Horizontal duodenal papilla is associated with a special spectrum of pancreaticobiliary diseases: a retrospective magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography-based study.

Background: Horizontal duodenal papilla (HDP) is not an uncommon ectopic major papilla. The impact of HDP on the occurrence of pancreaticobiliary diseases remains unclear. Here, we explored the associations in patients who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP). Methods: Consecutive patients who underwent MRCP at Xijing Hospital (Xi'an, China) between January 2020 and December 2021 were eligible. Patients were divided into HDP and regular papilla (RP) according to the position of the major papilla. The primary outcome was the proportion of congenital pancreaticobiliary diseases. Results: A total of 2,194 patients were included, of whom 72 (3.3%) had HDP. Compared with the RP group (n = 2,122), the HDP group had a higher proportion of congenital pancreaticobiliary diseases, especially choledochal cyst (CC) or anomalous pancreaticobiliary junction (APBJ) (6.9% vs 1.4%, P = 0.001). More gallbladder cancer (6.9% vs 1.2%, P < 0.001) and pancreatic cysts (27.8% vs 16.3%, P = 0.01) were also identified in the HDP group. Morphologically, the HDP group had a longer extrahepatic bile duct (8.4 [7.6-9.3] cm vs 7.2 [6.5-8.1] cm, P < 0.001), and larger angles between the common bile duct-duodenum and pancreatic duct-duodenum. Multivariate analysis showed that the presence of HDP was an independent risk factor for gallbladder cancer. Conclusions: This study confirmed that HDP was not rare in patients underwent MRCP. A higher prevalence of congenital pancreaticobiliary malformations (especially CC or APBJ), gallbladder cancer and pancreatic cysts was observed in patients with HDP, as well as distinctive morphologic features.

Development and validation of a novel scoring system based on a nomogram for predicting inadequate bowel preparation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Adequate bowel preparation (BP) is crucial for the diagnosis of colorectal diseases. Identifying patients at risk of inadequate BP allows for targeted interventions and improved outcomes. We aimed to develop a model for predicting inadequate BP based on preparation-related factors. METHODS: Adult outpatients scheduled for colonoscopy between May 2022 and October 2022 were enrolled. One set (N = 913) was used to develop and internally validate the predictive model. The primary predictive model was displayed as a nomogram and then modified into a novel scoring system, which was externally validated in an independent set (N = 177). Inadequate BP was defined as a Boston Bowel Preparedness Scale (BBPS) score of less than 2 for any colonic segment. The model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). RESULTS: Independent factors included in the prediction model were stool frequency ≤ 5 (15 points), preparation-to-colonoscopy interval ≥ 5 h (15 points), incomplete dosage (100 points), non-split dose (90 points), unrestricted diet (88 points), no additional water intake (15 points), and last stool appearance as an opaque liquid (0-80 points). The training set exhibited the following performance metrics for identifying BP failure: area under the curve (AUC) of 0.818, accuracy (ACC) of 0.818, positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 2.397, negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.162, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.850, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.723. In the internal validation set, these metrics were 0.747, 0.776, 2.099, 0.278, 0.866, and 0.538, respectively. The external validation set showed values of 0.728, 0.757, 2.10, 0.247, 0.782, and 0.704, respectively, indicating strong discriminative ability. Calibration curves demonstrated close agreement, and DCA indicated superior clinical benefits at a threshold probability of 0.73 in the training cohort and 0.75 in the validation cohort for this model. CONCLUSIONS: This novel scoring system was developed from a prospective study and externally validated in an independent set based on 7 easily accessible variables, demonstrating robust performance in predicting inadequate BP.

Individualized intervention based on a preparation-related prediction model improves adequacy of bowel preparation: A prospective, multi-center, randomized, controlled study.

