Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Skills Transfer to Clinical Practice after Hands-On Workshops: An International Survey.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a complex procedure, requiring enhanced technical skills. Translation into clinical practice of ESD training programs has not been documented. Our aim was to assess ESD training pathways of endoscopists participating in dedicated workshops and its clinical impact on ESD outcomes. METHODS: Participants of live porcine models ESD workshops, from 2013 to 2019, were included. They were invited to complete a survey focusing on human ESD performance after training, prior skills/competencies, complete learning pathway, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: From 118 invited participants, 40 (34%) completed the questionnaire. Nineteen (47%) endoscopists performed human ESD after the workshop, predominantly male (89%). At the beginning of human ESD, endoscopists had a mean of 7.7 (standard deviation (SD) 4.1) years of endoscopic experience and were all performing endoscopic mucosal resection (and emergency endoscopy. Before ESD practice, 100% of the participants were trained with live animal models and 68% with ex vivo models. The majority started clinical ESD in the lower third of the stomach or rectum (90%), with lesions ≤30 mm (89%). Each endoscopist performed a median of 19 (interquartile range 8-32) cumulative ESDs, over a mean of 3.9 (SD 2.0) years. Total en bloc resection rate was 92%, R0 resection rate 88%, and curative resection rate 86%, whereas adverse events remained <10%. Endoscopists with >10 human ESD procedures achieve clinical competence thresholds. CONCLUSIONS: Participants of ESD workshops are adequately skilled prior to clinical ESD, complying with recommendations for training and properly implementing the technique. Transfer to clinical practice, of prior ESD skills obtained in hands-on training courses, was documented. Structured training programs achieve clinical outcomes exceeding established standards, namely in the very initial clinical phase.

A Steep Early Learning Curve for Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection in the Live Porcine Model.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a demanding procedure requiring high level of expertise. ESD training programs incorporate procedures with live animal models. This study aimed to assess the early learning curve for performing ESD on live porcine models by endoscopists without any or with limited previous ESD experience. METHODS: In a live porcine model ESD workshop, number of resections, completeness of the resections, en bloc resections, adverse events, tutor intervention, type of knife, ESD time and size of resected specimens were recorded. ESD speed was calculated. RESULTS: A total of 70 procedures were carried out by 17 trainees. The percentage of complete resections, en bloc resections and ESD speed increased from the first to the latest procedures (88.2%-100%, 76.5%-100%, 8.6-31.4 mm2/min, respectively). The number of procedures in which a trainee needed tutor intervention and the number of adverse events also decreased throughout the procedures (4 to 0 and 6 to 0, respectively). During the workshop, when participants changed to a different type of knife, ESD speed slightly decreased (18.5 mm2/min to 17.0 mm2/min) and adverse events increased again (0-2). CONCLUSIONS: Through successive procedures, complete resections, en bloc resections, and ESD speed improve whereas adverse events decrease, supporting the role of the live porcine model in the preclinical learning phase. Changing ESD knives has a momentarily negative impact on the learning curve.

Long-term follow-up after EMR of large colorectal lesions: metachronous lesions, predictors and surveillance timing.

Background: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the first-line approach to large colorectal sessile lesions. These patients have been associated with high rates of metachronous lesions (ML), but long-term follow-up (LtFU) data are lacking. We aimed at evaluating the efficacy of an LtFU protocol and analyse the development and risk factors for ML.Methods: A prospectively collected database was analysed. Seventy-six patients submitted to EMR of large colorectal sessile lesions between 2007 and 2013 complied with a specific endoscopic surveillance, consisting of two protocols - initial follow-up (iFU) and LtFU. iFU intended to inspect the mucosectomy scars twice (at 3-6 and 12 months) and remove synchronous lesions (SL). Protocol examinations of LtFU were carried out at the first- and fourth-year post-iFU, aiming to remove ML. Statistical analysis included variables related to patient, index lesion, SL and ML characteristics.Results: Rates of ML were 39.5% and 20.4% at the first- and fourth-year of LtFU, and respectively 11.8% and 3.7% of them were advanced ML. All ML were endoscopically resectable. At univariate analysis, male gender (OR: 2.91; p=.029), the presence of SL (OR 3.86, p=.010) and advanced SL (OR 4.25, p=.006) were risk factors for ML. At multivariate analysis, male gender (p=.031) and advanced SL (p=.006) were significant predictors of ML development.Conclusions: We confirmed the increased risk of ML in patients with large colorectal lesions. A significant number of advanced ML was removed at the first LtFU colonoscopy, probably it should be carried out earlier than currently recommended.

