Investigation of factors that may potentially affect anxiety in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy and evaluation of sedation effect.

BACKGROUND: As with any other invasive procedure, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) may lead to considerable anxiety in patients. This study aimed to investigate and compare the effects of sedated and non-sedated procedures on anxiety in patients undergoing EGD and to better recognize patient groups at risk for anxiety. METHODS: In this prospective and 2-armed designed study, demographic data, including age, gender, comorbidities, height, weight, body mass index (BMI), and educational background, were collected. In this study, the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) was administered to each patient before they were brought to the endoscopy unit. Subsequently, each patient who underwent EGD was telephoned on the seventh day after the procedure and the BAI was administered a second time. RESULTS: Women population had higher pre-EGD and post-EGD BAI scores compared to men. No significant correlation was observed between educational background and BAI scores. Possible correlations between age, BMI, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), and BAI scores were examined. There was a weak correlation between BMI and pre-EGD and post-EGD BAI scores. A strong and positive correlation was observed between the pre-EGD BAI score and post-EGD BAI and difference in BAI scores between groups (ΔBAI). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic procedures may cause anxiety in patients as with all other invasive procedures. Patients' compliance with the procedure and having a lower level of anxiety are very significant for diagnostic and, if necessary, therapeutic success. In this study, the patient gender was evaluated as a predictor of anxiety level, whereas educational background was not a predictor.

Detachable string magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy for the noninvasive diagnosis of esophageal diseases: A prospective, blind clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Traditional esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), an invasive examination method, can cause discomfort and pain in patients. In contrast, magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCE), a noninvasive method, is being applied for the detection of stomach and small intestinal diseases, but its application in treating esophageal diseases is not widespread. AIM: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of detachable string MCE (ds-MCE) for the diagnosis of esophageal diseases. METHODS: Fifty patients who had been diagnosed with esophageal diseases were prospectively recruited for this clinical study and underwent ds-MCE and conventional EGD. The primary endpoints included the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for patients with esophageal diseases. The secondary endpoints consisted of visualizing the esophageal and dentate lines, as well as the subjects' tolerance of the procedure. RESULTS: Using EGD as the gold standard, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and diagnostic accuracy of ds-MCE for esophageal disease detection were 85.71%, 86.21%, 81.82%, 89.29%, and 86%, respectively. ds-MCE was more comfortable and convenient than EGD was, with 80% of patients feeling that ds-MCE examination was very comfortable or comfortable and 50% of patients believing that detachable string v examination was very convenient. CONCLUSION: This study revealed that ds-MCE has the same diagnostic effects as traditional EGD for esophageal diseases and is more comfortable and convenient than EGD, providing a novel noninvasive method for treating esophageal diseases.

Transnasal endoscopy ease score "TNEase score" to evaluate patient tolerance of unsedated transnasal endoscopy.

Transnasal endoscopy (TNE) with virtual reality (VR) distraction allows for unsedated pediatric upper endoscopy. Understanding the pediatric population that is successful with TNE is imperative for patient selection and experience. We developed a "TNEase Score" to assess patient tolerance from the physician's assessment. The aim of this study was to identify factors that influence patient's acceptance and tolerability of sedation-free TNE in pediatric patients undergoing the procedure. From March 2020 to April 2021, 110 TNEs were performed on subjects 5-22 years of age. The overall completion rate was 98.1%. Of these subjects, 66 subjects (60%) were graded by the gastroenterologist as TNEase Score 1 (with ease); 27 subjects (25%) were graded as TNEase Score 2 (minimal complaints); nine subjects (8%) were graded as TNEase score 3 (moderate complaints, required frequent reassurance); six subjects were graded as TNEase Score 4 (significant complaints and resistance); two subjects (2%) were graded as TNEase Score 5 (procedure terminated). Feasibility of TNE was significantly related to age, height, and whether the patient had undergone previous TNE. Thus, young age, shorter height, and first time TNE were significant predictors of higher TNEase score or difficulty tolerating TNE. Factors examined that did not predict higher TNEase score included gender, junior versus senior endoscopist, past medical history of anxiety, autism, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), or history of using a nasal spray at home. "TNEase score" allowed grading of the subject's experience and the majority of patients tolerated TNE with minimal complaints.

