Circumstance of endoscopic and laparoscopic treatments for gastric cancer in Japan: A review of epidemiological studies using a national administrative database.

Currently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and laparoscopic gastrectomy (LG) have become widely accepted and increasingly play important roles in the treatment of gastric cancer. Data from an administrative database associated with the diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) system have revealed some circumstances of ESD and LG in Japan. Some studies demonstrated that medical costs or length of stay of patients receiving ESD for gastric cancer had become significantly reduced while length of hospitalization and costs were significantly increased in older patients. With respect to LG, some recent reports have shown that this has been a cost-beneficial treatment for patients compared with open gastrectomy while simultaneous LG and cholecystectomy is a safe procedure for patients with both gastric cancer and gallbladder stones. These epidemiological studies using the administrative database in the DPC system closely reflect clinical circumstances of endoscopic and surgical treatment for gastric cancer in Japan. However, DPC database does not contain detailed clinical data such as histological types and lesion size of gastric cancer. The link between the DPC database and another detailed clinical database may be vital for future research into endoscopic and laparoscopic treatments for gastric cancer.

Effect of dementia on outcomes of elderly patients with hemorrhagic peptic ulcer disease based on a national administrative database.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the effect of dementia on outcomes of elderly patients with hemorrhagic peptic ulcer disease at the population level. AIMS: This study aimed to investigate the effect of dementia on outcomes of elderly patients with hemorrhagic peptic ulcer based on a national administrative database. METHODS: A total of 14,569 elderly patients (≥80 years) who were treated by endoscopic hemostasis for hemorrhagic peptic ulcer were referred to 1073 hospitals between 2010 and 2012 in Japan. We collected patients' data from the administrative database to compare clinical and medical economic outcomes of elderly patients with hemorrhagic peptic ulcers. Patients were divided into two groups according to the presence of dementia: patients with dementia (n = 695) and those without dementia (n = 13,874). RESULTS: There were no significant differences in in-hospital mortality within 30 days and overall mortality between the groups (odds ratio; OR 1.00, 95 % confidence interval; CI 0.68-1.46, p = 0.986 and OR 1.02, 95 % CI 0.74-1.41, p = 0.877). However, the length of stay (LOS) and medical costs during hospitalization were significantly higher in patients with dementia compared with those without dementia. The unstandardized coefficient for LOS was 3.12 days (95 % CI 1.58-4.67 days, p < 0.001), whereas that for medical costs was 1171.7 US dollars (95 % CI 533.8-1809.5 US dollars, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Length of stay and medical costs during hospitalization are significantly increased in elderly patients with dementia undergoing endoscopic hemostasis for hemorrhagic peptic ulcer disease.

Effect of hospital volume on outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis: an observational study.

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the effect of hospital volume on outcomes of laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis. METHODS: In total, 30,525 patients who underwent laparoscopic appendectomy for acute appendicitis were referred to 825 hospitals in Japan from 2010 to 2012. We compared appendectomy-related complications, length of stay (LOS), and medical costs in relation to hospital volume. For this study period, hospitals were categorized as low-volume hospitals (LVHs, <50 cases), medium-volume hospitals (MVHs, 50-100 cases), or high-volume hospitals (HVHs, >100 cases). RESULTS: Significant differences in appendectomy-related complications were observed among the LVHs, MVHs, and HVHs (6.9, 7.2, and 6.0 %, respectively; p = 0.001). Multiple logistic regression revealed that HVHs were associated with a lower relative risk of appendectomy-related complications than were LVHs and MVHs (odds ratio [OR], 0.84; 95 % confidence interval [CI], 0.74-0.95; p = 0.006). Multiple linear regression showed that HVHs were associated with shorter LOS and lower medical costs than were LVHs and MVHs. The unstandardized coefficient for LOS was -0.92 days (95 % CI, -1.07 to -0.78; p < 0.001), whereas that for medical costs was - $167.4 (95 % CI, -256.2 to -78.6; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hospital volume was significantly associated with laparoscopic appendectomy outcomes.

Influence of hospital volume on outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in patients with comorbidity in Japan.