Endoscopic removal of multiple sharp gastro-duodenal foreign bodies.

A 45 years old female,with bipolar disorder,was brought to the Emergency Department with abdominal pain. The patient was hemodynamically stable,with no signs of respiratory distress. On abdominal examination she had pain in the upper quadrants,without peritoneal irritation. The successful endoscopic removal decreases if delayed approach, beyond 12 h, and sharp objects. Moreover in case of sharp objects, even if already into the stomach or duodenum, they should be retrieved endoscopically if it can be accomplished safely, because the risk of a complication during its natural exteriorization is as high as 35%. Extreme caution is required as it is easy to injure the wall of the gastrointestinal tract, in order to that one method involves using an overtube to protect the esophagus and another technique fashioning a protective hood. Instead we were able to remove all the needles without complication using the method described above. Lately we found in literature a similar description although using a sheath - a good option to obviate any risk for the endoscope.

Early precut fistulotomy for biliary access: time to change the paradigm of "the later, the better"?

BACKGROUND: The precut timing during the biliary cannulation algorithm is a subject of controversy. Some studies suggest that early institution of precut is a safe and effective strategy even though the extent to which this approach may affect the duration of the ERCP is seldom addressed. OBJECTIVE: To assess the success, safety, and procedure duration of an early precut fistulotomy (group A) versus a classic precut strategy after a difficult biliary cannulation (group B). DESIGN: Single-center, prospective cohort study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 350 patients with a naïve papilla. INTERVENTIONS: Standard biliary cannulation followed by needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Biliary cannulation rate, NKF success, adverse events, and ERCP duration. RESULTS: The overall cannulation rate was similar, at 96% and 94% for groups A and B, respectively. The adverse event rate was 6.2% and 6.4%, respectively, with pancreatitis as the most frequent adverse event (group A, 3.9%; group B, 5.2%). The mean ERCP duration was, however, significantly shorter in group A, both when biliary cannulation was achieved without precutting (14 minutes vs 25 minutes, P < .001) as well as when biliary cannulation was attempted after NKF (18 minutes vs 31 minutes, P < .0001). LIMITATIONS: Single-center study design, referral center. CONCLUSIONS: If the endoscopist is experienced in ERCP and precut techniques, an early precut strategy should be the preferred cannulation strategy because this approach is as safe and effective as the late fistulotomy approach and substantially reduces ERCP duration.

Safety and efficacy of precut needle-knife fistulotomy.

OBJECTIVE. Although precut is considered an useful alternative when standard methods of biliary access have failed, there is some controversy about it's safety. The study aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of needle-knife fistulotomy (NKF) after a difficult biliary cannulation and whether common bile duct (CBD) diameter influenced complications. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Between November 2006 and December 2010, a total of 1087 consecutive patients with naive papilla were submitted to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for biliary access, in an affiliated university hospital. If the biliary cannulation was unsuccessful after 12-15 min, a NKF was performed. The main outcomes were biliary cannulation rate, NKF success and post-ERCP complications. RESULTS. Biliary cannulation by standard methods was successful in 883 patients (81%). In the remaining 204 patients, NKF was performed and allowed CBD access in 166 (81%), leading to a 96% cannulation rate. A second ERCP was performed in 25 patients, with an NKF success of 90% and an overall biliary cannulation rate of 98%. The post-ERCP complication rate was 7.9% (n = 16) with a 6.4% pancreatitis rate and no deaths. The complication for patients with a CBD ≤ to 4 mm was 13.9% compared with 4.5% in the remaining patients (OR = 3.39, p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS. NKF is a safe and highly useful method of accessing the CBD in the setting of a difficult biliary cannulation. Despite its safety profile, extra caution is needed when applying NKF to patients with thin bile ducts.

Hybrid endoscopic thymectomy: combined transesophageal and transthoracic approach in a survival porcine model with cadaver assessment.