AIMS: An easy-to-use preparation-related model (PRM) predicting inadequate bowel preparation (BP) was developed and proved superior to traditional models in our previous study. Here we aimed to investigate whether PRM-based individualized intervention can improve BP adequacy. METHODS: Patients undergoing morning colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled in 5 endoscopic centers in China. After standard BP of split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) was completed, patients were randomized (1:1) to the individualized group or standard group. High-risk patients predicted by PRM score ≥3 were instructed to drink an additional 1.5 L PEG in the individualized group while not in standard group. The primary endpoint was the rate of adequate BP, defined by segmental Boston bowel preparation scale ≥2. Secondary outcomes included adenoma detection rate (ADR) and adverse events. RESULTS: 900 patients were randomly allocated to the individualized group (n = 449) and the control (n = 451). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups. The rates of high-risk patients were 19.6 % in individualized group and 19.7 % in standard group. In intention-to-treat analysis, adequate BP was 91.8 % in individualized group and 84.7 % in the standard group (p = 0.001). Among high-risk patients, adequate BP rate was 94.3 % in individualized group and 49.3 % in standard group (p < 0.001), and ADR were 40.9 % vs 16.9 %, respectively (p < 0.001). No significant differences were found regarding the adverse events and willingness to repeat BP (all p >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The individualized intervention using an additional dose of PEG to high-risk patients predicted by PRM, significantly improved BP quality. The intervention significantly improved ADR in high-risk patients. (ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT04434625).

The gap before real clinical application of imaging-based machine-learning and radiomic models for chemoradiation outcome prediction in esophageal cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Due to tumoral heterogeneity and the lack of robust biomarkers, the prediction of chemoradiotherapy response and prognosis in patients with esophageal cancer (EC) is challenging. The goal of this study was to assess the study quality and clinical value of machine learning and radiomic-based quantitative imaging studies for predicting the outcomes of EC patients after chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane were searched for eligible articles. The methodological quality and risk of bias were evaluated using the Radiomics Quality Score (RQS), Image Biomarkers Standardization Initiative (IBSI) Guideline, and Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) statement, as well as the modified Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) tool. A meta-analysis of the evidence focusing on predicting chemoradiotherapy response and outcome in EC patients was implemented. RESULTS: Forty-six studies were eligible for qualitative synthesis. The mean RQS score was 9.07, with an adherence rate of 42.52%. The adherence rates of the TRIPOD and IBSI were 61.70 and 43.17%, respectively. Ultimately, 24 studies were included in the meta-analysis, of which 16 studies had a pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.83 (0.76-0.89), 0.83 (0.79-0.86), and 0.84 (0.81-0.87) in neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy datasets, as well as 0.84 (0.75-0.93), 0.89 (0.83-0.93), and 0.93 (0.90-0.95) in definitive chemoradiotherapy datasets, respectively. Moreover, radiomics could distinguish patients from the low-risk and high-risk groups with different disease-free survival (DFS) (pooled hazard ratio: 3.43, 95% CI 2.39-4.92) and overall survival (pooled hazard ratio: 2.49, 95% CI 1.91-3.25). The results of subgroup and regression analyses showed that some of the heterogeneity was explained by the combination with clinical factors, sample size, and usage of the deep learning (DL) signature. CONCLUSIONS: Noninvasive radiomics offers promising potential for optimizing treatment decision-making in EC patients. However, it is necessary to make scientific advancements in EC radiomics regarding reproducibility, clinical usefulness analysis, and open science categories. Improved model reporting of study objectives, blind assessment, and image processing steps are required to help promote real clinical applications of radiomics in EC research.

Low-dose of magnesium sulfate solution was not inferior to standard regime of polyethylene glycol for bowel preparation in elderly patients: a randomized, controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Large polyethylene glycol (PEG) is a standard regimen for bowel preparation. However, elderly patients suffered from adverse events. This study was to compare the efficacy and safety of oral magnesium sulfate solution (MSS) vs standard PEG in elderly patients undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS: Elderly patients aged 60-90 years, from two endoscopic centers, were enrolled in China. Patients were randomized to take a low dose of MSS or a standard PEG regime in a split-dose regime. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with adequate bowel preparation, which was defined as the total Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) ≥6 and each segmental BBPS was ≥2. Secondary outcomes included adenoma detection rate (ADR), safety, adverse events, cecal intubation rate, willingness to repeat BP, and so on. RESULTS: 1174 elderly patients were randomly allocated to the MSS group (n = 588) or the standard group (n = 586). Adequate BP was achieved in 94.0% of patients in the MSS group and 92.5% in the control (p = .287). ADR was also comparable between the two groups (43.0% and 39.9%, p = .282). Compared with the standard group, MSS group reported less abdominal discomfort (1.7% vs 6.0%), less nausea (13.6% vs 21.0%) and vomiting (1.2% vs 4.2%). The change in serum potassium levels after preparation in the standard group was significantly lower than that in the MSS group (-0.19 ± 0.08 vs -0.41 ± 0.11, p = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Low dose of MSS was not inferior to the standard PEG regime in terms of bowel preparation quality for elderly patients. Low-dose MSS offered fewer adverse events and better tolerability. It is a preferable choice for the elderly to undergo bowel preparation for colonoscopy. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04948567.

