Short-term intensive gastrointestinal endoscopy training program.

BACKGROUND: In Japan there are limited opportunities for pediatric gastrointestinal (GI) trainees to learn GI endoscopy. This study investigated whether a short-term intensive training for 3 months in an adult GI unit enabled pediatric GI trainees to acquire the required number of cases and the technical competence to perform pediatric GI endoscopic procedures. METHODS: This was a retrospective case series of pediatric GI trainees who underwent 3 months of intensive endoscopy training, which also included direct observation and a questionnaire. The numbers of esophagogastroduodenoscopies (EGD), ileocolonoscopies, and snare polypectomies each trainee performed as well as cecal intubation rates were collected with the goal of meeting the standards of overseas educational guidelines. The trainees were also asked about continuing experience with pediatric endoscopic procedures after the intensive training. RESULTS: There were 10 enrolled trainees, 9 men, average age, 34 (range, 29-41). The average number (range) of EGD and ileocolonoscopies that the 10 trainees had done before this training period was 52 (0-200) and 15 (0-20), respectively. The average number (range) of EGD, ileocolonoscopies and snare polypectomies per each trainee was 651.7 (485-814), 159.2 (130-195) and 25.8 (10-55), respectively, over 3 months: all trainees thus fulfilled all of the criteria of the minimal training requirements. All trainees also reached the required threshold in the cecal intubation rate (>90%). In addition, all trainees were able to perform pediatric endoscopic procedures alone after the intensive training period. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term intensive training for 3 months in an adult GI setting enabled pediatric GI trainees to acquire technical competence for pediatric endoscopic procedures.

Linked colour imaging versus white-light colonoscopy for the detection of flat colorectal lesions: A randomized controlled trial.

AIM: Linked colour imaging is an image-enhanced endoscopy system that emphasizes the red portion of the mucosa's colour. Our aim was to compare the effectiveness of linked colour imaging with white-light colonoscopy for the detection of flat-type colorectal polyps. METHOD: This was a single-centre, randomized controlled trial. Enrolled patients were those aged ≥50 years undergoing cap-assisted colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening. They were randomized in a 1:1 ratio for observation using linked colour imaging or white-light colonoscopy. All colorectal polyps detected were removed or biopsied. The primary outcome was the number of flat-type polyps per patient in patients in whom flat polyps were detected. Secondary outcomes included adenoma and polyp detection rates. RESULTS: There were 302 subjects randomized: 152 to linked colour imaging and 150 to white-light colonoscopy. There were no differences in the clinical features between the two arms. The number of flat polyps detected per patient using linked colour imaging was approximately twice that with white light (2.9 ± 3.0 vs 1.2 ± 1.6, p = 0.045). Linked colour imaging also proved superior to white-light colonoscopy in terms of adenoma and polyp detection rates [adenomas 66% (101/152) vs 49% (73/150), p = 0.0024; polyps 69% (105/152) vs 55% (82/150), p = 0.013]. The ratio of polyps detected in the right colon compared with those detected in the left colon was significantly greater using linked colour than white-light imaging (168/64 vs 93/84; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Compared with white-light colonoscopy, linked colour imaging improved adenoma and polyp detection rates, including detection of flat-type colorectal polyps.

Risk of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedure-Related Bleeding in Patients With or Without Continued Antithrombotic Therapy.

