Colon capsule endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an innovative noninvasive, and painless ingestible capsule technique that allows exploration of the colon without the need for sedation and gas insufflation. Although it is already available in European and other countries, the clinical indications for CCE as well as the reporting and work-up of detected findings have not yet been standardized. The aim of this evidence-based and consensus-based guideline, commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) is to furnish healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for potential implementation of this technique in a clinical setting.

Role of small-bowel endoscopy in the management of patients with inflammatory bowel disease: an international OMED-ECCO consensus

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis are lifelong diseases seen predominantly in the developed countries of the world. Whereas ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory condition causing diffuse and continuous mucosal inflammation of the colon, Crohn's disease is a heterogeneous entity comprised of several different phenotypes, but can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. A change in diagnosis from Crohn's disease to ulcerative colitis during the first year of illness occurs in about 10 % - 15 % of cases. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) restricted to the colon that cannot be characterized as either ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease is termed IBD-unclassified (IBDU). The advent of capsule and both single- and double-balloon-assisted enteroscopy is revolutionizing small-bowel imaging and has major implications for diagnosis, classification, therapeutic decision making and outcomes in the management of IBD. The role of these investigations in the diagnosis and management of IBD, however, is unclear. This document sets out the current Consensus reached by a group of international experts in the fields of endoscopy and IBD at a meeting held in Brussels, 12-13th December 2008, organised jointly by the European Crohn's and Colitis Organisation (ECCO) and the Organisation Mondiale d'Endoscopie Digestive (OMED). The Consensus is grouped into seven sections: definitions and diagnosis; suspected Crohn's disease; established Crohn's disease; IBDU; ulcerative colitis (including ileal pouch-anal anastomosis [IPAA]); paediatric practice; and complications and unresolved questions. Consensus guideline statements are followed by comments on the evidence and opinion. Statements are intended to be read in context with qualifying comments and not read in isolation.

Degree of concordance between double-balloon enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: a multicenter study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Capsule endoscopy is considered the diagnostic procedure of choice in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). Double-balloon endoscopy (DBE) offers both diagnostic and therapeutic potential, but is invasive, complex, and time-consuming. The aim was to evaluate diagnostic agreement between capsule endoscopy and DBE in patients with OGIB, and secondarily the diagnostic gain of DBE when capsule endoscopy detected only blood or clots in the small-bowel lumen.

METHODS

Multicenter prospective study carried out at six institutions in Italy.

RESULTS

193 patients (119 men, mean age 61.6 +/- 16.2) first underwent capsule endoscopy and then DBE. The most frequent positive findings at capsule endoscopy were vascular lesions (74 patients, 38.3 %), blood or clot in the lumen (34, 17.6 %), and tumor mass (20, 10.4 %). The most frequent findings at DBE were vascular lesions (72 patients, 37.3 %), neoplasia (30, 15.5 %) and ulcers/inflammatory lesions (12, 6.2 %). Overall kappa coefficient was 0.46 (95 %CI 0.38 - 0.54), with maximum concordance for vascular (0.72 [95 %CI 0.59 - 0.84]) and inflammatory (0.78 [0.58 - 0.99]) lesions and minimum for polyps (0.46 [0.16 - 0.80]). Blood in the lumen was the only positive finding at capsule endoscopy in 34 cases; of these, 12 had negative DBE findings whereas 10 had vascular lesions, 6 neoplasia, 1 ulcer, and 5 diverticula.

CONCLUSION

Capsule endoscopy and DBE have good agreement for vascular and inflammatory lesions but not for polyps or neoplasia. DBE provides valuable adjunctive information, particularly in patients with neoplasia or polyp at capsule endoscopy. DBE clarified the origin of bleeding in two-thirds of patients with capsule endoscopy showing only blood in the lumen.

Small-bowel neoplasms in patients undergoing video capsule endoscopy: a multicenter European study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Small-bowel tumors account for 1% - 3% of all gastrointestinal neoplasms. Recent studies with video capsule endoscopy (VCE) suggest that the frequency of these tumors may be substantially higher than previously reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the frequency, clinical presentation, diagnostic/therapeutic work-up, and endoscopic appearance of small-bowel tumors in a large population of patients undergoing VCE.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Identification by a questionnaire of patients with VCE findings suggesting small-bowel tumors and histological confirmation of the neoplasm seen in 29 centers of 10 European Countries.

