Surveillance of neo-squamous epithelium after ablation of Barrett's esophagus: is it better to use jumbo over standard biopsy forceps?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: As obtaining adequate tissue on biopsy is critical for the detection of residual and recurrent intestinal metaplasia/dysplasia in Barrett's esophagus (BE) patients undergone Barrett's endoscopic eradication therapy (BET), we decided to compare the adequacy of biopsy specimens using jumbo versus standard biopsy forceps. METHODS: This is a two-center study of patients' post-radiofrequency ablation of dysplastic BE. After BET, jumbo (Boston Scientific©, Radial Jaw 4, opening diameter 2.8 mm) or standard (Boston Scientific©, Radial Jaw 4, opening diameter 2.2 mm) biopsy forceps were utilized to obtain surveillance biopsies from the neo-squamous epithelium. Presence of lamina propria and proportion of squamous epithelium with partial or full thickness lamina propria was recorded by two experienced gastrointestinal pathologists who were blinded. Squamous epithelial biopsies that contained at least two-thirds of lamina propria were considered 'adequate'. RESULTS: In a total of 211 biopsies from 55 BE patients, 145 biopsies (29 patients, 18 males, mean age 61 years, interquartile range [IQR] 33-83) were obtained using jumbo forceps and 66 biopsies (26 patients, all males, mean age 65 years, IQR 56-76) using standard forceps biopsies. Comparing jumbo versus standard forceps, the proportion of specimens with any subepithelial lamina propria was 51.7% versus 53%, P = 0.860 and the presence of adequate subepithelial lamina propria was 17.9% versus 9.1%, P = 0.096 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Use of jumbo forceps does not appear to have added advantage over standard forceps to obtain adequate biopsy specimens from the neo-squamous mucosa post-ablation.

Evaluation of genotoxicity related to oral methylene blue chromoendoscopy.

BACKGROUND: An oral formulation of methylene blue with colonic delivery (MB-MMX) has been developed to increase detection of colorectal polys during colonoscopy. Traditionally, there have been safety concerns regarding DNA damage when methylene blue is exposed to white light. The aim of this study was to evaluate DNA damage in colonic mucosa after MB-MMX chromoendoscopy. METHODS: This was an open-label phase II safety study to assess for genotoxicity on colorectal biopsies of patients undergoing two sequential colonoscopies before and after an oral dose of 200 mg MB-MMX added to their bowel prep. Analysis of a biomarker of double-stranded DNA breaks, γH2AX, was performed on biopsy specimens. RESULTS: Ten patients were included in the study. The mean expression of γH2AX ± 95 % confidence intervals of the 50 biopsies before and after MB-MMX administration were 0.58 ± 0.08 and 0.62 ± 0.09, respectively (P = 0.24). None of the analyzed samples showed excess positive γH2AX expression, confirming the absence of DNA damage on biopsies after methylene blue exposure. No deaths or serious adverse events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: An oral dose of 200 mg of MB-MMX did not result in any detectable DNA damage.

Narrow-band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification to predict polyp histology: REDEFINE study (with videos).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The Narrow-band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) Classification has been validated for differentiating hyperplastic from adenomatous polyps. This classification system was based on narrow-band imaging (NBI) technology, leaving uncertainty regarding its applicability to other systems. The aim of this study was to assess accuracy and reliability of histologic predictions for polyps <1 cm by applying the NICE classification to the Fujinon Spectral Imaging Color Enhancement (FICE) System. METHODS: A video library of 55 polyps <1 cm histologically verified with FICE was prospectively created, including polyps that fulfilled inclusion criteria (morphology, size, histology) in consecutive colonoscopies. Six endoscopists with experience in electronic chromoendoscopy independently reviewed the polyp images, scored the polyps as adenomatous or hyperplastic, and assigned a level of confidence to the predictions. Twenty videos were reassessed at 6 months. The diagnostic performances of the endoscopists was calculated both combined and individually according to the histopathology of the polyps. A mixed-effect logistic regression model, in which polyps were considered as random effects, and polyp histology, confidence level, and readers were considered as fixed effects, was used. Results were expressed as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Of the 55 polyps (mean size 4.6 mm), 29 (53%) were adenomas, and 26 (47%) were hyperplastic. Across all the readers and observations, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and area under the curve (AUC) were 77%, 75%, 88%, 75%, 77%, and 0.82, respectively. Individual rater accuracy ranged from 66% to 96%, being <90% in 5 of 6 cases. Overall, 68.5% of predictions (226/330) were made with high confidence, although there was high variability (Fleiss kappa, 0.15; 95% CI, 0.08-0.22). Sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, accuracy, and AUC for predictions made with high confidence were 81%, 80.5%, 80%, 77%, 82%, and 0.88 being significantly more accurate as compared with a low confidence of diagnosis (OR 2.4; 95% CI, 1.2-4.7). Regarding the performance of the individual NICE criteria, the odds of adenoma detection were 3.4 (95% CI, 1.8-6.3) and 4.0 (95% CI, 2.1-7.5) by using surface and vessels patterns alone, as compared with the color criterion. Interrater and intrarater agreement with the NICE was only moderate (interrater: Fleiss kappa, 0.51; 95% CI, 0.44-0.56; intrarater: kappa, 0.40; 95% CI, 0.20-0.60). CONCLUSIONS: The application of the NICE classification to FICE resulted in suboptimal accuracy and only moderate interobserver agreement.

