European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis. First Edition--Professional requirements and training.

Multidisciplinary, evidence-based guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis have been developed by experts in a project coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The full guideline document covers the entire process of population-based screening. It consists of 10 chapters and over 250 recommendations, graded according to the strength of the recommendation and the supporting evidence. The 450-page guidelines and the extensive evidence base have been published by the European Commission. The chapter on professional requirements and training includes 23 graded recommendations. The content of the chapter is presented here to promote international discussion and collaboration by making the principles and standards recommended in the new EU Guidelines known to a wider professional and scientific community. Following these recommendations has the potential to enhance the control of colorectal cancer through improvement in the quality and effectiveness of surveillance and other elements in the screening process, including multi-disciplinary diagnosis and management of the disease.

European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis. First Edition--Quality assurance in endoscopy in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis.

Multidisciplinary, evidence-based guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis have been developed by experts in a project coordinated by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. The full guideline document covers the entire process of population-based screening. It consists of 10 chapters and over 250 recommendations, graded according to the strength of the recommendation and the supporting evidence. The 450-page guidelines and the extensive evidence base have been published by the European Commission. The chapter on quality assurance in endoscopy includes 50 graded recommendations. The content of the chapter is presented here to promote international discussion and collaboration by making the principles and standards recommended in the new EU Guidelines known to a wider professional and scientific community. Following these recommendations has the potential to enhance the control of colorectal cancer through improvement in the quality and effectiveness of endoscopy and other elements in the screening process, including multidisciplinary diagnosis and management of the disease.

European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guideline: the use of electrosurgical units.

Electrosurgery is used in the majority of endoscopic therapeutic procedures. An understanding of the fundamental electrosurgical principles and various settings available on electrosurgical units is essential for the safe and effective use of electrosurgery during endoscopy. The aims of these technical guidelines are to: (1) expose physical principles relevant to the understanding of electrosurgery during endoscopy; (2) describe and provide practical recommendations regarding electrosurgical units that are commonly in use; (3) discuss the clinical relevance of technologies recently implemented in newer electrosurgical units; and (4) review factors relevant to commonly performed therapeutic procedures, including polypectomy, sphincterotomy, contact thermal hemostasis, and argon plasma coagulation.

Optimal preparation for small bowel examinations with video capsule endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Video capsule endoscopy is a major advance for small bowel exploration. Although the clinical benefit is well accepted, there are still unresolved issues concerning patient preparation. AIM: This study was set up in order to clarify the clinical benefit of small bowel preparation and give advices in order to obtain the best results for this expensive device. METHOD: 116 patients were randomised in 3 centres between two preparations from the traditional liquid diet versus polyethylene glycol colonoscopy-like preparation. External viewer monitoring and recording pictures were focused on image quality, bubbles or diet residues. Picture qualities were assessed blindly. RESULTS: For jejunal exploration no differences were noticed between the two preparations but for the ileum, polyethylene glycol preparation gives significant better results than liquid diet: air bubbles (64.4% versus 29.8% p<0.05); opaque residue (83.1% versus 38.6% p<0.05). External viewer was useful in order to use prokinetic drugs in case of delayed gastric emptying. CONCLUSION: The result leads to a new advice for colleagues in handling patients in order to improve the diagnosis yield by using a modified polyethylene glycol preparation.

Narrow-band imaging in digestive endoscopy.

The application of opto-electronics in video-endoscopes improves the accuracy in diagnosis, through image processing and digital technology. Narrow Band Imaging (NBI), consists of using interference filters for the illumination of the target in narrowed blue and green bands of the spectrum. NBI is combined with magnifying endoscopy using an objective macro or an optical zoom. The NBI technique developed by Olympus Medical Systems is now available in the most recent models of video-endoscopes that use the non-sequential system of illumination (Lucera Spectrum) or the sequential R/G/B system of illumination (Exera II). The major contribution of the technique is in the characterization (analysis after detection) of the flat and superficial neoplastic areas of the digestive mucosa, with a specific application to the identification of intestinal metaplasia and early neoplastic changes in the Barrett's esophagus. The technique also proves helpful for the assessment of the vascular pattern in chronic inflammatory disorders of the digestive mucosa.

Narrow band imaging: a wide field of possibilities.