RESULTS

Of 5129 patients undergoing VCE, 124 (2.4%) had small-bowel tumors (112 primary, 12 metastatic). Among these patients, indications for VCE were: obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (108 patients), abdominal pain (9), search for primary neoplasm (6), diarrhea with malabsorption (1). The main primary small-bowel tumor type was gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) (32%) followed by adenocarcinoma (20%) and carcinoid (15%); 66% of secondary small-bowel tumors were melanomas. Of the tumors, 80.6% were identified solely on the basis of VCE findings. 55 patients underwent VCE as the third procedure after negative bidirectional endoscopy. The lesions were single in 89.5% of cases, and multiple in 10.5%. Retention of the capsule occurred in 9.8% of patients with small-bowel tumors. After VCE, 54/124 patients underwent 57 other examinations before treatment; in these patients enteroscopy, when performed, showed a high diagnostic yield. Treatment was surgery in 95% of cases.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that VCE detects small-bowel tumors in a small proportion of patients undergoing this examination, but the early use of this tool can shorten the diagnostic work-up and influence the subsequent management of these patients.

Occult intestinal haemorrhage due to lipoma of the small bowel detected with the combined use of the new endoscopic techniques. A report of two cases

We report two unusual cases of occult intestinal bleeding due to lipoma of the small bowel. Both the patients underwent several inconclusive endoscopic and radiological procedures before the diagnosis of these lesions that was possible using video capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy. In the first case, the finding of capsule endoscopy was confirmed using enteroscopy, allowing us to diagnose the ileal mass. In the second and more recent case, we used double balloon enteroscopy for the further characterisation and management of the ileal lipoma. Lipoma is a very rare cause of intestinal bleeding and we describe the management and the outcome of our patients.

Capsule endoscopy: where are we after 6 years of clinical use?

Capsule endoscopy has revolutionised the management of digestive tract diseases by providing a new non-invasive way to view the entire small bowel mucosa directly. Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding is the primary and best validated indication to capsule endoscopy, which when used as first-line exploration is the most efficient strategy as regards diagnosis. In these patients, the technique is also helpful for effective decision-making concerning subsequent treatments. There is significant uncertainty regarding the role of capsule endoscopy in patients with Crohn's disease. Although it is clearly more sensitive than conventional imaging modalities, the implications of the lesions identified with this technique are not fully understood. Further prospective studies are required to identify the clinical settings where capsule endoscopy is most effective in these patients. Capsule endoscopy may potentially lead to diagnosis of small bowel tumours earlier in their course; it should be used as first-line surveillance procedure in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, and it may be of clinical value in selected patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Although preliminary results are promising, additional research is necessary to determine its role in the diagnosis and management of coeliac disease, as well as for the diagnosis of oesophageal and large bowel disorders. Well-designed studies are also needed to better define the impact of capsule endoscopy on health care use and clinical outcome of patients with intestinal diseases.

Gastric metaplasia and small bowel ulcerogenesis in a case of ulcerative jejunitis not related to celiac disease

The possible relationship between gastric metaplasia and ulcerative lesions in an unusual case of ulcerative jejunitis not related to celiac disease and with extensive gastric metaplasia is discussed. Previous studies have described gastric metaplasia in duodenal ulcers on the basis of endoscopic data, and some authors maintain that acid secretion in metaplastic mucosa could represent a pathogenetic factor of ulcerogenesis, with a self-amplifying mechanism. In the absence of functional evidence, we could provide data, in a case of ulcerative jejunitis, about morphologic signs of acid secretion in gastric metaplastic epithelium using an antibody against HMFG-1, a good marker of acid-secreting fundic cells. Metaplastic areas demonstrated a focal positivity for HMFG-1, and these finding are suggestive of local acid secretion.

Clinical identification and long-term surveillance of 22 hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer Italian families

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficacy of a hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer (HNPCC) identification and surveillance policy.

METHODS

Familial clustering of colorectal cancer (CRC) and extracolonic cancers (ECs) was investigated in 1520 consecutive CRC patients and relatives. HNPCC was identified by Amsterdam criteria, and individuals at risk were offered biennial colonoscopy and other examinations, starting from age 25 years.