BACKGROUND: Prospective studies on bleeding risk during/after gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are rare. AIM: We investigated the risk of endoscopic procedure-related bleeding in patients with biopsy and/or cold snare polypectomy (CSP) in relation to antithrombotic therapy. METHODS: This prospective, observational single-center cohort study (NCT02594813) enrolled consecutive patients who underwent diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) or colonoscopy. The primary outcome measure was delayed bleeding in patients with biopsy and/or CSP who required endoscopic treatment within 2 weeks post-procedure. The secondary outcomes were immediate bleeding and the number of hemostatic clips used during the procedure. RESULTS: From November 2015 to October 2018 at our institution, 3069 (mean age, 66 years) and 37,887 (57 years) patients underwent EGD with and without antithrombotic therapy, respectively. In addition, 1116 (72 years) and 11,901 (65 years) patients had colonoscopy with and without antithrombotic therapy, respectively. In the 3069 EGD patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, no delayed bleeding occurred, whereas immediate bleeding occurred in 9 of 141 patients (6.4%) with biopsy. Of the 1116 colonoscopy patients receiving antithrombotic therapy, delayed bleeding occurred in three of 228 (1.3%) following CSP. Immediate bleeding occurred in nine of 225 (4%) following biopsy and in 32 of 228 (14%) following CSP. Multivariate analysis following univariate analysis identified chronic kidney disease and CSP as factors significantly associated with procedure-related bleeding in patients taking antithrombotic agents. CONCLUSION: The risk of delayed bleeding in diagnostic EGD with biopsy or in colonoscopy with biopsy and/or CSP was low despite continuation of antithrombotic therapy.

Safety and Effectiveness of Nurse-Administered Propofol Sedation in Outpatients Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy are common outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures that frequently use sedation. We aimed to identify a protocol that combines safety with cost effectiveness. METHODS: We collected data from consecutive outpatients (age, 20-98 y) who underwent diagnostic EGD (n = 117,661) or colonoscopy (n = 32,550) with propofol sedation from January 2006 through December 2016. Propofol was administered by a nurse via bolus injection using an age-adjusted standard protocol, up to a total of 200 mg. The primary outcome measure was occurrence of adverse events within 24 hours. Secondary outcome measures included rates of procedure success, respiratory depression, and other procedure-related adverse events. RESULTS: The median dose of propofol administered for EGD was 77 mg (range, 20-160 mg) and for colonoscopy was 99 mg (range, 40-200 mg). Among patients undergoing EGD, those younger than 41 years required 1.5-fold more propofol than patients 61-80 years old. The only adverse event was the transient need for supplemental oxygen supply, required by 1950 patients (1.3%): 1689 undergoing EGD (1.4%) and 261 undergoing colonoscopy (0.8%). Patients were discharged after 60 minutes and at least 66,250 patients (44%) drove themselves from the hospital. None experienced a traffic accident within 24 hours after receiving propofol sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-administered propofol monosedation using an age-adjusted standard protocol up to a maximal of 200 mg is safe and practical for outpatient gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Gastric Emptying of Elemental Liquid Diets Versus Semisolid Diets in Bedridden Gastrostomy-fed Patients.

BACKGROUND: Aspiration is a common problem in bedridden gastrostomy-fed patients. We compared gastric emptying of an elemental liquid diet and a commercial semisolid diet in bedridden gastrostomy-fed patients. METHODS: Study 1: from January 2013 to December 2016, consecutive bedridden patients receiving percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) semisolid feeding hospitalized due to aspiration pneumonia were switched to elemental liquid diet feedings. The frequency of defecation, tube feed contents aspirated from the trachea, and aspiration pneumonia during hospitalization were retrospectively reviewed. Study 2 was a randomized, crossover trial comparing C sodium acetate gastric emptying of a commercial elemental liquid or a commercial semisolid diet in bedridden PEG patients and controls. RESULTS: Study 1: 18 patients were enrolled. Elemental liquid diet was aspirated from the trachea in 1 (5.6%) (once in 24 observations); neither aspiration pneumonia nor diarrhea developed during elemental liquid diet feeding over 2 weeks observation. Study 2: 8 PEG patients and 8 healthy subjects were separately randomized to assess gastric emptying of the commercial elemental and semisolid diets. The elemental liquid diet was associated with a significant decrease of the 10%, 30%, or 50% emptying (excretion) time (P<0.05) and an increased the area under the curve (% dose/h) compared with the commercial semisolid diet (P<0.05). In healthy subjects there was no significant difference in gastric empting between the 2 diets. CONCLUSIONS: Elemental liquid diets emptied more rapidly from the stomach than semisolid diets in bedridden PEG patients. They may prevent or reduce aspiration pneumonia compared with semisolid diets.