BACKGROUND: Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery thymectomy has been used in the treatment of Myastenia Gravis and thymomas (coexisting or not). In natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, new approaches to the thorax are emerging as alternatives to the classic transthoracic endoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and reliability of hybrid endoscopic thymectomy (HET) using a combined transthoracic and transesophageal approach. METHODS: Twelve consecutive in vivo experiments were undertaken in the porcine model (4 acute and 8 survival). The same procedure was assessed in a human cadaver afterward. For HET, an 11-mm trocar was inserted in the 2nd intercostal space in the left anterior axillary line. A 0° 10-mm thoracoscope with a 5-mm working channel was introduced. Transesophageal access was created through a submucosal tunnel using a flexible gastroscope with a single working channel introduced through the mouth. Using both flexible (gastroscope) and rigid (thoracoscope) instruments, the mediastinum was opened; the thymus was dissected, and the vessels were ligated using electrocautery alone. RESULTS: Submucosal tunnel creation and esophagotomy were performed safely without incidents in all animals. Complete thymectomy was achieved in all experiments. All animals in the survival group lived for 14 days. Thoracoscopic and postmortem examination revealed pleural adhesions on site of the surgical procedure with no signs of infection. Histological analysis of the proximal third of the esophagus revealed complete cicatrization of both mucosal defect and myotomy site. In the human cadaver, we were able to replicate all the procedure even though we were not able to identify the thymus. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid endoscopic thymectomy is feasible and reliable. HET could be regarded as a possible alternative to classic thoracoscopic approach for patients requiring thymectomy.

Phenotypic characterization and familial risk in hyperplastic polyposis syndrome.

BACKGROUND. Hyperplastic polyposis syndrome (HPS) is a rare condition characterized by numerous hyperplastic polyps (HP) with a pancolonic distribution. Genetic and environmental factors, including smoking, may be responsible for phenotypic differences. OBJECTIVE. To characterize HPS patients' phenotype and to determine HPS risk and colorectal cancer (CRC) risk in the first-degree relatives (FDRs). PATIENTS AND METHODS. Eight HPS patients were followed at our Gastroenterology Department (2008-2012). The data included (1) macroscopic and histological analysis of polyps, (2) demographic information about patients and their families and (3) colonoscopy results of FDR that accepted a screening exam. RESULTS. Six of the eight index cases (ICs) had family history of CRC. Of the 24 FDRs screened, 5 were diagnosed with HPS. In our study, HPS and CRC prevalence in FDR was 625 and 9 times higher than the risk of the general population. Polyps over 10 mm were preferentially located in proximal colon (p < 0.001). Advanced polyps were larger (p < 0.001) than HP and more frequent in older patients (p = 0.0054). Nonsmokers had smaller polyps (p = 0.037) preferentially in the proximal colon (p = 0.04) and a lower age at HPS diagnosis. Patients with CRC family history manifest HPS at an earlier age and patients whose relatives had CRC before 50 years had larger polyps (p = 0.0475). Smokers with CRC family history had larger polyps than nonsmokers (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION. Despite the small sample, the results reflect the phenotypic heterogeneity of HPS as well as the increased family risk of HPS and CRC. This study points out that CRC family history and smoking influence HPS expression.

Oncological outcomes after endoscopic removal of malignant colorectal polyps.

OBJECTIVE: malignant colorectal polyp, defined by submucosally invasive adenocarcinoma, is the earliest form of clinically relevant colorectal cancer (CRC). After endoscopic resection additional surgery may be necessary, although decision criteria remain debatable. The objective of this study was to assess oncologic outcomes in terms of locoregional disease and to identify areas of improvement that may facilitate patients' management. METHODS: retrospective study of 40 patients with T1 CRC endoscopically resected between 2007 and 2012. Clinicopathological features were assessed and correlated with residual disease (RD), defined as presence of adenocarcinoma in intestinal wall and/ or lymph nodes. RESULTS: thirty-one patients underwent surgery while 9 were followed-up. After surgery, RD was confirmed in 15 (48.4%) patients: 8 (53.3%) wall disease, 5 (33%) nodal metastasis, and 2 (13.3%) with both. No recurrence was detected in the follow-up group. The characteristics of the lesions that were associated with DR were sessile configuration (p = 0.03), the degree of differentiation G3 (p = 0.01) and intercepted/indeterminate margins (p = 0.01). Twenty-two patients were operated because of inadequate evaluation, mainly due to piecemeal resection, and half of them were disease free. Postoperative complications were found in 9 (30%) patients, mainly anastomotic leakage that was associated with rectum anterior resection (p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: surgery should be considered in the presence of any risk factor for residual disease, while follow-up can be offered in low risk settings. Was also demonstrated a clear need for technical improvement in endoscopic resection and pathology evaluation in order to prevent unnecessary surgeries.