RESULTS

Twenty-two HNPCC families were identified. The CRC prevalence was 27.8% (121/435), decreasing from 59.4% in the first generation to 24.4% and 8% in the second and third generation, respectively. Twenty-nine patients had multiple CRC and 34 patients (in 12 families) had ECs.A total of 199/331 at-risk individuals accepted surveillance. The mean follow-up was 48+/-32 months. CRCs were detected at first surveillance in four out of 199 surveilled individuals (2%); in two surveilled individuals (1%), three CRCs developed during follow-up. The overall CRC incidence was 7/199 (3.5%) in surveilled individuals and 5/132 (3.7%) in unsurveilled individuals. CRCs were less advanced in surveilled than in unsurveilled patients. Eleven individuals had 22 adenomas (one with high-grade dysplasia). Three individuals had adenomas at first surveillance; two of them and eight more individuals during surveillance. Seven surveilled individuals and six unsurveilled individuals, all belonging to families with a history of EC, had EC during the study period. All patients with CRC detected by surveillance are alive. One of the unsurveilled patients who had CRC died 18 months after the diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Data confirm the importance of the family history collected in each patient with CRC for identification of HNPCC and support the efficacy of repeated colonoscopies for early diagnosis and prevention of CRC in at-risk members. Reasons for surveillance failure could be an accelerated progression of small adenomas and a lesion missing at colonoscopy. Longer follow-up is required to assess the efficacy of surveillance for EC.

Outcome of laparoscopic colorectal resection

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for colorectal diseases.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of all patients undergoing a laparoscopic colorectal procedure (LCP) for large bowel disease. All operations were performed by a single experienced team. Patients were divided chronologically into three consecutive groups (G1, G2, and G3). Data collection included the incidence and cause of both "proper" and "mandatory" conversions to laparotomy, the incidence and type of early and late postoperative complications, incidence of operative mortality, and the length of hospital stay. The incidences of conversion to laparotomy and of early and late postoperative complications were also determined as related to diagnosis, type of LCP attempted, and chronological group.

RESULTS

Between January 1996 and December 2001, a total of 108 patients (49 men and 59 women) with a mean age of 65.1 years underwent an LCP for colorectal disease. Proper conversion to open surgery was necessary in five patients (4.6%), whereas a mandatory conversion was needed in 10 with patients advanced cancer (9.2%). The overall morbidity rate was 11.9%. There were no anastomotic leaks. In two patients (1.85%) developed a complication requiring reoperation. Postoperative mortality was nil. Mean postoperative hospital stay was 7.2 days. The rates of conversion and of early and late complications decreased through the three chronological periods. No trocar site recurrences were observed in the cancer patients.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic colorectal surgery performed in experienced centers is safe; the observed morbidity and mortality rates are low and acceptable and compare favorably to those observed after standard open surgery.

Small-bowel endoscopy

The role of small-bowel endoscopy in the management of small-bowel diseases is still evolving. During the last year, capsule endoscopy has developed from being an emerging method in gastroenterology to become a clinical reality, and it must now be considered critically. A number of peer-reviewed studies have been published that compare the method with push enteroscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. In other studies, capsule endoscopy has been compared with traditional radiographic methods of examining the small bowel. The potential of capsule endoscopy for diagnosing small-bowel diseases has also been evaluated, particularly in patients with suspected Crohn's disease. Although this innovative diagnostic method has now entered clinical practice, it must be stressed that both push enteroscopy and intraoperative enteroscopy still have a precise and valid role in the management of patients with small-bowel diseases, as may be seen from several of the studies that are reviewed here. Capsule endoscopy will probably become a first-line tool for detecting abnormalities of the small bowel, and very probably this will entail redefining some diagnostic algorithms for diseases involving the small bowel. Nevertheless, further studies are required before today's clinical practice can be definitively modified, and these should make particular reference to the outcome in patients who undergo capsule endoscopy.

Small-bowel endoscopy

During the last year, promising results with the first clinical applications of capsule endoscopy have been reported; this is a new, revolutionary diagnostic method for endoscopic study of the small bowel. The method has chiefly been used in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and in some cases has allowed additional diagnoses to be made in comparison with push enteroscopy, with a positive influence on patient management. New therapeutic possibilities have also been developed in push enteroscopy, emphasizing the role of this technique as an essential component of gastrointestinal endoscopy. Important innovations in enteroscopy technique have been described, aimed at increasing the depth of examination, and these will probably make it possible to extend endoscopic treatments to include the entire small bowel. Finally, numerous articles are still being published concerning intraoperative enteroscopy. It is to be hoped that, in future, the use of this invasive procedure will be based on data acquired by capsule endoscopy.

Small bowel polyps in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome: management by combined push enteroscopy and intraoperative enteroscopy

BACKGROUND

Polyps occur throughout the GI tract in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome; the major problem in the management of the syndrome lies in the small bowel.

METHODS

From January 1979 to January 1998, seven patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome underwent surveillance. Between 1979 and 1992 they were managed with upper and lower endoscopy every 2 to 3 years and surgery when intestinal obstruction occurred. From 1993 they also underwent enteroclysis and, on the basis of radiologic findings, push enteroscopy and/or intraoperative enteroscopy. Push enteroscopy was then performed every 2 years in all patients.

