[Bolus obstruction within the esophagus - an analysis over 5 years]. / Bolusobstruktionen im Ösophagus ­ Eine Analyse über 5 Jahre.

BACKGROUND: The removal of bolus impaction within the esophagus is an indication for emergency endoscopy. The current guideline of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) recommends gently pushing the bolus into the stomach. This view is discerned by many endoscopists because of the increased risk of complications. In addition, the use of an endoscopic cap for bolus removal is not mentioned. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective analysis from 2017 to 2021 we investigated 66 adults and 11 children with acute bolus impaction within the esophagus. RESULTS: Eosinophilic esophagitis, reflux esophagitic /peptic stenosis and Schatzki Ring caused 57.6%, esophageal and bronchial carcinoma 18%, esophageal motility disorders 4.5%, Zenkers diverticulum 1.5% and radiation esophagitis 1.5% of the bolus obstructions. The reason remained unclear in 16.7% of the cases. The spectrum was comparable in children with additional 2 cases with esophageal atresia and stenosis. The reason was unclear in 2 cases. Removal of bolus impaction was successful in 92.4% in adults and 100% in children. Bolus obstruction in adults was successfully removed solely by endoscopic cap in 57.6% and 75% in children. Pushing the bolus into the stomach without disintegration was possible in only 9% of cases. CONCLUSION: Flexible endoscopy is an effective ermergency intervention for removal of bolus obstruction within the esophagus. Uncontrolled pushing the bolus into the stomach without view cannot be recommended. An endoscopic cap is a good extension for safe bolus removal.

Menthacarin, a Proprietary Peppermint Oil and Caraway Oil Combination, Improves Multiple Complaints in Patients with Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

INTRODUCTION: This systematic review summarizes published data on Menthacarin, the proprietary combination of peppermint oil and caraway oil, in the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders. Efficacy was assessed by meta-analysis of placebo-controlled trials. METHODS: We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the manufacturer's information system for clinical studies investigating the safety and efficacy of Menthacarin. Efficacy analyses included change from baseline of epigastric pain and general improvement of the patients' condition. RESULTS: Five randomized trials involving 580 patients were found, demonstrating significant effects of Menthacarin on symptoms of functional dyspepsia (FD) compared to placebo or similar effects compared to a reference drug. Seven other studies reported favorable results on therapeutic application in FD patients with concomitant Helicobacter pylori infection, in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and on tolerability in FD patients from 12 years of age. Three trials in FD with 249 patients were eligible for meta-analysis. Results demonstrate a significant reduction in pain intensity (standardized mean difference: 0.80; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.39-1.21) and in item 2 of the Clinical Global Impression Scale (risk ratio: 2.65; 95% CI: 1.81-3.87) for Menthacarin. CONCLUSIONS: Menthacarin was shown to be effective and safe for the treatment of FD and represents a promising option for symptoms of IBS.

German guideline diverticular disease/diverticulitis: Part II: Conservative, interventional and surgical management.

Diverticulosis and diverticular disease are ranked among the most common gastroenterological diseases and conditions. While for many years diverticulitis was found to be mainly an event occurring in the elder population, more recent work in epidemiology demonstrates increasing frequency in younger subjects. In addition, there is a noticeable trend towards more complicated disease. This may explain the significant increase in hospitalisations observed in recent years. It is not a surprise that the number of scientific studies addressing the clinical and socioeconomic consequences in the field is increasing. As a result, diagnosis and conservative as well as surgical management have changed in recent years. Diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis are a complex entity and apparently an interdisciplinary challenge. To meet theses considerations the German Societies for Gastroenterology and Visceral Surgery decided to create joint guidelines addressing all aspects in a truely interdisciplinary fashion. The aim of the guideline is to summarise and to evaluate the current state of knowledge on diverticulosis and diverticular disease and to develop statements as well as recommendations to all physicians involved in the management of patients with diverticular disease.

German guideline diverticular disease/diverticulitis: Part I: Methods, pathogenesis, epidemiology, clinical characteristics (definitions), natural course, diagnosis and classification.

