Long-term Outcomes of Patients With Early Gastric Cancer Who Had Lateral Resection Margin-Positive Tumors Based on Pathology Following Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection.

PURPOSE: Long-term outcomes of patients with positive lateral margins (pLMs) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study aimed to evaluate the remnant cancer and survival rates of patients with pLMs compared with those who underwent curative resection. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on consecutive patients with pLMs as the only non-curative factor of expanded indication who underwent ESD for EGC with a follow-up duration of 5 years or more. The rates of remnant cancer, recurrence, and survival were analyzed and compared to those of control patients who underwent curative resection by propensity score matching. RESULTS: Among 3,515 patients treated with ESD between 2005 and 2018, 123 non-curative EGCs were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 108 patients were followed up without endoscopic or surgical resection for 8.2 years. The control group was matched in a 1:1 ratio with patients with EGC who underwent curative resection after ESD. The observation group with pLMs had a higher incidence of remnant cancer (25.9%; 28/108) compared to that in the curative resection group (0/108; P=0.000). The remaining tumors were treated with surgical or endoscopic resection, and no additional recurrences were observed. The overall survival analysis demonstrated no significant difference between the observation and curative resection groups (P=0.577). CONCLUSIONS: No difference was observed in the overall survival rate between observation and curative resection groups. Therefore, observation may be a possible option for incomplete ESD with pLMs if continuous follow-up is performed.

A Modified eCura System to Stratify the Risk of Lymph Node Metastasis in Undifferentiated-Type Early Gastric Cancer After Endoscopic Resection.

PURPOSE: The original eCura system was designed to stratify the risk of lymph node metastasis (LNM) after endoscopic resection (ER) in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). We assessed the effectiveness of a modified eCura system for reflecting the characteristics of undifferentiated-type (UD)-EGC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six hundred thirty-four patients who underwent non-curative ER for UD-EGC and received either additional surgery (radical surgery group; n=270) or no further treatment (no additional treatment group; n=364) from 18 institutions between 2005 and 2015 were retrospectively included in this study. The eCuraU system assigned 1 point each for tumors >20 mm in size, ulceration, positive vertical margin, and submucosal invasion <500 µm; 2 points for submucosal invasion ≥500 µm; and 3 points for lymphovascular invasion. RESULTS: LNM rates in the radical surgery group were 1.1%, 5.4%, and 13.3% for the low- (0-1 point), intermediate- (2-3 points), and high-risk (4-8 points), respectively (P-for-trend<0.001). The eCuraU system showed a significantly higher probability of identifying patients with LNM as high-risk than the eCura system (66.7% vs. 22.2%; McNemar P<0.001). In the no additional treatment group, overall survival (93.4%, 87.2%, and 67.6% at 5 years) and cancer-specific survival (99.6%, 98.9%, and 92.9% at 5 years) differed significantly among the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories, respectively (both P<0.001). In the high-risk category, surgery outperformed no treatment in terms of overall mortality (hazard ratio, 3.26; P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: The eCuraU system stratified the risk of LNM in patients with UD-EGC after ER. It is strongly recommended that high-risk patients undergo additional surgery.

Risk Assessment of Metachronous Gastric Neoplasm after Endoscopic Resection for Early Gastric Cancer According to Age at Helicobacter pylori Eradication.

Background/Aims: Helicobacter pylori eradication can reduce the incidence of metachronous gastric neoplasm (MGN) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC). This study evaluated the risk of developing MGN after ESD for EGC based on age at H. pylori eradication. Methods: Data of patients who underwent curative ESD for EGC with H. pylori infection between 2005 and 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were allocated to four groups according to age at H. pylori eradication: group 1 (<50 years), group 2 (50-59 years), group 3 (60-69 years), and group 4 (≥70 years). Results: All patients were followed up for at least 5 years after ESD. The 5-year cumulative incidence of MGN was 2.1%, 7.0%, 8.7%, and 16.7% in groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively (p<0.001), and groups 3 and 4 showed a significant increase in the risk of MGN (hazard ratio [HR], 4.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09 to 19.92 and HR, 10.75; 95% CI, 2.45 to 47.12). After adjustments for moderate to severe intestinal metaplasia based on the updated Sydney system, groups 3 and 4 remained significantly associated with MGN (HR, 4.40; 95% CI, 1.03 to 18.84 and HR, 10.14; 95% CI, 2.31 to 44.57). Conclusions: The incidence of MGN after ESD for EGC increased with age at H. pylori eradication. Age at H. pylori eradication ≥60 years was an independent risk factor for MGN, even after adjusting for the presence of advanced intestinal metaplasia.