Left atrial appendage ligation with single transthoracic port assistance: a study of survival assessment in a porcine model (with videos).

BACKGROUND: Left atrial appendage (LAA) exclusion is a well-known procedure for the prevention of stroke in high-risk patients with atrial fibrillation and contraindication to long-term oral anticoagulant therapy. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approach for LAA ligation. DESIGN: In 4 acute and 6 survival pigs, we performed LAA by using a forward-viewing, single-channel gastroscope and an operative thoracoscope with a 3-mm working channel (introduced through an 8-mm single transthoracic port). SETTING: Animal laboratory. INTERVENTIONS: The gastroscope was introduced in the thoracic cavity through an esophageal submucosal tunnel. An end loop introduced through the gastroscope was used to legate the LAA. In the survival experiments, the esophageal mucosa was closed using hemoclips. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The time, safety, and feasibility of the procedure were recorded. In the survival experiments, endoscopy and postmortem examination were performed on postoperative day 14. RESULTS: Creation of a submucosal tunnel and esophagotomy were safely performed in all animals without incidents. The mean time for esophagotomy was 17.0 ± 6.3 minutes. Pericardial dissection and LAA ligation were performed in all animals but 1. The mean time for LAA ligation was 34.4 ± 19.1 minutes. No adverse events occurred during the survival period. Endoscopy showed complete esophageal closure. Postmortem examination revealed pleural adhesions on the site of pericardial dissection, and the LAA was fibrotic with the endoloop in place. LIMITATIONS: Animal study. CONCLUSIONS: LAA ligation with single transthoracic trocar assistance is feasible and may be an alternative to anticoagulant therapy or to permanent intracardiac implants in patients with atrial fibrillation.

Transvesical route for NOTES urological applications: advances & controversies.

Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) has emerged recently in the experimental surgical field, innovating for the passage of luminal barrier, the absence of scars and reduction of post-operative pain. Among the various ports of access (transvaginal, transgastric, transvesical and transcolonic), this paper is an update on advances & controversies of transvesical port for NOTES Urological applications.

Endoscopic Skills Training: The Impact of Virtual Exercises on Simulated Colonoscopy.

Background: A previous study suggested that psychomotor training improves the performance on colonoscopy. Since then, newer exercises have been included in the latest generation of GI Mentor®. In order to optimize a colonoscopy training program, we aimed to determine the impact of 3 virtual exercises in simulated colonoscopy skills. Methods: This was a prospective and randomized study. Nineteen residents completed a pre-training questionnaire and a colonoscopy trial before randomization in a study group (n = 10) that performed three exercises (Endobubble I, Navigation I, and Mucosal Evaluation I) until they achieved expert level, and a control group (n = 9). Both groups performed 10 repetitions of a simulated colonoscopy and were assessed on a final case. Learning curves and skills transfer were assessed by four parameters: mucosal surface examined (%), time to reach the cecum (s), screening efficiency (%), and time the patient was in pain (%). We also evaluated the construct validity for the exercises. Results: Construct validity was confirmed for Endobubble I and verified in Navigation I (experts were faster than novices; 5 vs. 7 s, p = 0.040), but not for Mucosal Evaluation I. Analyzing the learning curves and performance in the 10 repetitions, the study group reached the cecum faster (278 vs. 356 s, p = 0.035) and achieved a higher screening efficiency (83% vs. 75%, p = 0.019). Concerning skills transfer, the control group took longer to reach the cecum (241 vs. 292 s, p = 0.021) and the percentage of time the patient was in pain was higher (6% vs. 9%, p = 0.021). General performances of the study group had smaller interquartile variations. Conclusion: Psychomotor training has a significant impact on the homogeneous acquisition and assimilation of colonoscopy skills. Endobubble I and Navigation I should be considered in the training programs for novices.

