Endoluminal radiofrequency ablation in patients with malignant biliary obstruction: a randomised trial

BACKGROUND

Endoluminal radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has been promoted as palliative treatment for patients with cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) in order to improve biliary drainage and eventually prolong survival. No high level evidence is, however, available on this technique.

DESIGN

In this randomised controlled study, we compared endoluminal RFA plus stenting with stenting alone (control group) in patients with malignant biliary obstruction; metal stents were primarily placed. Primary outcome was overall survival; secondary outcomes were stent patency, quality of life and adverse events. In a superiority design, survival was assumed to be doubled by RFA as compared with 6.4 months in the control group (n=280).

RESULTS

A total of 161 patients (male:female 90:71, mean age 71±9 years) were randomised before recruitment was terminated for futility after an interim analysis. Eighty-five patients had CCA (73 hilar, 12 distal) and 76 had pancreatic cancer. There was no difference in survival in both subgroups: for patients with CCA, median survival was 10.5 months (95% CI 6.7 to 18.3) in the RFA group vs 10.6 months (95% CI 9.0 to 24.8), p=0.58)) in the control group. In the subgroup with pancreatic cancer, median survival was 6.4 months (95% CI 4.3 to 9.7) for the RFA vs 7.7 months (95% CI 5.6 to 11.3), p=0.73) for the control group. No benefit was seen in the RFA group with regard to stent patency (at 12 months 40% vs 36% in CCA and 66% vs 65% in PDAC), and quality of life was unchanged by either treatment and comparable between the groups. Adverse events occurred in seven patients in each groups.

CONCLUSION

A combination of endoluminal RFA and stenting was not superior to stenting alone in prolonging survival or improving stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT03166436.

Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy for management of Ogilvie's syndrome: a case series and literature review with an update on current guidelines (with video)

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy (PEC) is a viable treatment option for patients with persistent or recurrent acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO; Ogilvie's syndrome). It should be generally considered in patients that are refractory to pharmacologic and endoscopic decompression, especially those not amenable to surgical intervention due to an increased perioperative risk. Physicians are rather unfamiliar with this approach given the limited number of reports in the literature and paucity of guideline resources, although guidelines concerning ACPO and covering the role of endoscopy were recently published by three major expert societies, all within the last 2 years.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We retrospectively identified three consecutive patients who underwent PEC placement at a Czech tertiary referral center between May 2018 and December 2021: all for recurrent ACPO. In addition, we summarized the current guidelines in order to present the latest knowledge related both to the procedure and management approach in patients with ACPO.

RESULTS

The placement of PEC was successful and resulted in clinical improvement in all cases without any adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The results of our experience are in line with previous reports and suggest that PEC may become a very useful tool in the armamentarium of modalities utilized to treat ACPO. Furthermore, the availability of guideline resources now offers comprehensive guidance for informed decision-making and the procedural aspects.

Administration of maximum dose of mucolytic solution before upper endoscopy - a double-blind, randomized trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to demonstrate that an administration of mucolytic solution with a maximum dose of simethicone and n -acetylcysteine before upper endoscopy improves mucosal visibility compared to a group without administration of mucolytic solution or water.

METHODS

This study was a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Patients were randomized into four groups, with the administration of 100 ml of water + 600 mg n -acetylcysteine + 400 mg simethicone, 100 ml of water + 400 mg n -acetylcysteine + 20 mg simethicone, 100 ml of water, and without any water or mucolytic solution. During the examination, a total of 10 images were taken in the defined areas. The overall visibility score was given by the sum of the 0-5 scores of the five areas and was assessed by the endoscopist performing the procedure and the blinded endoscopists using static images.

RESULTS

A total of 129 patients were randomized. The group of patients did not differ in age, sex distribution, and indications significantly. The overall visibility score as assessed by the endoscopist performing the procedure was significantly higher in the group with the maximum dose of mucolytic solution compared to the group without solution or water (18.9 ± 2.9 vs. 16.6 ± 3.3, P  = 0.023). This difference was not evident by the blinded evaluation of static photographs.