Delayed Bleeding Following Cold Snare Polypectomy for Small Colorectal Polyps in Patients Taking Antithrombotic Agents.

BACKGROUND: This study compared the incidence of delayed bleeding following 2 methods of cold snare polypectomy for colorectal polyps in patients taking antithrombotic agents. METHODS: Patients undergoing cold snare polypectomy for colorectal polyps ≤10 mm without discontinuation of antithrombotic agents were enrolled. This was a retrospective study of a prospectively collected cohort based on a historical comparison of 2 time periods. A traditional cold snare was used between January 2012 and December 2013 and a dedicated cold snare was used between January 2014 and December 2015. Patients' and polyps' characteristics, antithrombotic agents used, the snare used, the number of clips used, and adverse events were documented from a hospital online database. Delayed bleeding was defined as bleeding that required endoscopic treatment within 2 weeks after polypectomy. The submucosal layer of the resected polyps (6 to 10 mm) was histologically examined for the presence of injured arteries. RESULTS: A total of 172 patients having 370 eligible polyps were enrolled; traditional cold snare group, N=100 (212 polyps) and dedicated cold snare group, N=72 (158 polyps). The patients' and polyps' characteristics were similar between the 2 groups. Hemostatic clips were used more often with the traditional than dedicated cold snares [33/100 (33%) vs. 13/72 (18%), P=0.044]. Delayed bleeding following cold snare polypectomy occurred in 1.2% (2/172); 0% (0/72) with dedicated snare versus 2% (2/100) with the traditional snare (P=0.63). The presence of histologically demonstrated injured submucosal arteries with the dedicated cold snare was significantly less than with the traditional cold snare [4.1% (4/98) vs. 16% (17/105), P=0.009]. CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal polyps ≤10 mm can be removed without an increase in delayed bleeding using dedicated cold snare polypectomy in patients taking antithrombotic agents.

Comparison between endoscopic mucosal resection and hot snare resection of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: It is unclear whether endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or hot snare resection is better for resecting large nonpedunculated polyps. The aim of this study was to determine a cutoff size of nonpedunculated neoplastic colorectal polyps at which the risk of incomplete resection differed between EMR and hot snare resection. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with nonpedunculated neoplastic polyps (10 - 25 mm in diameter) were randomly assigned to undergo endoscopic resection using EMR (52 patients with 63 polyps) or hot snare resection (52 patients with 62 polyps). EMR included submucosal injection of saline before resection. The primary outcome measure was the proportion with complete polyp resection determined by histopathology. The secondary outcome was total procedure time. RESULTS: Patient characteristics were similar between groups. EMR achieved complete resection more frequently than hot snare resection (89 % vs. 73 %; P = 0.02), particularly for polyps ≥ 20 mm (75 % [9 /12] vs. 18 % [2 /11]; P = 0.006). A complete resection rate of > 90 % was achieved for polyps of size < 19 mm with EMR, and for polyps of size ≤ 14 mm with hot snare resection. In multivariate analysis, incomplete resection was associated with hot snare resection (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95 % confidence interval (95 %CI) 1.0 - 8.3; P = 0.04) and polyp size ≥ 15 mm (OR 4.0, 95 %CI 1.3 - 14; P = 0.01). Total procedure time was shorter with hot snare resection than with EMR (mean 14.8 min vs. 17.2 min; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EMR and hot snare resection appear to achieve similar complete resection rates for polyps up to 14 mm; however, EMR may be superior for larger polyps, particularly for those ≥ 20 mm.Registered at Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT 01950117.

Prospective, randomized comparison of 2 methods of cold snare polypectomy for small colorectal polyps.