The application of opto-electronic in video-endoscopes aims to improve accuracy in diagnosis, through image processing and digital technology. Narrow band imaging (NBI), one of the most recent techniques, consists of using interference filters for the illumination of the target in narrowed red, green, and blue (R/G/B) bands of the spectrum. This results in different images at distinct levels in the mucosa and increases the contrast of the epithelial surface and of the subjacent vascular network. NBI is combined to magnifying endoscopy with an optical zoom. After being studied in prototypes the opto-electronic technique, now available in the most recent models of video-endoscopes that use the sequential R/G/B system of illumination, should be adapted in the near future for the instruments utilizing the non-sequential system of illumination. This new technique aims to characterize the surface of the distinct types of digestive epithelia, including intestinal metaplasia in the Barrett's esophagus. The technique also allows characterizing the disorganization of the vascular pattern in inflammatory disorders of the digestive mucosa and in superficial neoplastic lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and large bowel.

Use of sedation for routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Survey of National Endoscopy Society Members.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Sedation rates may vary among countries, depending on patients' and endoscopists' preferences. The aim of this survey was to investigate the rate of using premedication for routine diagnostic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy in endoscopy societies, members of the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE). METHODS: We evaluated a multiple-choice questionnaire which was e-mailed to representatives of national endoscopy societies, which are members of the ESGE. The questionnaire had 14 items referring to endoscopy practices in each country and the representatives' endoscopy units. RESULTS: The response rate was 76% (34/45). In 47% of the countries, less than 25% of patients undergo routine diagnostic UGI endoscopy with conscious sedation. In 62% of the responders' endoscopy units, patients are not asked their preference for sedation and do not sign a consent form (59%). Common sedatives in use are midazolam (82%), diazepam (38%) or propofol (47%). Monitoring equipment is not available 'in most of the endoscopy units' in 46% (13/28) of the countries. Though they were available in 91% of the national representatives' endoscopy units, they are rarely (21%) used to monitor unsedated routine diagnostic UGI endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In about 50% of ESGE-related countries, less than 25% of patients are sedated for routine diagnostic UGI endoscopy. Major issues to improve include availability of monitoring equipment and the use of a consent form.

Similar performance but higher cholecystitis rate with covered biliary stents: results from a prospective multicenter evaluation.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic biliary stenting is now a well-established treatment method in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. Despite advances with metal stents, the problem of stent occlusion has not yet been resolved. Covered metal stents could reduce the occlusion rate by preventing tumor ingrowth, but have not been well evaluated. A prospective multicenter study was therefore conducted to evaluate the efficacy and disadvantages of covered Wallstents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Covered Wallstents were implanted endoscopically in 62 patients with inoperable distal malignant biliary obstruction. Complications, stent patency, and patient survival were analyzed. RESULTS: Stent insertion was achieved in 61 of the 62 patients (98.4 %). Procedure-related complications were observed in four patients, consisting of minor pancreatitis (n = 2) and abdominal pain due to stent expansion (n = 2). There was no procedure-related mortality. Seven patients died too early for proper assessment, so that a total of 54 patients were ultimately evaluated. Stent dysfunction occurred in 17 of the 54 patients (31.5 %). The reasons for dysfunction were proximal tumor overgrowth (n = 5), migration (n = 3), lithiasis or food impaction (n = 3), cholangitis without the need for a repeat biliary intervention (n = 5), and unknown (n = 1). The median period of stent patency was 142 days. No tumor ingrowth was observed. Acute cholecystitis was diagnosed in five patients (10 %) and was responsible for one death. Three stents were successfully removed. CONCLUSIONS: Covered biliary metal stents are effective for the drainage of distal malignant biliary obstruction, with a dysfunction rate apparently similar to that of uncovered stents. However, the risk of acute cholecystitis appears to be a major concern with this type of stent in patients with gallbladder in situ. Further comparative studies are needed.

