Factors influencing gastrostomy tube removal.

BACKGROUND: When commencing enteral feeding, patients and families will want to know the likelihood of returning to an oral diet. There is a paucity of data on the prognosis of patients with gastrostomies. We describe a large dataset of patients, which identifies factors influencing gastrostomy removal and assesses the likelihood of the patient having at home enteral nutrition. METHODS: Retrospective data was collected on patients from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals who had received a gastrostomy and had outpatient enteral feeding between January 2016 and December 2019. Demographic data, indication and outcomes were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 451 patients were assessed, median age: 67.7. 183/451(40.6%) gastrostomies were for head and neck cancer, 88/451 (19.5%) for stroke, 28/451 (6.2%) for Motor Neuron Disease, 32/451 (7.1%) for other neurodegenerative causes, 120/451 (26.6%) other. Of the 31.2% who had their gastrostomy removed within 3 years, head and neck cancer was the most common indication (58.3%) followed by stroke (10.2%), Motor Neuron Disease (7.1%) and other neurodegenerative diseases (3.1%). Gastrostomy removal was significantly influenced by age, place of residence, and having head and neck cancer (p < 0.05). There was the greatest likelihood of removal within the first year (24%). 70.5% had enteral feeding at home. CONCLUSION: This large cohort study demonstrates 31.2% of patients had their gastrostomy removed within 3 years. Head and neck cancer patients, younger age and residing at home can help positively predict removal. Most patients manage their feeding at home rather than a nursing home. This study provides new information on gastrostomy outcomes when counselling patients to provide realistic expectations.

UK and Ireland Joint Advisory Group (JAG) consensus statements for training and certification in diagnostic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: International endoscopy societies vary in their approach for credentialing individuals in endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) to enable independent practice; however, there is no consensus in this or its implementation. In 2019, the Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy (JAG) commissioned a working group to examine the evidence relating to this process for EUS. The aim of this was to develop evidence-based recommendations for EUS training and certification in the UK. METHODS: Under the oversight of the JAG quality assurance team, a modified Delphi process was conducted which included major stakeholders from the UK and Ireland. A formal literature review was made, initial questions for study were proposed and recommendations for training and certification in EUS were formulated after a rigorous assessment using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool and subjected to electronic voting to identify accepted statements. These were peer reviewed by JAG and relevant stakeholder societies before consensus on the final EUS certification pathway was achieved. RESULTS: 39 initial questions were proposed of which 33 were deemed worthy of assessment and finally formed the key recommendations. The statements covered four key domains, such as: definition of competence (13 statements), acquisition of competence (10), assessment of competence (5) and postcertification mentorship (5). Key recommendations include: (1) minimum of 250 hands-on cases before an assessment for competency can be made, (2) attendance at the JAG basic EUS course, (3) completing a minimum of one formative direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) every 10 cases to allow the learning curve in EUS training to be adequately studied, (4) competent performance in summative DOPS assessments and (5) a period of mentorship over a 12-month period is recommended as minimum to support and mentor new service providers. CONCLUSIONS: An evidence-based certification pathway has been commissioned by JAG to support and quality assure EUS training. This will form the basis to improve quality of training and safety standards in EUS in the UK and Ireland.

A retrospective study of outcomes and the validation of the Sheffield Gastrostomy Score in PEGs, RIGs and PIGs.

INTRODUCTION: There are limited studies comparing the safety and effectiveness of Radiologically Assisted Gastrostomies (RAGs) against Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomies (PEGs). The Sheffield Gastrostomy Score (SGS) can be used to help predict 30-day mortality, more information is needed on its validity in RAGs. Our aim is to compare mortality between RAGs (Radiologically Inserted Gastrostomies (RIGs) and Per-oral Image Guided Gastrostomies (PIGs)) with PEGs and validate the SGS. METHOD: Data on gastrostomies newly inserted in three hospitals from 2016-2019 were retrospectively collected. Demographics, indication, insertion date, date of death, inpatient status and blood tests (albumin, CRP and eGFR) were recorded. RESULTS: 1977 gastrostomies were performed: Gastrostomy mortality at 7 days was 1.3% and at 30 days was 6%. There was a 5% 30-day mortality for PEGs, 5.5% RIGs, 7.2% PIGs (p = 0.215). Factors increasing 30 day mortality were age ≥60 years (p = 0.039), albumin <35 g/L (p = 0.005), albumin <25 g/L (p < 0.001) and CRP ≥10 mg/L (p < 0.001). For patients who died within 30 days; 0.6% had an SGS of 0, 3.7% = 1, 10.2% = 2 and 25.5% = 3, with similar trends for RAGs and PEGs. ROC curves showed the area under the curve for all gastrostomies, RAGs and PEGs as 0.743, 0.738, 0.787 respectively. DISCUSSION: There was no significant difference between 30-day mortality for PEGs, RIGs and PIGs. Factors predicting risk include age ≥60 years, albumin <35 g/L, albumin <25 g/L and CRP ≥10 mg/L. The SGS has been validated in this study for PEGs and for the first time in RAGs as well..

