Surgeon assessment of significant rectal polyps using white light endoscopy alone and in comparison to fluorescence-augmented AI lesion classification.

PURPOSE: Perioperative decision making for large (> 2 cm) rectal polyps with ambiguous features is complex. The most common intraprocedural assessment is clinician judgement alone while radiological and endoscopic biopsy can provide periprocedural detail. Fluorescence-augmented machine learning (FA-ML) methods may optimise local treatment strategy. METHODS: Surgeons of varying grades, all performing colonoscopies independently, were asked to visually judge endoscopic videos of large benign and early-stage malignant (potentially suitable for local excision) rectal lesions on an interactive video platform (Mindstamp) with results compared with and between final pathology, radiology and a novel FA-ML classifier. Statistical analyses of data used Fleiss Multi-rater Kappa scoring, Spearman Coefficient and Frequency tables. RESULTS: Thirty-two surgeons judged 14 ambiguous polyp videos (7 benign, 7 malignant). In all cancers, initial endoscopic biopsy had yielded false-negative results. Five of each lesion type had had a pre-excision MRI with a 60% false-positive malignancy prediction in benign lesions and a 60% over-staging and 40% equivocal rate in cancers. Average clinical visual cancer judgement accuracy was 49% (with only 'fair' inter-rater agreement), many reporting uncertainty and higher reported decision confidence did not correspond to higher accuracy. This compared to 86% ML accuracy. Size was misjudged visually by a mean of 20% with polyp size underestimated in 4/6 and overestimated in 2/6. Subjective narratives regarding decision-making requested for 7/14 lesions revealed wide rationale variation between participants. CONCLUSION: Current available clinical means of ambiguous rectal lesion assessment is suboptimal with wide inter-observer variation. Fluorescence based AI augmentation may advance this field via objective, explainable ML methods.

Studying the Effect of the Host Genetic Background of Juvenile Polyposis Development Using Collaborative Cross and Smad4 Knock-Out Mouse Models.

Juvenile polyposis syndrome (JPS) is a rare autosomal dominant disorder characterized by multiple juvenile polyps in the gastrointestinal tract, often associated with mutations in genes such as Smad4 and BMPR1A. This study explores the impact of Smad4 knock-out on the development of intestinal polyps using collaborative cross (CC) mice, a genetically diverse model. Our results reveal a significant increase in intestinal polyps in Smad4 knock-out mice across the entire population, emphasizing the broad influence of Smad4 on polyposis. Sex-specific analyses demonstrate higher polyp counts in knock-out males and females compared to their WT counterparts, with distinct correlation patterns. Line-specific effects highlight the nuanced response to Smad4 knock-out, underscoring the importance of genetic variability. Multimorbidity heat maps offer insights into complex relationships between polyp counts, locations, and sizes. Heritability analysis reveals a significant genetic basis for polyp counts and sizes, while machine learning models, including k-nearest neighbors and linear regression, identify key predictors, enhancing our understanding of juvenile polyposis genetics. Overall, this study provides new information on understanding the intricate genetic interplay in the context of Smad4 knock-out, offering valuable insights that could inform the identification of potential therapeutic targets for juvenile polyposis and related diseases.

Substratifying the risk of covert malignancy in significant rectal polyps: Outcomes from a specialist multidisciplinary team (MDT).

AIM: A treatment strategy for patients with a significant polyp or early colon cancer (SPECC) of the rectum presents a challenge due to the significant rate of covert malignancy and lack of standardized assessment. For this reason, NICE recommends multidisciplinary meetings to improve outcomes. The primary aim of the present study was to report the performance of our specialist early rectal cancer (SERC) multidisciplinary team (MDT) in correctly substratifying the risk of cancer and to discuss the limitations of staging investigations in those patients with "poor outcomes". METHOD: This was a retrospective review of patients referred to our SERC MDT from 2014 to 2019. Lesions were assigned by the MDT to three pre-resection categories (low, intermediate, high) according to the risk of covert malignancy. Resection method and final histology were compared to the pre-resection categories. RESULTS: Of 350 SPECC lesions, 174 were assessed as low-risk, 108 intermediate-risk and 68 high-risk. The cancer incidence was 4.8%, 8.3% and 53%, respectively (15.5% overall). Eight lesions were categorized as low-risk but following piecemeal resection were found to be malignant. Five lesions, three of which were categorized as high-risk, were ultimately benign following conventional surgery. One pT1sm1 cancer, removed by anterior resection, may have been treated by local excision. CONCLUSION: A total of 83% of malignant polyps were triaged to an en bloc resection technique and surgical resection avoided for nearly all benign lesions. However, 12 patients from this cohort were deemed to have a poor outcome because of miscategorization. Further comparative research is needed to establish the optimum strategy for rectal SPECC lesion assessment. ORIGINALITY STATEMENT: There is currently no consensus for staging significant polyps of the rectum. This paper reports the effectiveness of a specialist early rectal cancer MDT to correctly risk-stratify significant rectal polyps. It underscores the importance of accurate categorization for treatment decision-making, while acknowledging the limitations of current staging modalities.