Efficacy of an assistive guide tube for improved endoscopic access to gastrointestinal lesions: an in vivo study in a porcine model.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Guide tube-assisted endoscopy for procedures that require repeated endoscopic access is safer and more effective than conventional endoscopy. However, its effectiveness has not been confirmed in animal studies. We assessed the usefulness of guide tube-assisted endoscopic procedures in an in vivo porcine model. METHODS: Five different guide tube-assisted endoscopic procedures were performed by experienced endoscopists on a pig weighing 32 kg. To evaluate the efficacy of these procedures, we compared the endoscopic approach time when a guide tube was used to that when it was not. Additional endoscopic procedures using a guide tube were performed, including multiple foreign body extractions, multiple polypectomies, and multiple submucosal dissections. To evaluate safety, we compared the insertion force into the proximal esophagus between the guide tube and conventional overtube methods. RESULTS: Using the endoscopic approach with a guide tube required a shorter average approach time to reach the three target lesions than when using the endoscopic approach without a guide tube (p<0.001). Compared to the conventional overtube method, the guide tube method produced a lower average resistance during insertion into the upper esophagus (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Guide tube-assisted endoscopic procedures are effective and safe for repeated endoscopic access in an in vivo porcine model.

Cumulative exposure to impaired fasting glucose and gastrointestinal cancer risk: A nationwide cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Impaired fasting glucose (IFG) is associated with the risk of various cancers, but the cumulative effect of IFG on gastrointestinal cancer risk remains unclear. This study evaluated the association between the cumulative exposure to IFG and gastrointestinal cancer risk. METHODS: The authors extracted data from the Korean National Health Insurance Service and health examination data sets. Among individuals ≥40 years old who were free of diabetes or cancer, 1,430,054 who underwent national health examinations over 4 consecutive years from 2009 to 2012 were selected and followed up until gastrointestinal cancer diagnosis, death, or December 31, 2019. The IFG exposure score (range, 0-4) was based on the number of IFG diagnoses over 4 years. RESULTS: The median follow-up duration was 6.4 years. Consistent normoglycemia for 4 years was found in 44.3% of the population, whereas 5.0% had persistent IFG and 50.7% had intermittent IFG. Compared to the group with an IFG exposure score of 0, groups with IFG exposure scores of 1, 2, 3, and 4 had a 5%, 8%, 9%, and 12% increased risk of gastrointestinal cancer, respectively (score 1: adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.05; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.01-1.08; score 2: aHR, 1.08; 95% CI, 1.04-1.12; score 3: aHR, 1.09; 95% CI, 1.05-1.14; score 4: aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.06-1.19). Persistent IFG exposure was also associated with higher risks of individual cancer types (colorectum, stomach, pancreas, biliary tract, and esophagus). CONCLUSIONS: Cumulative exposure to IFG is associated with an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer, in a dose-dependent manner. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: Hyperglycemia, including both diabetes and prediabetes, has been associated with an increased risk of various cancers. However, the cumulative effect of impaired fasting glucose on the risk of developing gastrointestinal cancer remains unclear. A frequent diagnosis of impaired fasting glucose was dose-dependently associated with a higher risk of developing overall gastrointestinal cancer. Furthermore, risks of individual cancer types increased with persistent impaired fasting glucose. Early detection of hyperglycemia and strict glycemic control can lower the risk of gastrointestinal cancer by reducing hyperglycemic burden. Additionally, for some individuals, lifestyle changes such as managing metabolic syndrome or abstaining from alcohol may also be helpful.

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings and Clinical Features of COVID-19 Vaccine-Associated Myocarditis, Compared With Those of Other Types of Myocarditis.