OBJECTIVE: Little information is available on the relationship between hospital volume and the outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in patients with comorbidity. This study aimed to investigate the influence of hospital volume on patient outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer in patients with comorbidity using a national administrative database. METHODS: A total of 5941 comorbid patients treated with laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were referred to 741 hospitals in Japan. We collected patients' data from the administrative database to compare laparoscopy-related complications, in-hospital mortality, length of stay (LOS), and medical costs during hospitalization in relation to hospital volume. Hospital volume was categorized into two groups: low (<40 cases in 3 years; n = 4111) and high (≥ 40 cases; n = 1830). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups in laparoscopy-related complications and in-hospital mortality (p = 0.684 and p = 0.200, respectively). However, significant variations in mean LOS and medical costs were observed between hospital volume categories (26.1 days vs. 20.2 days and 16,163.9 US dollars vs. 14,345.9 US dollars, respectively; p < 0.001). Multiple linear regressions revealed that higher hospital volume was significantly associated with shorter LOS and lower medical costs during hospitalization. The unstandardized coefficient for LOS was -4.62 days (95% confidence interval = -5.63--3.60, p < 0.001), whereas that for medical costs was -1424.1 US dollars (95% confidence interval = -1962.5--885.6, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Hospital volume was significantly associated with a decrease of LOS and medical costs of comorbid patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

The recent time trend of outcomes of disseminated intravascular coagulation in Japan: an observational study based on a national administrative database.

The aim of this study is to investigate the recent trend over time of outcomes of patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) based on the Japanese administrative database. A total of 34,711 patients with DIC had been referred to 1,092 hospitals from 2010 to 2012 in Japan. We collected patients' data from the administrative database to compare in-hospital mortality within 14 and 28 days between periods. The study periods were categorized into three groups: 2010 (n = 8,382), 2011 (n = 13,372), and 2012 (n = 12,957). These analyses were performed according to the underlying diseases associated with DIC. The in-hospital mortality within 14 or 28 days of DIC patients with infectious diseases decreased between 2010 and 2012 (within 14 days: 20.4 vs. 18.1 vs. 17.9 %, P = 0.009; within 28 days: 31.1 vs. 28.7 vs. 27.7%, P = 0.003; respectively). Multiple logistic regressions also showed that the period was associated with in-hospital mortality of DIC patients with infectious diseases. The odds ratios of 2011 and 2012 for in-hospital mortality within 14 days were 0.86 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 0.77-0.97] and 0.84 (95% CI 0.75-0.94) whereas those for in-hospital mortality within 28 days were 0.89 (95% CI 0.81-0.98) and 0.83 (95% CI 0.76-0.92), respectively. However, there were no significant differences in mortality of patients with DIC associated with other underlying diseases between 2010 and 2012. This study demonstrated that in-hospital mortality of DIC patients with infectious diseases gradually improved between 2010 and 2012 in Japan.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer: the influence of hospital volume on complications and length of stay.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available about the relationship between hospital volume and the clinical outcome of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of hospital volume on clinical outcomes of ESD using a national administrative database. METHODS: A total of 27,385 patients treated with ESD for gastric cancer were referred to 867 hospitals between 2009 and 2011 in Japan. We collected patients' data from the administrative database to compare ESD-related complications and length of stay (LOS) in relation to hospital volume. Hospital volume was categorized into three groups based on the number of cases treated over the study period: low-volume hospitals (LVHs, <50 cases), medium-volume hospitals (MVHs, 50-100 cases), and high-volume hospitals (HVHs, >100 cases). These analyses were performed for each location of gastric cancer [upper (cardia and fundus), middle (body), and lower third (antrum and pylorus)]. RESULTS: Significant differences in ESD-related complications among the three hospital volume categories were observed for upper gastric cancer (6.5 % in LVHs vs. 5.2 % in MVHs vs. 3.4 % in HVHs; p = 0.017). Multiple logistic regression revealed that HVHs were significantly associated with decreased relative risk of ESD-related complications in upper gastric cancer (odds ratio for HVHs 0.51; 95 % confidence interval, 0.31-0.83, p = 0.007). However, no significant differences for ESD-related complications were seen for middle and lower gastric cancers among the different hospital volume categories (p > 0.05). Additionally, hospital volume was significantly associated with a decreasing LOS for all locations of gastric cancers (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The present study has demonstrated that hospital volume was mainly associated with clinical outcome in patients with ESD for upper gastric cancer. Further studies for successive monitoring of outcomes of ESD should be conducted in the near future.