CONCLUSION

Administration of mucolytic solution with a maximum dose of n -acetylcysteine and simethicone before upper endoscopy improved mucosal visibility in the upper gastrointestinal tract compared with the group without any preparation while evaluated by performing endoscopist.

Administration of mucolytic solution before upper endoscopy - double-blind, monocentric, randomized study

AIMS

Sufficient visibility of the mucosa during upper endoscopy is crucial for successful diagnosis, especially for early neoplastic lesions. Data documenting the effect of administration of mucolytic solution prior to gastroscopy in order to improve mucosal visibility are limited in Europe. The aim of the study was to assess the score of mucosal visibility in the upper gastrointestinal tract after administration of the mucolytic solution defined by us.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This is a monocentric, double-blind, randomized study involving 134 patients indicated for diagnostic upper endoscopy. Patients were randomly assigned to one of three arms, with mucolytic solution (100 mL water + 400 mg N-acetylcysteine + 20 mg simethicone), without the solution , and with 100 mL pure water. During the examination, 11 photographs were taken in defined areas. The visibility score was given by the sum of the score 0-5 from 5 defined localities evaluated by a blinded endoscopist and subsequently by two blinded endoscopists. Other parameters monitored were examination time and a semiquantitative evaluation of residual gastric fluid.

RESULTS

The basic characteristics of the group (sex, age, indications for examination) were comparable between arms. The visibility score was similar in all arms - 17.4 ± 1.9 vs. 17.0 ± 2.0 vs. 17.6 ± 1.8 (P=0.32). The examination time and the amount of residual fluid in the stomach were comparable in all arms.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of the mucolytic solution in our study did not increase the mucosal visibility score in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02967094.

Pancreatic cancer in chronic pancreatitis – the diagnostic and therapeutic dilemma; an overview of cases

Introduction: Any mass in chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a difficult diagnostic and therapeutic problem. The aim of the study is a) to use our own group to determine the actual incidence of non-malignant masses in CP where any mass is highly suspected of being malignant; and b) to determine the actual incidence of malignant tumors in CP. Methods: We present a retrospective analysis of our group of patients operated in 2015–2019 for CP, a mass in CP and suspected malignancy in the mass in CP. Additionally, we present difficult cases in terms of preoperative diagnosis. Results: Thirty-three of 340 (9.7%) pancreatic resection were done due to any form of chronic pancreatitis in 2015–2019. A mass in the pancreatic head was present in 16 (48%) patients; of these, pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was suspected in 10 (62%) patients based on EUS, CT or PETCT, and also based on positive tissue diagnosis using EUS-FNA in 6 cases. Bypass or Frey procedure were done in 59 patients (HJA, PJA, Frey). Preoperative tissue sampling was done in 8 (13%) patients and malignancy was suspected in 25%. Intraoperatively, malignancy was confirmed only in one patient assessed as non-malignant in the preoperative period. The clinical course in 3 other patients undergoing HJA, although tumor-free at the time of the surgery, indicated PDAC in CP. Conclusion: The ability to detect malignant cells in a mass in CP remains poor even using all of the available sophisticated methods and the success depends on many variable factors. The rate of “unnecessary” right-sided resections of a mass in CP reached 48% in our patient group, while the rate of resections which should have been performed instead of bypass procedures was 7%. A certain percentage of the so-called excessive pancreatic resections, as well as the failure to perform a resection due to an undetected/unrecognized pancreatic tumor in CP should continue to be expected.

Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy in combination with endoscopy as a treatment modality for painful chronic obstructive pancreatitis – a case report

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a serious condition with a great impact on the quality of life, and it can lead to some serious long-term consequences such as pancreatic cancer or secondary diabetes mellitus. Associated pancreatic exocrine insufficiency leads to malnutrition with weight loss; however, the main symptom of the disease is abdominal pain, often very severe. The primary treatment option for painful CP is pharmacotherapy (pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy, analgesics). If this is not effective, CP can be treated via endoscopy, extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL), their combination, or surgery. We present a case of painful chronic obstructive pancreatitis in a patient successfully treated with ESWL in combination with endoscopy.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided transluminal drainage using lumen-apposing metal stent with or without coaxial plastic stent for treatment of walled-off necrotizing pancreatitis: a prospective bicentric randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) have proven to be effective for drainage of pancreatic walled-off necrosis (WON), although associated adverse events (AE) have been reported. Anchoring coaxial double-pigtail plastic stents (DPS) within LAMS have been proposed to prevent LAMS-related AEs, but have not been assessed in prospective studies. We aimed to evaluate the utility of such measures with a randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