Diverticulosis and diverticular disease are ranked among the most common gastroenterological diseases and conditions. While for many years diverticulitis was found to be mainly an event occurring in the elder population, more recent work in epidemiology demonstrates increasing frequency in younger subjects. In addition, there is a noticeable trend towards more complicated disease. This may explain the significant increase in hospitalisations observed in recent years. It is not a surprise that the number of scientific studies addressing the clinical and socioeconomic consequences in the field is increasing. As a result, diagnosis and conservative as well as surgical management have changed in recent years. Diverticulosis, diverticular disease and diverticulitis are a complex entity and apparently an interdisciplinary challenge. To meet theses considerations the German Societies for Gastroenterology and Visceral Surgery decided to create joint guidelines addressing all aspects in a truely interdisciplinary fashion. The aim of the guideline is to summarise and to evaluate the current state of knowledge on diverticulosis and diverticular disease and to develop statements as well as recommendations to all physicians involved in the management of patients with diverticular disease.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy versus pneumatic dilation in treatment-naive patients with achalasia: 5-year follow-up of a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: 2-year follow-up data from our randomised controlled trial showed that peroral endoscopic myotomy is associated with a significantly higher efficacy than pneumatic dilation as initial treatment of therapy-naive patients with achalasia. Here we report therapeutic success rates in patients treated with peroral endoscopic myotomy compared with pneumatic dilation at the 5-year follow-up. METHODS: We did a multicentre, randomised controlled trial in six hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and the USA. Adults aged 18-80 years with newly diagnosed symptomatic achalasia (based on an Eckardt score >3) were eligible for inclusion. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to peroral endoscopic myotomy or pneumatic dilation using web-based randomisation with a random block size of 8 and stratification according to site. Randomisation concealment for treatment type was double blind until official study enrolment. Treatment was unmasked because of the different technical approach of each procedure. Patients in the pneumatic dilation group were dilated with a single series of 30-35 mm balloons. The need for subsequent dilations in the pneumatic dilation group, and the need for dilation after initial treatment in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group, was considered treatment failure. The primary outcome was therapeutic success (Eckardt score ≤3 in the absence of severe treatment-related complications and no need for retreatment). Analysis of the primary outcome was by modified intention to treat, including all patients randomly assigned to a group, excluding those patients who did not receive treatment or were lost to follow-up. Safety was assessed in all included patients. This study is registered at the Dutch Trial Registry, NTR3593, and is completed. FINDINGS: Between Sept 21, 2012, and July 20, 2015, 182 patients were assessed for eligibility, 133 of whom were included in the study and randomly assigned to peroral endoscopic myotomy (n=67) or pneumatic dilation (n=66). 5-year follow-up data were available for 62 patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group and 63 patients in the pneumatic dilation group. 50 (81%) patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group had treatment success at 5 years, compared with 25 (40%) in the pneumatic dilation group, an adjusted absolute difference of 41% (95% CI 25-57; p<0·0001). Reasons for failure were no initial effect of treatment (one patient in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group vs 12 patients in the pneumatic dilation group) and recurrent symptoms causing treatment failure (11 patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group [seven patients between 2 and 5 years] vs 25 patients in the pneumatic dilation group [nine patients between 2 and 5 years]); one patient in the pneumatic dilation group had treatment failure due to an adverse event. Proton-pump inhibitor use (mostly daily) was significantly higher after peroral endoscopic myotomy than after pneumatic dilation among patients still in clinical remission (23 [46%] of 50 patients vs three [13%] of 24 patients; p=0·008). 5-year follow-up endoscopy of patients still in clinical remission showed reflux oesophagitis in 14 (33%) of 42 patients in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group (12 [29%] grade A or B, two [5%] grade C or D) and two (13%) of 16 patients in the pneumatic dilation group (two [13%] grade A or B, none grade C or D; p=0·19). No intervention-related serious adverse events occurred between 2 and 5 years after treatment. The following non-intervention-related serious adverse events occurred between 2 and 5 years: a stroke (one [2%]) in the peroral endoscopic myotomy group; and death due to a melanoma (one [2%]) and dementia (one [2%]) in the pneumatic dilation group. INTERPRETATION: Based on this study, peroral endoscopic myotomy should be proposed as an initial treatment option for patients with achalasia. Although our study has shown that peroral endoscopic myotomy has greater long-term efficacy with a low risk of major treatment-related complications, this should not lead to abandonment of pneumatic dilation from clinical practice. Ideally, all treatment options should be discussed with treatment-naive patients with achalasia and a shared decision should be made. FUNDING: Fonds NutsOhra and European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy.