RESULTS

During the first period, 5 of 7 patients underwent emergency small bowel resection (2 operated twice). The patients were divided into 2 groups based on enteroclysis findings; the first comprised 4 patients with multiple polyps throughout the small bowel, and the second included 3 patients with polyps only in the proximal small bowel. Three of the 4 patients with diffuse polyposis underwent intraoperative enteroscopy during which on average 16 polyps per patient were removed (range 10 to 25 polyps; mean diameter 16 mm, range 3 to 50 mm). The remaining patient with diffuse polyposis had a single 25 mm polyp in the terminal ileum removed by retrograde ileoscopy; the more proximal polyps were removed by push enteroscopy. The patients with diffuse polyposis remained asymptomatic during follow-up (mean 50 months, range 47 to 57 months) and also underwent periodic push enteroscopy (mean 2.25 enteroscopies per patient, range 2 to 3) at which a mean of 8.5 polyps per patient (range 4 to 13 polyps) were removed (mean diameter 7.2 mm, range 3 to 15 mm). The 3 patients of the second group underwent periodic push enteroscopy alone (mean 3 per patient) during which a mean of 11.7 polyps per patient were removed (range 7 to 15 polyps: mean diameter 10.9 mm, range 3 to 40 mm). Enteroclysis was not repeated in these patients, who remained asymptomatic during follow-up (mean 47 months, range 46 to 48 months).

CONCLUSIONS

More effective clearance of small bowel polyps via enteroscopy will help reduce the need for emergency surgery with extensive intestinal resection in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Clarithromycin and amoxicillin susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from adult patients with gastric or duodenal ulcer in Italy

Helicobacter pylori strains, isolated from 100 gastric biopsies from 49 previously untreated adult patients with endoscopy and histology-confirmed gastric or duodenal ulcer, were tested for in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility. Strains were isolated from biopsies of 75.5% (37 of 49) patients before therapy and of 13.5% after therapy. Clarithromycin and amoxicillin susceptibility testing was performed on pretreatment and posttreatment strains by using the agar disk diffusion method and E-test, a quantitative technique for the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) determination. All strains (n = 53) were susceptible to amoxicillin by the two methods. Three strains of 34 (8.8%) patients were resistant to clarithromycin: two by both methods and one by E-test (MIC > 2 microg/ml). E-test, although more expensive than the disk diffusion method, is easy to perform and is a reliable method for testing H. pylori susceptibility to antimicrobial agents in the clinical microbiology laboratory.

Small-bowel endoscopy

During the last year, several interesting publications have further confirmed the role of enteroscopy in clinical practice. Of particular interest have been various articles concerning the use of two-way enteroscopy in large series of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding or with radiological abnormalities. Reports continue to appear describing a high incidence of gastroduodenal or colonic lesions that were missed or misinterpreted during previous upper and lower endoscopies in patients with recurrent obscure bleeding. By contrast, there have been few outcome studies on patients with obscure bleeding, and the conclusions reached are not in full agreement. Other important publications have stressed the value of enteroscopy in selected cases of chronic unexplained diarrhea, for diagnosing small-bowel lesions caused by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and in identifying small-bowel tumors. In addition to numerous reports on intraoperative enteroscopy, the results of initial experience with laparoscopically assisted enteroscopy have also been reported.

Enteroscopic identification of an adenocarcinoma of the small bowel in a patient with previously unrecognized hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome

Tumors of the small bowel are uncommon and seldom suspected on a clinical basis. Together with the relative inaccessibility of the small bowel to endoscopic investigation, the rarity of these tumors undoubtedly delays their diagnosis. The case reported is of a patient with an adenocarcinoma of the jejunum presenting as gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin. Diagnosis was by push enteroscopy, after several years of unsuccessful radiological and upper and lower endoscopic evaluation. The patient's family fulfilled the Amsterdam criteria for hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer syndrome, which was previously unrecognized. This report emphasizes the value of push enteroscopy and the limits of radiography of the small bowel when investigating patients with obscure GI bleeding. It also underlines the importance of a careful evaluation of the pedigree (concerning history of colorectal and extracolonic cancer) of all patients, including those who present with adenocarcinoma of the small bowel; it is similarly important to consider the possibility of small bowel cancer in members of families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC) syndrome.

Dysplastic changes in gastric fundic gland polyps of patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Fundic gland polyps are the most common gastric lesion in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and are traditionally considered a condition with no malignancy potential. However, some reports have recently questioned this view.

