibial Plateau Fractures in Elderly Patients

Tibial plateau fractures are common in the elderly population following a low-energy mechanism. Initial evaluation includes an assessment of the soft tissues and surrounding ligaments. Most fractures involve articular depression leading to joint incongruity. Treatment of these fractures may be complicated by osteoporosis, osteoarthritis, and medical comorbidities. Optimal reconstruction should restore the mechanical axis, provide a stable construct for mobilization, and reestablish articular congruity. This is accomplished through a variety of internal or external fixation techniques or with acute arthroplasty. Regardless of the treatment modality, particular focus on preservation and maintenance of the soft tissue envelope is paramount.

Risk of advanced lesions at first follow-up colonoscopy in high-risk groups as defined by the United Kingdom post-polypectomy surveillance guideline: data from a single U.S. center

BACKGROUND

The United Kingdom (U.K.) post-adenoma resection guidelines recommend earlier surveillance for patients with 5 or more adenomas or 3 to 4 adenomas of which one is 10 mm or larger compared with U.S. guidelines.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of using the U.K. guideline on a U.S. cohort of adenoma patients.

DESIGN

Single-center, retrospective study.

SETTING

Indiana University Hospital and an associated ambulatory surgery center.

PATIENTS

A total of 1414 patients with baseline adenoma findings belonging to one of 5 risk categories and with a follow-up colonoscopy more than 200 days later.

INTERVENTION

Colonoscopy, polypectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Incidence of advanced lesions at follow-up colonoscopy.

RESULTS

Advanced neoplasms at follow-up occurred in 16.3% of patients with 5 or more adenomas including 1 that was 10 mm or larger, 8.6% of patients with 3 or 4 adenomas including 1 that was 10 mm or larger, 5% of those with 5 or more adenomas all smaller than 10 mm, 1.8% of those with 3 or 4 adenomas all smaller than 10 mm, and 1.4% of those with 1 to 2 adenomas smaller than 10 mm. Logistic regression analyses showed that the rate of advanced lesions at first follow-up was increased in persons with 3 or more baseline adenomas and at least 1 that is 10 mm or larger compared with those with 1 to 4 small baseline adenomas.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center, retrospective study.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicate the U.K. guideline predicts higher risk groups for advanced neoplasia at first follow-up. Our study had inadequate power to show better prediction of incident cancer. Additional study of other databases is warranted.

Adverse events and residual lesion rate after cold endoscopic mucosal resection of serrated lesions ≥10 mm

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Cold EMR is being increasingly used for large serrated lesions. We sought to measure residual lesion rates and adverse events after cold EMR of large serrated lesions.

METHODS

In a single academic center, we retrospectively examined a database of serrated class lesions ≥10 mm removed with cold EMR for safety and efficacy.

RESULTS

Five hundred sixty-six serrated lesions ≥10 mm in size were removed from 312 patients. We successfully contacted 223 patients (71.5%) with no reported serious adverse events that required hospitalization, repeat endoscopy, or transfusion. The residual lesion rate per lesion at first follow-up colonoscopy was 18 of 225 (8%; 95% confidence interval, 5-12.1). Lesions with residual were larger at polypectomy compared with lesions without recurrence (median, 23 mm versus 16 mm, P = .017).

CONCLUSION

Cold EMR appears to be safe and effective for the removal of large serrated lesions.

Prevalence of malignancy in patients with pure main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms

BACKGROUND

Risk of malignancy in main duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (MD-IPMN) ranges from 36% to 100% in the literature. Although surgical resection is recommended for all MD-IPMNs, the risk of malignancy based on main pancreatic duct (MPD) size alone remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence of malignancy in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with pure MD-IPMN based on MPD size.

DESIGN

Single-center retrospective study of prospectively collected data.