DNA damage response-related immune activation signature predicts the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors: from gastrointestinal cancer analysis to pan-cancer validation.

OBJECTIVE: DNA damage response (DDR) deficiency has emerged as a prominent determinant of tumor immunogenicity. This study aimed to construct a DDR-related immune activation (DRIA) signature and evaluate the predictive accuracy of the DRIA signature for response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer. METHODS: A DRIA signature was established based on two previously reported DNA damage immune response assays. Clinical and gene expression data from two published GI cancer cohorts were used to assess and validate the association between the DRIA score and response to ICI therapy. The predictive accuracy of the DRIA score was validated based on one ICI-treated melanoma and three pan-cancer published cohorts. RESULTS: The DRIA signature includes three genes (CXCL10, IDO1, and IFI44L). In the discovery cancer cohort, DRIA-high patients with gastric cancer achieved a higher response rate to ICI therapy than DRIA-low patients (81.8% vs. 8.8%; P < 0.001), and the predictive accuracy of the DRIA score [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.845] was superior to the predictive accuracy of PD-L1 expression, tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, and Epstein-Barr virus status. The validation cohort demonstrated that the DRIA score identified responders with microsatellite-stable colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinoma who received dual PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade with radiation therapy. Furthermore, the predictive performance of the DRIA score was shown to be robust through an extended validation in melanoma, urothelial cancer, and pan-cancer. CONCLUSIONS: The DRIA signature has superior and robust predictive accuracy for the efficacy of ICI therapy in GI cancer and pan-cancer, indicating that the DRIA signature may serve as a powerful biomarker for guiding ICI therapy decisions.

Superiority of a preparation-related model for predicting inadequate bowel preparation in patients undergoing colonoscopy: A multicenter prospective study.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Three models based on patient-related factors have been developed to predict inadequate bowel preparation (BP). However, the performance of the models seems suboptimal. This study aimed to develop a novel preparation-related model and compare it with the available patient-related models. METHODS: Patients receiving standard BP were prospectively enrolled from five endoscopic centers. Patient-related and preparation-related factors for inadequate BP (defined by segmental Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score < 2) were identified by logistic regression. A preparation-related model was derived and internally validated in 906 patients. The comparisons of models were assessed by discrimination and calibration. The preparation-related model was also externally validated. RESULTS: Several patient-related factors (male and American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status Classification System score ≥ 3) and preparation-related factors (drinking-to-stool interval ≥ 3 h, preparation-to-colonoscopy interval ≥ 6 h, and poor rectal effluent) were found to be independently associated with inadequate BP (all P < 0.05). C-statistics was 0.81 for the preparation-related model in the training cohort (n = 604), significantly higher than three available patient-based models (0.58-0.61). Similar results were observed in the validation cohort (n = 302). Calibration curves showed close agreement in the preparation-related model (R2  = 0.315 in the training cohort and 0.279 in the validation cohort). The preparation-related model was externally validated in another 606 patients with C-index of 0.80. CONCLUSIONS: A new preparation-related model (consisting of drinking-to-stool interval ≥ 3 h, preparation-to-colonoscopy interval ≥ 6 h, and poor last rectal effluent) was developed and performed better than three available patient-related models. This easy-to-use model may be a useful decision-support tool on individualized plans in patients undergoing BP.

In vitro and in vivo evaluation of a novel wired transmission magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy system for upper gastrointestinal examination.