BACKGROUND: Both cold-only snare and hot polypectomy snare are used for the removal of small colorectal polyps. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of cold snare polypectomy of small colorectal polyps with a snare exclusively designed as a cold snare versus cold snare polypectomy by using a traditional polypectomy snare. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled study. SETTING: Municipal hospital in Japan. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with colorectal polyps 10 mm or smaller in diameter were randomized to dedicated cold snare (dedicated cold snare group) or traditional cold snare (traditional cold snare group). The primary outcome measure was complete resection rates by cold snaring based on pathological examination. Secondary outcomes included bleeding within 2 weeks after polypectomy and identification of submucosal arteries and injured arteries in the resected specimens. RESULTS: Seventy-six patients having 210 eligible polyps were randomized: dedicated cold snare group, N = 37 (98 polyps) and traditional cold snare group, N = 39 (112 polyps). Patient demographic characteristics including the number, size, and shape of the polyps removed were similar in the 2 groups. The complete resection rate was significantly greater with the dedicated cold than with the traditional cold snare (91% [89/98] vs 79% [88/112], P = .015), with a marked difference with 8- to 10-mm polyps, both flat and pedunculated. Immediate bleeding and hematochezia rates were similar (19% vs 21%, P = .86; 5.4% vs 7.7%, P = .69). No delayed bleeding occurred. Histology demonstrated a similar prevalence of arteries and injured arteries in the submucosa (33% [32/96] vs 30% [31/104], P = .59; 3.1% [3/96] vs 6.7% [7/104], P = .24). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, single-center study. CONCLUSION: Polypectomy by using a dedicated cold snare resulted in complete polyp removal more often than did cold snaring with a traditional snare, especially polyps 8 to 10 mm in diameter, whether flat or pedunculated. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02036047.)

Removal of small colorectal polyps in anticoagulated patients: a prospective randomized comparison of cold snare and conventional polypectomy.

BACKGROUND: The bleeding risk after cold snare polypectomy in anticoagulated patients is not known. OBJECTIVE: To compare the bleeding risk after cold snare polypectomy or conventional polypectomy for small colorectal polyps in anticoagulated patients. DESIGN: Prospective randomized controlled study. SETTING: Municipal hospital in Japan. INTERVENTIONS: Anticoagulated patients with colorectal polyps up to 10 mm in diameter were enrolled. Patients were randomized to polypectomy with either cold snare technique (Cold group) or conventional polypectomy (Conventional group) without discontinuation of warfarin. The primary outcome measure was delayed bleeding (ie, requiring endoscopic intervention within 2 weeks after polypectomy). Secondary outcome measures were immediate bleeding and retrieval rate of colorectal polyps. RESULTS: Seventy patients were randomized (159 polyps): Cold group (n = 35, 78 polyps) and Conventional group (n = 35; 81 polyps). The patients' demographic characteristics including international normalized ratio and the number, size, and shape of polyps removed were similar between the 2 techniques. Immediate bleeding during the procedure was more common with conventional polypectomy (23% [8/35]) compared with cold polypectomy (5.7% [2/35]) (P = .042). No delayed bleeding occurred in the Cold group, whereas 5 patients (14%) required endoscopic hemostasis in the Conventional group (P = .027). Complete polyp retrieval rates were identical (94% [73/78] vs 93% [75/81]). The presence of histologically demonstrated injured arteries in the submucosal layer with cold snare was significantly less than with conventional snare (22% vs 39%, P = .023). LIMITATION: Small sample size, single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: Delayed bleeding requiring hemostasis occurred significantly less commonly after cold snare polypectomy than conventional polypectomy despite continuation of anticoagulants. Cold snare polypectomy is preferred for removal of small colorectal polyps in anticoagulated patients. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT 01553565.).

Elemental diets may reduce the risk of aspiration pneumonia in bedridden gastrostomy-fed patients.