[The gastroenterology during the first and second wave of corona pandemic - two surveys by the working group of the guiding gastroenterologic clinicians (ALGK)]. / Die Gastroenterologie in der ersten und zweiten Corona-Welle ­ zwei Umfragen der Arbeitsgemeinschaft Leitender Gastroenterologischer Krankenhausärzte (ALGK).

BACKGROUND: An evaluation of the non-university hospitals in Germany with regard to the actual and follow-up working condition, alterations and perspectives during the Corona-crisis is missing. The working group of the guiding gastroenterologic clinicians (ALGK) comprises more than 70% of the head physicians of gastroenterological units leading to representative informations. METHODS: The ALGK conducted two surveys among its members in 2020 during the first and 2021 during the second Corona-wave. 369 members with correct email adresses were contacted. The first survey included 17 and the second survey 21 questions. RESULTS: 58 % of the respondent represented primary and standard care hospitals, 36 % secondary care hospitals, 6 % tertiary hospitals of maximum care, 43 % communal, 38 % confessional and 18 % private hospitals. 87 % of the respondent reported about cancellation of the hospital appointments by the patients (87 %/85 %). In the second survey, appointment cancellation by the physican (58 % vs. 84 %), reduction of emergency cases (16 % vs. 29 %), postponement of diagnostic or therapeutic appointments (85 % vs. 99 %) and reduction of programmed inpatient (65 vs. 91 %) or outpatient treatment (15 % vs. 84 %) were lesser compared to the first survey. Mean reduction of endoscopic procedures per unit were 337/month to 151/month (55 %) for diagnostic endoscopy, 174/month to 84/month (52 %) for therapeutic endoscopy and 56/month to 7/month (87,5 %) for prevention colonoscopy. The comparison between hospital operators revealed more reports on staff to be under quarantine, more very strong or strong feeling of psychological stress, more fear of corona-infection and more suspicion of ambulatory maintenance in gastroenterology in private hospitals. Willingness for vaccination was very high among physicians and nursing staff (92 %/89 %) and not different between the hospital operators. 38 % of the repsondent reported on the fear of existential risk of their hospital because of the Corona-crisis. CONCLUSION: The two ALGK surveys give a reprensentative picture of the situation of non-university gastroenterological units during Corona-pandemic in Germany.

Acute gastrointestinal bleeding: results from the prospective German electronic registry of nearly 11 000 endoscopies (ALGK GI-bleeding registry).

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Gastrointestinal bleeding is frequently observed in the German population. However, recent epidemiological data are not available. This study aimed to elucidate gastrointestinal bleeds under real-life conditions in 3 German hospitals. By using a standardized electronic documentation system, a large number of consecutive endoscopies could be established, thus offering representative data. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From June 2017 to December 2018, all upper and lower gastrointestinal tract endoscopies were recorded consecutively in the 3 hospitals. The electronic documentation system used included a case report form for storing data on bleeding as obligatory input for completion of the endoscopy report. In the case of gastrointestinal bleeding, specific data on the bleeding source and intensity, as well as individual characteristics, were documented. RESULTS: A total of 10 948 consecutive endoscopies were recorded, and 10 904 could be analyzed. Signs of gastrointestinal bleeding were found in 863 patients (7.9 % of all endoscopies performed), 538 patients with an intake of hemostasis-affecting drugs, and 325 patients without (62.3 % and 37.7 %, respectively). Platelet inhibitors and anticoagulants were the most frequently used hemostasis-affecting medication. There was a significant increase in age from patients without bleeding (median 68.5 years) to patients with bleeding (73.5 years) and to patients with bleeding who took hemostasis-affecting medication (80.4 years). Among the patients, 257 (29.8 %) and 606 (70.2 %) presented with major and minor bleeding, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: About 8 % of all patients undergoing upper or lower gastrointestinal endoscopy reveal signs of bleeding. A considerable number are older patients taking hemostasis-affecting drugs.