Usefulness of Direct Peroral Cholangioscopy Using a Multibending Ultraslim Endoscope for the Management of Intrahepatic Bile Duct Lesions (with Videos).

Background/Aims: : Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) has been used to assess intrahepatic duct (IHD) lesions but with a limited role. A new multibending (MB) ultraslim endoscope has been designed to improve POC performance. We evaluated the usefulness of POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for the management of IHD lesions. Methods: : Between March 2017 and March 2020, 22 patients underwent direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions documented by previous imaging or cholangiopancreatography. The primary outcome was technical success of POC, and secondary outcomes were technical success of POC-guided interventions, median procedure time, and POC-related adverse events. Results: : The technical success rate for POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope for IHD lesions was 95.5% (21/22). Free-hand insertion was successful in 95.2% (20/21). The overall technical success rate for POC-guided intervention was 100% (21/21), including nine diagnostic and 12 therapeutic procedures (eight direct stone removal and four intraductal lithotripsies). The median procedure time was 29 minutes (range, 9 to 79 minutes). There were no procedure-related adverse events. Conclusions: : Direct POC using the MB ultraslim endoscope allows direct visualization of IHD lesions and may be useful for diagnosis and therapeutic management in selected patients.

Relationship between observation time and detection rate of focal lesions in Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: a single-center, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Current studies have shown that longer observation time can improve neoplastic detection rate. This study aimed to clarify whether endoscopists with longer observation times can detect more focal lesions. METHODS: Based on the mean examination time for Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) without biopsy, endoscopists were divided into fast and slow groups, and the detection rate of focal lesions was compared between the two groups. Univariate analysis, multivariate analysis and restricted cubic spline were used to explore the factors of focal lesion detection rate. RESULTS: Mean examination time of EGD without biopsy was 4.5 min. The cut-off times used were 5 min. 17 endoscopists were classified into the fast (4.7 ± 3.6 min), and 16 into the slow (7.11 ± 4.6 min) groups. Compared with fast endoscopists, slow endoscopists had a higher detection rate of focal lesions (47.2% vs. 51.4%, P < 0.001), especially in the detection of gastric lesions (29.7% vs. 35.9%, P < 0.001). In univariate and multivariate analyses, observation time, patient age and gender, expert, biopsy rate, and number of images were factors in FDR. There is a nonlinear relationship between observation time and FDR. CONCLUSION: Longer examination time improves the detection rate of focal lesions. Observation time is an important quality indicator of the EGD examination.

Predictors and impact of aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy: national inpatient sample 2016-2020.

OBJECTIVES: Aspiration pneumonia is a rare but feared complication among patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Our study aims to assess the incidence as well as risk factors for aspiration pneumonia in patients undergoing EGD. METHODS: National Inpatient Sample 2016-2020 was used to identify adult patients undergoing EGD. Patients were stratified into two groups based on the presence of aspiration pneumonia. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors associated with aspiration pneumonia. We adjusted for patient demographics, Elixhauser comorbidities and hospital characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 1.8 million patients undergoing EGD, 1.9% of the patients developed aspiration pneumonia. Patients with aspiration pneumonia were mostly males (59.54%), aged >65 years old (66.19%), White (72.2%), had Medicare insurance (70.5%) and were in the lowest income quartile (28.7%). On multivariate analysis, the age >65 group, White race, congestive heart failure (CHF), neurological disorders and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with higher odds of aspiration pneumonia. This complication was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (9% vs. 0.8%; P  < 0.001) and longer length of stay (10.54 days vs. 4.85 days; P  < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study found that rates of post-EGD aspiration pneumonia are increasing. We found a significant association between various comorbidities and aspiration pneumonia. Our data suggests that we need to optimize these patients before EGD, as the development of aspiration is associated with worsened outcomes. Further prospective studies are needed to clarify these associations.