BACKGROUND: To compare the clinical and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging findings of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine-associated myocarditis (VAM) with those of other types of myocarditis. METHODS: From January 2020 to March 2022, a total of 39 patients diagnosed with myocarditis via CMR according to the Modified Lake Louise criteria were included in the present study. The patients were classified into two groups based on their vaccination status: COVID-19 VAM and other types of myocarditis not associated with COVID-19 vaccination. Clinical outcomes, including the development of clinically significant arrhythmias, sudden cardiac arrest, and death, and CMR imaging features were compared between COVID-19 VAM and other types of myocarditis. RESULTS: Of the 39 included patients (mean age, 39 years ± 16.4 [standard deviation]; 23 men), 23 (59%) had COVID-19 VAM and 16 (41%) had other types of myocarditis. The occurrence of clinical adverse events did not differ significantly between the two groups. As per the CMR imaging findings, the presence and dominant pattern of late gadolinium enhancement did not differ significantly between the two groups. The presence of high native T1 or T2 values was not significantly different between the two groups. Although the native T1 and T2 values tended to be lower in COVID-19 VAM than in other types of myocarditis, there were no statistically significant differences between the native T1 and T2 values in the two groups. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrated that the CMR imaging findings and clinical outcomes of COVID-19 VAM did not differ significantly from those of other types of myocarditis during hospitalization.

Evaluation of the Efficacy and Safety of DW1903 in Patients with Gastritis: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Noninferiority, Multicenter, Phase 3 study.

Background/Aims: H2 receptor antagonists (H2RA) have been used to treat gastritis by inhibiting gastric acid. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are more potent acid suppressants than H2RA. However, the efficacy and safety of low-dose PPI for treating gastritis remain unclear. The aim was to investigate the efficacy and safety of low-dose PPI for treating gastritis. Methods: A double-blind, noninferiority, multicenter, phase 3 clinical trial randomly assigned 476 patients with endoscopic erosive gastritis to a group using esomeprazole 10 mg (DW1903) daily and a group using famotidine 20 mg (DW1903R1) daily for 2 weeks. The full-analysis set included 319 patients (DW1903, n=159; DW1903R1, n=160) and the per-protocol set included 298 patients (DW1903, n=147; DW1903R1, n=151). The primary endpoint (erosion improvement rate) and secondary endpoint (erosion and edema cure rates, improvement rates of hemorrhage, erythema, and symptoms) were assessed after the treatment. Adverse events were compared. Results: According to the full-analysis set, the erosion improvement rates in the DW1903 and DW1903R1 groups were 59.8% and 58.8%, respectively. According to the per-protocol analysis, the erosion improvement rates in the DW1903 and DW1903R1 groups were 61.9% and 59.6%, respectively. Secondary endpoints were not significantly different between two groups except that the hemorrhagic improvement rate was higher in DW1903 with statistical tendency. The number of adverse events were not statistically different. Conclusions: DW1903 of a low-dose PPI was not inferior to DW1903R1 of H2RA. Thus, lowdose PPI can be a novel option for treating gastritis (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05163756).

Clinical Outcomes and Complications of 2-Stage Septic Versus Aseptic Revision Total Knee Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although several studies have compared the clinical outcomes of septic and aseptic revision total knee arthroplasty (TKA), their results have been controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare clinical outcomes and complications of septic and aseptic revision TKA through a systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS: The PubMed (MEDLINE) and Embase databases were searched for studies evaluating the clinical outcomes and complications of 2-stage septic revision and aseptic revision TKAs. A systematic review of clinical outcomes (Knee Society Knee and Function Scores and range of motion) and complications (reoperation, infection, and failure rates) was conducted. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were included in the systematic review. The mean MINORS (Methodological Index for NOn-Randomized Studies) score of the included studies was 20.5 (range, 18 to 22). The meta-analysis revealed higher reoperation (risk ratio [RR], 1.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.50 to 2.62; p < 0.00001), infection (RR, 4.08; 95% CI, 2.94 to 5.64; p < 0.00001), and failure rates (RR, 2.88; 95% CI, 1.38 to 6.03; p = 0.005) in septic revision TKAs than in aseptic revision TKAs. Moreover, septic revision TKAs showed lower Knee Society Knee Scores compared with aseptic TKAs (mean difference [MD], -6.86; 95% CI, -11.80 to -1.92; p = 0.006). However, the Knee Society Function Score (MD, -1.84; 95% CI, -7.84 to 3.80; p = 0.52) and range of motion (MD, -6.96°; 95% CI, -16.23° to 2.31°; p = 0.14) were not significantly different between septic and aseptic revision TKAs. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the heterogeneity of prosthesis designs and surgical protocols used in septic and aseptic revision TKAs, the results of this systematic review suggest that 2-stage septic revision TKAs have poorer clinical outcomes and higher complication rates than aseptic revision TKAs do. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Misdiagnosis of the acute phase of undifferentiated arthritis as pyogenic arthritis: A case report and literature review.