OBJECTIVES: Our clinical experience suggested that elemental diets were associated with a reduction in aspiration pneumonia among bedridden patients with percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). We compared the effects of elemental and standard liquid diets on the risk of clinical aspiration pneumonia and gastric emptying in bedridden patients receiving PEG feedings. METHODS: Study 1: consecutive bedridden PEG patients received elemental diets or standard liquid diets in the same fashion. The frequency of defecation, diet aspirated from the trachea, and aspiration pneumonia during hospitalization were prospectively recorded. Study 2: a randomized, crossover trial using elemental or standard liquid diets containing (13)C sodium acetate as a tracer given to bedridden PEG patients who had experienced aspiration pneumonia. (13)C breath tests were performed to estimate gastric emptying. RESULTS: Study 1: 127 patients were enrolled, 60 with elemental and 67 with standard liquid diets. The diet was aspirated from the trachea in none (0%) with the elemental diet vs. 8 (11.9%) with standard liquid diets (P=0.0057); aspiration pneumonia developed none with the elemental diet vs. 5 (7.5%) with standard liquid diets (P=0.031) (number needed to treat 14, 95% confidence interval 7-85). Study 2: 19 patients were enrolled. The elemental diet was associated with a significant increase in the 10, 30 or 50% emptying (excretion) time (P<0.001) and increased the area under the curve (% dose/h) compared with the standard liquid diet (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Elemental diets were associated with more rapid gastric empting and fewer episodes of aspiration than standard liquid diets in bedridden PEG patients. They may be preferred for bedridden PEG patients especially who have experienced aspiration pneumonia. Properly performed randomized-controlled trials are needed to prove this potential benefit.

Benefits and limitations of cap-fitted colonoscopy in screening colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Colonoscopy is widely used to detect colorectal cancer and to remove precancerous lesions to reduce the risk of colonic cancer. AIMS: To examine the benefits and limitations of cap-fitted colonoscopy compared to conventional colonoscopy in terms of technical performance and colorectal adenoma detection rate. METHODS: Screening colonoscopies performed from 2009 to 2010 with or without a transparent cap were retrospectively examined to compare the rate of successful intubation, cecal intubation time, and number, size, shape, and location of adenomas detected. An inclusion criterion was visualization of >95 % of the right colon. RESULTS: Data from 2,301 colonoscopies (1,165 with cap-fitted colonoscopy, 1,136 without the transparent cap) were retrospectively analyzed. Procedures were performed by four experienced endoscopists. The subjects' demographic characteristics and technical performances were similar between the two methods. The only significant difference in the technical performance between the two techniques was a shorter cecal intubation time with cap-fitted colonoscopy (5.3 vs. 6.6 min; p = 0.045) by one endoscopist. The total number of adenomas detected was significantly higher with cap-fitted colonoscopy than without the cap (586 vs. 484, respectively; p < 0.0001). Adenoma detection with cap-fitted endoscopy was significantly higher in the right colon than in the left colon (19 vs. 12 %, respectively; p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Cap-fitted colonoscopy did not improve the technical aspects of colonoscopy but significantly increased adenoma detection, especially in the right colon. It did not increase the detection rate of flat or depressed adenomas.

Hood-assisted colonoscopy is more effective in detection of colorectal adenomas than narrow-band imaging.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colonoscopy, using either a transparent retractable extension device or narrow band imaging, is thought to improve colon adenoma detection. We compared the abilities of a transparent retractable extension device and narrow band imaging to detect colorectal adenomas. METHODS: One hundred and seven patients with colonic adenomas that were detected by traditional colonoscopy were randomly assigned to groups that underwent a second colonoscopy that used either a transparent retractable extension or narrow band imaging; adenomas were removed. The principal outcome parameters were the number, size, shape, and location of adenomas detected. The patients' demographic characteristics, indications for colonoscopy, and cecal intubation times were similar between groups. RESULTS: Use of the transparent retractable extension resulted in detection of 31% more adenomas than the initial procedure (P < .0001). The majority of newly discovered adenomas were sessile (79%; 26/33) and less than 5 mm in size (73%; 24/33). There was no significant increase in adenoma detection (5%) between first colonoscopy and second colonoscopy using narrow band imaging. Additional adenomas were found in 40.7% of patients that were examined using the transparent hood (22/54) versus 13.2% of those examined using narrow band imaging (7/53) (P = .0028). CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy with a transparent retractable extension significantly improved the adenoma detection rate compared with repeat colonoscopy using narrow band imaging.