Novel endoscopic duodenal observation protocol based on Seven Pictures Rule for detecting duodenal neoplasms during esophagogastroduodenoscopy: Prospective observational study.

OBJECTIVES: No protocol for esophagogastroduodenoscopic examination of the duodenum has been established. We examined the feasibility and ability to detect neoplasms of a novel duodenal examination protocol. METHODS: This was a two-facility, prospective, observational study. Our protocol, the Seven Pictures Rule (7PR), requires pictures of the following seven locations: anterior and posterior to the bulb, area of and contralateral to the superior duodenal angle, area of and contralateral to the ampulla, and the transverse duodenum. The primary outcome was rate of completion of 7PR. Secondary outcomes were overall rates of detecting neoplasms, rates of detecting neoplasms for each location, examination time, and completion rates for standard or ultrathin endoscopes. RESULTS: There were 1549 participants. The 7PR completion rate was 81.1% and the detection rates of overall neoplasms, adenomas, and carcinomas were 0.84%, 0.71%, and 0.06%, respectively. The area in which most neoplasms was detected was contralateral to the ampulla (69.2%), and the fewest the transverse duodenum (0%). Mean duration of duodenal examination was 53.1 s. Completion rates for standard vs. ultrathin were 84.4% (1077/1276) vs. 65.6% (179/273) (P < 0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Seven Pictures Rule is acceptable for duodenal examination and a potential quality indicator.

Prevalence and Predictors of Barrett's Esophagus After Negative Initial Endoscopy: Analysis From Two National Databases.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Guidelines suggest a single screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in patients with multiple risk factors for Barrett's esophagus (BE). We aimed to determine BE prevalence and predictors on repeat EGD after a negative initial EGD, using 2 large national databases (GI Quality Improvement Consortium [GIQuIC] and TriNetX). METHODS: Patients who underwent at least 2 EGDs were included and those with BE or esophageal adenocarcinoma detected at initial EGD were excluded. Patient demographics and prevalence of BE on repeat EGD were collected. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to assess for independent risk factors for BE detected on the repeat EGD. RESULTS: In 214,318 and 153,445 patients undergoing at least 2 EGDs over a median follow-up of 28-35 months, the prevalence of BE on repeat EGD was 1.7% in GIQuIC and 3.4% in TriNetX, respectively (26%-45% of baseline BE prevalence). Most (89%) patients had nondysplastic BE. The prevalence of BE remained stable over time (from 1 to >5 years from negative initial EGD) but increased with increasing number of risk factors. BE prevalence in a high-risk population (gastroesophageal reflux disease plus ≥1 risk factor for BE) was 3%-4%. CONCLUSIONS: In this study of >350,000 patients, rates of BE on repeat EGD ranged from 1.7%-3.4%, and were higher in those with multiple risk factors. Most were likely missed at initial evaluation, underscoring the importance of a high-quality initial endoscopic examination. Although routine repeat endoscopic BE screening after a negative initial examination is not recommended, repeat screening may be considered in carefully selected patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and ≥2 risk factors for BE, potentially using nonendoscopic tools.

Cytosponge procedures produce fewer respiratory aerosols and droplets than esophagogastroduodenoscopies.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD) are aerosol-generating procedures that may spread respiratory pathogens. We aim to investigate the production of airborne aerosols and droplets during Cytosponge procedures, which are being evaluated in large-scale research studies and National Health Service (NHS)implementation pilots to reduce endoscopy backlogs. We measured 18 Cytosponge and 37 EGD procedures using a particle counter (diameters = 0.3-25 µm), taking measurements 10 cm from the mouth. Two particle count analyses were performed: whole procedure and event-based. Direct comparison with duration-standardized EGD procedures shows that Cytosponge procedures produce 2.16× reduction (P < 0.001) for aerosols and no significant change for droplets (P = 0.332). Event-based analysis shows that particle production is driven by throat spray (aerosols: 138.1× reference, droplets: 16.2×), which is optional, and removal of Cytosponge (aerosols: 14.6×, droplets: 62.6×). Cytosponge burping produces less aerosols than EGD (2.82×, P < 0.05). Cytosponge procedures produce significantly less aerosols and droplets than EGD procedures and thus reduce two potential transmission routes for respiratory viruses.