SETTINGS

Tertiary referral center.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS

Fifty-two patients with pure low-risk MD-IPMN. Clinical, endoscopic, radiographic, and pathologic data were reviewed.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Prevalence of malignancy in patients with pure MD-IPMN based on histopathology of resected lesions.

RESULTS

Sixteen asymptomatic patients had pure MD-IPMN on surgical pathology, 4 (25%) with malignant disease, compared with 25 of 36 symptomatic patients (69%) with pure MD-IPMN. Logistic regression identified symptoms and MPD size as predictors of malignancy. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis demonstrated that MPD size (optimal cutoff of 8 mm) produced the greatest area under the curve to discriminate between benign and malignant MD-IPMN (.83; 95% CI, .72-.94). MPD size greater than 8 mm has a relative risk of 2.8 for malignancy (95% CI, 1.6-4.9).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective, single-center study at a tertiary referral hospital. Study population included only patients who underwent surgical resection.

CONCLUSION

Asymptomatic MD-IPMN patients with a duct size of no more than 8 mm have a lower prevalence of malignancy and may represent a distinct group of patients with less aggressive biologic behavior. Further studies are needed to confirm our observations.

Foot and ankle history and clinical examination: A guide to everyday practice

This review summarises the key points in taking a history and performing a comprehensive clinical examination for patients with foot and/or ankle problems. It is a useful guide for residents who are preparing for their specialty exams, as well as family doctors and any other doctor who has to deal with foot and ankle problems in adults.

Regional center for complex colonoscopy: yield of neoplasia in patients with prior incomplete colonoscopy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Incomplete colonoscopy increases the risk of incident proximal colon cancer postcolonoscopy. Incomplete colonoscopy is often followed by barium enema or CT colonography. We sought to describe the yield of completion colonoscopy in a regional center for complex colonoscopy.

METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study of 520 consecutive patients referred to a single colonoscopist over a 14-year period for completion colonoscopy after a previous incomplete examination.

RESULTS

Colonoscopy was completed to the cecum in 506 of 520 patients (97.3%). A total of 913 conventional adenomas was removed in 277 patients (adenoma detection rate 53.3%). There were 184 adenomas ≥ 1 cm in size or with advanced pathology. There were 525 serrated-class lesions removed in 175 patients, including 54 sessile serrated polyps in 26 patients and 41 hyperplastic polyps greater than 1 cm in 26 patients. Nine colorectal cancers were found. We estimated that approximately 57% of the conventional adenomas, 58% of the sessile serrated polyps, 27% of the hyperplastic polyps, and all 9 cancers detected by the completion colonoscopy were beyond the extent of the previous examination.

CONCLUSIONS

The yield of completion colonoscopy in a cohort of patients with previous failed cecal intubation was substantial. Regional centers for complex colonoscopy can provide high rates of cecal intubation in cases of incomplete colonoscopy and high yields of lesions in these cases. The regional center for complex colonoscopy is an important medical service.

A survey of patient acceptance of resect and discard for diminutive polyps

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Resect and discard is a new paradigm for management of diminutive colon polyps. Little is known regarding whether patients would accept resect and discard. We surveyed colonoscopy patients and their drivers regarding acceptance of resect and discard.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional survey of colonoscopy outpatients and their drivers at two outpatient academic endoscopy centers.

RESULTS

Four hundred fifteen colonoscopy patients and 293 drivers completed the survey (93.5% of all invited participants). Results for the two groups were similar. Overall, 66.3% indicated they would accept resect and discard. Participants who were younger, white, and seen at the ambulatory surgery center (vs the hospital outpatient department) were more likely to accept. Those declining resect and discard were more likely to be willing to pay some amount out-of-pocket to have diminutive polyps checked by pathology (97.1% vs 44.5%). Of those unwilling to accept resect and discard, 49.8% would require a zero chance of cancer in diminutive polyps before accepting resect and discard.

CONCLUSIONS

Patient acceptance of resect and discard appears promising but is quite variable. Eliciting individual patient acceptance of resect and discard will be important during initial implementation into clinical practice.