The effect of implementing a transanal minimally invasive surgical programme for the local excision of early rectal neoplasia on outcomes in a tertiary referral rectal cancer centre.

Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is a surgical alternative to proctectomy in the management of complex rectal polyps and early rectal cancers. In 2016, our institution introduced a TAMIS programme. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in practice and outcomes in our institution in the 3 years before and after the implementation of TAMIS. We conducted a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients who underwent proctectomy or TAMIS for the management of complex rectal polyps or early rectal cancers at our institution between 2013 and 2018. 96 patients were included in this study (41 proctectomy vs 55 TAMIS). A significant reduction was noted in the number of proctectomies performed in the 3 years after the implementation of TAMIS as compared to the 3 years before (13 vs 28) ( P  < 0.001); 43% of patients ( n  = 12) who underwent proctectomy in the period prior to implementation of TAMIS were American Society of Anaesthesiologists grade III, as compared to only 15% ( n  = 2) of patients during the period following TAMIS implementation ( P  = 0.02). TAMIS was associated with a significant reduction in length of inpatient stay ( P  < 0.001). Oncological outcomes were comparable between groups (log rank P  = 0.83). Our findings support TAMIS as a safe and effective alternative to radical resection. The availability of TAMIS has resulted in a significant reduction in the number of comorbid patients undergoing proctectomy at our institution. Consequently, we have observed a significant reduction in postoperative complications over this time period.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound of polyp malignant transformation with multiple metastases in a patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.

Multi-systemic metastasis in patients with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is very rare, and there are nearly no relevant imaging reports, especially in contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS). We present here a 40-year-old male patient who underwent several partial small bowel resections and endoscopic polypectomy for intestinal polyps. After reviewing the patient's clinical diagnosis and treatment process, CEUS with sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles (SonoVue, Bracco, Milan, Italy) in the liver and gastrointestinal tract was performed. We imaged multiple abnormal masses with sonographic features consistent with malignancies. Combined with other imaging examinations and 18 gauge core-needle puncture biopsy of liver masses, multiple metastases outside the gastrointestinal tract were considered. This case report suggests CEUS may be an easy, effective, and supplementary method for evaluating PJS patients with suspected multi-systemic malignant lesions including the gastrointestinal tract.

How to do a laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic 'clean sweep' for small bowel polyp clearance in Peutz Jeghers syndrome.

We demonstrate the technical details of laparoscopic-assisted endoscopic 'clean sweep' for small bowel polyp clearance in Peutz Jeghers Syndrome. A 'clean sweep' reduces the risk for future recurrences but was previously performed with an open technique. A minimally invasive approach is safe, reduces bowel trauma and has good postoperative outcomes.

The role of advanced endoscopy in appendiceal polyp management and outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Appendiceal orifice lesions are often managed operatively with limited or oncologic resections. The aim is to report the management of appendiceal orifice mucosal neoplasms using advanced endoscopic interventions. METHODS: Patients with appendiceal orifice mucosal neoplasms who underwent advanced endoscopic resections between 2011 and 2021 with either endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), endoscopic mucosal dissection (ESD), hybrid ESD, or combined endoscopic laparoscopic surgery (CELS) were included from a prospectively collected dataset. Patient and lesion details and procedure outcomes are reported. RESULTS: Out of 1005 lesions resected with advanced endoscopic techniques, 41 patients (4%) underwent appendiceal orifice mucosal neoplasm resection, including 39% by hybrid ESD, 34% by ESD, 15% by EMR, and 12% by CELS. The median age was 65, and 54% were male. The median lesion size was 20 mm. The dissection was completed piecemeal in 49% of patients. Post-procedure, one patient had a complication within 30 days and was admitted with post-polypectomy abdominal pain treated with observation for 2 days with no intervention. Pathology revealed 49% sessile-serrated lesions, 24% tubular adenomas, and 15% tubulovillous adenomas. Patients were followed up for a median of 8 (0-48) months. One patient with a sessile-serrated lesion experienced a recurrence after EMR which was re-resected with EMR. CONCLUSION: Advanced endoscopic interventions for appendiceal orifice mucosal neoplasms can be performed with a low rate of complications and early recurrence. While conventionally lesions at the appendiceal orifice are often treated with surgical resection, advanced endoscopic interventions are an alternative approach with promising results which allow for cecal preservation.

Biological background of colorectal polyps and carcinomas with heterotopic ossification: A national study and literature review.