Time trend of medical economic outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer in Japan: a national database analysis.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the analysis of chronological changes in medical economic outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer. This study aimed to investigate the recent time trend of medical economic outcomes of ESD for gastric cancer based on the Japanese administrative database. METHODS: A total of 32,943 patients treated with ESD for gastric cancer were referred to 907 hospitals from 2009 to 2011 in Japan. We collected patients' data from the administrative database to compare ESD-related complications, risk-adjusted length of stay (LOS), and medical costs during hospitalization. The study periods were categorized into three groups: 2009 (n = 9,727), 2010 (n = 11,052), and 2011 (n = 12,164). RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in ESD-related complications between three study periods (p = 0.496). However, mean LOS and medical costs during hospitalization of patients with ESD were significantly lower in 2011 than in 2009 and 2010 (p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that patients who received ESD in 2011 had a significantly shorter LOS and lower medical costs during hospitalization compared with those in 2009. The unstandardized coefficient of patients with ESD in 2011 for LOS was -0.78 days [95 % confidence interval (CI), -0.89 to -0.65; p ≤ 0.001], while that of those for medical costs during hospitalization was -290.5 US dollars (95 % CI, -392.3 to -188.8; p ≤ 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the complication rate of ESD was stable, whereas the LOS and medical costs of patients were significantly reduced from 2009 to 2011.

Effects of additional laparoscopic cholecystectomy on outcomes of laparoscopic gastrectomy in patients with gastric cancer based on a national administrative database.

BACKGROUND: Little information is available on the effects of adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy to laparoscopic gastrectomy on outcomes of patients with gastric cancer. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy to laparoscopic gastrectomy on outcomes in patients with gastric cancer using a national administrative database. METHODS: A total of 14,006 patients treated with laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer were referred to 744 hospitals in Japan between 2009 and 2011. Patients were divided into two groups, those who also underwent simultaneous laparoscopic cholecystectomy for gallbladder stones (n = 1484) and those who underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy alone (n = 12,522). Laparoscopy-related complications, in-hospital mortality, length of stay, and medical costs during hospitalization were compared in the patient groups. RESULTS: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not affect laparoscopy-related complications (odds ratio, 1.02; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.84-1.24; P = 0.788) or in-hospital mortality (odds ratio, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.49-2.76; P = 0.727). Multiple linear regression analysis also showed that adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not affect the length of stay (unstandardized coefficient, 0.37 d; 95% CI, -0.47 to 1.22 d; P = 0.389). However, adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy was associated with significantly increased medical costs during hospitalization (unstandardized coefficient, $1256.0 (95% CI, $806.2-$1705.9; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that adding laparoscopic cholecystectomy did not affect outcomes of patients undergoing laparoscopic gastrectomy for gastric cancer, although medical costs during hospitalization were significantly increased.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for gastric cancer in elderly Japanese patients: an observational study of financial costs of treatment based on a national administrative database.

OBJECTIVE: There is currently little information on the medical economic outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric cancer (GC) in elderly patients. This study therefore aimed to investigate the medical economic outcomes of ESD in elderly patients with GC using a national administrative database. METHODS: A total of 27 385 patients treated with ESD for GC were referred to 867 hospitals in Japan from 2009 to 2011. We collected data from the national administrative database and divided them into two groups according to age: elderly patients (≥80 years; n = 5525) and non-elderly patients (<80 years; n = 21 860). We compared ESD-related complications, risk-adjusted length of stay (LOS) and medical costs during hospitalization between elderly and non-elderly patients. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in ESD-related complications between elderly and non-elderly patients (4.3% vs 3.9%, P = 0.152). However, significant differences were observed in mean LOS and medical costs during hospitalization between the two groups (P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that elderly patients experienced a significantly longer LOS and higher medical costs. The unstandardized coefficient for LOS in elderly patients was 2.71 days (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.59-2.84, P < 0.001), while that for medical costs during hospitalization was USD952.1 (95% CI 847.7-1056.5, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: LOS and medical costs during hospitalization were significantly higher in elderly patients undergoing ESD for GC than in non-elderly patients, although there was no difference in the incidence of ESD-related complications.

TG13: Updated Tokyo Guidelines for the management of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis.