Performance measures for the SACRED team-centered approach to advanced gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative.

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and United European Gastroenterology have defined performance measures for upper and lower gastrointestinal, pancreaticobiliary, and small-bowel endoscopy. Quality indicators to guide endoscopists in the growing field of advanced endoscopy are also underway. We propose that equal attention is given to developing the entire advanced endoscopy team and not the individual endoscopist alone.We suggest that the practice of teams intending to deliver high quality advanced endoscopy is underpinned by six crucial principles concerning: selection, acceptance, complications, reconnaissance, envelopment, and documentation (SACRED).

Identification of "Digital Sarcopenia" Can Aid the Detection of Pancreatic Exocrine Insufficiency and Malnutrition Assessment in Patients with Suspected Pancreatic Pathology.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) and subsequent malnutrition can be difficult to diagnose but lead to sarcopenia and increased mortality and morbidity even in benign disease. Digital skeletal muscle analysis has been increasingly recognised as a tool to diagnose sarcopenia. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with PEI secondary to benign disease using novel skeletal muscle recognition software. METHODS: Prospective recruitment of patients referred for endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) with suspected pancreatic pathology. Patients with suspected pancreatic cancer on initial computed tomography (CT) were excluded. The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) was based on CT and EUS findings. PEI was assessed with faecal elastase-1. Digital measurement of skeletal muscle mass identified sarcopenia, with demographic and comorbidity data also collected. RESULTS: PEI was identified in 45.1% (46/102) of patients recruited, and 29.4% (30/102) had changes of CP. Sarcopenia was significantly more prevalent in PEI 67.4% (31/46) than no-PEI 37.5% (21/56) (37.5%), regardless of CP changes (p < 0.003). The prevalence of sarcopenia (67% vs. 35%; p = 0.02) and sarcopenic obesity (68.4% vs. 25%; p = 0.003) was significantly higher when PEI was present without a radiological diagnosis of CP. Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenia and diabetes to be independently associated with PEI (odds ratio 4.8 and 13.8, respectively, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Sarcopenia was strongly associated with PEI in patients undergoing assessment for suspected benign pancreatic pathology. Digital skeletal muscle assessment can be used as a tool to aid identification of sarcopenia in patients undergoing CT scan for pancreatic symptoms.

Early diagnosis of oesophageal cancer improves outcomes.

There are two main types of oesophageal cancer, oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and oesophageal adenocarcinoma (OAC). They present in the same manner and both carry a five-year survival of only 16%. In the UK there is a 2:1 male to female ratio for oesophageal cancer. Peak incidence at presentation is in the 65-75 age group, with 95% of cases presenting in those over 50. Smoking is a major risk factor for both types and is linked to an estimated 66% of cases in the UK. OSCC is linked to alcohol, smoking, and chewing betel quid. OAC is associated with the presence of GORD, and its duration, and obesity (especially increased waist circumference). Oesophageal cancer commonly presents with dysphagia or odynophagia. This can be associated with weight loss and vomiting. All patients with recent onset dysphagia should be referred for rapid access endoscopy. Referral for urgent endoscopy should still be considered in the presence of dysphagia regardless of previous history or medication. Dysphagia is not always present so all patients with alarm symptoms should be considered for endoscopy. NICE recommends referral for urgent direct access upper GI endoscopy to assess for oesophageal cancer for patients with dysphagia or aged 55 and over with weight loss and any of the following: upper abdominal pain; reflux; dyspepsia.