BACKGROUND: Magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (MCCE) has recently increasingly been used for gastric examination. However, the image quality and esophageal observation is suboptimal. We developed a novel wired transmission magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy (WT-MCCE) system and evaluated its feasibility through in vitro and in vivo experiments. METHODS: A plastic stomach model and a pathological upper gastrointestinal model were used to evaluate the performance of WT-MCCE in vitro experiments. Twice of examination in the two in vitro models by WT-MCCE were performed by 5 endoscopists who were experienced in performing wireless capsule endoscopy. The examination of traditional gastroscopy (Olympus, GIF-HQ290) in the pathological upper gastrointestinal model was set as the control. In vivo experiments were performed in a live canine model by 3 endoscopists, in which WT-MCCE was inserted with the assistance of gastroscopy. Measurements included maneuverability, examination time, visualization of gastric mucosa, image quality and diagnostic accuracy. RESULTS: WT-MCCE showed good performance in both in vitro and in vivo experiments with excellent visualization of mucosa (75-100%). The mean operation time is 17.6 ± 2.7 min, 22.3 ± 1.9 min and 29.3 ± 3.4 min in three models, respectively. In pathological upper gastrointestinal model, all lesions, including esophageal varices, one polyp, one foreign body, two gastric ulcers and one duodenal ulcer, were detected by both WT-MCCE and traditional gastroscopy by all endoscopists. For the observation of esophagus and stomach in the canine model, WT-MCCE also showed excellent maneuverability and good image quality. CONCLUSIONS: The novel WT-MCCE system performed well in evaluating upper gastrointestinal landmarks and lesions in two in vitro models, and showed good performance in a canine model. WT-MCCE may be potentially useful for diagnosis of esophageal and gastric diseases.

Analysis of risk factors associated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for patients with liver cirrhosis: a multicenter, retrospective, clinical study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the endoscopic modality of choice for the treatment of biliary and pancreatic diseases. However, patients with cirrhosis, particularly those with decompensated cirrhosis, are believed to be at increased risk for complications associated with ERCP. There is a paucity of literature describing the outcomes of ERCP for patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to investigate the outcomes of ERCP for cirrhosis patients, especially adverse events, and evaluated its safety and efficacy. METHODS: We performed a multicenter, retrospective study of all patients at Beijing Friendship Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, Xijing Hospital affiliated to Air Force Military Medical University, Beijing Youan Hospital affiliated to Capital Medical University, and the Fifth Medical Center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital from June 2003 to August 2019. The adverse events of inpatient ERCP for patients with ( n  = 182) and without liver cirrhosis (controls; n  = 385) were compared. RESULTS: A total of 567 patients underwent ERCP between January 2003 and December 2019 were enrolled in this study. Compared to patients without cirrhosis, patients with cirrhosis were at higher risk for postoperative complications (odds ratio [OR], 4.172; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.232-7.031; P  < 0.001) such as postoperative pancreatitis (OR, 2.026; 95% CI, 1.002-4.378; P  = 0.001) and cholangitis (OR, 3.903; 95% CI, 1.001-10.038; P  = 0.036). The main indications for ERCP for patients with cirrhosis in this study included choledocholithiasis (101 cases; 55.5%), benign bile duct strictures (46 cases; 25.3%), and malignant bile duct strictures (28 cases; 15.4%). Among them, 23 patients (12.6%) underwent balloon dilation and 79 patients (43.4%) underwent sphincterotomy. Of the patients with cirrhosis, delayed bleeding occurred in ten patients (5.5%), postoperative pancreatitis occurred in 80 patients (44.0%), and postoperative cholangitis occurred in 25 patients (13.7%). An additional multivariate analysis showed that the total bilirubin (TBIL) level (OR, 4.58; 95% CI, 2.37-6.70) and Child-Pugh score of C (OR, 3.11; 95% CI, 1.04-5.37) were risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the general population of patients undergoing ERCP, patients with cirrhosis were more prone to postoperative pancreatitis and cholangitis. TBIL levels and Child-Pugh scores were risk factors for postoperative complications in patients with cirrhosis.

The Incidence and Severity of Post-ERCP Pancreatitis in Patients Receiving Standard Administration of NSAIDs: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Routine rectal administration of 100 mg of diclofenac or indomethacin was demonstrated to be an effective prevention method to prevent post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis. The systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the incidence and severity of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and explore the discrepancies of PEP incidences among different subgroups. METHODS: The PubMed, Web of Science, and Ovid EMBASE databases were searched for studies published until December 2020. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reported rectal administration of 100 mg or higher doses of diclofenac or indomethacin, with PEP as the primary outcomes were eligible for inclusion. The overall and severity of PEP were estimated. Subgroup analysis was performed based on geographic regions, risk level, study beginning time, type of NSAIDs, administration time, and sample size. RESULTS: There were 26 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 7954 patients in 31 NSAIDs arms. The pooled incidences were 7.2% for overall PEP (95% confidence interval (CI) 5.9-8.5%), 5.0% for mild PEP (95% CI, 4.0-6.0%), and 1.5% for moderate and severe PEP (0.8-2.3%). PEP rate were higher in patients receiving rectal indomethacin than that of patients receiving rectal diclofenac (7.8% (95% CI, 6.4-9.3%) vs 3.8% (95% CI, 2.2-5.3%), p = 0.009). The PEP rates of high-risk patients and average-risk patients were 8.9% (95% CI, 5.6-12.2%) and 6.4% (95% CI, 5.1-7.6%), respectively (p = 0.160). CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of PEP was higher in patients receiving 100 mg rectal indomethacin than patients receiving 100 mg diclofenac. The effect of 100 mg diclofenac versus indomethacin on preventing PEP requires further study.