AIMS

To prospectively evaluate their prevalence and the associated dysplastic/malignant changes in a series of affected patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-seven affected patients were carefully investigated by upper endoscopy over a three-year period. Multiple (at least 10) complete excisions of any representative polyp of the body-fundus were performed and a thorough pathological search for microscopic adenomatous/dysplastic changes carried out.

RESULTS

Of 37 patients, 19 (51.3%) showed gastric fundic gland polyposis and 18 of them gave consent for polypectomies. Overall, 425 endoscopic polypectomies were performed, with a mean of 23.6 +/- 14.6 per patient. At pathology, all excised polyps of the body-fundus were found to be fundic glandular. Microscopic adenomatous changes within such polyps were identified in 8 (44.4%) patients. All the adenomatous foci revealed mild dysplasia with no case of severe atypia or carcinoma. Patients with microadenomas showed a significantly higher total number of gastric polyps compared with those without microadenomas (p < 0.03). No other differences between the two groups were observed. Two further patients presented microadenomas in apparently normal antral mucosa and one also showed a 6 mm antral adenoma with mild dysplasia. Finally, the search for Helicobacter pylori was always negative.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis and gastric fundic gland polyps have a high prevalence of microscopic adenomatous foci within such lesions; nevertheless, these foci seem not to be associated with signs of severe atypia or carcinoma. Moreover, microadenomas are ubiquitous throughout the stomach, as well as in the rest of the gut, and their natural history is still undefined. Thus, their malignancy potential remains uncertain. More extensive follow-up is warranted to better investigate the long-term biological behaviour of these lesions but, at present, our data do not support the need for a change in the usual intervals of upper endoscopy surveillance in familial polyposis patients with or without gastric fundic glands polyps.

Small bowel tumors and polyposis syndromes

Tumors of the small bowel are uncommon and seldom suspected on a clinical basis. Together with the relative inaccessibility of the small bowel to endoscopic investigation, the rarity of these tumors undoubtedly delays the diagnosis. Small bowel tumors may be an interesting field of application for enteroscopy, which now can be readily performed with dedicated enteroscopic evaluation in patients with suspected small bowel neoplasia could improve prognosis and treatment. Enteroscopy may also play an important role in the surveillance of inherited polyposis syndromes, as in other precancerous condition of the small bowel. In Peutz-Jeghers syndrome it may reduce polyp-induced complications and improve planning for surgery; in familial adenomatous polyposis it may contribute to preventing upper gastrointestinal tract cancer.

Main issues in push enteroscopy

Endoscopic evaluation of the small bowel has rapidly evolved over the last ten years, marking an important milestone in the diagnosis and treatment of small bowel diseases. Gradual progress in endoscopic techniques and development of new instruments with full therapeutic options have aided and spread the use of enteroscopy. However, some basic issues concerning its appropriate use in clinical practice remain to be solved. This article stresses the importance of lesions missed at oesophagogastroduodenoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding who undergo push enteroscopy, focuses on the limits of outcome studies related to therapeutic enteroscopy, and critically reviews the clinically relevant indications to push enteroscopy.

High prevalence of adenomas and microadenomas of the duodenal papilla and periampullary region in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis

BACKGROUND

Patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are traditionally considered to be at high risk for duodenal-papillary and periampullary adenomas and cancer.

AIM

To evaluate prospectively the prevalence, histology and clinical significance of ampullary and periampullary macroscopic and microscopic lesions in our population of affected patients.

SETTING

Three gastroenterological departments of northern Italian hospitals.

PATIENT AND METHODS

Twenty-five affected patients were carefully investigated over a 24-month period by end-viewing and side-viewing upper panendoscopy. Biopsies were performed on representative macroscopic lesions and randomly on normal-appearing papillary and periampullary mucosa.

RESULTS

Seven patients had macroscopic adenomas of the duodenal papilla, three of the periampullary region and five at both sites (cumulative prevalence 40%). An additional six patients had macroadenomas in the rest of the duodenum (overall prevalence 64%). Microscopic adenomas were identified in nine and two patients in the papilla and periampullary region, respectively, and in three at both sites (overall prevalence 44%). Thus, a total of 17 (68%) patients presented macro- or microadenomas at these locations. The prevalence rose to 72%, when a further patient with macroadenomas in the rest of the duodenum only was included. Malignancy was not encountered and severe dysplasia was observed only in a macroadenoma of the second duodenal portion. A higher frequency of macroadenomas in the papilla and periampullary region was significantly correlated with the presence and number of such lesions in the rest of the duodenum (P = 0.04). No other significant association was detected either between micro- or macroadenomas at different sites or with the demographic, clinical and pathological features.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms that the duodenal papilla and periampullary region are sites with high prevalence of macro- and microscopic adenomas in patients with FAP. However, our data do not seem to support a higher frequency and malignancy potential of such lesions as compared to polyps in the rest of the duodenum. Nevertheless, these findings warrant a periodic, careful examination of the duodenum with either end-viewing or side-viewing endoscopy, the need for random biopsies of the papilla and periampullary region and the removal of any larger or rapidly growing lesions detected.