The biological mechanisms and potential clinical impact of heterotopic ossification (HO) in colorectal neoplasms are not fully understood. This study investigates the clinicopathological characteristics of colorectal neoplasms associated with HO and examines the potential role of the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway in development of HO. An artificial intelligence (AI) based classification of colorectal cancers (CRC) exhibiting HO and their association with consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) is performed. The study included 77 cases via the Dutch nationwide Pathology databank. Immunohistochemistry for BMP2, SMAD4, and Osterix was performed. An AI algorithm assessed the tumour-stroma ratio to approximate the CMS. A literature search yielded 96 case reports, which were analysed and compared with our cases for clinicopathological parameters. HO was more frequently observed in our cohort in traditional serrated adenomas (25%), tubulovillous adenomas (25%) and juvenile polyps (25%), while in the literature it was most often seen in juvenile polyps (38.2%) and inflammatory polyps (29.4%). In both cohorts, carcinomas were mostly conventional (>60%) followed by mucinous and serrated adenocarcinomas. Higher expression of BMP2, SMAD4, and Osterix was observed in tumour and/or stromal cells directly surrounding bone, indicating activation of the BMP pathway. The tumour-stroma analysis appointed >50% of the cases to the mesenchymal subtype (CMS4) (59%). HO has a predilection for serrated and juvenile/inflammatory polyps, mucinous and serrated adenocarcinomas. BMP signalling is activated and seems to play a role in formation of HO in colorectal neoplasms. In line with TGFß/BMP pathway activation associated with CMS4 CRC, HO seems associated with CMS4.

Worldwide productivity and research trend of publications concerning intestinal polyps: A bibliometric study.

There is a significant relationship between intestinal polyps and colorectal cancer, and in recent years, research on intestinal polyps has been rapidly developing around the world. However, there is still a lack of adequate quantification and analysis of publications in this field. The aim of this study was to perform a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of publications related to intestinal polyps over the past 20 years. To enhance the understanding of current research hotspots and potential trends, and to point out the direction of future research. Publications related to intestinal polyps were retrieved from the Science Citation Index Expanded in Web of Science Core Collection. the Bibliometric online analysis platform (https://bibliometric.com/app), the Bibliometrix Package, and the CiteSpace are used for bibliometric analysis and visualization, including the overall range of annual output and annual citations, country-region analysis, author and institution analysis, core journal analysis, reference and keyword analysis. Prior to 2017, the amount of research on intestinal polyps was slow to grow, but it picked up speed after that year. In 1019 journals, 4280 papers on intestinal polyps were published in English. The journal with the highest productivity was Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (189, 4.42%). United States (1124, 26.26%), which is also the hub of collaboration in this subject, was the most productive nation. Mayo Clinic (n = 70, 1.64%) is the most productive institution. Intestinal microbiota, endoscopic mucosal resection, gut microbiota, deep learning, tea polyphenol, insulin resistance and artificial intelligence were current hot subjects in the field. Studies of intestinal polyps increased significantly after 2017. The United States contributed the largest number of publications. Countries and institutions were actively cooperating with one another. artificial intelligence is currently an emerging topic.

A case of intestinal intussusception with unique hemorrhagic polyps due to AL amyloidosis and excessive anticoagulation.

Most adult intussusceptions are secondary to various pathological conditions that serve as a lead point. Because of their serious nature, intussusceptions often require emergency surgery. We report a surgical case of amyloidosis associated with intussusception, probably due to polypoid protrusions and bleeding tendencies. An 80-year-old man with abdominal pain was suspected of having jejunal intussusception on computed tomography. He had been prescribed warfarin for atrial fibrillation, and excessive anticoagulation was observed with a prolonged prothrombin time/international normalized ratio of 5.44 at presentation. After the excessive anticoagulation was resolved, emergency surgery was performed. The intussuscepted jejunum was resected, and a 7 cm long dark-red pedunculated polyp was identified as the lead point, which was accompanied by multiple small pedunculated polyps. Histopathological examination showed that these were all hemorrhagic polyps. Amyloid depositions were observed in the muscularis mucosae, submucosa, and the walls of the blood vessels. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed immunoglobulin light chain amyloidosis. This case is informative to discuss the clinical sequelae of gastrointestinal amyloid deposition.