We randomly assigned consecutive patients with WON indications for drainage to endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided transluminal drainage using LAMS with (A) or without (B) DPS. All LAMS were to be extracted after 3 weeks had elapsed from the index procedure with a preceding CT scan to decide whether additional steps needed to be taken, e.g., transluminal necrosectomy, or placing transluminal plastic stents in patients with incomplete resolution of WON. Main outcomes included failure of the index method, defined as necessity of re-intervention (endoscopic, percutaneous, surgical) before LAMS extraction due to LAMS-related AEs and/or clinical deterioration, AE rates, and mortality with LAMS in place. Variables were evaluated using the Mann-Whitney U test, χ2 test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. P < .05 was considered significant.

RESULTS

A total of 67 patients (37.3% females, mean age 54 ± 14.4 years) underwent LAMS with (n = 34) or without DPS (n = 33) placement in two tertiary centers. Baseline characteristics including demographics, etiology, comorbidity, and clinical presentation (sterile vs. infected necrosis) were comparable between both groups. The technical success rate in placing LAMS and DPS was 100%. The global rate of AEs was significantly lower in group A (20.7% vs. 51.5%, P = .008). Stent occlusion was the most frequently observed AE (14.7% vs. 36.3%, P = .042). Failure of the index method was lower in group A (29.4% vs. 48.5%, P = .109), however the difference did not achieve statistical significance. The same applied to the mortality rate with LAMS in place (2.9% vs. 12.1%, P = .197).

CONCLUSIONS

The addition of a coaxial DPS within LAMS was associated with a significantly lower global rate of AEs and stent occlusion rate in EUS-guided drainage of WON.

Surgical treatment of duodenal adenocarcinoma: ampullary vs. non-ampullary, short- and long-term outcomes

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate symptoms, diagnostic methods, short- and long-term outcomes of surgical treatment in patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A single center, retrospective, observational study of 52 consecutive patients with duodenal adenocarcinoma operated on with curative intent between 2006 - 2019. Duodenectomy as part of a hemipancreatoduodenectomy or total pancreatectomy procedure was performed for ADAC (ampullary duodenal/intestinal adenocarcinoma) or NADAC (non-ampullary duodenal adenocarcinoma).

RESULTS

Prevailing symptoms were obstructive jaundice in the ADAC group (P<0.0001) and bleeding in the NADAC group (P=0.005), with larger tumor size in patients with NADAC (P=0.001). Complication rate, morbidity and mortality were comparable. Primary total pancreatoduodenectomy predominated in the NADAC group, 16.6% vs. 2.9%, and salvage completion pancreatectomy in the ADAC group, 6% vs. 0%. Significant prognostic factors for OS were perineural invasion (P=0.006) and adjuvant chemotherapy (P=0.045) in the ADAC group, and for DFS the total number of resected lymph nodes (P=0.042) and lymph node ratio (P=0.031) in the NADAC group. Median OS is 21 months and 5-year survival 27.3% in the NADAC group and 41.5 months and 52% in the ADAC group.

CONCLUSION

Ampullary duodenal/intestinal adenocarcinomas are smaller than non-ampullary at diagnosis, with a higher rate of lymph node metastases, but with a better prognosis and long-term outcome in the presented cohort. Oral localisation of NADAC prevailed in the present cohort. Perineural invasion and postoperative oncological therapy are significant prognostic factors for OS in ADAC, but the total number of lymph nodes and lymph node ratio are significant prognostic factors for DFS in NADAC.

