Colorectal Cancer Screening in the Elderly: Does Increased Prevalence Necessitate Tighter Surveillance.

BACKGROUND: With age, colorectal cancer (CRC) prevalence rises. The elderly (> 75 years), and the very elderly (> 85 years) are especially vulnerable. The advantages of screening must be assessed in the context of diminished life span and co-morbidities. OBJECTIVES: To compare CRC findings in colonoscopies that were performed following a positive fecal occult blood test/fecal immunochemical test (FOBT/FIT) in both elderly and very elderly age groups with those of younger patients. METHODS: We identified colonoscopies conducted between 1998 and 2019 following a positive stool test for occult blood in asymptomatic individuals. A finding of malignancy was compared between the two patient age groups. Furthermore, a sub-analysis was performed for positive malignancy findings in FOBT/FIT among patients > 85 years compared to younger than < 75 years. RESULTS: We compared the colonoscopy findings in 10,472 patients: 40-75 years old (n=10,146) vs. 76-110 years old (n=326). There was no significant difference in prevalence of CRC detection rate between the groups following positive FOBT/FIT (2.1% vs. 2.7%, P = 0.47). Similar results for non-significant differences were obtained in the sub-analysis compared to malignancy detection rates in the very elderly 0% (n=0) vs. 2.1% for < 75 years old (n=18), P = 0.59. CONCLUSIONS: Although the prevalence of CRC increases with age, no significant increase in the detection rate of CRC by FOBT was found in either the elderly or very elderly age groups. Screening colonoscopies in elderly patients should be performed only after careful consideration of potential benefits, risks, and patient preferences.

Effect of Doctor's and Assisting Nurse's Years of Experience on Polyp Detection Rate: A Retrospective Cohort.

BACKGROUND: Polyp detection rate (PDR) is a convenient quality measure indicator. Many factors influence PDR, including the patient's background, age, referral (ambulatory or hospitalized), and bowel cleansing. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate whether years of professional experience have any effect on PDR. METHODS: A multivariate analysis of a retrospective cohort was performed, where both patient- and examiner-related variables, including the experience of doctors and nurses, were evaluated. PDR, as the dependent variable was calculated separately for all (APDR), proximal (PPDR), and small (SPDR) polyps. RESULTS: Between 1998 and 2019, 20,996 patients underwent colonoscopy at a single center. After controlling for covariates, the experience of both doctors and nurses was not found to be associated with APDR (odds ratio [OR] 0.99, 95% confidence interval [95%CI] 0.98-1.00, P = 0.15 and OR 1.03, 95%CI 1.02-1.04, P < 0.0001, respectively). However, after 2.4 years of colonoscopy experience for doctors, and 9.5 years of experience for nurses, a significant increase in APDR was observed. Furthermore, results revealed no association for PPDR and SPDR, as well. CONCLUSIONS: Years of colonoscopy experience for both doctors and assisting nurses were not associated with APDR, PPDR, and SPDR. In doctors with 2.4 years of experience and nurses with 9.5 years of experience, a significant increase in APDR was observed.

Can microscopic ileitis in patients with clinically suspected inflammatory bowel disease predict the future?

BACKGROUND: The implication of microscopic ileitis finding in patients referred for ileocolonoscopy for clinically suspected inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is not well defined, and its correlation with clinical outcome has not been fully studied. The current study aims to determine the prognostic yield of biopsies in this setting, and to evaluate the correlation of microscopic ileitis with long-term clinical outcome. METHODS: We reviewed endoscopic reports of patients referred to our department for ileocolonoscopy in the years 2010-2016, as part of a diagnostic work-up for suspected IBD. Patients whose ileocolonoscopies proved normal were included, provided that terminal ileum biopsies had been performed. Accordingly, patients were divided into groups classified as normal (normal or reactive changes) and microscopic ileitis (inflammation or ileitis of any severity). Both groups were followed prospectively to determine clinical outcome. RESULTS: A total of 439 patients met the inclusion criteria. Sixty-four (14.6%) showed inflammation on biopsy and were included in the microscopic ileitis group. Age range and gender figures did not differ significantly between the groups. Overall follow-up period was 6.1 ± 2.3 years. Patients in the microscopic ileitis group were significantly associated with Crohn's diagnosis during the follow-up period compared with the normal group (19% vs 2%, OR = 11.98, 95%CI = 4.48-32.01; p < 0.01). Patients with granuloma or moderate-severe ileitis on biopsy were significantly associated with Crohn's development (100% vs 11%; P < 0.01) compared with mild or nonspecific inflammation. CONCLUSION: The discovery of microscopic ileitis in clinically suspected IBD is associated with increased risk of future diagnosis of Crohn's disease.