Does chromoendoscopy with structure enhancement improve the colonoscopic adenoma detection rate?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Colonoscopy is still considered the standard investigation for the detection of colorectal adenomas, but the miss rate, especially for small and flat lesions, remains unacceptably high. Chromoscopy has been shown to increase the yield for lesion detection in inflammatory bowel disease. The aim of this randomized prospective study was to determine whether a combination of chromoscopy and structure enhancement could increase the adenoma detection rate in high-risk patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients included in the trial had a personal history of colorectal adenomas and/or a family history of colorectal cancer (but excluding genetic syndromes). They were randomized to one of two tandem colonoscopy groups, with the first pass consisting of conventional colonoscopy for both groups, followed by either chromoscopy and structure enhancement (the "study" group) or a second conventional colonoscopy (the control group) for the second-pass colonoscopy. All detected lesions was examined histopathologically after endoscopic resection or biopsy. The principal outcome parameter was the adenoma detection rate; the number, histopathology, and location of lesions was also recorded. RESULTS: A total of 292 patients were included in the study (146 patients in each group). The patients' demographic characteristics, the indications for colonoscopy, and the quality of bowel preparation were similar in the two groups. There was a significant difference between the two groups with respect to the median duration of the examination (18.9 minutes in the control group vs. 27.1 minutes for the study group, P < 0.001). Although more hyperplastic lesions were detected throughout the colon in the study group ( P = 0.033), there was no difference between the two groups in either the proportion of patients with at least one adenoma or in the total number of adenomas detected. Chromoscopy and structure enhancement diagnosed significantly more diminutive adenomas (< 5mm) in the right colon, compared with controls ( P = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our results we cannot generally recommend the systematic use of chromoscopy and structure enhancement in a high-risk patient population, although the detection of small adenomas in the proximal colon was improved.

Narrow-band imaging: potential and limitations.

The purpose of introducing optical electronics into video endoscopes is to improve the accuracy of diagnosis through image processing and digital technology. Narrow-band imaging (NBI), one of the most recent techniques, involves the use of interference filters to illuminate the target in narrowed red, green and blue (R/G/B) bands of the spectrum. This results in different images at distinct levels of the mucosa and increases the contrast between the epithelial surface and the subjacent vascular network. NBI can be combined with magnifying endoscopy with an optical zoom. The aim of this new technique is to characterize the surface of the distinct types of gastrointestinal epithelia - e. g., intestinal metaplasia in Barrett's esophagus. The technique may also make it possible to demonstrate disorganization of the vascular pattern in inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal mucosa and in superficial neoplastic lesions in the esophagus, stomach, and large bowel.

Routine management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by gastroenterologists in France: a prospective observational study.

AIMS: To obtain data on routine care of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by French gastroenterologists. PATIENTS: Five thousand and forty-five adults with gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. METHODS: Patients were recruited by a representative sample of 598 French gastroenterologists. A full disease history, with treatments given/investigations undertaken, was obtained from all patients. The patients' expectations with regard to the improvement of the symptoms' control and the corresponding assessments made by the gastroenterologists were recorded on a 4-point scale. RESULTS: The mean time since diagnosis was approximately 4 years. The most commonly presented symptom was heartburn (79% of patients). A total of 3735 patients (74%) underwent endoscopy because of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Erosive oesophagitis was present in 38% and Barrett's oesophagus in 8%. Medical therapy for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease was prescribed in 92% of patients, of whom 86% received proton pump inhibitors. Lifestyle advice was given to 73% of patients. Overall, 84% of patients and 72% of physicians expected 'highly' or 'moderately' improved control of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Gastroenterologists underrated the need for improvement of the symptoms' control as expressed by 'de novo' as well as 'previously diagnosed' patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides cross-sectional data on the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease by gastroenterologists in France. Most patients have high expectations of an improvement in their management, but gastroenterologists generally underrate these expectations.

The role of video capsule endoscopy in the diagnosis of digestive diseases: a review of current possibilities.

Video capsule endoscopy represents a significant advance in the investigation of intestinal diseases. The performance of the procedure and indications are reviewed here in order to establish guidelines for its use, in accordance with current knowledge from the published literature. Capsule endoscopy is performed in patients who have fasted for 12 h, but who are allowed to drink 2 h after and to eat 4 h after ingesting the capsule. Software features highlighting suspected blood and allowing simultaneous viewing of two images reduce the time required to review the findings, as well as improving the diagnostic yield. Pacemakers and other electrical medical devices are no longer a contraindication to the procedure. Indications that have been validated include obscure digestive bleeding, intestinal lesions related to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and familial polyposis. Capsule endoscopy frequently detects intestinal lesions in patients with Crohn's disease and could become the first-choice examination in patients with suspected Crohn's disease after conventional endoscopic investigations. Other indications currently under evaluation include celiac disease, pediatric indications, and examination of other parts of the gastrointestinal tract.