Undifferentiated arthritis is a disease that clinically presents with symptoms and signs of inflammatory arthritis but does not meet the specific diagnostic criteria of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or spondyloarthropathy. Here, we report our experience with a patient whose diagnosis of RA was delayed due to a lack of evidence for RA. The patient complained of knee joint swelling and pain, but the clinical features did not match those of typical pyogenic arthritis. Because infection could not be completely ruled out, the patient was treated for pyogenic arthritis using arthroscopic synovectomy and antibiotics. However, the pain was not relieved and the rheumatologist suggested a diagnosis of undifferentiated monoarthritis, which is an early stage of RA. The pain eventually spread to other joints, leading to the diagnosis of RA, approximately two months after the initial visit. Considering undifferentiated arthritis and making appropriate differential diagnoses is important to avoid unnecessary treatments such as surgery or prolonged antibiotic use. Clinical relevance: Awareness of the possibility of undifferentiated monoarthritis, an early stage of RA, may be helpful in treating patients with recurrent knee effusion.

The Effect of Aging on Outcomes after Posterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction: Older (≥ 50 Years) Versus Younger (< 50 Years) Patients.

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcomes after posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) reconstruction in ≥ 50-year-old patients. Methods: This retrospective case-control study reviewed 28 patients (age, ≥ 50 years) who underwent PCL reconstruction from 2004 to 2018. These patients were 1 : 1 matched to < 50-year-old patients by sex. Clinical, radiological, and survivorship outcomes of the patients were assessed at the final follow-up. Failure of PCL reconstruction was defined as the requirement for additional surgery (revision PCL reconstruction, high tibial osteotomy, or arthroplasty) due to unrelieved symptoms or grade III instability on stress radiographs. Results: The mean follow-up periods (± standard deviation) in < 50- and ≥ 50-year-old patients were 3.9 ± 1.0 years and 3.6 ± 1.9 years, respectively (p = 0.583). In < 50- and ≥ 50-year-old patients, the mean International Knee Documentation Committee scores were 64.1 ± 10.3 and 53.5 ± 17.3; mean Lysholm scores were 81.4 ± 13.0 and 66.3 ± 21.5; and mean Tegner activity scores were 6.1 ± 1.4 and 4.8 ± 1.7, respectively (p = 0.032, p = 0.018, and p = 0.016, respectively). Side-to-side differences in posterior translation on Telos stress radiographs at the final follow-up were 4.4 ± 1.4 mm and 6.9 ± 3.0 mm in < 50- and ≥ 50-year-old patients, respectively (p < 0.001). According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the failure-free survival rates of both groups were significantly different in the follow-up period (p = 0.014). The failure-free survival rates for < 50- and ≥ 50-year-old patients were 100% and 78.6%, respectively. Conclusions: Clinical, radiological, and survivorship outcomes were inferior among ≥ 50-year-old patients after PCL reconstruction. Thus, surgeons should be careful when deciding and performing PCL reconstruction in patients 50 years old or over.

Risk of gastric cancer in relation with serum cholesterol profiles: A nationwide population-based cohort study.

Obesity is a known risk factor for gastric cancer. However, the relationship between serum lipids and gastric cancer risk has not been fully established. We investigated the relationship between serum cholesterol levels and gastric cancer risk using a nationwide population cohort. Adults who received health care screening in 2009 from the Korean National Health Insurance Service were enrolled. Gastric cancer risk in relation to quartiles of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and total cholesterol (TC) were compared according to sex, using adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Among 9690,168 subjects enrolled, 92,403 gastric cancer cases were diagnosed. Higher HDL-C levels were associated with lower gastric cancer risk in the total population, men, and women (aHR [for the highest quartile] = 0.98 [0.96-0.99, P < .0001], aHR = 0.98 [0.96-1.004, P = .0004], and aHR = 0.91 [0.88-0.94, P < .0001], respectively). HDL-C showed consistent trends regardless of age or statin use. Higher LDL-C levels were also associated with lower gastric cancer risk in the total population (aHR = 0.92 [0.91-0.94], P < .0001) and men (aHR = 0.94 [0.91-0.96], P < .0001), but not in women (P = .4073). A subgroup analysis of LDL-C showed significant interactions with age and statin use (Pinteraction < .0001 and Pinteraction = .0497, respectively). The risk of gastric cancer was higher in subjects with elevated LDL-C levels in the younger group (age < 55, HR [for the highest quartile] = 1.02 [0.99-1.04] in the total population; HR = 1.03 [1.003-1.06] in men), the risk was lower in subjects with elevated LDL-C in the elderly (age ≥ 55, HR = 0.93 [0.91-0.95] in the total population; HR = 0.94 [0.92-0.96] in men). Elevated TC was associated with lower gastric cancer risk in the total population (aHR = 0.95 [0.94-0.97], P < .0001), but not in each sex separately (P = .3922 in men; P = .1046 in women). Overall, higher HDL-C levels may play a protective role in gastric cancer pathogenesis. The association between LDL-C/TC and gastric cancer seems to vary according to sex, age, and statin use. Especially in young males under age 55, high LDL-C and TC levels were associated with higher risk of gastric cancer.