Improving the detection of coeliac disease.

The common presentation of coeliac disease has shifted from the historically classical symptoms of malabsorption in childhood to non-classical symptoms in adulthood such as irritable bowel syndrome-type symptoms, anaemia, chronic fatigue, change in bowel habit, abdominal pain and osteoporosis. A combination of coeliac serology and duodenal biopsy is required to diagnose coeliac disease in adults. Testing for IgA-tissue transglutaminase antibodies should be carried out as a first-line screening test. Advise patients to eat a gluten-containing diet for six weeks before their investigations to ensure the serological and histological results are not affected. A confirmatory duodenal biopsy is mandatory to ensure that patients are correctly diagnosed with coeliac disease. A lifelong strict gluten-free diet is the only effective treatment currently available. All patients should be referred to a specialist dietitian for guidance and support. Annual follow-up can begin when the disease is stable and patients are managing well on their diet.

Improving the diagnosis and management of GORD in adults.

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is defined as a condition which develops when the reflux of stomach contents causes troublesome symptoms and/or complications. Many patients with GORD complications such as oesophagitis, and up to a third of patients with Barrett's oesophagus have no reflux or heartburn symptoms. Conversely, patients can be symptomatic even when normal reflux levels are found and there is an absence of mucosal damage. Significant GORD symptoms occur at least once a week in 8.8-26% of Europeans, with equal prevalence of symptoms in men and women. The frequency and severity of symptoms do not accurately predict the degree of oesophageal damage. If patients with GORD also describe symptoms of dyspepsia this should be considered first with H. py/oritesting or direct referral for gastroscopy if the patient is over 55 given the risk of gastric cancer in these patients. Oesophageal disease can account for up to 20% of cases of chronic cough. Symptoms of GORD occur in more than 45% of patients with asthma, and erosive oesophagitis on endoscopy has a 50% higher likelihood of a diagnosis of asthma. GORD is a risk factor for Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. The risk increases with duration, severity and frequency. Endoscopy should not be routinely offered at initial presentation unless the patient has dysphagia or other symptoms suggestive of upper GI cancer. Smoking cessation and weight loss are beneficial in reducing GORD symptoms. Abdominal obesity causes GORD by elevating intra-abdominal pressure, which promotes reflux and the development of hiatus hernia. GORD symptoms are increased by 70% among daily smokers who have been smoking for more than 20 years.

Early endoscopy improves survival in gastric cancer.

Gastric cancer often presents late and the mortality ratio remains one of the highest compared with more common cancers. Early diagnosis improves survival in this potentially curable cancer. Men are twice as likely as women to develop gastric cancer. The vast majority (96%) of cases occur in people above the age of 55. Dysphagia, weight loss and age over 55 are significant predictors of cancer. All patients presenting with dyspepsia and either alarm features or known conditions that increase the risk of gastric cancer should be referred for urgent endoscopy. Given that the majority of gastric 0032-6518 cancer cases occur in people over 55, urgent endoscopy is also recommended in this group with new uncomplicated dyspepsia prior to treatment, even without alarm symptoms or if the symptoms respond to treatment. Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy is the recommended investigation to confirm gastric cancer. Patients deemed medically fit should undergo surgical resection to cure early gastric cancer and chemotherapy followed by surgical resection for higher stage tumours. More than half of all patients with gastric cancer present with incurable advanced disease; palliative chemotherapy has a small but significant effect on survival.

What is the role of out of programme clinical fellowships in the era of Shape of Training? A single-centre cohort study.