Intraprocedural cleansing work during colonoscopy and achievable rates of adequate preparation in an open-access endoscopy unit

BACKGROUND

Rates of adequate bowel preparation in the 60% to 80% range continue to be reported for colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the rate of adequate bowel preparation and intraprocedural work needed to achieve this rate in an open-access endoscopy unit. Universal split dosing and regimens tailored to medical predictors of inadequate preparation were used.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Academic hospital outpatient endoscopy unit and ambulatory surgery center.

PATIENTS

Outpatients undergoing colonoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

Prospective assessment of preparation quality for colonoscopy during insertion and after intraprocedural cleansing in 525 patients.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Rates of adequate preparation and work required to improve cleansing quality. Work time for cleaning was measured with a stopwatch.

RESULTS

Adequate preparation to allow recommendation of standard screening or surveillance intervals was achieved in 96% of patients, including 6% for whom preparation was adequate only after intraprocedural cleansing work. The mean time for intraprocedural cleaning was 4.1 minutes and constituted 17% of total procedure time. Work time for cleaning and fluid volume injected increased when worse preparation grades were identified before cleaning.

LIMITATIONS

Single-center study with low percentage (4%) of patients receiving Medicaid.

CONCLUSION

An open-access unit using split-dose bowel cleansing preparations can achieve high rates of adequate bowel preparation for colonoscopy. Intraprocedural cleansing accounts for a substantial fraction of the total procedure time in colonoscopy and is an important contributor to high rates of adequate preparation.

Findings in the distal colorectum are not associated with proximal advanced serrated lesions

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Serrated lesions are an important contributor to colorectal cancer (CRC), notably in the proximal colon. Findings in the distal colorectum are markers of advanced proximal adenomatous neoplasia. However, it is not known whether they affect the odds of advanced proximal serrated lesions.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cross-sectional study of data from 1910 patients (59.3 ± 8.0 years, 53.8% female) who underwent an average-risk screening colonoscopy from August 2005 through April 2012 at Indiana University Hospital and an associated ambulatory surgery center. Colonoscopies were performed by an endoscopist with high rates of detection of adenomas and serrated polyps. Tissue samples of all serrated polyps (hyperplastic, sessile serrated adenoma/polyp [SSA/P], or traditional serrated adenoma) proximal to the sigmoid colon and serrated polyps >5 mm in the rectum or sigmoid colon were reviewed by a gastrointestinal pathologist and reclassified on the basis of World Health Organization criteria. Advanced serrated lesion (ASL) was defined as SSA/P with cytologic dysplasia, SSA/P ≥10 mm, or traditional serrated adenoma. Advanced conventional adenomatous neoplasia (ACN) was defined as tubular adenoma ≥10 mm, villous histology, high-grade dysplasia, or cancer. The prevalence of proximal ASL and ACN was calculated on the basis of distal colorectal findings. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the age-adjusted and sex-adjusted odds of advanced proximal adenomatous and serrated lesions. Secondary analyses were performed to examine the effect of variable ASL definitions.

RESULTS

Fifty-two patients (2.7%) had proximal ASL, and 99 (5.2%) had proximal ACN. Of the 52 patients with proximal ASL, 27 (52%) had no distal polyps. Of the 99 patients with proximal ACN, 40 (40%) had no distal polyps. Age and type of distal adenomas were significantly associated with proximal ACN. There were no significant associations between distal polyp type and proximal ASL. In secondary analyses, distal SSA/Ps (P = .008) but not distal hyperplastic polyps or conventional adenomas were associated with any proximal SSA/P.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings at flexible sigmoidoscopy that traditionally serve as indications for colonoscopy (conventional adenomas) are likely to be ineffective for detection of proximal ASL. This finding, plus the observation that most patients with proximal ASL have no distal polyps, favors screening colonoscopy over sigmoidoscopy, especially in the elderly. The observation that non-advanced distal SSA/Ps are associated with any proximal SSA/P warrants further study.