In 2007, the Tokyo Guidelines for the management of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis (TG07) were first published in the Journal of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery. The fundamental policy of TG07 was to achieve the objectives of TG07 through the development of consensus among specialists in this field throughout the world. Considering such a situation, validation and feedback from the clinicians' viewpoints were indispensable. What had been pointed out from clinical practice was the low diagnostic sensitivity of TG07 for acute cholangitis and the presence of divergence between severity assessment and clinical judgment for acute cholangitis. In June 2010, we set up the Tokyo Guidelines Revision Committee for the revision of TG07 (TGRC) and started the validation of TG07. We also set up new diagnostic criteria and severity assessment criteria by retrospectively analyzing cases of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis, including cases of non-inflammatory biliary disease, collected from multiple institutions. TGRC held meetings a total of 35 times as well as international email exchanges with co-authors abroad. On June 9 and September 6, 2011, and on April 11, 2012, we held three International Meetings for the Clinical Assessment and Revision of Tokyo Guidelines. Through these meetings, the final draft of the updated Tokyo Guidelines (TG13) was prepared on the basis of the evidence from retrospective multi-center analyses. To be specific, discussion took place involving the revised new diagnostic criteria, and the new severity assessment criteria, new flowcharts of the management of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis, recommended medical care for which new evidence had been added, new recommendations for gallbladder drainage and antimicrobial therapy, and the role of surgical intervention. Management bundles for acute cholangitis and cholecystitis were introduced for effective dissemination with the level of evidence and the grade of recommendations. GRADE systems were utilized to provide the level of evidence and the grade of recommendations. TG13 improved the diagnostic sensitivity for acute cholangitis and cholecystitis, and presented criteria with extremely low false positive rates adapted for clinical practice. Furthermore, severity assessment criteria adapted for clinical use, flowcharts, and many new diagnostic and therapeutic modalities were presented. The bundles for the management of acute cholangitis and cholecystitis are presented in a separate section in TG13. Free full-text articles and a mobile application of TG13 are available via http://www.jshbps.jp/en/guideline/tg13.html.

Profiling of the care processes for laryngeal cancer with the Japanese administrative database.

At present, there is a shortage of detailed data on head and neck cancer treatment in acute care hospitals in Japan. We conducted an analysis of the care process for laryngeal cancer inpatients in Japan using a national administrative database based on the case-mix system known as the Diagnosis Procedure Combination to evaluate the recent clinical situation of a relatively high incidence of head and neck cancers. We obtained discharge data relating to 2790 cases (one case = one hospitalization) involving 2319 laryngeal cancer patients from 346 acute care hospitals that participated in the Japanese national case-mix project between July and December of 2008. The details of their treatment procedures were analyzed according to the Japanese procedure codes managed by the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan. There were 2156 male and 163 female patients. The median age was 69 years (range: 22-96 years). The most frequent surgical procedure was endoscopic resection which was performed for 781 cases. Chemotherapy was given in 31.6% of cases in the < 60 age group, 28.2% in the 60-79, and 14.1% in the ≥ 80. The most frequently used chemotherapy regimen was a single drug, S-1 (compound of tegafur, gimeracil and oteracil potassium), which was more frequently used in the ≥ 70 age group than in the younger age group. The Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, which collects a large volume of data from all over the country, is useful for analysis of the care process for head and neck cancers in Japan.

Prospective cohort study evaluating the relationship between salted food intake and gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality in Japan.

PURPOSE: To investigate whether a high salted food intake increases the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study of 6830 Japanese inhabitants to evaluate the association between salted food consumption and the risk of gastrointestinal tract cancer mortality. Data were obtained from a prospective cohort study in Japan. Salted food consumption, determined from a baseline questionnaire, was classified into the two categories of 'low intake' and 'high intake'. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). FINDINGS: Total of 174 gastrointestinal tract cancer deaths (47 esophagus cancer, 87 stomach cancer, 23 colon cancer and 17 rectal cancer) were observed during 94996 person-years of follow-up, with a mean follow-up period of 8.9 years. After adjustment for age, body mass index, physical activity, smoking, alcohol, history of diabetes mellitus and dietary items, including vegetables, fruit, tea, red meat and processed meat, the HR for stomach cancer in males with high salt intake was 2.05 (95% CI:1.25 - 3.38) whereas that of rectal cancer was 3.58 (95% CI: 1.08 - 11.89). In contrast, no association was seen in females. Further, no association was seen between higher salted food consumption and esophagus and colon cancer in either sex. CONCLUSIONS: A significant association was seen between higher salted food consumption and stomach and rectal cancer mortality in men, but not in women. No association was seen between higher consumption and esophagus and colon cancer mortality in either men or women.

