Establishment of standards for the referral of large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps: an international expert consensus using a modified Delphi process.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Resection of colorectal polyps has been shown to decrease the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer. Large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps are often referred to expert centers for endoscopic resection, which requires relevant information to be conveyed to the therapeutic endoscopist to allow for triage and planning of resection technique. The primary objective of this study was to establish minimum expected standards for the referral of large non-pedunculated colonic polyps for potential endoscopic resection. METHODS: A Delphi method was used to establish consensus on minimum expected standards for the referral of large colorectal polyps among a panel of international endoscopy experts. The expert panel was recruited through purposive sampling, and 3 rounds of surveys were conducted to achieve consensus. Quantitative and qualitative data were analyzed for each round. RESULTS: A total of 24 international experts from diverse continents participated in the Delphi study, resulting in consensus on 19 statements related to the referral of large colorectal polyps. The identified factors, including patient demographic characteristics, relevant medications, lesion factors, photodocumentation, and the presence of a tattoo, were deemed important for conveying the necessary information to therapeutic endoscopists. The mean scores for the statements, which were scored on a scale of 1 to 10, ranged from 7.04 to 9.29, with high percentages of experts considering most statements as a very high priority. Subgroup analysis according to continent revealed some variations in consensus rates among experts from different regions. CONCLUSIONS: The identified consensus statements can aid in improving the triage and planning of resection techniques for large colorectal polyps, ultimately contributing to the reduction of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality.

Abdominal paracentesis: use of a standardised procedure checklist and equipment kit improves procedural quality and reduces complications.

BACKGROUND: Paracentesis is a common invasive procedure performed by junior doctors. Audit of procedure conduct at two New Zealand hospitals in 2012 revealed poor performance across a range of quality measures, including documentation of informed consent, excessive catheter dwell times and inappropriate albumin prescription. Complication rates were 12.7%, compared with published rates of around 9%. A local procedure protocol did not exist. AIM: To evaluate the effect of a standardised procedure checklist (PC) and equipment kit (EK) on procedural quality and complication rates for abdominal paracentesis. METHODS: After presenting the 2012 audit results to resident doctors, we reviewed the paracentesis literature and developed a local procedure protocol (PC and EK). These tools were made readily available after an education campaign. Paracenteses performed after the intervention were studied to determine the impact on procedural quality and safety. RESULTS: Seventy-four paracenteses (14 diagnostic; 60 therapeutic) were performed in 10 months after the introduction of PC and EK. Significant improvements were observed with the use of PC including documentation of informed consent (97% vs 74%, P = <0.01) and aseptic technique (100% vs 62%, P = <0.01). Catheter dwell times <6 h improved (72% vs 48%, P = 0.02). Inappropriate albumin prescriptions were less frequent (21% vs 66%, P = <0.01). Complication rates decreased from 12.7% to 2.8% (P = <0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The PC and EK improved rates of informed consent, appropriate documentation and protocol adherence. Significantly fewer procedure-related complications occurred after introduction of these tools.

Management of Adults with Acute Oesophageal Soft Food Bolus and Foreign Body Obstructions at Two New Zealand District Health Boards.

AIM: 1. Investigate the characteristics of adult patients presenting with acute oesophageal soft food bolus obstruction (SFBO) and impacted foreign body (IFB) at two New Zealand district health boards (DHBs). 2. Review current management against international guidelines for SFBO and IFB. METHODS: A multicentre retrospective search of the Provation® endoscopy database identified patients presenting with acute oesophageal obstruction. Utilising electronic patient records, key data points including patient demographics, risk factors, pre-endoscopic medical therapies utilised, diagnostic radiological investigations performed and endoscopic complications were identified. Key timepoints and delays in the patient's hospital journey from oesophageal obstruction to therapeutic endoscopy were recorded. The probability of failing to undergo therapeutic endoscopy for SFBO within the timeframes advised in clinical guidelines as a result of a delay in referral to the endoscopy service was calculated. RESULTS: Over a cumulative 10.5-year period of data collection, 227 oesophago-gastro-duodenoscopies were performed: 195 SFBO, 16 IFB, 16 no obstruction identified. Median patient age was 57 (15-95) years. 143 male and 84 female patients. Radiographs were performed in 50.9% of uncomplicated SFBO. Pre-endoscopy medical therapies were administered in 41.4% of the cases. Median time delay from onset of obstruction to therapeutic endoscopy varied: SFBO 19h 0min, complete obstruction 17h 45min, impacted batteries 1h 15min, and presumed sharp objects 6h 0min. Three patients presenting with a soft food bolus obstruction failed to undergo therapeutic endoscopy due to a delay in referral to the endoscopy service, probability 0.034 (95% CI 0.012, 0.095). Two patients died of complications secondary to oesophageal obstruction. DISCUSSION: Oesophageal obstruction is a common gastroenterological presentation. At two large centres in New Zealand, patients waited considerably longer than the recommended timeframe from obstruction to therapeutic endoscopy. Contributing factors included patient-related delays to presentation, hospital system-related factors and delays in referral for endoscopy contributed to by unnecessary pre-endoscopic medical therapies and radiographic investigations. Education about oesophageal obstruction together with robust local guidelines have potential to reduce delays and length of hospital stay, as well as reduce patient discomfort and complications.

Acute eosinophilic endomyocarditis: early diagnosis and localisation of the lesion by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.

Cardiac involvement is the main cause of morbidity and mortality in hypereosinophilic syndrome. In a patient with hypereosinophilia and a normal echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) helped confirm early cardiac involvement by demonstrating a typical pattern of left ventricular subendocardial and papillary muscle involvement. The use of CMR facilitated prompt institution of aggressive therapy and was useful in monitoring response to treatment.