Screening for colorectal cancer by once only sigmoidoscopy: a feasibility study in Turin, Italy

OBJECTIVES

To assess the impact on compliance of three invitation methods, as well as the acceptability and efficacy of two bowel preparation regimens, for endoscopic screening in the general population.

METHODS

1170 subjects (men and women aged 55 to 59, in the rosters of a sample of general practitioners (GPs) in Turin), were randomly allocated to one of three invitation groups (A: personal letter, signed by GP, with a pre-fixed appointment; B: same as for A + letter supporting the study by a well known scientist; C: letter signed by the study coordinator, NS) and two preparation regimens (i: one enema, self administered at home two hours before the test; ii: two enemas, administered the night before and two hours before the test). A postal reminder was mailed to non-attenders. A sample of non-responders was contacted for a telephone interview by a trained nurse. Written consent was obtained from all subjects undergoing the test.

RESULTS

A total of 278 subjects attended for sigmoidoscopic screening. An invitation from the GP alone produced the highest response rate (compliance: A = 29.3%; B = 24.9%; C = 26.8%). A single enema was as effective as two enemas in achieving satisfactory preparation for the test: the proportion of subjects invited to repeat the test was 8.1% in the single enema group, and 9.6% in the group receiving two enemas.

CONCLUSIONS

Compliance with this screening procedure tends to be low. One enema, self administered two hours before sigmoidoscopy, can ensure a satisfactory bowel preparation.

Clinical enteroscopy

We prospectively evaluated the diagnostic yield of push enteroscopy using either the Olympus SIF 10-LY fiberscope or the SIF-100 video enteroscope in 120 patients suspected of having small-bowel pathology. Insertion beyond the ligament of Treitz, checked by fluoroscopy, ranged from 30 to 150 cm (median 100). The source of bleeding was identified in 25 (41%) of 61 patients referred for gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin; vascular malformations were the most common finding, followed by neoplasias. Of 16 patients with inherited polyposis syndromes, multiple distal duodenal or jejunal hamartomas were diagnosed in five of six with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome and multiple duodenal or jejunal adenomas in six of 10 with familial adenomatous polyposis. Overall, isolated vascular malformations were successfully cauterized in three patients, and polypectomy was performed in 12 patients. Endoscopic and histological alterations, in both duodenum and jejunum, were found in 16 of 43 patients with diarrhea and/or malabsorption of unclear origin. The remaining 27 had normal duodenal and jejunal mucosal appearances; six had abnormal histological findings only in the jejunum and one both in the duodenum and in the jejunum. If we take jejunal histology as diagnostic, the sensitivity of duodenal histology was 74% and the specificity was 100%. We conclude that push enteroscopy provides useful diagnostic information and has therapeutic capabilities in patients with small-bowel pathology.

Mucosal cell proliferation in patients with hyperplastic colorectal polyps

BACKGROUND

Morphologic, histochemical, and cytoproliferative characteristics differentiate hyperplastic polyps from adenomas. Even so, these polyps are indicators of populations with a high colorectal cancer risk. Since changes in mucosal cell proliferation are highly predictive biomarkers of the adenomacarcinoma sequence, this study examined the cytoproliferative profiles of mucosa bearing hyperplastic polyps, in a search for the significance of such lesions in bowel carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Proliferative activity demonstrated by immunohistochemical detection of the in vitro uptake of bromodeoxyuridine was evaluated in the rectal mucosa of 26 patients with hyperplastic polyps, 35 with adenomas < 1 cm, 60 with adenomas > 1 cm, 10 with adenomas + synchronous hyperplastic polyps, and 400 controls.

RESULTS

An upward shift of the major DNA synthesis zone to the intermediate and surface crypt compartments was found in all four patients groups. Significant hyperproliferation, on the other hand, was only observed in patients with large adenomas or hyperplastic polyps, or small adenomas and synchronous hyperplastic polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that hyperplastic polyps are morphologic indicators of tumor initiation in the rectal mucosa and its ensuing hyperproliferation. Abnormalities in the distribution of proliferation in the mucosa do not appear to be specifically associated with the morphogenesis of hyperplastics polyps.