Current status of quality control in screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy and the emerging role of artificial intelligence.

Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) screening is being implemented in countries with a high incidence of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer. High-quality EGD screening ensures the yield of early diagnosis and prevents suffering from advanced UGI cancer and minimal operational-related discomfort. However, performance varied dramatically among endoscopists, and quality control for EGD screening remains suboptimal. Guidelines have recommended potential measures for endoscopy quality improvement and research has been conducted for evidence. Moreover, artificial intelligence offers a promising solution for computer-aided diagnosis and quality control during EGD examinations. In this review, we summarized the key points for quality assurance in EGD screening based on current guidelines and evidence. We also outline the latest evidence, limitations, and future prospects of the emerging role of artificial intelligence in EGD quality control, aiming to provide a foundation for improving the quality of EGD screening.

Applicability of the Barcelona scale to assess the quality of cleanliness of mucosa at esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: There are few scales with prospective validation for the assessment of the upper gastrointestinal mucosal cleanliness during an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). The aim of this study was to develop a valid and reproducible cleanliness scale for use during an EGD. METHODS: We developed a cleanliness scale (Barcelona scale) with a score (0-2 points) of five segments of the upper gastrointestinal tract with thorough cleaning techniques (esophagus, fundus, body, antrum, and duodenum). First, 125 photos (25 of each area) were assessed, and a score was assigned to each image by consensus among 7 experts endoscopists. Subsequently, 100 of the 125 images were selected and the inter- and intra-observer variability of 15 previously trained endoscopists was evaluated using the same images at two different times. RESULTS: In total, 1500 assessments were performed. In 1336/1500 observations (89%) there was agreement with the consensus score, with a mean kappa value of 0.83 (0.45-0.96). In the second evaluation, in 1330/1500 observations (89%) there was agreement with the consensus score, with a mean kappa value of 0.82 (0.45-0.93). The intra-observer variability was 0.89 (0.76-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: The Barcelona cleanliness scale is a valid measure and reproducible with minimal training. Its application in clinical practice is a significant step to standardize the quality of the EGD.

Ultrathin endoscope equipped with ultrasonic miniprobe for upper GI US in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Ultrathin EGD (UT-EGD) is an ideal tool for unsedated upper GI examination and pediatric gastroenterology but is rarely competent for EUS miniprobe (EUS-MP). We developed a UT-EGD US method (UT-EUS) and verified its clinical application value through animal experiments. METHODS: Five Bama miniature pigs were selected. Using an acoustic medium, we performed US on the duodenum, stomach, and esophagus, respectively, with conventional 20-MHz EUS miniprobe (EUS-MP-20), 20-MHz UT-EUS (UT-EUS-20), and 30-MHz UT-EUS (UT-EUS-30). The times to acquire 5 consecutive stable US images, number of identifiable wall layers, and quality and penetration depth of the images were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the time required to obtain images between EUS-MP-20 and UT-EUS-20 at each site (P > .05). UT-EUS-30 showed more wall levels than UT-EUS-20 (P < .05). No significant differences were noted between EUS-MP-20 and UT-EUS-20 in imaging quality and penetration depth (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: The UT-EUS is easy to use with a satisfactory image quality and has potential clinical application value.

Association between endoscopic evidence of bile reflux and Barrett's esophagus: A large-scale case-control study.