Biliary stenting in the management of large or multiple common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic biliary stenting with a plastic stent is often performed to prevent impaction of common bile duct (CBD) stones. The therapeutic effect of a plastic stent placement in terms of reduction in stone size and number has not been established. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to study the effect of biliary stenting as therapy for CBD stones. DESIGN: Retrospective study. SETTING: Municipal hospital outpatients. INTERVENTIONS: Patients with large (> or = 20 mm) and/or multiple (> or = 3) stones had placement of a 7F double-pigtail plastic stent without stone extraction at the initial ERCP. Approximately 2 months later, stone removal was attempted. The number and size of CBD stones before and after stent placement, stone clearance, complications, and 180-day mortality were evaluated. RESULTS: Forty patients were studied. Stent placement averaged 65 days (range, 50-82 days). The median number (interquartile range) of stones per patient fell after stent placement (4.0 [3.0] before vs. 2.0 [1.0] after; P < .0001). Characteristically, larger stones became smaller and small stones disappeared (ie, the median stone index decreased from 4.6 [3.0] to 2.0 [1.5]; P < .0001). Stone clearance at the second ERCP was achieved in 37 out of 40 patients (93%). Complications included cholangitis (13%) and pancreatitis (5%) after the second ERCP. No 180-day mortality occurred. LIMITATIONS: A retrospective, single-center study. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement for 2 months was associated with large and/or multiple CBD stones becoming smaller and/or disappearing without any complications. Stenting followed by a wait period may assist in difficult CBD stone removal.

Low-dose propofol sedation for diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy: results in 10,662 adults.

OBJECTIVE: The use of propofol sedation during endoscopic procedures has increased in recent years. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of nurse-administered low-dose propofol sedation for diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). METHODS: We prospectively assessed the outcome and complications of low-dose bolus propofol for endoscopic sedation for diagnostic EGD. Propofol was administered by bolus injection, with a standard protocol of 40 mg for patients <70 years old, 30 mg for patients 70-89 years old, and 20 mg for patients 90 years or older. When required for adequate sedation, additional doses were given, to a maximum of 120 mg. The primary outcome measure was respiratory depression, defined as oxygen desaturation (SpO(2) <90%) that continued for more than 20 s. Secondary measures included successful procedures, full recovery within 60 min of the procedure, and complications. RESULTS: All procedures were successful; 8,431 of 10,662 patients (79.1%) completed diagnostic EGD with a single bolus of propofol. Only 0.26% (28 patients) required transient supplemental oxygen supply; neither mask ventilation nor endotracheal intubation was required. Full recovery occurred in 99.9% of patients 60 min after the procedure. Men and younger patients required significantly higher doses of propofol than did the women and older patients (men vs. women, 46.5+/-19 vs. 42.7+/-15 mg, P=0.0008; age 40-49 vs. age 50-59, 51.5+/-16 vs. 46.3+/-13 mg, P<0.0001). Of the 400 patients, 368 (92%) wanted to drive home or to their offices, and all did so without incident. A total of 99% were willing to repeat the same procedure again. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose nurse-administered propofol sedation is safe and practical for diagnostic EGD.