The Yield of Colonoscopy in the Evaluation of Constipation: An Age-Based Analysis of Outcome.

Background: Chronic constipation, a prevalent gastrointestinal complaint, exhibits rising incidence and diverse clinical implications, especially among the aging population. This study aims to assess colonoscopy performance in chronic constipation across age groups, comprehensively evaluating diagnostic yield and comparing results with average-risk controls. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 50,578 colonoscopy procedures performed over 12 years, including 5478 constipated patients. An average-risk control group (n = 4100) was included. Data extracted from electronic medical records covered demographics, operational aspects, and colonoscopy findings. The primary outcome measures included the diagnosis rate of colorectal cancer (CRC), polyp detection rate (PDR), and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) diagnoses in constipated patients versus controls, with age-based and multivariate analyses. Results: Constipated patients exhibiting lower rates of adequate bowel preparation (92.7% vs. 85.3%; p < 0.001) and a lower cecal intubation rate. No significant variances between CRC and PDR were observed between constipated and controls, except for a potential of a slightly elevated CRC risk in constipated patients older than 80 (2.50% vs. 0% in controls; p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis demonstrated, across all age groups, that constipation did not confer an increased risk for CRC or polyp detection. Younger constipated patients exhibited a higher rate of IBD diagnoses (1.7% vs. 0.1% in controls; p < 0.001). Conclusions: Constipation did not confer an increased risk for CRC or polyps, among any age groups, except for a potential signal of elevated CRC risk in patients older than 80; additionally, it was associated with higher rates of IBD in younger patients.

Cholangitis caused by surgical clip migration into the common bile duct: a rare complication of a daily practice.

A 54-year-old female patient complained of right upper quadrant abdominal pain 11 years following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy. A CT scan demonstrated a collection in the surgical bed and a surgical clip in the proximal bile duct. Cholangitis developed a few days later. Another CT showed that the surgical clip migrated to the distal common bile duct. The clip was removed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and the cholangitis was resolved.

Computerized Tomography Criteria as a Tool for Simplifying the Assessment of Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer represents a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Staging defines the local and distant extent of the disease, guides management, and predicts prognosis. Different modalities are available for staging including TRUS (transrectal ultrasound), CT (computed tomography), and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging). OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to screen and isolate CT imaging parameters suggestive of advanced rectal cancer and its utility as a tool in simplifying the staging protocol making further imaging studies unnecessary. DESIGN: Retrospective, single center study. PATIENTS AND SETTINGS: Seventy-five patients with rectal carcinoma were included and were divided into two groups according to their T score and nodal involvement status, as diagnosed by TRUS. Group 1 (n = 15) "local disease" (T1/T2 N0) and group 2 (n = 60) "locally advanced disease" are both eligible for neoadjuvant treatment (N/any T or T3/any N). For each patient, three CT imaging parameters that represent locally advanced disease, i.e., perirectal fat infiltration, local lymphadenopathy, and rectal wall thickening, were evaluated and compared between the two groups. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The capability of CT imaging to accurately predict locally advanced rectal carcinoma. RESULTS: Rectal wall thickening on CT was found to have 92% PPV and perirectal lymphadenopathy 96% PPV for predicting a locally advanced stage. A combination of those two parameters results in a predictive PPV of 98%. LIMITATIONS: This was a single center retrospective study, with a relatively small cohort. CONCLUSIONS: CT is a valuable tool in the assessment and management of rectal carcinoma as it can identify locally advanced rectal cancer. This enables treatment without any further unnecessary evaluation.

Estimation of Gastric Volume Before Anesthesia in Term-Pregnant Women Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section, Compared With Non-pregnant or First-Trimester Women Undergoing Minor Gynecological Surgical Procedures.