Rectosigmoid polyps as markers of proximal colonic neoplasms: a cost benefit analysis of different diagnostic protocols

The predictive value of hyperplastic polyps of the rectosigmoid for neoplastic lesions in the proximal colon is controversial. Some authors who deny predictive value have proposed a protocol which entails initially biopsying rectosigmoid polyps, and only in the case of adenomas then proceeding to total colonoscopy (protocol 1). The diagnostic and economic efficiency of this protocol, and of an alternative which entailed the full exploration of the colon during the initial examination in the case of rectosigmoid polyps (protocol 2), were evaluated by retrospectively simulating their application to 216 patients who had undergone total colonoscopy. A proximal neoplastic pathology was present in 49.5% of patients with rectosigmoid adenoma, 27.3% of patients with distal non neoplastic polyps alone (33.3% if only distal hyperplastic polyps were considered) and 11% of patients with no distal polyps. Protocol 1 gave rise to a higher cost ($ 58,413), not only compared to protocol 2 ($ 50,276), but also compared to total colonoscopy in all patients ($ 57,008); there was also a larger number of patients who eluded diagnosis (29%, against 16% in protocol 2). In terms of cost per lesion detected and of colorectal cancers prevented (on the basis of an evolution to cancer of 5% of adenomas), total colonoscopy for all patients on principle is advantageous compared to either protocol ($ 864 per proximal lesion and $ 7,082 per cancer prevented). Since distal hyperplastic polyps are also predictive of proximal neoplastic pathology, when rectosigmoid polyps are detected it is both indicated and economic to proceed with the exploration of the entire colon during the initial examination. This appears to be a reasonable compromise compared to total colonoscopy on principle, which has higher overall costs. The latter management, however, should not be ruled out, since it has a better diagnostic yield and lower cost per lesion detected and per cancer prevented.

Clinical evaluation of push-type enteroscopy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic exploration of the small bowel is potentially of prime importance in studying gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin, diarrhea and malabsorption, neoplasia, and other clinical conditions, but the method is still problematic because of the limited efficacy of sonde-type enteroscopes. This study evaluates the diagnostic yield of two push-type enteroscopes fitted with tip deflection and a biopsy channel.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Seventy-two consecutive patients underwent enteroscopy using either an Olympus SIF-10 LY fiberscope or an Olympus SIF-100 video enteroscope. The depth of insertion was always checked by fluoroscopy, and ranged 30-120 cm beyond the ligament of Treitz.

RESULTS

Angiodysplasia was identified as the source in eight of 20 patients referred for gastrointestinal bleeding of obscure origin, and electrocoagulation was successfully performed in one case. A jejunal polyp was the cause of obscure bleeding in one patient. Radiological evidence of neoplasia/lymphoma located in the third portion of the duodenum or in the upper jejunum was ruled out in 10 of 12 patients. A normal jejunal appearance was found in two patients with lymphoma, subsequently confirmed by a normal enteroclysis. Duodenal or jejunal polyps were removed in seven of nine patients with familial polyposis. Endoscopic and histological alterations were found in nine of 24 patients with diarrhea or malabsorption. In addition, jejunal histology supplied the diagnosis in five patients with a normal endoscopic mucosal appearance. Only 18% of patients described slight, transient pain, and there were no complications. The tolerance and diagnostic efficacy were the same with both instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

Even though push-type enteroscope exploration is restricted to the jejunum, the instruments are safe and efficacious in clinical practice, and permit indepth study of small bowel anatomy and pathology.

Emergency endoscopy: recanalization of intestinal obstruction caused by colorectal cancer

Endoscopic recanalization was attempted in 17 patients with obstruction caused by colorectal cancer who were at high surgical risk on account of their poor clinical condition. Combined use was made of pneumatic and mechanical dilation, debulking with a diathermal snare, and photoablation with neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Successful recanalization was obtained in 94% of cases. The only failure was in a patient with a neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction. Elective surgery was not performed on the patients after recanalization because of the presence of severe concomitant disease or diffuse metastasis. Patients were followed for 6.25 +/- 6.17 months with 1.6 +/- 0.7 treatments within the first month to stabilize patency and then with an average of 0.88 +/- 0.63 treatments per month to maintain patency. Only 2 patients had recurrence of obstruction, and the actuarial survival was 63% at 6 months and 23% at 1 year. Endoscopic treatment has proved effective because it allows rapid recanalization with resolution of emergency and maintenance of patency in patients for whom elective surgery is not indicated. In selected cases, therefore, endoscopic recanalization is a sound alternative to emergency surgery.

Small rectosigmoid polyps as markers of proximal neoplasms

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the spatial distribution and histotype of small colorectal polyps and to determine the validity of distal-small colorectal polyps as markers of proximal neoplasms.