Predictive value of alarm symptoms in Rome IV irritable bowel syndrome: A multicenter cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common functional bowel disease that shares features with many organic diseases and cannot be accurately diagnosed by symptom-based criteria. Alarm symptoms have long been applied in the clinical diagnosis of IBS. However, no study has explored the predictive value of alarm symptoms in suspected IBS patients based on the latest Rome IV criteria. AIM: To investigate the predictive value of alarm symptoms in suspected IBS patients based on the Rome IV criteria. METHODS: In this multicenter cross-sectional study, we collected data from 730 suspected IBS patients evaluated at 3 tertiary care centers from August 2018 to August 2019. Patients with IBS-like symptoms who completed colonoscopy during the study period were initially identified by investigators through medical records. Eligible patients completed questionnaires, underwent laboratory tests, and were assigned to the IBS or organic disease group according to colonoscopy findings and pathology results (if a biopsy was taken). Independent risk factors for organic disease were explored by logistic regression analysis, and the positive predictive value (PPV) and missed diagnosis rate were calculated. RESULTS: The incidence of alarm symptoms in suspected IBS patients was 75.34%. Anemia [odds ratio (OR) = 2.825, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.273-6.267, P = 0.011], fecal occult blood [OR = 1.940 (95%CI: 1.041-3.613), P = 0.037], unintended weight loss (P = 0.009), female sex [OR = 0.560 (95%CI: 0.330-0.949), P = 0.031] and marital status (P = 0.030) were independently correlated with organic disease. The prevalence of organic disease was 10.41% in suspected IBS patients. The PPV of alarm symptoms for organic disease was highest for anemia (22.92%), fecal occult blood (19.35%) and unintended weight loss (16.48%), and it was 100% when these three factors were combined. The PPV and missed diagnosis rate for diagnosing IBS were 91.67% and 74.77% when all alarm symptoms were combined with Rome IV and 92.09% and 34.10% when only fecal occult blood, unintended weight loss and anemia were combined with Rome IV, respectively. CONCLUSION: Anemia, fecal occult blood and unintended weight loss have high predictive value for organic disease in suspected IBS patients and can help identify patients requiring further examination but are not recommended as exclusion criteria for IBS.

Risk stratification in patients with upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors undergoing submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection.

Background: A substantial heterogeneity exists in patients with upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs). This study aimed to identify predictors of long procedure time (≥60 min), occurrence of procedure-related complications, and long hospital stay (≥6 days) in patients with SMTs undergoing submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection (STER) and stratify risk based on the predictors. Methods: Sixty-six consecutive patients with upper gastrointestinal SMTs undergoing STER between January 2013 and December 2018 were retrospectively included. Binary logistic regression models were developed to identify predictors of outcomes. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to evaluate the discrimination of tumor size. Results: Complete resection and en bloc resection of tumor were achieved in 66 (100%) and 64 patients (97%), respectively. Twenty-seven patients (41%) had a long procedure time, 10 (15%) developed STER-related complications, and 17 (26%) had a long hospital stay. On multivariable analysis, tumor size was an independent predictor of long procedure time (OR 1.37, 95% CI 1.13-1.67; p = 0.001), occurrence of complications (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.01-1.10; p = 0.012), and long hospital stay (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09; p = 0.035). ROC curves identified a tumor of size 25 mm as the best cutoff; those who had a tumor above this value had a 76-fold risk of long procedure time, 8.56-fold risk of occurrence of complications, and 6.35-fold risk of long hospital stay. Conclusion: Patients with a tumor size ≥25 mm had longer procedure time, higher risk of STER-related complications, and longer hospital stay; therefore, they should be classified as a high-risk group.