BACKGROUND: Traditionally, intubation of pregnant women has been performed using a rapid sequence induction. This is due to the classical concept that women with more than 18 weeks of pregnancy (mid-second trimester) are always considered to have an increased risk of aspiration due to a number of factors, regardless of the fasting duration. Rapid sequence induction is associated with a higher rate of adverse events. AIMS: Our study aimed to illuminate the hypothesis that there is no difference in gastric volume between term-pregnant women and non-pregnant or first-trimester pregnant women who were undergoing minor gynecological surgical procedures. Accordingly, we measured gastric volume and content before anesthesia in term-pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section, and to compare it with non-pregnant or first-trimester pregnant women who were undergoing minor gynecological surgical procedures. METHODS: In this single-center prospective study, the gastric volume and content were assessed by abdominal ultrasound (AUS) just prior to the scheduled procedure. AUS was performed in the sagittal or para-sagittal plain in the upright position and the stomach content was estimated according to the antral circumferential area. Group 1 consisted of 50 term-pregnant women scheduled for cesarean section. Group 2 consisted of 45 non-pregnant or first-trimester pregnant women who were scheduled for minor gynecologic procedure. RESULTS: Despite significant longer fasting time prior to the interventional procedure in the non-pregnant or first-trimester women group, there was no significant difference in gastric volume between term-pregnant and first-trimester pregnant women (3.2 ± 0.97 cm2 vs 3.2 ± 0.79 cm2; P = .97). Gastric volume was small in the two groups. CONCLUSION: Fasting gastric volume before cesarean section in term-pregnant women is small and is not different than in non-pregnant or first-trimester women undergoing minor gynecologic procedures. Ultrasound estimation of gastric volume is a reliable and easy-to-perform technique which might help in decision-making regarding the airway management prior to induction of anesthesia in pregnant women.

The impact of colonoscopy indication on polyp detection rate.

BACKGROUND: Adenoma/polyp detection rates are considered to be among the most important quality indicators of colonoscopy and are key measures of a quality procedure. However, they are designed for use in the screening setting and are not amenable to other colonoscopy indications. Little is known about their significance in other colonoscopy indications. We aimed to evaluate the impact of the various indications on polyp detection rate (PDR). METHODS: This was a retrospective, single-center study. Electronic reports of index colonoscopy procedures with adequate bowel preparation over a 10-year period were reviewed. Patients were divided into 7 groups based on the study indication. PDR was determined for each group and was compared to that of a control group, the screening indication group. Adjustment was made for potential confounders such as age, sex, and procedural setting. RESULTS: A total of 13,054 patients were considered suitable for the study. PDR was greatest in the positive fecal occult blood test group, with a value of 33.1% (P<0.01). Overall, the remaining groups showed similar PDRs compared with screening (22.1% vs. 20.4%; P=0.15). This trend persisted in a multivariate analysis, which showed the odds ratio in the positive fecal occult blood test group to be significantly higher, with a value of 1.955 (1.759-2.172, P<0.001) compared with the screening group. CONCLUSION: PDR was highest for the positive fecal occult blood test indication, but was not affected significantly by most indications. Further randomized studies are warranted to confirm these findings and help calculate recommended thresholds for "overall" PDR.

Predictors and colonoscopy outcomes of inadequate bowel cleansing: a 10-year experience in 28,725 patients.

BACKGROUND: Inadequate bowel preparation is still the main obstacle to a complete colonoscopy in many patients and necessitates many repeated procedures. We aimed to identify risk factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation and to better characterize these patients. METHODS: This was a retrospective study that reviewed electronic reports of colonoscopy procedures over a 10-year period. Patients were divided into 2 groups: adequate vs. non-adequate bowel preparation. A multivariate analysis was performed to identify variables associated with inadequate bowel preparation, including age, sex, setting (inpatient/outpatient), preparation regimen and procedures' indications. We examined the effect of inadequate preparation on colonoscopy quality indicators. RESULTS: Of the 28,725 patients included in the study, 6,702 (23.3%) had inadequate bowel preparation. In the multivariate analysis, advanced age (odds ratio [OR] 1.015, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.013-1.017; P<0.01), male sex (OR 1.353, 95%CI 1.286-1.423; P<0.01) and a minority population (OR 1.635, 95%CI 1.531-1.746; P<0.01) were significantly associated with inadequate bowel preparation. The inpatient setting was among the most prominent factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation (OR 2.018, 95%CI 1.884-2.163; P<0.01). Adequate bowel preparation was associated with a higher polyp detection rate (26.8% vs. 23.6%; OR 1.22, 95%CI 1.109-1.347; P<0.01) and colorectal cancer (2.8% vs. 2.4%; OR 1.402, 95%CI 1.146-1.716; P<0.01), and higher frequencies of cecal (96.4% vs. 73.5%; OR 2.243, 95%CI 2.095-2.403; P<0.01) and terminal ileum intubation (8.1% vs. 5.4%; OR 1.243, 95%CI 1.088-1.434; P<0.01). CONCLUSION: We outlined various factors associated with inadequate bowel preparation and confirmed its adverse effect on colonoscopy quality indicators.