Optimal treatment duration of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in Helicobacter pylori infection: A retrospective study.

The use of bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (BQT) in Helicobacter pylori eradication has been increasing. Although the recommended treatment length for BQT is 14 days, longer durations may be associated with higher rates of adverse events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the optimal duration of BQT by comparing eradication rates and adverse events among 7, 10, and 14-day regimens. A total of 328 patients treated with BQT at Seoul National University Hospital from January 2010 to May 2022 were retrospectively evaluated. The eradication rates of different treatment groups were compared using intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. Baseline characteristics of the enrolled patients and adverse events were also analyzed. A total of 74, 177, and 77 patients were included in the 7-, 10-, and 14-day groups, respectively. Forty-one patients were lost during the follow-up. The eradication rates were 71.6%, 84.2%, and 80.5% (P = .106) by ITT, and 84.1%, 94.9%, and 92.5% (P = .028) by PP analysis in the 7-, 10-, and 14-day groups, respectively. The 10-day regimen showed significantly higher eradication rates than the 7-day regimen in both ITT (P = .024) and PP (P = .018) analyses. However, there were no significant differences in eradication rates between the 10- and 14-day groups in either ITT (P = .667) or PP (P = .537) analysis. Adverse event incidence was comparable among the groups (P = .835). Treatment with BQT for 10 days was as effective as 14 days without increasing the adverse events.

Efficacy and safety of CKD-495 in acute and chronic gastritis: A Phase III superiority clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of numerous treatment options, many patients with gastritis experience only partial symptom relief. CKD-495, a newly developed product with the active ingredient extracted from Cinnamomum cassia Presl., has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity in vitro and an in vivo protective effect against gastric damage by stimulating mucus secretion. This study compared the efficacy and safety of CKD-495 with Artemisiae argyi folium (AAF) for the treatment of acute and chronic gastritis. AAF, a gastric mucosa protective agent that promotes gastric mucosa regeneration, has been used clinically for about 20 years. METHODS: This phase III multicenter, randomized, double-blind, parallel-group trial (ClinicalTrials.gov; NCT04255589) assigned 242 patients with endoscopically-proven gastric mucosal erosions to receive CKD-495 75 mg (n = 122) or AAF 60 mg (n = 120), respectively, with placebo (for double-blind purposes) 3 times a day for 2 weeks. The primary efficacy endpoint was the erosion improvement rate. Secondary endpoints included erosion cure rates, and improvement rates for edema, redness, hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. Drug-related adverse events were evaluated. RESULTS: The erosion improvement rate was significantly higher in the CKD-495 group than in the AAF group for both the full analysis set (55.9% vs 39.4%, P = .0063) and per-protocol set (54.6% vs 38.2%, P = .0084). In addition, the erosion improvement rate in patients with acute or chronic gastritis showed that the CKD-495 group had better improvement of erosion than the AAF group, especially in patients with chronic gastritis. Analysis of secondary endpoints, which included erosion cure rate and the improvement rates of edema, redness, hemorrhage, and GI symptoms, showed that the CKD-495 group was more effective than the AAF group. There were no significant between-group differences in safety profiles. No serious adverse events or adverse drug reactions occurred. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that CKD-495 75 mg is superior to AAF 60 mg in terms of the endoscopic improvement rate of erosions in patients with acute or chronic gastritis. This new mucoprotective agent, CKD-495, can be considered the therapy of choice for symptomatic relief and healing of gastritis.