METHODS

In 366 patients who underwent total colonoscopy and removal of all polyps, the presence and features of polyps were recorded. The relationship between proximal neoplasms and distal polyps was investigated in 216 of 366 subjects who had no personal or familial history of colorectal neoplasia.

RESULTS

Of 366 patients, 96 were free from polyps. A total of 733 small colorectal neoplasms was removed from the remainder: 79.9 percent neoplastic and 20.1 percent hyperplastic, inflammatory, or hamartomatous. High-grade dysplasia was noted in 2.7 percent of the neoplastic polyps. One adenoma containing invasive carcinoma was observed. In the subset of 216 patients, proximal neoplasms were found in 11.4 percent of those with no distal polyps, 33.8 percent of those with distal-small colorectal polyps only (P < 0.01), and 58.8 percent of those with at least one polyp > 5 mm in diameter (P = 0.001). The proximal neoplasm percentage was the same in patients with at least one adenomatous-small polyp and those with only hyperplastic-small polyps.

CONCLUSIONS

A distal-small colorectal polyp, whether adenomatous or hyperplastic, may be a proximal neoplasm marker. Total colonoscopy is thus justified in all patients with distal polyps, regardless of their size and histotype.

Octreotide in the treatment of bleeding due to angiodysplasia of the small intestine

Three patients with a history of bleeding due to small bowel angiodysplasia (repeated melena or occult fecal blood with serious anemia) were treated for 10-40 months with octreotide, a somatostatin analog that reduces the splanchnic flow. A dose of 0.1 mg subcutaneously twice a day was followed by an increase in hemoglobin, and reduction or elimination of the need for transfusions. There were no further melena episodes, and stool hemoglobin became stably negative in two cases. Suspension of the drug after 6 months in one case was followed by renewed bleeding, and resumption led to a further response. Lower doses tried in another case were ineffective. Although these uncontrolled clinical cases do not prove its efficacy, octreotide appears to be beneficial in the control and prevention of bleeding due to diffuse small bowel angiodysplasia. There is no evidence that it results in regression of angiodysplasias, as they persisted in the patient subjected to control jejunoileoscopy.

Endoscopy to detect oral and oesophageal candidiasis in acquired immune deficiency syndrome

Cytologic evidence of candidiasis was sought on endoscopic oesophageal brushings from 116 patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) to determine the reliability of oesophagoscopy and the possibility of predicting Candida spp. oesophagitis from concomitant oral candidiasis or oesophageal symptoms. Oesophageal candidiasis was present in 42 patients and constituted the first opportunistic infection in 19 patients. Sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 98% and 96% for oesophagoscopy, 69% and 42% for oral candidiasis, 52% and 74% for oesophageal symptoms, and 83% and 35% for the presence of at least one of these last two parameters. Endoscopy also proved to be the examination of choice for diagnosis, and cytology was needed only when it was negative. Oral candidiasis and oesophageal symptoms were not sufficient to predict oesophageal candidiasis. Endoscopy would seem to be indispensable to the diagnosis of oesophageal candidiasis and its differentiation from other forms, thus preventing any empirical resort to unwarranted forms of treatment. It is also indicated for staging purposes in asymptomatic patients, since oesophageal candidiasis is one indicator of the transition to full-blown AIDS.

Needle biopsy of submucosal lesions of the gastrointestinal tract

Needle biopsy of submucosal lesions is an important addition to the diagnostic capabilities of gastrointestinal endoscopy. A series of 22 cases is described employing a guillotine needle to diagnose submucosal lesions, 4 of which were infiltrating adjacent carcinomas. The specimens obtained were sufficient for firm histological diagnosis in 20 cases. There were no complications apart from minor bleeding in 1 case.

[Lipoma of the small intestine. A clinical case]

The paper reports a case of a 45-year-old female with long-standing anemia, recurrent abdominal pain and subocclusive crises. Following a negative endoscopy of the upper tract of the large intestine, barium enema and angiography, the patient underwent total colonoscopy. Massive bleeding from the ileal valve suggested an ileal pathology: a small intestine enema confirmed a polypoid proliferation 60 cm above the Bahuino valve with related ileal invagination 25 cm long. The patient underwent surgery and pathological findings revealed a 7 cm-wide ileal lipoma near a small angiodysplasia. The latter seemed to be the cause of bleeding. The diagnosis of small intestine tumours is made difficult by the fact that the only important signs are abdominal pain, intestinal bleeding and subocclusive crises, which are common symptoms in many pathologies. The authors stress the importance of a thorough endoscopic examination and selective angiography.