Current Screening Strategies for Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a dreaded malignancy with a dismal 5-year survival rate despite maximal efforts on optimizing treatment strategies. Radical surgery is the only potential curative procedure. Unfortunately, the majority of patients are diagnosed with locally advanced or metastatic disease, which renders them ineligible for curative resection. Early detection of PDAC is thus considered to be the most effective way to improve survival. In this regard, pancreatic screening has been proposed to improve results by detecting asymptomatic stages of PDAC and its precursors. There is now evidence of benefits of systematic surveillance in high-risk individuals, and the current guidelines emphasize the potential of screening to affect overall survival in individuals with genetic susceptibility syndromes or familial occurrence of PDAC. Here we aim to summarize the current knowledge about screening strategies for PDAC, including the latest epidemiological data, risk factors, associated hereditary syndromes, available screening modalities, benefits, limitations, as well as management implications.

Routine SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR testing before digestive endoscopy during the peak of the pandemic - a single tertiary center experience

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

COVID-19 pandemic has impacted on all endoscopy centers in the Czech Republic, that belongs to the most affected countries in the world. The aim of our study was to analyze all procedures following routine RT-PCR testing in our tertiary center during the peak of the pandemic.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed all procedures performed from October 2020 to January 2021 after a new RT-PCR center had been set up. Main outcomes were type of scheduled procedure, indication, rate of therapeutic interventions and rate of new relevant and malignant findings. Comparison to the same period before the pandemic and SARS-CoV-2 infection in endoscopy staff are also reported.

RESULTS

A total of 1,953 procedures were performed. 624 patients were referred with a negative RT-PCR test and the remaining 1,346 patients were tested in the new center. 1,293 negative tests led to 1,329 procedures. A new relevant finding was reported in 589 (44.3%), including new malignancy in 56 (4.2%). 53 patients tested positive (3.9%). There was a reduction by 9% in the number of all procedures compared to the same period before the pandemic and an increase in the number of screening colonoscopies and ERCP procedures. In the study period, 9 of 54 staff members contracted SARS-CoV-2 infection.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine RT-PCR testing of patients scheduled for elective endoscopy during the peak of COVID-19 pandemic enabled us to essentially maintain our unit productivity, including activities such as screening colonoscopy, endoscopic resection and pancreatobiliary endoscopy.

Differences in the placental pharmacokinetics of vedolizumab and ustekinumab during pregnancy in women with inflammatory bowel disease: a prospective multicentre study

BACKGROUND

Vedolizumab demonstrated different placental pharmacokinetics than other immunoglobulin G1 antibodies, leading to lower drug levels in cord blood in contrast to maternal blood at the time of delivery. The placental transfer of ustekinumab seems to have a pattern similar to anti-tumour necrosis factor agents. Current evidence on the placental pharmacokinetics of vedolizumab and ustekinumab is limited. We aimed to assess the placental transfer of ustekinumab and vedolizumab in pregnant patients with inflammatory bowel disease.

METHODS

Consecutive women from a prospective observational study who were exposed to ustekinumab or vedolizumab within 2 months prior to conception or during pregnancy were included. Ustekinumab and vedolizumab levels were measured in maternal and cord blood at the time of delivery.

RESULTS

Drug levels were available in 31 infant-mother pairs (15 exposed to ustekinumab and 16 to vedolizumab). The median maternal and newborn ustekinumab levels were 5.3 mg/l and 10.3 mg/l, respectively (the median infant-to-maternal ratio was 1.7), while the median maternal and cord vedolizumab levels were 7.3 mg/l and 4.5 mg/l (the median infant-to-maternal ratio was 0.66). The ustekinumab levels in cord blood positively correlated with the maternal levels at delivery (ρ = 0.751, p = 0.001). However, no correlation with the timing of the last drug administration was found. In contrast, the vedolizumab levels in cord blood demonstrated significant positive correlation with the maternal levels (ρ = 0.831, p < 0.001) along with the gestational week of the last infusion (ρ = 0.736, p = 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Vedolizumab demonstrated different placental pharmacokinetics, leading to lower drug levels in cord blood compared to maternal blood at delivery; in contrast, the placental transfer of ustekinumab seems to have a pattern similar to anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents.