Introdução: Um estudo anterior sugeriu que o treino psicomotor melhora o desempenho em colonoscopia. Desde então, outros exercícios virtuais foram incluídos na nova geração do simulador GI Mentor®. De forma a otimizar o programa de treino em colonoscopia procurou-se determinar o impacto de três exercícios virtuais nas competências de colonoscopia simulada. Métodos: Estudo prospetivo e randomizado. Dezanove internos completaram um questionário pré-treino e uma colonoscopia, tendo sido depois randomizados: Grupo de Estudo (n = 10) que realizou três exercícios (Endobubble I, Navigation I, Mucosal Evaluation I) até atingir o nível expert e Grupo Controlo (n = 9). Posteriormente, ambos os grupos realizaram dez repetições de um caso de colonoscopia simulada e um caso de avaliação final. As curvas de aprendizagem e a transferência de competências foram avaliadas com quatro métricas: superfície da mucosa examinada (%), tempo para atingir o cego (s), taxa de eficiência (%) e tempo que o doente teve dor (%). Adicionalmente, avaliou-se a validade do constructo para os novos exercícios. Resultados: Foi confirmada a validade do constructo no Endobubble I e verificada no Navigation I (os experts foram mais rápidos do que os formandos; 5 vs. 7 s, p = 0.040), mas não no Mucosal Evaluation I. Analisando as curvas de aprendizagem e o desempenho nas 10 repetições, o Grupo de Estudo atingiu mais rapidamente o cego (278 vs. 356 s, p = 0.035) e apresentou uma taxa de eficiência mais elevada (83% vs. 75%, p = 0.019). Na transferência, o Grupo Controlo demonstrou uma degradação significativa no tempo para atingir o cego (241 vs. 292 s, p = 0.021) e na % de tempo que o doente teve dor (6% vs. 9%, p = 0.021). O desempenho do Grupo de Estudo apresentou uma menor variabilidade interquartil. Conclusão: O treino psicomotor teve um impacto significativo na aquisição e assimilação homogénea de competências em colonoscopia. Os exercícios Endobubble I e Navigation I devem ser considerados nos programas de treino em simulador para iniciados.

The Impact of a Structured Virtual Reality Simulation Training Curriculum for Novice Endoscopists.

Background: Current evidence supports the use of virtual reality (VR) simulation-based training for novice endoscopists. However, there is still a need for a standardized induction programme which ensures sufficient preparation, with knowledge and basic skills, before their approach to patient-based training. We designed a structured progressive programme in upper endoscopy and colonoscopy and aimed to determine its impact on cognitive and technical performance. Methods: Prospective, multicentre study, focused on "Endoscopy I, 2018," a course with a theoretical and a hands-on module (20 h) in the GI Mentor II®. Gastroenterology residents of the 1st year were enrolled. A pre-test and test were applied to evaluate the cognitive component, and a pre-training and post-training esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy VR cases were used to evaluate the technical component. The hands-on training included psychomotor exercises (Navigation I, Endobubble I), 4 EGD, and 4 colonoscopy VR cases. The metrics applied for technical skills evaluation were time to reach the second portion of duodenum (D2)/cecum (seconds), efficiency of screening (%), and time the patient was in pain (%). Results: Twenty-three participants were included, majority female (67%), 26 ± 0.7 years old. Comparing the pre-test versus test, the cognitive score significantly improved (11/15 vs. 14/15; p < 0.001). Considering the technical assessment after training: in EGD, the time to D2 was significantly lower (193 vs. 63 s; p < 0.001), and the efficiency of screening significantly better (64 vs. 91%; p < 0.001); in colonoscopy, the time to reach the cecum was significantly lower (599 vs. 294 s; p = 0.001), the time the patient was in pain was significantly lower (27 vs. 10%; p = 0.005), and the efficiency of screening had a tendency towards improvement (50 vs. 68%; p = 0.062). Conclusion: The proposed training curriculum in basic endoscopy for novices is aligned with international recommendations and demonstrated a significant impact on cognitive and technical skills learning achievements.