Water exchange-assisted versus carbon dioxide-insufflated single-balloon enteroscopy: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) is a valuable but difficult modality for the diagnosis and treatment of small-bowel disease. The water exchange method has the advantage of facilitating intubation during colonoscopy. Here, we evaluated the effects of water exchange on procedure-related variables related to SBE. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary-care referral center in China. Patients due for attempted total enteroscopy were randomly allocated to undergo water exchange-assisted (water exchange group) or carbon dioxide-insufflated enteroscopy (CO2 group). All patients were planned to undergo both anterograde and retrograde procedures. The primary outcome was the total enteroscopy rate. Secondary outcomes included the maximal insertion depth, positive findings, procedural time, and adverse events. RESULTS: In total, 110 patients were enrolled, with 55 in each group. Baseline characteristics between the two groups were comparable. Total enteroscopy was achieved in 58.2 % (32/55) of the water exchange group and 36.4 % (20/55) of the control group (P = 0.02). The mean (standard deviation) estimated intubation depth was 521.2 (101.4) cm in the water exchange group and 481.6 (95.2) cm in the CO2 group (P = 0.04). The insertion time was prolonged in the water exchange group compared with the CO2 group (178.9 [45.1] minutes vs. 154.2 [27.6] minutes; P < 0.001). Endoscopic findings and adverse events were comparable between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: The water exchange method improved the total enteroscopy rate and increased the intubation depth during SBE. The use of water exchange did not increase the complications of enteroscopy.

Nonradiation-to-endoscopist ERCP is non-inferior to standard ERCP.

BACKGROUND: Radiation exposure is inherently involved in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), which could cause radiation-induced injury to endoscopists with long-term exposure. Nonradiation ERCP has been applied to pregnant patients. Conceivably, the same techniques could be used to benefit endoscopists. This study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of nonradiation-to-endoscopist (NRE) ERCP, compared with standard ERCP. METHODS: A retrospective, single-center study was conducted from August 2010 to December 2015. Patients aged 18-90 years and with choledocholithiasis (< 15 mm) or distal biliary stricture were eligible. Pre-ERCP evaluation with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was mandatory. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:2 match using propensity score matching (PSM) between NRE and standard groups. The primary endpoint was overall ERCP success rate. Secondary endpoints were cannulation success rate, stone clearance rate, complication rate, and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: A total of 329 patients met inclusion criteria. After PSM, 73 patients were included in the NRE group and 146 in the standard group. The ERCP overall success rate for NRE and standard groups was equivalent (94.5% vs. 93.2%, P = 0.70). There was no difference in cannulation success rates between the two groups (95.6% vs. 97.8%, P = 0.39). A total of 88.3% of patients in the NRE group and 93.9% of patients in the standard group had stones cleared at initial ERCP (P = 0.57). No difference in overall stone clearance rate between the two groups (95.0% vs. 93.9%, P = 0.77) was found after second ERCP. The complication rate (1.4% vs. 1.4%, P = 1.00) and hospital duration (8.3 ± 5.1 vs. 10.2 ± 8.8 days, P = 0.07) were not different between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Although technically demanding, NRE-ERCP is both safe and feasible in selected patients compared with standard ERCP.

Targeted imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma with a near-infrared fluorescent peptide.

BACKGROUND: Targeted optical imaging offers a noninvasive and accurate method for the early detection of gastrointestinal tumors, especially for flat appearances. In our previous study, a sequence of SNFYMPL (SNF) was identified as a specific peptide to bind to esophageal carcinoma using phage-display technology. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor-targeting efficacy of Cy5.5-conjugated SNF probe for imaging of esophageal carcinoma in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The SNF-Cy5.5 probe was synthesized and then identified using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry (MS). Confocal fluorescence imaging and Flow cytometry analysis were performed to evaluate the binding specificity and the receptor binding affinity of SNF-Cy5.5 to OE33. In vivo imaging was performed to evaluate the targeting ability of SNF-Cy5.5 to esophageal carcinoma. RESULTS: The confocal imaging and flow cytometry analysis showed that SNF-Cy5.5 bound specifically to the plasma membrane of OE33 cells with a high affinity. In vivo, for non-block group, SNF-Cy5.5 probe exhibited rapid OE33 tumor targeting during 24 h p.i. and excellent tumor-to-background contrast at 2 h p.i. For the block group, SNF-Cy5.5 was not observed in the mice after 4 h p.i. Ex vivo imaging also revealed that a higher fluorescent signal intensity value of the tumors was clearly observed in the non-block group than that in the block group (2.6 ± 0.32 × 109 vs. 0.8 ± 0.08 × 109, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SNF-Cy5.5 was synthesized and characterized with a high efficiency and purity. The higher affinity, specificity, and tumor targeting efficacy of SNF-Cy5.5 were confirmed by in vitro and in vivo tests. SNF-Cy5.5 is a promising optical probe for the imaging of esophageal adenocarcinoma.