Life Stressors in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease: Comparison with a Population-Based Healthy Control Group in the Czech Republic

Background: Stress has been suggested to play a potential role in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) pathogenesis, but studies focussing on the occurrence of specific life stress events among IBD patients are scarce. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore the association between various life stress events and IBD. Methods: Patients with IBD (N = 98, mean age: 38.45, 54.1% men) were compared to a group of healthy controls (N = 405, mean age: 36.45, 58.0% men) originating from a health survey conducted on a representative population sample of Czech adults. The Life Stressor Checklist-Revised (LSC-R) was used to assess the stressors. Results: IBD patients had higher odds of reporting life stressors overall (p < 0.001), life stressors before the age of 16 (p < 0.004) and a higher score in traumatic stress (p < 0.005) and interpersonal violence (p < 0.001) when compared to the control group. Gender- and diagnosis-related differences are discussed. Conclusion: Reporting life stressors experienced during childhood or adulthood is strongly associated with IBD. This should be considered in illness management, especially in a severe course of IBD.

Percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy in the treatment of recurrent colonic pseudo-obstruction a case report of the first procedure in the Czech Republic

We present the case of an 89-year-old polymorbid female patient with recurrent acute colonic pseudo-obstruction who was treated by performing percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy as the first procedure of its kind in the Czech Republic. The patient presented repeatedly with ileous conditions without evidence of an organic cause. Surgical colostomy was proposed with a possibility of subtotal colectomy as an ultimum refugium due to an insufficient effect of maximum conservative management and a need for repeated endoscopic decompression. In this particular patient, however, any kind of surgical intervention posed a major risk and was eventually abandoned. Finally, percutaneous endoscopic cecostomy was proposed as an alternative to resolve the situation. The procedure was carried out without complications and with an immediate effect. The patient has been free of the symptomatology of intestinal obstruction in the long term having the option of intermittent intestinal decompression as needed.

Radiofrequency Ablation in Patients with Barrett's Esophagus- related Neoplasia - Long-Term Outcomes in the Czech National Database

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with/without endoscopic resection (ER) is the standard endoscopic treatment modality for Barrett's esophagus (BE) related neoplasia (BORN). The main aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcomes of RFA in patients with BORN.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed the prospectively collected data from the Czech national database. Main outcomes were: complete remission of neoplasia (CR-N), complete remission of intestinal metaplasia (CR-IM), recurrence of both neoplasia and IM, and safety.

RESULTS

From a total of 170 patients with BORN treated with RFA, 136 patients were analyzed. They were followed up for a median of 27.5 months. Fifty-six patients (41%) had low-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (LGIN), 46 (34%) had high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and 34 (25%) had early adenocarcinoma (EAC). RFA was combined with previous ER in 65 patients (48%). CR-IM and CR-N were achieved in 77.9% (95% CI 70.0-84.6%) and 98.5% (95% CI 94.8-99.8%). Among 30 patients without CR-IM, 22 (73%) did not have macroscopic signs of BE. Recurrent neoplasia was detected in 4.5% of patients (6/134) and 15% (16/106) experienced a recurrence of IM at the level of the neo-Z-line. Diagnosis of cancer was an independent risk factor for recurrent IM after RFA (OR 7.0, 95% CI 1.6-30.9, p<0.0005).

CONCLUSION

RFA is highly effective in achieving remission in patients with BORN. A significant proportion of patients did not achieve CR-IM or had a recurrence of IM despite macroscopically absent BE. Recurrence of neoplasia was infrequent but not negligible, thus, patients after successful RFA still require endoscopic surveillance.

Endosonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration versus "Key-Hole Biopsy" in the diagnostics of upper gastrointestinal subepithelial tumors. A prospective randomized interventional study

BACKGROUND

The management and prognosis of subepithelial tumors (SETs) of the upper gastrointestinal tract depend on the correct preoperative evaluation, including tissue diagnosis in selected cases. Several methods providing deep tissue sampling for cytological and/or histological examinations have been described but their diagnostic yield and precise position in the diagnostic algorithm remain to be established. This prospective randomized study aims to compare the Endosonography-Guided Fine-Needle Aspiration (EUS-FNA) to Key-Hole Biopsy (KHB) in cytological or histological diagnostics of upper gastrointestinal SETs.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study was conducted in a single tertiary endoscopy center in Ostrava, Czech Republic between November 2010 and October 2015. Patients with endoscopically detected SETs of the upper gastrointestinal tract with a diameter ≥ 2 cm, were randomized to either the EUS-FNA with 22G needle, or to the Key Hole biopsy (forceps biopsy through mucosal incision) groups. The main study outcomes were success rate of tissue diagnostics and, in the cases of Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumours (GIST), possibility of determining mitotic activity. A cross-over examination was performed in situations where the first method had failed.