Clip artifact after closure of large colorectal EMR sites: incidence and recognition

BACKGROUND

Clip closure of large colorectal EMR defects sometimes results in bumpy scars that are normal on biopsy. We refer to these as "clip artifact." If unrecognized, clip artifact can be mistaken for residual polyp, leading to thermal treatment and potential adverse events.

OBJECTIVE

To describe the incidence of and define predictors of clip artifact.

DESIGN

Review of photographs of scars from consecutive clipped EMR defects.

SETTING

University outpatient endoscopy center.

PATIENTS

A total of 284 consecutive patients with clip closure of defects after EMR of lesions 20 mm or larger and follow-up colonoscopy.

INTERVENTIONS

EMR, clip closure.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Incidence of clip artifact.

RESULTS

A total of 303 large polyps met the inclusion criteria. On review of photographs, 96 scars (31.7%) had clip artifact. Clip artifact was associated with increased numbers of clips placed (odds ratio for each additional clip, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-1.38) but not polyp histology, size, or location. The rate of residual polyp by histology was 8.9% (27/303), with 21 of 27 scars with residual polyp evident endoscopically. The rate of residual polyp evident only by histology in scars with clip artifact (3/93; 3.2%) was not different from the rate in scars without clip artifact (3/189; 1.6%).

LIMITATIONS

Retrospective design. Sites closed primarily with 1 type of clip. Single-operator assessment of endoscopic photographs.

CONCLUSION

Clip artifact occurred in the scars of approximately one-third of large clipped EMR sites and increased with number of clips placed. Clip artifact could be consistently distinguished from residual polyp by its endoscopic appearance.

Determining the adenoma detection rate and adenomas per colonoscopy by photography alone: proof-of-concept study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adenomas detected per colonoscopy (APC) are measures of the quality of mucosal inspection during colonoscopy. In a resect and discard policy, pathologic assessment for calculation of ADR and APC would not be available. The aim of this study was to determine whether ADR and APC calculation based on photography alone is adequate compared with the pathology-based gold standard.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A prospective, observational, proof-of-concept study was performed in an academic endoscopy unit. High definition photographs of consecutive polyps were taken, and pathology was estimated by the colonoscopist. Among 121 consecutive patients aged ≥ 50 years who underwent colonoscopy, 268 polyps were removed from 97 patients. Photographs of consecutive polyps were reviewed by a second endoscopist.

RESULTS

The resect and discard policy applied to lesions that were ≤ 5 mm in size. When only photographs of lesions that were ultimately proven to be adenomas were included, the reviewer assessed ADR and APC to be lower than that determined by pathology (absolute reductions of 6.6 % and 0.17, and relative reductions of 12.6 % and 13.1 % in ADR and APC, respectively). When all photographs were included for calculation of ADR and APC, the reviewer determined the ADR to be 3.3 % lower (absolute reduction) and the APC to be the same as the rates determined by pathology.

CONCLUSIONS

In a simulated resect and discard strategy, a high-level detector can document adequate ADR and APC by photography alone.

SIC-8000 versus hetastarch as a submucosal injection fluid for EMR: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Viscous solutions provide a superior submucosal cushion for EMR. SIC-8000 (Eleview; Aries Pharmaceuticals, La Jolla, Calif) is a commercially available U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved solution, but hetastarch is also advocated. We performed a randomized trial comparing SIC-8000 with hetastarch as submucosal injection agents for colorectal EMR.

METHODS

This was a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial performed at a tertiary referral center. Patients were referred to our center with flat or sessile lesions measuring ≥15 mm in size. The primary outcome measures were the Sydney resection quotient (SRQ) and the rate of en bloc resections. Secondary outcomes were total volume needed for a sufficient lift, number of resected pieces, and adverse events.