[Risk factors for delayed bleeding after intestinal polypectomy in children]. / å„¿ç«¥è‚ æ¯è‚‰åˆ‡é™¤æœ¯åŽè¿Ÿå‘æ€§å‡ºè¡€çš„å±é™©å› ç´ åˆ†æž.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical characteristics and risk factors of delayed bleeding after intestinal polypectomy in children, and to provide a theoretical basis for clinical surgical intervention of intestinal polyps. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 2 456 children with intestinal polyps who underwent endoscopic high-frequency electrocoagulation loop resection in the Endoscopy Center of Children's Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to December 2021. According to the presence or absence of delayed bleeding after surgery, they were divided into bleeding group with 79 children and non-bleeding group with 2 377 children. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the risk factors for delayed bleeding. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to investigate the value of various indicators in predicting delayed bleeding. RESULTS: Of all 2 456 children, 79 (3.22%) experienced delayed bleeding, among whom 5 children with severe delayed bleeding underwent emergency colonoscopy for hemostasis and 74 received conservative treatment, and successful hemostasis was achieved for all children. There were significant differences between the bleeding and non-bleeding groups in age, body mass index, constipation rate, location of lesion, time of endoscopic procedure, resection method (P<0.05). Children with a diameter of polyps of 6-10 mm and >20 mm were more likely to develop delayed bleeding after resection (P<0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that endoscopic operation time, polyp diameter, and resection method were significantly associated with delayed bleeding (P<0.05). The ROC curve analysis showed that the endoscopic operation time, polyp diameter, and resection method had a good value in predicting delayed bleeding after intestinal polypectomy, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.706, 0.688, and 0.627, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic high-frequency electrocoagulation loop resection has a lower incidence of delayed bleeding in children with intestinal polyps, and the endoscopic operation time, polyp diameter, and resection method are closely associated with the occurrence of postoperative delayed bleeding.

Gentle Giant? Giant Gastric Solitary Peutz-Jeghers Polyp.

Solitary hamartomatous polyps with identical pathological features of the typical hamartomas of the Peutz-Jegher syndrome are extremely rare. These solitary lesions lack the associated intestinal polyposis, classic mucocutaneous pigmentation, and family history typifying the Peutz-Jegher syndrome. We describe the case of a 31-year-old woman with a giant solitary gastric hamartoma endoscopically diagnosed and laparoscopically resected.

Risk factors for post-polypectomy bleeding in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing colonoscopic polypectomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Little is known about the risk factors of bleeding after colonoscopic polypectomy in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This study investigated the incidence and risk factors of post-polypectomy bleeding (PPB), including immediate and delayed bleeding, in patients with ESRD. METHODS: Ninety-two patients with ESRD who underwent colonoscopic polypectomy between September 2005 and June 2020 at a single tertiary referral center were included. The patients' medical records were retrospectively reviewed. Patient- and polyp-related factors associated with immediate PPB (IPPB) were analyzed using logistic regression analysis. Additionally, the optimal cutoff polyp size related to a significant increase in the risk of IPPB was determined by performing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and calculating the area under the ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: In total, 286 polyps were removed. IPPB occurred in 24 (26.1%) patients and 46 (16.1%) polyps and delayed PPB occurred in 2 (2.2%) patients. According to multivariate analysis, the polyp size (> 7 mm), old age (> 70), and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) as the polypectomy method (EMR versus non-EMR) were found to be independent risk factors for IPPB. According to the Youden index method, the optimal cutoff polyp size to identify high-risk polyps for IPPB was 7 mm (AUC = 0.755; sensitivity, 76.1%; specificity, 69.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopic polypectomy should be performed with caution in patients with ESRD, especially in those with the following risk factors: advanced age (> 70 years), polyp size > 7 mm, and EMR as the polypectomy method.

Clinical features and distribution of the APC variant in duodenal and ampullary polyps in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis: a multicenter retrospective cohort study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Management of duodenal or ampullary adenomas in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a major challenge for clinicians. Insufficient data are available to evaluate the clinical manifestations and distribution of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) variants in these patients. METHODS: We enrolled 451 patients with data regarding duodenal or ampullary polyps from 632 patients with FAP retrospectively registered in a nationwide Japanese multicenter study. Clinicopathological features and distribution of APC variants were compared between patients with and without duodenal or ampullary polyps. RESULTS: Duodenal and ampullary polyps were found in 59% and 18% of patients with FAP, respectively. The incidence of duodenal cancer was 4.7% in patients with duodenal polyps, and that of ampullary cancer was 18% in patients with ampullary polyps. Duodenal polyps were significantly associated with the presence of ampullary polyps and jejunal/ileal polyps. Duodenal polyps progressed in 35% of patients with a median follow-up of 776 days, mostly in those with early Spigelman stage lesions. Ampullary polyps progressed in 50% of patients with a follow-up of 1484 days. However, only one patient developed a malignancy. The proportion of patients with duodenal polyps was significantly higher among those with intermediate- or profuse-type APC variants than attenuated-type APC variants. The presence of duodenal polyps was significantly associated with ampullary and jejunal/ileal polyps in patients with intermediate- or profuse-type APC variants. CONCLUSIONS: Periodic endoscopic surveillance of the papilla of Vater and small intestine should be planned for patients with FAP with duodenal polyps.