RESULTS

A total of 46 consecutive patients were randomized. Of these, 24 (52%) and 22 (48%) were randomized to EUS-FNA group and KHB arm, respectively. 5 SETs (11%) were detected in the esophagus, 40 (87%) in the stomach and 1 (2%) in the duodenum. The definitive diagnosis was established by the first sampling method in 42 (91%) patients, including 22 (92%) in the EUS-FNA group and 20 (91%) in the KHB group (P=0.999), and after a cross-over in another 3 (7%) patients. The most prevalent SET was GIST (70%). Although some mitotic activity could be observed in 11 patients, the mitotic index could be diagnosed in none of them. Of a total of 20 surgically treated patients, preoperative and postoperative tissue diagnosis corresponded in 19/20 (95%) cases, including 100% in FNA group and 91% in KHB group (P=0.999). No adverse events of tissue sampling occurred in the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Deep tissue sampling by EUS-FNA and KHB are equally effective in the diagnostics of SETs of the upper gastrointestinal tract ≥ 2 cm. However, neither EUS-FNA nor KHB provided adequate tissue sample to determine mitotic index.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02025244).

Digital cholangioscopy: the diagnostic yield and impact on management of patients with biliary stricture

OBJECTIVES

Biliary strictures frequently present a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of digital single-operator cholangioscopy (DSOC) on subsequent treatment of patients with biliary stricture.

METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing DSOC for biliary stricture were enrolled. Gold standard for final diagnosis included histology from surgical resection. In patients without surgery, clinical evaluation methods and repeated imaging studies were used for comparison of DSOC findings and final diagnosis. Patients were followed-up prospectively focusing on subsequent treatment.

RESULTS

Among 30 enrolled patients, final diagnosis was malignant in 13 (43%) and benign in 17 (57%). The sensitivity and specificity of visual impression in diagnosing malignant stricture were 100% (95% CI: 75 - 100) and 76% (95% CI: 50 - 93), respectively. The sensitivity and specificity for biopsy were 92% (95% CI: 62 - 100) and 100% (95% CI: 78 - 100), respectively. One (3%) case of complicating cholangitis with fatal outcome occurred. Final treatment included surgery in 7 (23%), endoscopy in 18 (60%) and chemotherapy in 3 (10%) of patients.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, favorable operating characteristics of DSOC were confirmed. Absolute negative predictive value of visual impression provided reassurance to patients with benign strictures who avoided unnecessary surgery in 53%. One (3%) case of cholangitis with fatal outcome occurred.

Performance measures for endoscopy services: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and United European Gastroenterology present a list of key performance measures for endoscopy services. We recommend that these performance measures be adopted by all endoscopy services across Europe. The measures include those related to the leadership, organization, and delivery of the service, as well as those associated with the patient journey. Each measure includes a recommendation for a minimum and target standard for endoscopy services to achieve. We recommend that all stakeholders in endoscopy take note of these ESGE endoscopy services performance measures to accelerate their adoption and implementation. Stakeholders include patients and their advocacy groups; service leaders; staff, including endoscopists; professional societies; payers; and regulators.

Performance measures for endoscopy services: A European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) quality improvement initiative

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and United European Gastroenterology present a list of key performance measures for endoscopy services. We recommend that these performance measures be adopted by all endoscopy services across Europe. The measures include those related to the leadership, organization, and delivery of the service, as well as those associated with the patient journey. Each measure includes a recommendation for a minimum and target standard for endoscopy services to achieve. We recommend that all stakeholders in endoscopy take note of these ESGE endoscopy services performance measures to accelerate their adoption and implementation. Stakeholders include patients and their advocacy groups; service leaders; staff, including endoscopists; professional societies; payers; and regulators.