[Diverticula in the gastrointestinal tract]. / Divertikel im Gastrointestinaltrakt.

The prevalence of diverticula varies depending on the location within the gastrointestinal tract. Diverticula of the esophagus, stomach and small intestine are rare, more frequent are peripapillary diverticula and colonic diverticula. Meckel diverticula can also be of relevance in adults. Diverticula have to be differentiated from intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the esophagus and bile duct cysts. An endoscopic and radiological diagnostic work-up is only necessary for symptomatic diverticula or complications. In some cases additional functional diagnostic tests, such as high-resolution esophageal manometry to detect underlying motility disorders (Zenker's diverticulum, epiphrenic diverticulum) or the hydrogen breath test to detect bacterial overgrowth in the small intestine (diverticula of the small intestine) are mandatory. Effective treatment requires the close interdisciplinary cooperation between different specialist disciplines. Therapeutic modalities include pharmacotherapy, endoscopy and surgical methods.

[Consequences of the COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2 pandemic for gastroenterology in Germany]. / Folgen der COVID-19/SARS-CoV-2-Pandemie für die Gastroenterologie in Deutschland.

The recommendations of the German Society of Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in gastroenterological patients are accessible on the homepage of the Society under information at https://www.dgvs.de/covid-19/. Recommendations for protection against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) have been published by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA). Separate endoscopy rooms for high-risk patients and negative pressure rooms should be included in the planning of future endoscopy unit projects. It is unclear whether a continuing prioritization of gastroenterological services after the first wave of COVID-19 is necessary in the future. The report of the Scientific Institute of the AOK health insurance company (WldO) and surveys of the Working Group of Clinical Gastroenterologists (ALGK) and the Professional Association of Private Gastroenterologists in Germany (bng) demonstrated that the coronavirus lockdown led to a significant reduction of gastrointestinal diseases and gastroenterological services including screening colonoscopy. It is likely that the reduction of the overcapacity of the German healthcare system will also be continued by reduction of inpatient services after the corona pandemic has been overcome. It is essential to keep the medical profession attractive for young colleagues. The high rates of burnout and suicide and the difficult compatibility with the requirements of a life balance are alarm signals that have to be solved.

Not always eosinophilic esophagitis - intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the esophagus - a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Intramural pseudodiverticulosis of the esophagus (EIPD) is a rare disease leading to dysphagia, chest pain, and weight loss. The diagnosis is difficult, and the disease can be confounded with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). We present a patient with esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis and a literature review. CASE REPORT: The 45-year-old white caucasian woman with a history of nicotine and alcohol abuse had progressive hoarseness and severe dysphagia for solid food. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) showed proximal esophageal stenosis, thrush esophagitis, and mucosal alteration with trachealization suspicious of EoE. However, repeated bouginage EGD and barium swallow revealed typical signs of esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIPD). The patient was treated successfully by bougingage, acid suppression, and antifungal therapy. The literature analysis revealed the characteristics of EIPD according to age, sex, risk factors, and therapy modalities. CONCLUSION: The case report and the literature overview suggest that EIPD can be confounded with EoE.

Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus - a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus is a rare disease leading to dysphagia, chest pain, and weight loss. The diagnosis is difficult because even repeated biopsies are often without tumor evidence. We present a patient with verrucous carcinoma of the esophagus and a literature review. CASE REPORT: A 64-year-old patient with dysphagia and sore throat received esophagogastroduodenoscopy illustrating segmental circumferential verrucous inflammation and Candida esophagitis in the middle part of the esophagus. Repeated mucosal biopsies revealed reactive hyperkeratosis of the squamous epithelium with minimal atypia but without ulcera, eosinophilic esophagitis, or suspicion of cancer. Mucosal infection with adenovirus, herpes simplex virus 1, human papilloma virus types, and cytomegaly virus was ruled out. Veruccous carcinoma was detected finally by endoscopic mucosal resection. The patient was successfully treated by esophageal resection. Tumor stage was G1, pT1b, pN0, L0, V0, Pn0, R0. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that macroscopic suspicion of verrucous esophageal carcinoma should lead to resections of larger tissue specimens by EMR to confirm the diagnosis.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection and its treatment alternatives in difficult-to-treat lesions of the lower gastrointestinal tract: a cost-effectiveness analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) has shown efficacy and safety in the colorectum. The aim of this analysis was to investigate whether EFTR is cost-effective in comparison with surgical and endoscopic treatment alternatives. DESIGN: Real data from the study cohort of the prospective, single-arm WALL RESECT study were used. A simulated comparison arm was created based on a survey that included suggested treatment alternatives to EFTR of the respective lesions. Treatment costs and reimbursement were calculated in euro according to the coding rules of 2017 and 2019 (EFTR). R0 resection rate was used as a measure of effectiveness. To assess cost-effectiveness, the average cost-effectiveness ratio (ACER) and the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) were determined. Calculations were made both from the perspective of the care provider as well as of the payer. RESULTS: The cost per case was €2852.20 for the EFTR group, €1712 for the standard endoscopic resection (SER) group, €8895 for the surgical resection group and €5828 for the pooled alternative treatment to EFTR. From the perspective of the care provider, the ACER (mean cost per R0 resection) was €3708.98 for EFTR, €3115.10 for SER, €8924.05 for surgical treatment and €7169.30 for all pooled and weighted alternatives to EFTR. The ICER (additional cost per R0 resection compared with EFTR) was €5196.47 for SER, €26 533.13 for surgical resection and €67 768.62 for the pooled rate of alternatives. Results from the perspective of the payer were similar. CONCLUSION: EFTR is cost-effective in comparison with surgical and endoscopic treatment alternatives in the colorectum.

Effect of Peroral Endoscopic Myotomy vs Pneumatic Dilation on Symptom Severity and Treatment Outcomes Among Treatment-Naive Patients With Achalasia: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Case series suggest favorable results of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for treatment of patients with achalasia. Data comparing POEM with pneumatic dilation, the standard treatment for patients with achalasia, are lacking. Objective: To compare the effects of POEM vs pneumatic dilation as initial treatment of treatment-naive patients with achalasia. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized multicenter clinical trial was conducted at 6 hospitals in the Netherlands, Germany, Italy, Hong Kong, and the United States. Adult patients with newly diagnosed achalasia and an Eckardt score greater than 3 who had not undergone previous treatment were included. The study was conducted between September 2012 and July 2015, the duration of follow-up was 2 years after the initial treatment, and the final date of follow-up was November 22, 2017. Interventions: Randomization to receive POEM (n = 67) or pneumatic dilation with a 30-mm and a 35-mm balloon (n = 66), with stratification according to hospital. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was treatment success (defined as an Eckardt score ≤3 and the absence of severe complications or re-treatment) at the 2-year follow-up. A total of 14 secondary end points were examined among patients without treatment failure, including integrated relaxation pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter via high-resolution manometry, barium column height on timed barium esophagogram, and presence of reflux esophagitis. Results: Of the 133 randomized patients, 130 (mean age, 48.6 years; 73 [56%] men) underwent treatment (64 in the POEM group and 66 in the pneumatic dilation group) and 126 (95%) completed the study. The primary outcome of treatment success occurred in 58 of 63 patients (92%) in the POEM group vs 34 of 63 (54%) in the pneumatic dilation group, a difference of 38% ([95% CI, 22%-52%]; P < .001). Of the 14 prespecified secondary end points, no significant difference between groups was demonstrated in 10 end points. There was no significant between-group difference in median integrated relaxation pressure (9.9 mm Hg in the POEM group vs 12.6 mm Hg in the pneumatic dilation group; difference, 2.7 mm Hg [95% CI, -2.1 to 7.5]; P = .07) or median barium column height (2.3 cm in the POEM group vs 0 cm in the pneumatic dilation group; difference, 2.3 cm [95% CI, 1.0-3.6]; P = .05). Reflux esophagitis occurred more often in the POEM group than in the pneumatic dilation group (22 of 54 [41%] vs 2 of 29 [7%]; difference, 34% [95% CI, 12%-49%]; P = .002). Two serious adverse events, including 1 perforation, occurred after pneumatic dilation, while no serious adverse events occurred after POEM. Conclusions and Relevance: Among treatment-naive patients with achalasia, treatment with POEM compared with pneumatic dilation resulted in a significantly higher treatment success rate at 2 years. These findings support consideration of POEM as an initial treatment option for patients with achalasia. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register number: NTR3593.

Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is effective in treatment of noncardiac chest pain caused by hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders: results of the POEM-HYPE-Study.

BACKGROUND: Noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is recurrent angina pectoris-like pain without evidence of coronary heart disease in conventional diagnostic evaluation. In gastroenterology, managing of patients with NCCP is ambiguous to detect gastroesophageal reflux and hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) was established as treatment option in achalasia. However, limited data exist on the effectivity of POEM in NCCP with hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this prospective study (POEM-HYPE), we evaluated 14 patients with NCCP and hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders (type III achalasia, n = 7; hypercontractile esophagus, n = 6; distal esophageal spasm, n = 1). All patients underwent standardized diagnostic work-up including esophagogastroduodenoscopy with esophageal biopsies, high-resolution esophageal manometry, and combined intraluminal impedance and pH testing before and 3 weeks after POEM. A standardized symptom questionnaire was disposed before POEM, 3 weeks after, and every 6 months after the POEM. RESULTS: After POEM, 12 patients showed significant symptom relief (pre-Eckardt score: 7.78 ±â€Š1.47, 3 weeks post: 1.64 ± 1.44, 6 months: 2.0 ±â€Š1.84 and 1.86 ±â€Š1.89 after 15.0 ±â€Š10.0 months post-intervention). High-resolution manometry showed significant reduction in integrated relaxation pressure (pre-POEM: 24.74 ±â€Š18.9 mm Hg, post-POEM: 13.8 ±â€Š16.5 mm Hg) and distal contractile integral (pre-POEM: 2880 ±â€Š3700 mmHg*s*cm, post-POEM: 1109 ±â€Š1042 mmHg*s*cm). One lesion of the submucosal tunnel occurred as a moderate adverse event and was handled endoscopically. The long-term clinical success rate was 85.7 %. No severe gastroesophageal reflux occurred after interventions. Two patients required secondary therapy with injection of botulinum toxin in the tubular esophagus and balloon dilation. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that POEM is an effective and safe therapeutic option for patients with NCCP and hypercontractile esophageal motility disorders.

Cap-assisted endoscopy: Do we have enough evidence?

So, is there enough evidence to incorporate CC in clinical practice? If we interpret the literature and the meta-analysis by Nutalapati et al., the answer for the clinically-focused endoscopist, with regard to adenoma detection rate (ADR), at present, may be "no". Significant differences do not necessarily imply clinical benefits and translation into clinical practice. The answer for the improvement of cecal intubation frequency and intubation time by the cap depends on the focus of training commitment, because these effects of the cap may be beneficial, especially for unexperienced endoscopists. It is obvious that further studies are needed. In this line, it is interesting to know, that in a recent meta-analysis of prospective studies, the length of the transparent cap had opposite effects on investigation time and polyp detection rate. Whereas, the anal to cecal time was significantly shortened by a cap length of > 7 mm and a polyp detection rate was significantly improved by a cap length of < 4 mm.

Protease signaling through protease activated receptor 1 mediate nerve activation by mucosal supernatants from irritable bowel syndrome but not from ulcerative colitis patients.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The causes of gastrointestinal complaints in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remain poorly understood. Altered nerve function has emerged as an important pathogenic factor as IBS mucosal biopsy supernatants consistently activate enteric and sensory neurons. We investigated the neurally active molecular components of such supernatants from patients with IBS and quiescent ulcerative colitis (UC). METHOD: Effects of supernatants from 7 healthy controls (HC), 20 IBS and 12 UC patients on human and guinea pig submucous neurons were studied with neuroimaging techniques. We identify differentially expressed proteins with proteome analysis. RESULTS: Nerve activation by IBS supernatants was prevented by the protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) antagonist SCHE79797. UC supernatants also activated enteric neurons through protease dependent mechanisms but without PAR1 involvement. Proteome analysis of the supernatants identified 204 proteins, among them 17 proteases as differentially expressed between IBS, UC and HC. Of those the four proteases elastase 3a, chymotrypsin C, proteasome subunit type beta-2 and an unspecified isoform of complement C3 were significantly more abundant in IBS compared to HC and UC supernatants. Of eight proteases, which were upregulated in IBS, the combination of elastase 3a, cathepsin L and proteasome alpha subunit-4 showed the highest prediction accuracy of 98% to discriminate between IBS and HC groups. Elastase synergistically potentiated the effects of histamine and serotonin-the two other main neuroactive substances in the IBS supernatants. A serine protease inhibitor isolated from the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum NCC2705 (SERPINBL), known to inhibit elastase-like proteases, prevented nerve activation by IBS supernatants. CONCLUSION: Proteases in IBS and UC supernatants were responsible for nerve activation. Our data demonstrate that proteases, particularly those signalling through neuronal PAR1, are biomarker candidates for IBS, and protease profiling may be used to characterise IBS.