A novel intubation discomfort score to predict painful unsedated colonoscopy.

ABSTRACT: Pain during colonoscopy is a critical quality indicator and often a limiting factor for unsedated colonoscopy. This study aimed to identify factors associated with pain during colonoscopy and establish a model for predicting a painful colonoscopy.Patients aged 18 to 80 who underwent unsedated colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled in 2 tertiary endoscopic centers in China. The primary outcome was the rate of painful colonoscopy and then we identify high-risk factors associated with painful colonoscopy. A prediction model with an intubation discomfort score (IDS) was developed and validated.Totally 607 patients participated in this study, including 345 in the training cohort and 262 in the validation cohort. Body mass index (BMI) of <18.5 kg/m2 (OR 2.18, 95% CI: 1.09-4.37), constipation (OR 2.45, 95% CI: 1.25-4.80), and anticipating moderate or severe pain (OR 2.06, 95% CI: 1.12-3.79) were identified as independent predictive factors for painful colonoscopy and used to develop the IDS (all P < .05). Patients with IDS ≥1 had increased insertion time [9.32(6.2-13.7)] minutes vs 6.87(5.1-10.4) minutes, P = .038) and decreased cecal intubation rate (96.0% vs 99.6%, P = .044). Abdominal compression (48.4% vs 19.9%, P < .001) and position change (59.7% vs 32.1%, P < .001) were more frequently required in the group of patients with IDS ≥1. These results were externally validated in a validation cohort.The intubation discomfort score developed in this study was useful for predicting pain during colonoscopy, with IDS ≥1 indicating painful colonoscopy.

Effect of water exchange method on adenoma miss rate of patients undergoing selective polypectomy: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Adenomas may be missed in up to 40% of screening colonoscopies. Although the water exchange (WE) method can improve ADR, as shown in several RCTs, it remains uncertain whether it can increase the detection of missing adenomas compared with standard air-insufflated (AI) colonoscopy. METHODS: Patients aged 18-80 years who underwent selective polypectomy were randomly allocated to the WE or AI group. The primary endpoint was the adenoma miss rate (AMR), defined as the number of patients with one or more additional adenomas during the polypectomy procedure divided by the total number of patients in each group. RESULTS: A total of 450 patients were enrolled, with 225 in each group. The overall AMRs were 45.8% (103/225) in the WE group and 35.6% (80/225) in the AI group (p = 0.035). More patients in the WE group had at least one missed adenoma in the proximal colon (38.2% vs 24.4%, p = 0.002). The adenoma-level miss rate was also higher in the WE group than in the AI group (35.1% vs 29.0%, p = 0.036). Subgroup analysis showed that patients in the WE group had more missed adenomas located in the proximal colon or with flat shapes. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that substantial adenomas were missed in patients undergoing selective polypectomy. The WE method significantly improved the detection of missed adenomas, especially those located in the proximal colon or with flat shapes. (ClnicalTrials.gov number: NCT02880748).