[Combination of endoscopic mucosal resection and full-thickness resection in the treatment of local residual neoplasia of the colon two case reports]

We present the case of a 61-year-old patient with local residual neoplasia (LRN) of the rectum and the case of a 65-year-old patient with LRN of the cecum. In both cases, the lesion measured 25 mm in diameter and its center was fixed by submucosal fibrosis causing the non-lifting sign. For endoscopic treatment, which was uneventful,a combination of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and full-thickness resection (FTR) was used. In both cases, histological examination showed completely resected tubular adenoma with HGIN.Key words: colorectal carcinoma local residual neoplasia full-thickness resection endoscopic mucosal resection.

Evidence to suggest adoption of water exchange deserves broader consideration: Its pain alleviating impact occurs in 90% of investigators

AIM: To determine whether observations were reproducible among investigators.

METHODS: From March 2013 through June 2014, 18-85-year-old diagnostic and 50-70-year-old screening patients were enrolled at each center to on-demand sedation colonoscopy with water exchange (WE), water immersion (WI) and insufflation with air or CO₂ for insertion and withdrawal [air or carbon dioxide (AICD)]. Data were aggregated for analysis. Primary outcome: Variations in real-time maximum insertion pain (0 = none, 1-2 = discomfort, 10 = worst).

RESULTS: One thousand and ninety-one cases analyzed: WE (n = 371); WI (n = 338); AICD (n = 382). Demographics and indications were comparable. The WE group had the lowest real-time maximum insertion pain score, mean (95%CI): WE 2.8 (2.6-3.0), WI 3.8 (3.5-4.1) and AICD 4.4 (4.1-4.7), P < 0.0005. Ninety percent of the colonoscopists were able to use water exchange to significantly decrease maximum insertion pain scores. One investigator had high insertion pain in all groups, nonetheless WE achieved the lowest real-time maximum insertion pain score. WE had the highest proportions of patients with painless unsedated colonoscopy (vs WI, P = 0.013; vs AICD, P < 0.0005); unsedated colonoscopy with only minor discomfort (vs AICD, P < 0.0005), and completion without sedation (vs AICD, P < 0.0005).

CONCLUSION: Aggregate data confirm superiority of WE in lowering colonoscopy real-time maximum insertion pain and need for sedation. Ninety percent of investigators were able to use water exchange to significantly decrease maximum insertion pain scores. Our results suggest that the technique deserves consideration in a broader scale.

[Precancerous conditions and lesions of the stomach]

Gastric carcinoma is a common malignant disease associated with an unfavorable prognosis in the case of late dia-gnosis. The most significant precancerous condition is chronic atrophic gastritis and intestinal metaplasia caused by Helicobacter pylori infection. These longlasting changes may lead to formation of dysplastic precancerous lesions. Upper endoscopy and histologic examination of forceps bio-psy specimens play a key role in the dia-gnosis of gastric precancerous conditions and lesions. Helicobacter pylori eradication therapy and endoscopic surveillance are main therapeutic modalities of gastric precancerous conditions. Localized precancerous lesions and early gastric neoplasia without the risk of lymphatic spread could be cured by means of endoscopic resection techniques.

Cool water vs warm water immersion for minimal sedation colonoscopy: a double-blind randomized trial

AIM

Water-aided insertion as an alternative colonoscopy technique reduces patient discomfort. Warm water has been used in most published trials, but the use of cool water is easier and, if equally effective, could support the use of the water-aided technique in routine practice.

METHOD

A double-blind, randomized, single-centre study was performed in which 201 patients were randomized to either cool (20-24 °C) or warm (37 °C) water immersion insertion. The primary outcome was caecal intubation time. The success rate of minimal sedation and patient discomfort were also assessed.

RESULTS

The caecal intubation time for cool and warm water was similar (6.9 ± 3.5 vs 7.0 ± 3.4 min, P = 0.64). The respective success rates of minimal sedation colonoscopy (89.1% vs 90%, P = 1.00) and discomfort (P = 0.51) were no different. All other outcomes except a greater need for abdominal compression in the cool water arm (P = 0.04) were similar including the total procedure time, terminal ileum intubation rate, adenoma detection, length of the inserted scope, water volume, non-standard position rate, difficulty of the procedure and the patient's temperature sensation.