BACKGROUND: The updated Shape of Training curriculum has shortened the duration of specialty training. We present the potential role of out of programme clinical fellowships. METHOD: An electronic online survey was sent to all current fellows to understand their experiences, training opportunities and motivations.Data were collected on fellows' endoscopic experiences and publications using PubMed for all previous doctors who have completed the Sheffield Fellowship Programme. RESULTS: Since 2004, 39 doctors have completed the Sheffield Fellowship.Endoscopic experience: current fellows completed a median average of 350 (IQR 150-500) gastroscopies and 150 (IQR 106-251) colonoscopies per year. Fellows with special interests completed either 428 hepato-pancreato-biliary procedures or 70 endoscopic mucosal resections per year.Medline publications: Median average 9 publications(IQR 4-17). They have also received multiple national or international awards and 91% achieved a doctoral degree.The seven current fellows in the new Shape of Training era (57% male, 29% Caucasian, aged 31-40 years) report high levels of enjoyment due to their research projects, supervisory teams and social aspects. The most cited reasons for undertaking the fellowship were to develop a subspecialty interest, take time off the on-call rota and develop endoscopic skills. The most reported drawback was a reduced income.All current fellows feel that the fellowship has enhanced their clinical confidence and prepared them to become consultants. CONCLUSION: Out of programme clinical fellowships offer the opportunity to develop the required training competencies, subspecialty expertise and research skills in a supportive environment.

Narrow-band imaging for optical diagnosis of duodenal villous atrophy in patients with suspected coeliac disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Narrow-band imaging (NBI) is a readily accessible imaging technique that enhances mucosal visualisation, allowing for a more accurate assessment of duodenal villi. However, its role in the diagnosis of coeliac disease (CD) in clinical practice remains limited. METHODS: We systematically searched several databases in June 2023 for studies evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of NBI for detecting duodenal villous atrophy (VA) in patients with suspected CD. We calculated the summary sensitivity, specificity, and likelihood ratios using a bivariate random-effects model. The study followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered at PROSPERO (CRD42023428266). RESULTS: A total of 6 studies with 540 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The summary sensitivity of NBI to detect VA was 93% (95% CI, 81% - 98%), and the summary specificity was 95% (95% CI, 92% - 98%). The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.98 (95% CI, 96 - 99). The positive and negative predictive values of NBI were 94% (95% CI, 92% - 97%) and 92% (95% CI, 90% - 94%), respectively. CONCLUSION: NBI is an accurate non-invasive tool for identifying and excluding duodenal VA in patients with suspected CD. Further studies using a validated classification are needed to determine the optimal role of NBI in the diagnostic algorithm for CD.

Are we missing pancreatic exocrine insufficiency in 'at-risk' groups? Prospective assessment of the current practice and yield of faecal elastase testing in patients with diabetes mellitus, HIV and/or high alcohol intake.

There is cumulative evidence that pancreatic exocrine insufficiency (PEI) is under-recognised and can occur in patients with 'at-risk' conditions. Thus, we aimed to assess the current practice and yield of requesting faecal elastase (FEL-1), an indicator of PEI, in patients with 'at-risk' conditions. We prospectively recruited patients attending secondary care clinics with diabetes mellitus (DM), people living with HIV (PLHIV) and inpatients admitted to hospital with high alcohol intake (HAI). All patients underwent testing with FEL-1. Those patients with PEI (FEL-1 <200 µg/g) were contacted and offered a follow-up review in gastroenterology clinic. In total, 188 patients were recruited (HAI, n=78; DM, n=64; and PLHIV, n=46). Previous FEL-1 testing had not been performed in any of the patients. The return rate of samples was 67.9% for patients with HAI, 76.6% for those with DM and 56.5% for those with PLHIV. The presence of PEI was shown in 20.4% of patients with DM, 15.4% of patients with PLHIV and 22.6% in those with HAI. Diarrhoea and bloating were the most reported symptoms in followed-up patients with low FEL-1 (31.8% and 22.7% of patients, respectively). Follow-up computed tomography (CT) scans in those patients with PEI identified chronic pancreatitis changes in 13.6% and pancreatic atrophy in 31.8% of patients. These results suggest that there is a lack of testing for PEI in 'at-risk' groups. Our findings also suggest that using FEL-1 to test for PEI in patients with DM, PLHIV and HAI has a significant impact, although further studies are required to validate these findings.

What is the current provision of service for gastrostomy insertion in England?