BACKGROUND: Although bile reflux plays an important role in the development of Barrett's esophagus, the relationship between endoscopic findings of bile reflux and Barrett's esophagus remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated whether endoscopic evidence of bile reflux was associated with the presence of Barrett's esophagus. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database comprising consecutive patients who underwent screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy was conducted. Endoscopic evidence of bile reflux was defined as the presence of bile-stained fluid in the gastric fundus. We performed multivariate analysis to identify predictive factors that differed significantly between patients with and without Barrett's esophagus. RESULTS: Of 4021 patients, 922 (23%) had Barrett's esophagus, and 1000 (25%) showed endoscopic findings of bile reflux. Multivariate analysis revealed endoscopic evidence of bile reflux as the strongest independent factor associated with the presence of Barrett's esophagus (odds ratio [OR] 5.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.71-6.76) in relation to the presence of hiatal hernia (OR 3.30, 95% CI 2.70-4.04) and male gender (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.24-1.91). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic evidence of bile reflux was independently associated with the presence of Barrett's esophagus. This finding might help identify patients at future risk of Barrett's esophagus who could benefit from increased endoscopy surveillance.

Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality in Italy: A Nationwide Study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: International guidelines advise improving esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) quality in Western countries, where gastric cancer is still diagnosed in advanced stages. This nationwide study investigated some indicators for the quality of EGD performed in endoscopic centers in Italy. METHODS: Clinical, endoscopic, and procedural data of consecutive EGDs performed in one month in the participating centers were reviewed and collected in a specific database. Some quality indicators before and during endoscopic procedures were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 3,219 EGDs performed by 172 endoscopists in 28 centers were reviewed. Data found that some relevant information (family history for GI cancer, smoking habit, use of proton pump inhibitors) were not collected before endoscopy in 58.5-80.7% of patients. Pre-endoscopic preparation for gastric cleaning was routinely performed in only 2 (7.1%) centers. Regarding the procedure, sedation was not performed in 17.6% of patients, and virtual chromoendoscopy was frequently (>75%) used in only one (3.6%) center. An adequate sampling of the gastric mucosa (i.e., antral and gastric body specimens) was heterogeneously performed, and it was routinely performed only by 23% of endoscopists, and in 14.3% centers. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis showed that the quality of EGD performed in clinical practice in Italy deserves to be urgently improved in different aspects.

Developing an electronic health record measure of low-value esophagogastroduodenoscopy for GERD at a large academic health system.

OBJECTIVES: Low-value esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGDs) for uncomplicated gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) can harm patients and raise patient and payer costs. We developed an electronic health record (EHR) 'eMeasure' to detect low-value EGDs. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort of 518 adult patients diagnosed with GERD who underwent initial EGD between 1 January 2019 and 31 December 2019. SETTING: Outpatient primary care and gastroenterology clinics at a large, urban, academic health centre. PARTICIPANTS: Adult primary care patients at the University of California Los Angeles who underwent initial EGD for GERD in 2019. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: EGD appropriateness criteria were based on the American College of Gastroenterology 2012 guidelines. An initial EGD was considered low-value if it lacked a documented guideline-based indication, including alarm symptoms (eg, iron-deficiency anaemia); failure of an 8-week proton pump inhibitor trial or elevated Barrett's oesophagus risk. We performed manual chart review on a random sample of 204 patients as a gold standard of the eMeasure's validity. We estimated EGD costs using Medicare physician and facility fee rates. RESULTS: Among 518 initial EGDs performed (mean age 53 years; 54% female), the eMeasure identified 81 (16%) as low-value. The eMeasure's sensitivity was 42% (95% CI 22 to 61) and specificity was 93% (95% CI 89 to 96). Stratifying across clinics, 62 (74.6%) low-value EGDs originated from 2 (12.5%) out of 16 clinics. Total cost for 81 low-value EGDs was approximately US$75 573, including US$14 985 in patients' out-of-pocket costs. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a highly specific eMeasure that showed that low-value EGDs occurred frequently in our healthcare system and were concentrated in a minority of clinics. These results can inform future QI efforts at our institution, such as best practice alerts for the ordering physician. Moreover, this open-source eMeasure has a much broader potential impact, as it can be integrated into any EHR and improve medical decision-making at the point of care.