Comparison of endoscopic bilateral metal stent drainage with plastic stents in the palliation of unresectable hilar biliary malignant strictures: Large multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic stenting to manage malignant hilar biliary obstruction has no consensus regarding the optimal stenting strategy. In this multicenter study, we compared transpapillary parallel-style bilateral metal stenting with bilateral plastic stenting, and evaluated short- and long-term outcomes. METHODS: We recruited 262 consecutive patients (Bismuth classification types II-IV) who underwent either bilateral metal or plastic stenting as primary therapy at four tertiary centers. To overcome selection bias, we performed 1:1 propensity score matching. Our primary outcome was overall survival. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, each group comprised 96 patients, with no significant differences in any baseline characteristics. The median survival was significantly longer in the metal stenting group than in the plastic stenting group (7.2 months [95% CI 6.0-8.5] vs. 4.1 months [95% CI 2.9-5.3]; P = 0.015). The clinical success rates were significantly higher in the metal stenting group than in the plastic stenting group (99.0% vs. 71.9%, respectively; P < 0.001), and lower post-procedure cholangitis incidence (7.3% vs. 26.0%; P < 0.001), longer median symptom-free stent patency (9.2 months [95% CI 7.6-10.6] vs. 4.8 months [95% CI 4.2-5.3]; P < 0.001), and fewer total interventions (1.3 ± 0.6 vs. 2.0 ± 1.4; P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox analysis of the overall survival, metal stenting (HR 0.589, P = 0.002), hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HR 0.419, P = 0.009), and adjuvant treatment (HR 0.596, P = 0.006) were independent predictors of death. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy using bilateral metal stenting is superior to bilateral plastic stenting, with prolonged overall survival, higher clinical success, and longer stent patency in patients with advanced hilar biliary malignancies.

Water-assisted colonoscopy: an international modified Delphi review on definitions and practice recommendations.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Since 2008, a plethora of research studies has compared the efficacy of water-assisted (aided) colonoscopy (WAC) and underwater resection (UWR) of colorectal lesions with standard colonoscopy. We reviewed and graded the research evidence with potential clinical application. We conducted a modified Delphi consensus among experienced colonoscopists on definitions and practice of water immersion (WI), water exchange (WE), and UWR. METHODS: Major databases were searched to obtain research reports that could potentially shape clinical practice related to WAC and UWR. Pertinent references were graded (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Extracted data supporting evidence-based statements were tabulated and provided to respondents. We received responses from 55 (85% surveyed) experienced colonoscopists (37 experts and 18 nonexperts in WAC) from 16 countries in 3 rounds. Voting was conducted anonymously in the second and third round, with ≥80% agreement defined as consensus. We aimed to obtain consensus in all statements. RESULTS: In the first and the second modified Delphi rounds, 20 proposed statements were decreased to 14 and then 11 statements. After the third round, the combined responses from all respondents depicted the consensus in 11 statements (S): definitions of WI (S1) and WE (S2), procedural features (S3-S5), impact on bowel cleanliness (S6), adenoma detection (S7), pain score (S8), and UWR (S9-S11). CONCLUSIONS: The most important consensus statements are that WI and WE are not the same in implementation and outcomes. Because studies that could potentially shape clinical practice of WAC and UWR were chosen for review, this modified Delphi consensus supports recommendations for the use of WAC in clinical practice.

Predictive value of alarm symptoms in patients with Rome IV dyspepsia: A cross-sectional study.

BACKGROUND: No studies have evaluated the predictive value of alarm symptoms for organic dyspepsia and organic upper gastrointestinal (GI) diseases based on Rome IV criteria in the Chinese population. AIM: To evaluate the predictive value of alarm symptoms for dyspeptic patients based on Rome IV criteria. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of dyspepsia patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria at two academic urban tertiary-care centers from March 2018 to January 2019. Basic demographic data, dyspeptic information, alarm symptoms, lifestyle, examination results, family history and outpatient cost information were collected. Dyspepsia patients with normal findings on upper GI endoscopy, epigastric ultrasound and laboratory examination and without Helicobacter pylori-associated dyspepsia were classified as functional dyspepsia. RESULTS: A total of 381 patients were enrolled in the study, including 266 functional dyspepsia patients and 115 organic dyspepsia patients. There were 24 patients with organic upper GI disease among patients with organic dyspepsia. We found that based on the Rome IV criteria, alarm symptoms were of limited value in differentiating organic dyspepsia and organic upper GI diseases from functional dyspepsia. Age (odds ratio (OR) = 1.056, P = 0.012), smoking (OR = 4.714, P = 0.006) and anemia (OR = 88.270, P < 0.001) were independent predictors for organic upper GI diseases. For the comparison of epigastric pain syndrome, postprandial distress syndrome and epigastric pain syndrome combined with postprandial distress syndrome, the results showed that there were statistically significant differences in anorexia (P = 0.021) and previous visits (P = 0.012). The ClinicalTrials.gov number is NCT03479528. CONCLUSION: Most alarm symptoms had poor predictive value for organic dyspepsia and organic upper GI diseases based on Rome IV criteria. Gastroscopic screening should not be based solely on alarm symptoms.