Colonoscopic full-thickness resection using an over-the-scope device: a prospective multicentre study in various indications.

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a novel treatment of colorectal lesions not amenable to conventional endoscopic resection. The aim of this prospective multicentre study was to assess the efficacy and safety of the full-thickness resection device. DESIGN: 181 patients were recruited in 9 centres with the indication of difficult adenomas (non-lifting and/or at difficult locations), early cancers and subepithelial tumours (SET). Primary endpoint was complete en bloc and R0 resection. RESULTS: EFTR was technically successful in 89.5%, R0 resection rate was 76.9%. In 127 patients with difficult adenomas and benign histology, R0 resection rate was 77.7%. In 14 cases, lesions harboured unsuspected cancer, another 15 lesions were primarily known as cancers. Of these 29 cases, R0 resection was achieved in 72.4%; 8 further cases had deep submucosal infiltration >1000 µm. Therefore, curative resection could only be achieved in 13/29 (44.8%). In the subgroup with SET (n=23), R0 resection rate was 87.0%. In general, R0 resection rate was higher with lesions ≤2 cm vs >2 cm (81.2% vs 58.1%, p=0.0038). Adverse event rate was 9.9% with a 2.2% rate of emergency surgery. Three-month follow-up was available from 154 cases and recurrent/residual tumour was evident in 15.3%. CONCLUSION: EFTR has a reasonable technical efficacy especially in lesions ≤2 cm with acceptable complication rates. Curative resection rate for early cancers was too low to recommend its primary use in this indication. Further comparative studies have to show the clinical value and long-term outcome of EFTR in benign colorectal lesions. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02362126; Results.

[Incontinence - Etiology, diagnostics and Therapy]. / Stuhlinkontinenz: Ursache, Diagnostik und Therapie.

Fecal incontinence is defined by the unintentional loss of solid or liquid stool, and anal incontinence includes leakage of gas and / or fecal incontinence. Anal-fecal incontinence is not a diagnosis but a symptom. Many patients hide the problem from their families, friends, and even their doctors. Epidemiologic studies indicate a prevalence between 7-15 %, up to 30 % in hospitals and up to 70 % in longterm care settings. Anal-fecal incontinence causes a significant socio-economic burden. There is no widely accepted approach for classifying anal-fecal incontinence available. Anal-fecal continence is maintained by anatomical factors, rectoanal sensation, and rectal compliance. The diagnostic approach comprises muscle and nerve injuries by iatrogenic, obstetric or surgical trauma, descending pelvic floor or associated diseases. A basic diagnostic workup is sufficient to characterize the different manifestations of fecal incontinence in most of the cases. This includes patient history with a daily stool protocol and digital rectal investigation. Additional investigations may include anorectal manometry, anal sphincter EMG, conduction velocity of the pudendal nerve, needle EMG, barostat investigation, defecography and the dynamic MRI. Therapeutic interventions are focused on the individual symptoms and should be provided in close cooperation with gastroenterologists, surgeons, gynecologists, urologists, physiotherapeutics and psychologists (nutritional-training, food fibre content, pharmacological treatment of diarrhea/constipation, toilet training, pelvic floor gymnastic, anal sphincter training, biofeedback). Surgical therapy includes the STARR operation for rectoanal prolapse and sacral nerve stimulation for chronic constipation and anal-fecal incontinence. Surgery should not be applied unless the diagnostic work-up is complete and all conservative treatment options failed.