Impact of the COVID-19 Outbreak on Anesthesiologist Assistance for Endoscopic Procedures.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak has modified the activities of endoscopy units worldwide. Herein, we investigated the impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures in Lombardy, Italy. METHODS: A questionnaire concerning anesthesiologist assistance provided from October 26 to December 6, 2020, in comparison with the same period in 2019, was sent to endoscopic units in Lombardy. RESULTS: Approximately 54% (34/63) of the units responded. A reduction in the number of all endoscopies (-33.5%; 18792 in 2020 vs. 28264 in 2019) and anesthesiologist-assisted endoscopies (-15.3%; 2652 in 2020 vs. 3132 in 2019) was reported. A greater reduction in anesthesiologist assistance was observed in government community units (-29.5%) than in academic (-14%) and private community units (-4.6%). Among all units, 85% reported a reduction in anesthesiologist assistance; 65% observed a delay/cancellation of procedures; 59%, a restricted patient selection; 17%, the need to transfer some patients to other hospitals; and 32%, a related worsening of procedure quality. CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic compromised the anesthesiologist assistance for endoscopic procedures in Lombardy, which worsened the procedure quality mainly in government community units. The COVID-19 "stress test" suggests a more balanced allocation of anesthesiologic resources in the future.

Complications and early mortality in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in lombardy: A multicenter prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the most common endoscopic procedure used to provide nutritional support. AIM: To prospectively evaluate the mortality and complication incidences after PEG insertion or replacement. METHODS: All patients who underwent PEG insertion or replacement were included. Details on patient characteristics, ongoing therapies, comorbidities, and indication for PEG placement/replacement were collected, along with informed consent form signatures. Early and late (30-day) complications and mortality were assessed. RESULTS: 950 patients (47.1% male) were enrolled in 25 centers in Lombardy, a region of Northern Italy. Patient mean age was 73 years. 69.5% of patients had ASA status 3 or 4. First PEG placement was performed in 594 patients. Complication and mortality incidences were 4.8% and 5.2%, respectively. The most frequent complication was infection (50%), followed by bleeding (32.1%), tube dislodgment (14.3%), and buried bumper syndrome (3.6%). At multivariable analysis, age (OR 1.08 per 1-year increase, 95% CI, 1.0-1.16, p = 0.010) and BMI (OR 0.86 per 1-point increase, 95% CI, 0.77-0.96, p = 0.014) were factors associated with mortality. PEG replacement was carried out in 356 patients. Thirty-day mortality was 1.8%, while complications occurred in 1.7% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our data confirm that PEG placement is a safe procedure. Mortality was not related to the procedure itself, confirming that careful patient selection is warranted.

Imaging of the small bowel in Crohn's disease: a review of old and new techniques.

The investigation of small bowel morphology is often mandatory in many patients with Crohn's disease. Traditional radiological techniques (small bowel enteroclysis and small bowel follow-through) have long been the only suitable methods for this purpose. In recent years, several alternative imaging techniques have been proposed. To review the most recent advances in imaging studies of the small bowel, with particular reference to their possible application in Crohn's disease, we conducted a complete review of the most important studies in which traditional and newer imaging methods were performed and compared in patients with Crohn's disease. Several radiological and endoscopic techniques are now available for the study of the small bowel; each of them is characterized by a distinct profile of favourable and unfavourable features. In some cases, they may also be used as complementary rather than alternative techniques. In everyday practice, the choice of the technique to be used stands upon its availability and a careful evaluation of diagnostic accuracy, clinical usefulness, safety and cost. The recent development of innovative imaging techniques has opened a new and exciting area in the exploration of the small bowel in Crohn's disease patients.

Endo-sponge therapy for management of anastomotic leakages after colorectal surgery: A case series and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Endo-sponge treatment is a novel approach to manage selected patients with anastomotic leakage following colorectal surgery. However, the available data are still scanty. AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the endo-sponge therapy in a large series, and to perform a review of the current evidence concerning such a treatment. METHODS: Consecutive patients diagnosed with partial colonic anastomotic leakage managed with endo-sponge placement were enrolled. The endo-sponge system was changed every 48-72 h as outpatient, until to cavity closure. Literature review was performed for pooled-data analysis. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients were enrolled, including 13 (52%) with diverting ileostomy. Following endo-sponge applications (median sessions: 9, range: 1-39; median treatment duration: 4 weeks, range: 1-32), a complete healing was achieved in 22 (88%) patients. Three (12%) patients developed a major complication (1 uretheric fistula, 1 ileal fistula, and 1 pararectal abscess), all successfully treated by surgery. Ileostomy closure was achieved in 11 (84.6%) patients. No mortality related to the procedure was observed. Overall, 174 patients treated with endo-sponge were reported in literature. By considering data of the larger 7 studies, a complete healing of presacral cavity was achieved in 131 (94.3%) out of 149 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our relatively large series of patients confirmed the efficacy, tolerability, and an acceptably low complication rate of endo-sponge therapy for colorectal anastomosis leakage treatment.