RESULTS

There were 158 patients with 159 adenomas (SIC-8000, 84; hetastarch, 75) and 57 serrated lesions (SIC-8000, 30; hetastarch, 27). SRQ was significantly better in the SIC-8000 group compared with hetastarch group (9.3 vs 8.1, P = .001). There was no difference in the proportion of lesions with en bloc resections. The total volume of injectate was significantly lower with SIC-8000 (14.8 mL vs 20.6 mL, P = .038).

CONCLUSIONS

SIC-8000 is superior to hetastarch for use during EMR in terms of SRQ and total volume needed, although the absolute differences were small. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03350217.).

Colorectal polyp prevalence and aspirational detection targets determined using high definition colonoscopy and a high level detector in 2017

BACKGROUND

Colorectal adenoma prevalence can be determined by autopsy studies, or imaging studies such as colonoscopy. We describe the prevalence of colorectal adenomas determined by a single high detecting colonoscopist using high definition colonoscopes.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study of consecutive patients aged ≥18 years undergoing colonoscopy with a high level detector for the indications of screening, surveillance, and diagnostic reasons from December 29, 2016 to January 12, 2018.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1172 eligible patients underwent colonoscopy. Women comprised 55% (n = 646) and the majority (89%, n = 1038) were aged ≥50 years (mean age, 62.1 years). In persons aged ≥50 years undergoing screening, the prevalence of ≥1 conventional adenoma was 48.5% and ≥1 sessile serrated polyp was 15.3%. Diminutive polyps (1-5 mm in size) comprised three-quarters of all resected polyps (2236/2986). Among 246 patients (21%), 1050 hyperplastic appearing polyps were not resected from the recto-sigmoid. Adenoma prevalence was strongly associated with age and indication but serrated lesion prevalence was not.

CONCLUSIONS

The true prevalence of precancerous lesions in the colorectum determined by modern colonoscopy exceeds determination by autopsy studies. These data help define aspirational detection targets for colonoscopy. The economic burden associated with colonoscopic resection of tiny lesions is substantial.

The predictive value of small versus diminutive adenomas for subsequent advanced neoplasia

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with previous colorectal adenomas are at increased risk of colorectal cancer. Current guidelines for postpolypectomy surveillance intervals treat all tubular adenomas 1 to 9 mm in size with low-grade dysplasia as carrying the same level of risk. We evaluated whether 6 to 9 mm adenomas detected at colonoscopy are associated with greater risk of advanced neoplasia at follow-up compared with baseline 1 to 5 mm adenomas.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated a colonoscopy database at a single U.S. academic center. Patients with baseline examinations demonstrating tubular adenomas 1 to 9 mm in size with low-grade dysplasia and no advanced adenomas were included. Follow-up colonoscopies were performed at least 200 days later and were assessed for incident advanced neoplasia (cancer, high-grade dysplasia, adenoma ≥10 mm in size, or villous elements).

RESULTS

There were 2477 qualifying baseline colonoscopies. The absolute risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia increased from 3.6% in patients with 1 to 5 mm adenomas to 6.9% in patients with at least 1 adenoma of 6 to 9 mm (P = .001). Patients with 5 or more adenomas 1 of which was at least 6 to 9 mm had the highest risk of advanced neoplasia at follow-up (10.4%, P = .006). When only screening colonoscopies were considered, all baseline groups (1-2 adenomas, 3-4 adenomas, ≥5 adenomas) with adenomas 6 to 9 mm in size had an increased risk for metachronous advanced neoplasia (odds ratio [OR], 4.07; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50-11.04; OR, 4.91; 95% CI, 1.44-16.75; OR, 4.71; 95% CI, 1.30-17.05, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with baseline small (6-9 mm) adenomas have an increased risk of advanced lesions on follow-up compared with patients with only diminutive (1-5 mm) adenomas. Postpolypectomy guidelines should consider risk stratification based on small versus diminutive adenomas.