Changes in ankle and hip joints following medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy affect knee joint line obliquity.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to measure the change in knee joint line obliquity (KJLO) and the changes in radiologic parameters of the ankle and hip joints after medial opening-wedge high tibial osteotomy (MOWHTO), and to evaluate the correlation and causal relationship between these parameters. METHODS: This study evaluated 109 patients who underwent MOWHTO between April 2015 and December 2021. Radiologic parameters, including KJLO, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA), ankle joint line obliquity (AJLO), and hip abduction angle (HAA), were analysed before and 1 year after MOWHTO. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to identify independent variables that significantly affected the change in KJLO after MOWHTO. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the cutoff value for a change in KJLO that exceeded 5° postoperatively, and the predicting values of radiologic parameters. RESULTS: Multiple linear regression analysis showed that changes in MPTA, AJLO, and HAA (ß = 0.440, P < 0.001; ß = - 0.310, P < 0.001; ß = 0.164, P = 0.035, respectively) were predictors of the change in KJLO after MOWHTO. ROC analysis showed that the threshold value for a change in KJLO which exceeded 5° postoperatively was 4.6° (66.7% sensitivity, 63.8% specificity, P = 0.025). Moreover, ROC curves for predicting a change in KJLO of > 4.6° showed that the AUC was significantly higher for the change in MPTA than that of the other two parameters (P = 0.011 for AJLO and P < 0.001 for HAA). CONCLUSION: MOWHTO increases the KJLO by valgization of the proximal tibia and causes hip adduction and ankle valgization. The postoperative ankle valgization after MOWHTO could reduce the increase in KJLO, counteracting the effects of proximal tibial valgization and hip adduction. Therefore, the effects of the hip and ankle joints should be considered to achieve an optimal KJLO and satisfactory clinical outcomes after MOWHTO. LEVEL OF STUDY: Cohort study, IV.

Decision to perform additional surgery after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer based on the risk of lymph node metastasis: a long-term follow-up study.

BACKGROUND: Radical surgery after non-curative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) may be excessive, since only 5-10% of patients have lymph node metastasis (LNM). This study investigated the suitability of the eCura system for determining the need for radical surgery after non-curative ESD. METHODS: We retrospectively investigated 343 patients who underwent non-curative ESD for EGC from 2006 to 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Korea. These patients were divided into surgery (n = 191) and observation (n = 152) groups based on whether they underwent additional surgery post-ESD. Each group was further classified into low-risk (eCura score 0-1), intermediate-risk (eCura score 2-4) and high-risk (eCura score 5-7). All patients were regularly followed-up at least annually after the initial treatment. The cumulative overall and recurrence-free survival rates were calculated for each category and compared between the surgery and observation groups. RESULTS: No significant differences in overall survival were found between the surgery and observation groups in low-risk (p = 0.168) and intermediate-risk patients (p = 0.306); however, high-risk patients had better 5-year overall survival rate in the surgery group than in the follow-up group (95.2% vs. 71.4%, p < 0.001). The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was higher in the surgery group than in the observation group for low-risk (100% vs. 84.3%; p = 0.034), intermediate-risk (96.1% vs. 88.4%; p = 0.081) and high-risk patients (100% vs. 83.3%; p = 0.023). CONCLUSIONS: Follow-up without additional surgery after non-curative ESD can be a reasonable option for low-risk and even intermediate-risk patients according to the eCura system. However, surgery is warranted for eCura high-risk patients.

A prospective randomized noninferiority trial comparing conventional smears and SurePathTM liquid-based cytology in endoscopic ultrasound-guided sampling of esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions.

BACKGROUND: Several liquid-based cytology (LBC) methods are currently used, but the diagnostic accuracy of each method is not well known. We aimed to compare the diagnostic performance of SurePathTM LBC and conventional smear (CS) cytology in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) samples of esophageal, gastric, and duodenal lesions. METHODS: As a prospective randomized noninferiority study, patients who needed EUS-FNA due to subepithelial mass in the upper gastrointestinal tract were randomly assigned 1:1 to the LBC and CS groups. Cytologic preparation was carried out using a crossover design where 1 method was used for the first needle-pass sample and another method was used for the second needle-pass sample. The primary outcome was to compare the diagnostic performance between LBC and CS using the final diagnosis as the gold standard. RESULTS: A total of 87 patients were randomized and 60 patients were analyzed. There were no differences between LBC and CS in diagnostic accuracy (91.7% vs 86.7%, P = .380), sensitivity (97.7% vs 90.7%, P = .169), specificity (76.5% vs 76.5%, P > .99), negative predictive value (92.9% vs 76.5%, P = .225), or positive predictive value (91.3% vs 90.7%, P = .921). The background of LBC was less bloody than that of CSs (5.0% vs 53.3%, P < .001) and the sample preparation time of LBC was shorter than that of CSs (29 ±â€…7 seconds vs 90 ±â€…17 seconds, P < .001). CONCLUSION: In the EUS-FNA of a subepithelial mass in the upper gastrointestinal tract, the diagnostic performance of LBC was not inferior to that of CS. The field of view was better in LBC, because the background was less bloody and necrotic. As LBC is more convenient to perform and takes shorter time, it is expected that it can replace the CS method for EUS-FNA samples.