Introdução: A evidência científica suporta o uso de simuladores de realidade virtual na fase inicial da formação. Contudo, persiste a necessidade de um programa padronizado, que garanta uma preparação adequada dos formandos, com conhecimento e competências básicas, antes de transitarem para o treino em pacientes. Desenhámos um programa de treino estruturado e progressivo em endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) e colonoscopia, pretendendo este estudo avaliar o seu impacto no desempenho cognitivo e técnico. Métodos: Estudo prospetivo e multicêntrico, focado no programa de treino "Endoscopia I, 2018." Este curso incluiu um módulo teórico e um módulo prático (20 h) no simulador GI Mentor II®. Foram recrutados internos de Gastrenterologia do 1° ano. Realizou-se um pré-teste e um teste para avaliar o componente cognitivo e foram usados casos virtuais selecionados, de EDA e colonoscopia, para avaliar o componente técnico pré e pós-treino. A prática incluiu exercícios psicomotores (Navigation I, Endobubble I), 4 casos virtuais de EDA e 4 de colonoscopia. As métricas aplicadas na avaliação foram o tempo até à segunda porção duodenal (D2)/cego (segundos), a eficiência da inspeção (%) e o tempo que o paciente teve dor (%). Resultados: Vinte e três participantes incluídos, a maioria do género feminino (67%), com idade média de 26 ± 0.7 anos. Comparando o pré-teste versus (vs.) teste, o resultado da avaliação cognitiva melhorou (11/15 vs. 14/15; p < 0.001). Relativamente à avaliação técnica após o treino: na EDA, o tempo para alcançar D2 foi significativamente menor (193 vs. 63 s; p < 0.001) e a eficiência da inspeção foi significativamente melhor (64 vs. 91%; p < 0.001); na colonoscopia, o tempo até ao cego foi significativamente menor (599 vs. 294 s; p = 0.001), o tempo em que o paciente teve dor foi significativamente menor (27 vs. 10%; p = 0.005) e a eficiência da inspeção revelou uma tendência de melhoria (50 vs. 68%; p = 0.062). Conclusão: O presente programa de treino em endoscopia básica para iniciados está alinhado com as recomendações internacionais e demonstrou um impacto significativo na aquisição de capacidades cognitivas e técnicas.

Constipation: Prevalence in the Portuguese community using Rome IV-Associated factors, toilet behaviours and healthcare seeking.

BACKGROUND: Chronic constipation (CC) is a major public health condition and CC management remains challenging. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the CC (and subtypes) prevalence in a Southern Europe Mediterranean country using Rome IV criteria, and to assess related factors, toilet and healthcare seeking behaviours. METHODS: Cross-sectional epidemiological survey, conducted in general community and representing the Portuguese population according to sex and age. The questionnaire covered bowel habits, factors potentially associated with CC (demographic, health/lifestyle, toilet behaviours) and data regarding healthcare seeking. RESULTS: From the study data of 1950 individuals were analyzed. The answer rate was 68% and 1335 questionnaires were available for calculation. The CC prevalence was 17.8%, with respectively 9.3% of Functional Constipation (FC) and 8.5% of Irritable Bowel Syndrome - subtype constipation (IBS-C). The likelihood of constipation was significantly higher in younger (OR 1.01; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.007-1.031), solo (OR 2.48; 95% CI, 1.7-3.47) and low-income (OR 2.40; 95% CI, 1.77-3.47) individuals. Constipated individuals spent more time at defecation, longer than 5 min (p = 0.001), and had particular toilet behaviours (absence of a morning pattern [p = 0.008], the use of triggers [p = 0.001] and reading/technological material [p = 0.006]) to facilitate the evacuation. Only 39% of affected individuals sought medical advice, mainly IBS-C patients (p = 0.018). CONCLUSION: Chronic constipation seems to impact 1 in each 5 Portuguese. Constipated patients are younger, solo, less active and with low income. They develop a clear toilet behaviour profile. FC and IBS-C patients assume particular behaviours.