Prospective comparison between sedated high-definition oral and unsedated ultrathin transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy in the same subjects: pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Recently, quality as well as acceptability has been a concern regarding endoscopy. The aim of the present study was to compare the acceptability and quality of sedated high-definition esophagogastroduodenoscopy (sHD-EGD) using a newly developed high-definition videoscope with those of unsedated ultrathin esophagogastroduodenoscopy (uUT-EGD) using a 5.2 mm videoscope. METHODS: Twenty-two volunteers underwent both peroral sHD-EGD and transnasal uUT-EGD on the same day. Sedation consisted of 40 mg of propofol i.v. Both endoscopist and subject satisfaction levels were assessed using a 10 cm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: All 22 subjects completed the sHD-EGD and 21 subjects completed the uUT-EGD. The endoscopist and subject satisfaction levels of sHD-EGD were significantly better than those of uUT-EGD (overall endoscopist satisfaction: 9 vs 4, P < 0.0001; overall subject satisfaction: 9 vs 3, P < 0.0001). The optical quality of the endoscopic images of sHD-EGD was significantly higher than that of uUT-EGD except in the duodenal bulb (overall quality: 8 vs 7, P < 0.0001). The interobserver agreement for EGD findings in sHD-EGD was better than with uUT-EGD, although the EGD findings in both sHD-EGD and uUT-EGD were similar. After undergoing both procedures, 91% were willing to have sHD-EGD again compared to 9% with uUT-EGD. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopist and subject satisfaction levels and image quality of sHD-EGD were better than those of uUT-EGD. The routine use of high-definition videoscopes would be expected to provide better acceptability than that obtained with unsedated endoscopy.

Effect of precut sphincterotomy on biliary cannulation based on the characteristics of the major duodenal papilla.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography requires selective cannulation of the relevant ductal system. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 3 different precutting techniques for difficult bile duct access on the basis of the characteristics of the major duodenal papilla (MDP). METHODS: The patients were classified into small MDP, large MDP, or swollen MDP groups on the basis of the characteristics of the MDP. The precutting technique was based on MDP characteristics: transpancreatic sphincterotomy for small MDPs, needle-knife precut sphincterotomy for large MDPs, and needle-knife fistulotomy for swollen MDPs. The success rate of bile duct cannulation and the complication rates were compared. RESULTS: A total of 86 patients (58 men; mean age, 76 years) with difficult bile duct cannulation required precutting technique; 48 had transpancreatic sphincterotomy, 30 had needle-knife precut sphincterotomy, and 8 had needle-knife fistulotomy. With precutting, the procedure was successful in 46 of 48 (96%), 27 of 30 (90%), and 8 of 8 patients (100%), respectively. The overall success rate of biliary cannulation after 2 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography attempts was 100%. The overall complication rate was 4.7% (4 of 86) (2 mild bleeding and 2 mild pancreatitis). CONCLUSIONS: Selection of the precutting technique on the basis of the characteristics of the MDP resulted in a high degree of success and a low complication rate in cases of difficult bile duct cannulation.

Determination of the cut-off score of an endoscopic scoring method to predict whether elderly patients with dysphagia can eat pureed diets.

AIM: To identify the cut-off value for predicting the ability of elderly patients with dysphagia to swallow pureed diets using a new endoscopy scoring method. METHODS: Endoscopic swallowing evaluation of pureed diets were done in patients ≥ 65 years with dysphagia. The Hyodo-Komagane score for endoscopic swallowing evaluation is expressed as the sum (0-12) of four degrees (0-3) with four parameters: (1) salivary pooling in the vallecula and piriform sinuses; (2) the response of glottal closure reflex induced by touching the epiglottis with the endoscope; (3) the location of the bolus at the time of swallow onset assessed by "white-out" following swallowing of test jelly; and (4) pharyngeal clearance after swallowing of test jelly. We used receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to retrospectively analyze the association between the total score and successful oral intake of pureed diets. RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-eight patients were enrolled including 113 men (63%), mean age 83 years (range, 66-98). One hundred and twenty-six patients (71%) were able to eat pureed diets during the observation period (mean ± SD, 19 ± 14 d). In ROC analysis, the cut-off value of the score for eating the pureed diets was 7 (sensitivity = 0.98; specificity = 0.91). CONCLUSION: The Hyodo-Komagane endoscopic score is useful to predict the ability to eat pureed diets in elderly patients with dysphagia.