Impact of hospital volume on clinical outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage for acute cholangitis based on the Japanese administrative database associated with the diagnosis procedure combination system.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to determine the relationship between hospital volume and the clinical outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage for acute cholangitis, using the Japanese administrative database associated with the diagnosis procedure combination (DPC) system. METHODS: A total of 8698 patients with endoscopic biliary drainage were referred to 654 hospitals. We corrected patients' data from the database to compare risk-adjusted length of stay (LOS) and drainage-related complications in relation to the hospital volume. Hospital volume was categorized into three groups based on number of cases during the study period: low-volume hospitals (LVHs; <16 cases), medium-volume hospitals (MVHs; 16-32 cases), and high-volume hospitals (HVHs; >32 cases). RESULTS: Significant variation in mean LOS was observed between hospital volume categories (26.8 ± 22.6 days in LVHs vs. 23.3 ± 21.5 days in MVHs vs. 19.7 ± 17.2 days in HVHs, P < 0.001). There was a significant difference with regard to complications of endoscopic biliary drainage (5.6% in LVHs vs. 4.3% in MVHs vs. 3.2% in HVHs, P < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that hospital volume was most significantly associated with a decrease in risk-adjusted LOS. The standardized coefficient of MVHs was -0.155, whereas that of HVHs was -0.802. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that hospital volume decreased the relative risk of drainage-related complications. The odds ratio (OR) of MVHs was 0.764 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.604-0.965], whereas the OR of HVHs was 0.561 (95% CI, 0.434-0.725). CONCLUSIONS: There was a significant association between hospital volume and the clinical outcomes of endoscopic biliary drainage for acute cholangitis.

Pedunculated duodenal lipoma treated with endoscopic polypectomy with a detachable snare.

We report endoscopic polypectomy with a detachable snare in a patient with a hemorrhagic pedunculated duodenal lipoma. A 67-year-old man with a history of spinal canal stenosis was admitted to our hospital because of recurrent tarry stools and anemia. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a pedunculated submucosal tumor measuring approximately 4 cm, in the second part of the duodenum. The tumor had a slightly yellowish coloration, and longitudinal erosion was noted on the surface of the tumor. There were no significant findings in the esophagus, stomach and bulbs. Barium study revealed a pedunculated submucosal tumor measuring 40 x 12 mm in the second portion of the duodenum. We judged that the submucosal tumor may have been the hemorrhagic source, and removed it by endoscopic snare polypectomy with a detachable snare. No complications occurred during endoscopic procedures. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was composed of mature adipose tissue in the submucosa, which was consistent with a diagnosis of lipoma In our experience, endoscopic polypectomy with a detachable snare is useful for the treatment of hemorrhagic pedunculated duodenal lipoma.

Prospective comparative study on the acceptability of unsedated transnasal endoscopy in younger versus older patients.

GOALS: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the acceptance and tolerance for unsedated transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) between younger and older patients. BACKGROUND: Little information is available on comparisons of younger and older patients with regard to acceptance and tolerance of transnasal EGD. STUDY: A total of 260 patients were referred for unsedated transnasal EGD and divided into 2 groups according to their age: less than 60 years of age (group A, n=160) and 60 years of age and older (group B, n=100). A questionnaire for tolerance was completed by each patient (a validated 0 to 10 scale where "0" represents no discomfort/well tolerated and "10" represents severe discomfort/poorly tolerated). RESULTS: In 94.4% of group A and 95.0% of group B, insertions were successfully completed (P>0.05). Between groups A and B, discomfort during nasal anesthesia (1.7+/-0.2 vs. 1.6+/-0.2) and overall tolerance during procedure (1.7+/-0.2 vs. 1.5+/-0.2) were similar (P>0.05). However, discomfort during insertion was significantly greater in group A than in group B (2.5+/-0.2 vs. 1.9+/-0.2, P=0.02). Of all, 97.4% of group A and 94.7% of group B were willing to undergo unsedated transnasal EGD in the future (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in acceptability between younger and older patients for unsedated transnasal EGD. Otherwise, younger patients experienced significantly more discomfort during insertion than did older patients.

Successful endoscopic hemostasis for bleeding from an acquired ileal diverticulum.