Background: Significant morbidity and mortality can be associated with gastrostomy insertion, likely influenced by patient selection, indication and aftercare. We aimed to establish what current variation in practice exists and how this has improved by comparison to our previously published British Society of Gastroenterology survey of 2010. Methods: We approached all National Health Service (NHS) hospitals in England (n=198). Email and web-based questionnaires were circulated. These data were correlated with the National Endoscopy Database (NED). Results: The response rate was 69% (n=136/198). Estimated Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) placements in the UK are currently 6500 vs 17 000 in 2010 (p<0.01). There is a dedicated PEG consultant involved in 59% of the centres versus 30% in 2010 (p<0.001). Multidisciplinary team meeting (MDT) discussion occurs in 66% versus 40% in 2010 (p<0.05). Formal aftercare provision occurs in 83% versus 64% in 2010 (p<0.001). 74/107 respondents (69%) reported feeling pressurised to authorise a gastrostomy. Conclusion: This national survey, validated by the results from NED, demonstrates a reduction of over 60% for PEG insertion rates compared with previous estimates. There has also been an increase in consultant involvement, MDT discussion and aftercare provision. However, two-third of responders described 'pressure' to insert a gastrostomy. Perhaps further efforts are needed to include and educate other specialty teams, patients and next of kin.

Body composition parameters predict survival in pancreatic cancer-A retrospective multicenter analysis.

BACKGROUND: Parameters to adapt individual treatment strategies for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are urgently needed. The present study aimed to evaluate body composition parameters as predictors of overall survival (OS) in PDAC patients. METHODS: Measurements of body composition parameters were performed on computed tomography scans at diagnosis. Height-standardized and Body Mass Index- and sex-adjusted regression formulas deriving cut-offs from a healthy population were used. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was performed for survival analysis. Independent prognostic factors were identified with uni- and multivariable Cox regression analyses. RESULTS: In total, 354 patients were analyzed. In a multivariable Cox model, besides tumor stage and resection status, only myosteatosis (HR 1.53; 95% CI 1.10-2.14, p = 0.01) was an independent prognostic factor of OS among body composition parameters. Subgroup analyses revealed that the prognostic impact of myosteatosis was higher in patients ≤68 years of age, with advanced tumor stages and patients without curative intended resection. CONCLUSIONS: The analysis of one of the largest Caucasian cohorts to date, demonstrated myosteatosis to be an independent prognostic factor of OS in PDAC. To improve outcomes, prospective trials aiming to investigate the utility of an early assessment of myosteatosis with subsequent intervention by dieticians, sports medicine physicians, and physiotherapists are warranted.

Duodenal bulb biopsies for diagnosing adult celiac disease: is there an optimal biopsy site?

BACKGROUND: Recent studies highlight the role of duodenal bulb biopsy in the diagnosis of celiac disease. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a targeted duodenal bulb biopsy in addition to distal duodenal biopsies is the optimal strategy to identify villous atrophy. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary-care referral center. PATIENTS: Seventy-seven patients undergoing clinically indicated EGD with duodenal biopsies were recruited. Of these, 28 had newly diagnosed celiac disease and 49 were controls. INTERVENTIONS: At endoscopy, 8 duodenal biopsy specimens were taken: 4 from the second part of the duodenum and 4 quadrantically from the bulb (at the 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-o'clock positions). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Increasing the diagnostic yield and detection of the most severe villous atrophy in celiac disease with the addition of a targeted duodenal bulb biopsy. RESULTS: The most severe degree of villous atrophy was detected when distal duodenal biopsy specimens were taken in addition to a duodenal bulb biopsy specimen from either the 9- or 12-o'clock position (96.4% sensitivity; 95% CI, 79.7%-100%). The difference between the 12-o'clock position biopsy and the 3-o'clock position biopsy in detecting the most severe villous atrophy was 92% (24/26) versus 65% (17/26) (P = .02). LIMITATIONS: Small sample and study performed in a tertiary referral center. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates the patchy appearance of villous atrophy that occurs within the duodenum. A targeted duodenal bulb biopsy from either the 9- or 12-o'clock position in addition to distal duodenal biopsies may improve diagnostic yields by detecting the most severe villous atrophy within the duodenum.

Role of endoscopy in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis.

Familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) is a hereditary disease that, without intervention, will cause nearly all patients to develop colorectal cancer by the age of 45. However, even after prophylactic colorectal surgery the eventual development of duodenal adenomas leads to an additional risk of duodenal and ampullary cancers. Endoscopy is an essential part of the multidisciplinary management of FAP to aid the early identification or prevention of advanced gastrointestinal malignancy. This review article details the current evidence and consensus guidance available regarding the role of endoscopic surveillance and treatment strategies for FAP.