Colorectal Cancer and Polyps in Diverticulosis Patients: A 10-Year Retrospective Study in 13680 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Shared by certain epidemiological and etiological characteristics, diverticulosis and colorectal cancer (CRC) as well as colonic polyps has long been linked. This association was studied in several heterogeneous studies but has reported inconsistent results. Clarifying the association is clinically relevant for endoscopist awareness and potential modification of screening and surveillance intervals for diverticulosis patients. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, patients diagnosed with diverticulosis on colonoscopy over a 10-year period were included. Each diverticulosis patient was matched with 1 control by age, gender, setting (inpatient/outpatient), and procedure's indication. CRC and polyp detection rates were recorded and compared between the groups before and after adjustment for bowel preparation quality and exam completion. CRC location was recorded and compared between groups. RESULTS: A cohort of 13680 patients (6840 patients with diverticulosis and 6840 matched controls) was included. Diverticulosis was located mainly to the sigmoid and left colon (94.4%). The CRC diagnosis rate was lower in the diverticulosis group (2% vs. 4.5%, odds ratio = 0.472, P < 0.001, and 95%CI = 0.382-0.584). Moreover, location of CRC was unrelated to diverticulosis location, as more CRCs in the diverticulosis group were located proximal to the splenic flexure as compared to the control group (42.5% vs 29.5%, respectively; P = 0.007). Diverticulosis, however, was associated with an increased polyp detection rate compared to controls (30.5% vs. 25.5%; odds ratio = 1.2, P < 0.001, and 95%CI = 1.11-1.299). CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that diverticulosis was not associated with an increased risk for CRC. A possible increased polyp detection rate, however, warrants further evaluation in large prospective studies.

Melanosis Coli: A Helpful Contrast Effect or a Harmful Pigmentation?

BACKGROUND: Melanosis coli, a brown discoloration of colonic mucosa, is considered as a benign condition mainly observed in patients under chronic anthranoid laxatives. Recent data link this condition with an increased adenoma detection rate. Moreover, its tumorigenic potential and possible association with the development of colorectal cancer remains uncertain. We conducted this study to compare the polyp detection rate and colorectal cancer diagnosis in patients with melanosis against matched control group without melanosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective single-center study. Patients diagnosed with melanosis coli on colonoscopy over a 15-year period were included. Each melanosis coli patient was matched with three controls by age, gender, setting (inpatient/outpatient), and procedure's indication. Polyp detection rate and diagnosis of colorectal cancer were recorded and compared between the groups before and after adjustment for bowel preparation. RESULTS: A cohort of 718 patients with melanosis and 2154 controls were included. The polyp detection rates were 33.4% and 21.8% of melanosis and control groups, respectively (P < .001). Melanosis coli, however, was associated with less diagnosis of colorectal cancer than controls (0.3% vs 3.9%; P < .001). In multivariate analysis, melanosis diagnosis on endoscopy was significantly associated with higher polyp detection rate (odds ratio [OR] = 1.986, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.626-2.425; P value < .01). CONCLUSIONS: Melanosis coli is not associated with increased diagnosis of colorectal cancer. It is associated, however, with enhanced polyp detection likely due to chromo-endoscopy-like effect.

Spontaneous Rupture of the Main Pancreatic Duct Synchronous With a Multi-Focal Microscopic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma: A Case Report.

Pancreatic cancer is one of the most lethal types of malignant tumours, commonly diagnosed at an advanced stage. The only curative treatment for this fatal disease is surgery and early diagnosis is the key to a better outcome and prognosis. In this case report we present a 57-year-old woman presenting to the emergency room with abdominal pain and weight loss. Computer Tomography (CT) imaging showed a rupture of the main pancreatic duct and a peri-pancreatic fluid collection with no evidence of a pancreatic mass. An Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS) guided Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) did not show any malignant cells and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) and Carbohydrate Antigen (CA) 19-9 markers were in the normal range. The patient then underwent pancreatectomy that revealed multiple microscopic foci of pancreatic adenocarcinoma with evidence of massive perineural and vascular invasion.