CONCLUSION

The use of cool water did not modify the caecal intubation time compared with warm water. Exception for abdominal compression, all other end-points were no different. Cool water immersion is an alternative to the technically more demanding warm water immersion colonoscopy.

High-frequency ultrasound probe sonography staging for colorectal neoplasia with superficial morphology: its utility and impact on patient management

BACKGROUND

This prospective study aimed to evaluate the impact of high-frequency ultrasound probe sonography (HFUPS) staging on the management of patients with superficial colorectal neoplasia (SCN) as determined by the endoscopic characteristics of lesions.

METHODS

Consecutive patients referred for endoscopic treatment of nonpedunculated SCN were enrolled in this study. A lesion was considered high risk if a depressed area or invasive pit pattern was present. The gold standard for final staging included histology from endoscopic or surgical resection. The impact on treatment was defined as any modification of the therapeutic algorithm based on the result of the HFUPS examination compared with that based on endoscopy alone.

RESULTS

In this study, 48 lesions in 48 patients were evaluated. Of these, 28 (58%) were considered high risk, and the remaining 20 (42%) were regarded as low risk. A total of seven lesions (15%) that could not be examined with HFUPS and another non-neoplastic lesion were excluded from final analysis. For the remaining 40 lesions, the overall accuracy of the HFUPS examination to predict the correct T-stage was 90% (95% confidence interval [CI], 77-96%). The HFUPS examination had a positive impact on the treatment of 0 low-risk and 11 high-risk (42%) lesions.

CONCLUSION

The impact of HFUPS on the treatment of SCN depends on their endoscopic characteristics. It is negligible for low-risk SCNs, and these lesions can be treated on the basis of their endoscopic appearance alone. Nevertheless, compared with endoscopy alone, HFUPS changed the subsequent therapeutic approach in a positive way for up to 42% of high-risk lesions, including those with a depressed component and an invasive pit pattern. These endoscopic features can therefore be recommended as the entry criteria for an HFUPS examination.

Recurrent oesophageal intramucosal squamous carcinoma treated by endoscopic mucosal resection and subsequent radiofrequency ablation using HALO system

The method of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is currently used for the treatment of high-grade dysplasia in Barrett's oesophagus. It has theoretical potential also for the use in squamous epithelial neoplasias. The authors present a case report of an early diagnosis of squamous cancer in a high-risk patient, its endoscopic treatment and follow-up, and successful RFA of recurrent neoplasia. RFA can expand our therapeutic possibilities for the management of recurrent neoplastic lesions after endoscopic treatment of squamous oesophageal cancer.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration of pancreatic masses: the utility and impact on management of patients

OBJECTIVE

It is controversial whether endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is beneficial in all patients with suspected pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study was to assess diagnostic yield, safety and impact of EUS-FNA on management of patients with solid pancreatic mass.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Consecutive patients undergoing EUS-FNA of solid pancreatic mass were enrolled. Gold standard for final diagnosis included histology from surgical resection. In patients without surgery, clinical evaluation methods and repeated imaging studies were used for the comparison of initial cytology and final diagnosis. Patients were followed-up prospectively focusing on subsequent treatment.

RESULTS

Among 207 enrolled patients, final diagnosis was malignant in 163 (78.6%) and benign in 44 (21.4%). The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS-FNA in diagnosing pancreatic cancer were 92.6% (95% CI: 87.20-95.96), 88.6% (95% CI: 74.64-95.64) and 91.8% (95% CI: 87.24-94.81), respectively. No major and five (2.4%) minor complications occurred. Of 151 true-positive patients by EUS-FNA, 57 (37.7%) were surgically explored, of whom 28 (49.1%) underwent resection. Ten of 12 patients with false-negative cytology were explored based on detection of mass on EUS, of whom two had a delay due to false-negative cytology without curative treatment. From the whole study cohort, EUS-FNA had positive and negative impacts on subsequent management in 136 (65.7%) and 2 (0.9%) patients, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA provides accurate diagnosis in 92% and has positive therapeutic impact in two-thirds of patients with solid pancreatic mass. Despite negative cytology, surgical exploration is recommended in clinical suspicion for pancreatic cancer and solid mass on EUS.