Usefulness of a new polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVA-H)-based simulator for endoscopic submucosal dissection training: a pilot study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We developed a new endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) simulator and evaluated its efficacy and realism for use training endoscopists. METHODS: An ESD simulator was constructed using polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheets and compared to a previous ESD simulator. Between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2021, eight expert endoscopists from three different centers analyzed the procedure-related factors of the simulator. Five trainees performed gastric ESD exercises under the guidance of these experts. RESULTS: Although the two ESD simulators provided overall favorable outcomes in terms of ESD-related factors, the new simulator had several benefits, including better marking of the target lesion's limits (p<0.001) and overall handling (p<0.001). Trainees tested the usefulness of the new ESD simulator. The complete resection rate improved after 3 ESD training sessions (9 procedures), and the perforation rate decreased after 4 sessions (12 procedures). CONCLUSION: We have developed a new ESD simulator that can help beginners achieve a high level of technical experience before performing real-time ESD procedures in patients.

Direct posterior endoscopic excision of atypical popliteal cyst: A case report.

Certain types of popliteal cysts do not possess the common pathophysiology of Baker's cysts, such as location or the presence of a one-way valve lesion. The traditional arthroscopic approach and excision of such atypical popliteal cysts are difficult because they do not communicate with the knee joint, especially when located behind the popliteal neurovascular structure. In this case report, we introduce a direct posterior endoscopic technique for the excision of atypical popliteal cysts when accessing them through the traditional arthroscopic approach is unfeasible. In this case, the popliteal cyst was not located between the gastrocnemius medial head and the semimembranosus muscle and did not communicate with the knee joint. Passage of the popliteal artery was observed running on the anteromedial side of the popliteal cyst. Therefore, a direct posterior endoscopic approach was decided for the surgical treatment of the popliteal cyst, and the atypical popliteal cyst was successfully excised without any complications. We also describe the possible advantages and pitfalls of the direct posterior endoscopic approach. Clinical relevance: Direct posterior endoscopic excision using an intra-cystic portal in the prone position is considered a safe and effective treatment method for atypical popliteal cysts.

External Validation of the eCura System for Undifferentiated-Type Early Gastric Cancer with Noncurative Endoscopic Resection.

Background/Aims: The eCura system, a scoring model for stratifying the lymph node metastasis risk after noncurative endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer (EGC), has been internally validated, primarily for differentiated-type EGC. We aimed to externally validate this model for undifferentiated-type EGC. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study included 634 patients who underwent additional surgery (radical surgery group, n=270) or were followed up without additional treatment (no additional treatment group, n=364) after noncurative endoscopic resection for undifferentiated-type EGC between 2005 and 2015. The lymph node metastasis and survival rates were compared according to the risk categories. Results: For the radical surgery group, the lymph node metastasis rates were 2.6%, 10.9%, and 14.8% for the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk eCura categories, respectively (p for trend=0.003). For the low-, intermediate-, and high-risk categories in the no additional treatment group, the overall survival (92.7%, 68.9%, and 80.0% at 5 years, respectively, p<0.001) and cancer-specific survival rates (99.7%, 94.7%, and 80.0% at 5 years, respectively, p<0.001) differed significantly. In the multivariate analysis, the hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) in the no additional treatment group relative to the radical surgery group were 3.18 (1.41 to 7.17; p=0.005) for overall mortality and 2.60 (0.46 to 14.66; p=0.280) for cancer-specific mortality in the intermediate-to-high risk category. No such differences were noted in the low-risk category. Conclusions: The eCura system can be applied to undifferentiated-type EGC. Close follow-up without additional treatment might be considered for low-risk patients, while additional surgery is recommended for intermediate- and high-risk patients.