Comparison of newly found polyps after removal of small colorectal polyps with cold or hot snare polypectomy.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: There are limited data regarding polyp recurrence following cold or hot snare polypectomy for small colorectal polyps. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of newly found polyp after cold or hot snare polypectomy and the predictive factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective case-control study at a single municipal hospital. Patients undergoing cold or hot snare polypectomy for colorectal polyps≤8 mm included in a previous study (Digestion 2011; 84:78) were enrolled. Newly found polyps were defined as polyps detected at follow-up colonoscopy within 3 years. Predictive factors for new polyps were assessed by multivariate analysis using logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (female 22, mean age 68) with 184 polyps were enrolled. Eighty-nine polyps (mean size±SD, 5.3±2 mm) were resected with cold snare while 95 polyps (mean size 5.5±6 mm) were resected with hot snare polypectomy. Twenty-four new polyps (<5 mm) were found at follow-up. No polypectomy scars were detected in the vicinity of the new polyps. The prevalence of new polyps was similar (i.e., cold vs. hot snare polypectomy; 23% vs. 19%, P=0.68). Multivariate analysis revealed that the removal of ≥4 polyps was an independent predictor associated with new polyps (odds ratio:7.8, 95% confidence interval: 2.1-32, P=0.0022). CONCLUSIONS: Diminutive polyps were newly found with similar prevalence after cold or hot snare polypectomy, but there were no recurrent polyps detected.

Biliary stenting as alternative therapy to stone clearance in elderly patients with bile duct stones. .

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde cholangio- pancreatography with stone retrieval following endoscopic sphinc- terotomy (ES) is the standard method for the management of cho- ledocholithiasis. However, biliary stenting is used to treat patients with endoscopically irretrievable bile duct stones, especially elderly and high-risk patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits and risks of biliary stenting versus stone clearance follow- ing ES in the management of choledocholithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and December 2012, 165 patients with common bile duct stones who underwent biliary stenting or stone clearance following ES were enrolled. One 7 Fr. double-pigtail plastic stent was placed without ES or stone extraction. The procedure time, hospitalization period, adverse events, additional endoscopic interventions required and one-year mortality were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS: Ninety-nine and 66 patients were included in stenting group and in stone clearance group, respectively. Except for age, number of stones, and use of antithrombotic agents in the stent group, there were no statistically significant difference between groups. The average procedure time and hospitalization period in the stenting group were significantly shorter than those in stone clearance group (mean 21 min vs. 43.9 min, P < 0.0001; 3.8 days vs. 6.5 days, P < 0.0001). No significant differences were seen in ad- verse events and additional endoscopic interventions required be- tween both groups for at least a 1.5-year follow-up. No one-year mortality occurred. CONCLUSIONS: Biliary stenting using a double-pigtail stent proved to be a useful alternative therapy to stone clearance following ES in the management of choledocholithiasis in elderly patients.

Effectiveness of outpatient percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy replacement using esophagogastroduodenoscopy and propofol sedation.

AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of outpatient percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) replacement using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and propofol sedation. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the outcome and complications of consecutive patients referred for PEG replacement which was performed using EGD under propofol sedation in the outpatient setting. The success rate, the mean dose of propofol, procedure time, EGD findings, discharge time from endoscopy unit, respiratory depression, and complications within 72 h of the procedure were evaluated. In a subset of these patients, the blood concentrations of propofol were measured. RESULTS: All 221 patients underwent successful PEG replacement. The mean dose of propofol was 34 mg (range, 20-60 mg) with a mean procedure time of 5.9 min (range, 3-8 min). Reflux esophagitis (12 patients), gastric ulcer (5), gastric neoplasm (2), and duodenal ulcer (1) were newly diagnosed at replacement. Discharge from endoscopy unit was possible in 100% of patients 45 min after the procedure. Only 3.6% (8) required transient supplemental oxygen. No complications occurred within 72 h of the procedure. During EGD the level of sedation and propofol blood concentrations after administration of propofol (30 mg) in these PEG patients corresponded to those of propofol (60 mg) in middle aged subjects (control). CONCLUSION: PEG replacement using EGD and propofol sedationin the outpatient setting was safe and practical.