Clinical Performance of New Software to Automatically Detect Angioectasias in Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Video capsule endoscopy (VCE) revolutionized the diagnosis and management of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, though the rate of detection of small bowel lesions by the physician is still disappointing. Our group developed a novel algorithm (CMEMS-Uminho) to automatically detect angioectasias which display greater accuracy in VCE static frames than other methods previously published. We aimed to evaluate the algorithm overall performance and assess its diagnostic yield and usability in clinical practice. METHODS: Algorithm overall performance was determined using 54 full-length VCE recordings. To assess its diagnostic yield and usability in clinical practice, 38 VCE examinations with the clinical diagnosis of angioectasias consecutively performed (2017-2018) were evaluated by three physicians with different experiences. The CMEMS-Uminho algorithm was also applied. The performance of the CMEMS-Uminho algorithm was defined by a positive concordance between a frame automatically selected by the software and a study independent capsule endoscopist. RESULTS: Overall performance in complete VCE recordings was 77.7%, and diagnostic yield was 94.7%. There were significant differences between physicians in regard to global detection rate (p < 0.001), detection rate per capsule (p < 0.001), diagnostic yield (p = 0.007), true positive rate (p < 0.001), time (p < 0.001), and speed viewing (p < 0.001). The application of CMEMS-Uminho algorithm significantly enhanced all readers' global detection rate (p < 0.001) and the differences between them were no longer observed. CONCLUSION: The CMEMS-Uminho algorithm detained a good overall performance and was able to enhance physicians' performance, suggesting a potential usability of this tool in clinical practice.

INTRODUÇÃO: A endoscopia por cápsula (EC) revolucionou o diagnóstico da hemorragia gastrointestinal obscura, porém a taxa de defeção de lesões no intestino delgado pelo endoscopista permanece insatisfatória. Desenvolveu-se um novo algoritmo para a defeção automática de angioectasias, que revelou uma melhor acuidade na avaliação de imagens de EC que outros métodos previamente publicados. Pretende-se avaliar agora a performance global do algoritmo, o seu rendimento diagnóstico e a utilidade na prática clínica. MÉTODOS: A performance global do algoritmo foi avaliada com 54 vídeos de EC. Para avaliar o seu rendimento diagnóstico e utilidade na prática clinica, 38 EC consecutivas com diagnóstico clínico de angiectasias (2017­2018) foram analisadas por três médicos com experiência distinta. A performance do algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho foi definida por uma concordância positiva entre um frame selecionado automaticamente pelo software e um endoscopista de cápsula independente do estudo. RESULTADOS: O algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho revelou uma performance global de 77,7% e um rendimento diagnóstico de 94,7%. Os médicos apresentaram diferenças significativas na taxa de defeção global (p < 0,001), taxa de deteção por cápsula (p < 0,001), rendimento diagnóstico (p = 0,007), taxa de verdadeiros positivos (p < 0,001), tempo (p < 0,001) e velocidade de visualização (p < 0,001). A aplicação do algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho melhorou significativamente a taxa de deteção dos médicos (p < 0,001) e as diferenças entre eles diluiram-se após a sua aplicado. CONCLUSÃO: O algoritmo CMEMS-Uminho deteve um bom desempenho global e foi capaz de melhorar o desempenho médico, sugerindo uma potencial utilidade desta ferramenta na prática clínica.

Multi-pathology detection and lesion localization in WCE videos by using the instance segmentation approach.

The majority of current systems for automatic diagnosis considers the detection of a unique and previously known pathology. Considering specifically the diagnosis of lesions in the small bowel using endoscopic capsule images, very few consider the possible existence of more than one pathology and when they do, they are mainly detection based systems therefore unable to localize the suspected lesions. Such systems do not fully satisfy the medical community, that in fact needs a system that detects any pathology and eventually more than one, when they coexist. In addition, besides the diagnostic capability of these systems, localizing the lesions in the image has been of great interest to the medical community, mainly for training medical personnel purposes. So, nowadays, the inclusion of the lesion location in automatic diagnostic systems is practically mandatory. Multi-pathology detection can be seen as a multi-object detection task and as each frame can contain different instances of the same lesion, instance segmentation seems to be appropriate for the purpose. Consequently, we argue that a multi-pathology system benefits from using the instance segmentation approach, since classification and segmentation modules are both required complementing each other in lesion detection and localization. According to our best knowledge such a system does not yet exist for the detection of WCE pathologies. This paper proposes a multi-pathology system that can be applied to WCE images, which uses the Mask Improved RCNN (MI-RCNN), a new mask subnet scheme which has shown to significantly improve mask predictions of the high performing state-of-the-art Mask-RCNN and PANet systems. A novel training strategy based on the second momentum is also proposed for the first time for training Mask-RCNN and PANet based systems. These approaches were tested using the public database KID, and the included pathologies were bleeding, angioectasias, polyps and inflammatory lesions. Experimental results show significant improvements for the proposed versions, reaching increases of almost 7% over the PANet model when the new proposed training approach was employed.