We herein report successful endoscopic hemostasis in a patient with a bleeding from acquired ileal diverticulum. A 65-year-old woman was introduced to our hospital after the sudden onset of painless hematochezia. When emergency colonoscopy was performed, the site of bleeding could not be identified because of extensive blood pooling in the colon and ileocecal region. After admission, repeat colonoscopy with a transparent hood device after bowel preparation disclosed oozing of blood from an ileal diverticulum approximately 15 cm proximal to the ileocecal junction. We performed endoscopic therapy with injection of a hypertonic saline-epinephrine solution and placement of additional hemoclips in the diverticulum. Since the latter treatment, the patient had no recurrent hematochezia, and occult blood tests in stool had been negative. In cases of lower gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding from an acquired ileal diverticulum should be considered and the terminal ileum carefully observed.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis observed by double balloon enteroscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography in the whole gastrointestinal tract.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract characterized by the infiltration of eosinophils. It is a rare disease. There are no reports in the history of eosinophilic gastroenteritis being consecutively observed in the whole gastrointestinal tract by esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). A 66-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital because of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Laboratory findings included peripheral eosinophilia and a high serum immunoglobulin E level. We observed the whole gastrointestinal tract by EGD, DBE (antegrade and retrograde approaches), and EUS. DBE showed slightly edematous and reddish mucosa in the jejunum, ileum, and ascending colon, respectively. EUS in all portion of the gastrointestinal tract demonstrated almost normal five-layered structure without ascites. Histologic examination of the biopsy specimens from the stomach, duodenum, jejunum, ileum, colon and rectum revealed eosinophilic infiltration. No evidence of parasites, granulomas, malignancy, vasculitis or embolism was founded in any of the biopsy specimens. The patient was diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis with predominant mucosal layer form. She was treated with oral corticosteroid, and her symptoms subsided. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in which the whole gastrointestinal tract was consecutively observed by EGD, DBE, and EUS.

Prospective randomized trial of transnasal versus peroral endoscopy using an ultrathin videoendoscope in unsedated patients.

AIM: The aim of this study was to compare the acceptance and tolerance of transnasal and peroral esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) using an ultrathin videoendoscope in unsedated patients. METHODS: A total of 124 patients referred for diagnostic endoscopy were assigned randomly to have an unsedated transnasal EGD (n = 64) or peroral EGD (n = 60) with local anesthesia. An ultrathin videoendoscope with a diameter of 5.9 mm was used in this study. A questionnaire for tolerance was completed by the patient (a validated 0-10 scale where '0' represents no discomfort/well tolerated and '10' represents severe discomfort/poorly tolerated). RESULTS: Of the 64 transnasal EGD patients, 60 patients (94%) had a complete examination. Four transnasal EGD examinations failed for anatomical reasons; all four patients were successfully examined when switched to the peroral EGD. All 60 peroral EGD patients had a complete examination. Between the transnasal and peroral groups, there was a statistically significant difference in scores for discomfort during local anesthesia (1.5 +/- 0.2 vs 2.6 +/- 0.3, P = 0.003), discomfort during insertion (2.3 +/- 0.3 vs 4.3 +/- 0.3, P = 0.001), and overall tolerance during procedure (1.6 +/- 0.2 vs 3.8 +/- 0.2, P = 0.001). In all, 95% of transnasal EGD patients and 75% of peroral EGD patients (P = 0.002) were willing to undergo the same procedure in the future. Four patients in the transnasal EGD group experienced mild epistaxis. CONCLUSION: For unsedated endoscopy using an ultrathin videoendoscope, transnasal EGD is well tolerated and considerably reduces patient discomfort compared with peroral EGD.

Double-balloon endoscopy in the diagnosis and management of GI tract diseases: Methodology, indications, safety, and clinical impact.

AIM: To prospectively evaluate the indications, methodology, safety, and clinical impact of double-balloon endoscopy. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with suspected or documented small- or large-bowel diseases were investigated by double balloon endoscopy. A total of 103 procedures were performed (42 from the oral route, 60 from the anal route, and 1 from the stoma route). The main outcome measurements were the time of insertion and the entire examination, complications, diagnostic yields, and the ability to successfully perform treatment. RESULTS: Observation of the entire small intestine was possible in 10 (40%) of 25 patients with total enteroscopy. The median insertion time was 122 min (range, 74-199 min). Observation of the entire colon was possible in 13 (93%) of 14 patients after failure of total colonoscopy using a conventional colonoscope. Small-intestine abnormalities were found in 20 (43%) of 46 patients with indications of suspected or documented small bowel diseases, obscure GI tract bleeding, or a history of ileus. Endoscopic procedures including tattooing (n = 33), bite biopsy (n = 17), radiographic examination (n = 7), EUS (n = 5), hemostasis (n = 1), polypectomy (n = 5), balloon dilatation (n = 1), endoscopic mucosal resection (n = 1) and lithotripsy (n = 1) were all successfully performed. No relevant technical problems or severe complications were encountered. CONCLUSION: Double balloon endoscopy is a feasible technique that allows adequate small and large bowel examination and potentially various endoscopic procedures of small-intestinal lesions. It is safe, useful, and also provides a high clinical impact.