Esophageal disease and loss to follow-up are common among patients who experience non-endoscopic resolution of food impaction.

Many patients who experience esophageal food impaction (EFI) will have non-endoscopic resolution (NER) of their EFI, but this population is poorly defined. The purpose of this study is to describe the outcomes of patients with NER of EFI. A retrospective chart review from 2007 to 2017 was performed at a single tertiary care center. There were 593 patients who presented to the emergency department with EFI, defined as recent soft food ingestion and inability to tolerate oral secretions. Adequate follow-up was defined as a gastroenterology clinic visit or EGD within 6 months of EFI. Out of these, 149 patients (25.1%) had NER of their EFI. Patients with NER were less likely to have adequate follow-up than those with ER (45.0% vs. 59.5%, P = 0.003). Of those without established esophageal disease and NER, 92.5% had significant esophageal pathology on endoscopy, including stricture (34.0%), features of eosinophilic esophagitis (30.2%), and esophagitis (22.6%). Recurrent EFI occurred at a similar rate between patients with NER and ER (9.4% vs. 14.6%, P = 0.14). Patients with established esophageal disease (odds ratio [OR]: 1.51, P = 0.04) and recommendation to follow-up at time of EFI (OR: 6.06, P < 0.001) were most likely to follow up after EFI. Approximately, a quarter of patients with EFI will experience NER of their EFI. Virtually, all patients (92.5%) were found to have esophageal disease warranting longitudinal care. Importantly, follow-up rates are significantly lower in those with NER than their counterparts requiring EGD. Our study highlights the need to develop standardized protocols that improve follow-up for patients after NER of EFI.

Empiric proton pump inhibitor therapy after esophageal food impaction may mask eosinophilic esophagitis diagnosis at follow-up.

Esophageal food impaction (EFI) is often the first presentation for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE); however, there is significant heterogeneity in the management of EFI. We aimed to study the impact of EFI management, particularly post-EFI medication prescriptions on EoE diagnosis, follow-up, and recurrence in patients with endoscopic features of EoE. In our retrospective study, adults presenting between 2007 and 2017 with EFI requiring endoscopic dis-impaction with endoscopic features of EoE (furrows, rings, and/or exudates) were included. We examined the impact of demographics and EFI management on EoE diagnosis, follow-up (esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD] or clinic visit within 6 months), and recurrence. We identified 164 cases of EFI due to suspected EoE. Biopsy was performed in 68 patients (41.5%), and 144 patients (87.8%) were placed on proton pump inhibitor (PPI) and/or swallow corticosteroids after EFI, including 88.5% of those not biopsied. PPI use at time of biopsy was negatively associated with EoE diagnosis (odds ratio: 0.39, confidence interval: 0.17-0.85). Sixty-one (37.4%) patients were lost to follow-up at 6 months. Recurrent EFI at 1 year occurred in 3.7% of patients. Medications, most commonly PPI, are frequently prescribed after EFI when the endoscopic features of EoE are present, which may mask the diagnosis of EoE on follow-up EGD. We estimated that for every five patients biopsied on PPI, one case of EoE is masked. As recurrent EFI within 1 year is uncommon, empiric therapy should be avoided until diagnostic biopsies are obtained. Further efforts to reduce loss to follow-up after EFI are also needed.

Effect of individualized feedback on learning curves in EGD and colonoscopy: a cluster randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastroenterology fellowships need to ensure that trainees achieve competence in upper endoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. Because the impact of structured feedback remains unknown in endoscopy training, this study compared the effect of structured feedback with standard feedback on trainee learning curves for EGD and colonoscopy. METHODS: In this multicenter, cluster, randomized controlled trial, trainees received either individualized quarterly learning curves or feedback standard to their fellowship. Assessment was performed in all trainees using the Assessment of Competency in Endoscopy tool on 5 consecutive procedures after every 25 EGDs and colonoscopies. Individual learning curves were created using cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis. The primary outcome was the mean CUSUM score in overall technical and overall cognitive skills. RESULTS: In all, 13 programs including 132 trainees participated. The intervention arm (6 programs, 51 trainees) contributed 558 EGD and 600 colonoscopy assessments. The control arm (7 programs, 81 trainees) provided 305 EGD and 468 colonoscopy assessments. For EGD, the intervention arm (-.7 [standard deviation {SD}, 1.3]) had a superior mean CUSUM score in overall cognitive skills compared with the control arm (1.6 [SD, .8], P = .03) but not in overall technical skills (intervention, -.26 [SD, 1.4]; control, 1.76 [SD, .7]; P = .06). For colonoscopy, no differences were found between the 2 arms in overall cognitive skills (intervention, -.7 [SD, 1.3]; control, .7 [SD, 1.3]; P = .95) or overall technical skills (intervention, .1 [SD, 1.5]; control, -.1 [SD, 1.5]; P = .77). CONCLUSIONS: Quarterly feedback in the form of individualized learning curves did not affect learning curves for EGD and colonoscopy in a clinically meaningful manner. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02891304.).

Musculoskeletal Injuries Are Commonly Reported Among Gastroenterology Trainees: Results of a National Survey.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopy-related musculoskeletal injuries are increasingly recognized among gastroenterologists. While injury rates and risk factors have been studied among practicing gastroenterologists, little is known about rates among trainees during fellowship. AIMS: This study analyzes the prevalence of endoscopy-related overuse injuries and risk factors for injuries among a national sample of gastroenterology (GI) fellows. We also surveyed GI fellowship program directors and fellows about perceptions of overuse injuries during GI training. METHODS: We distributed a 29-item electronic survey to GI fellows at accredited programs in the USA in April 2016. Survey items included demographic information, questions pertaining to injuries, and level of agreement on the importance of ergonomics training in GI fellowship. Additionally, we distributed a 7-item electronic survey to fellowship program directors evaluating perception of overuse injuries and prevention during fellowship training. Fisher's exact test determined factors associated with sustaining an injury. RESULTS: An estimated 1509 fellows received the survey. Eleven percent (n = 165) of gastroenterology fellows completed the survey. Twenty percent reported having a musculoskeletal injury. Female gender was the only factor associated with a higher rate of reported injury (p < 0.01). The most common injuries reported were thumb and other hand-related pain (n = 28 [64%]). CONCLUSIONS: Musculoskeletal injuries may affect up to 20% of GI fellows. Female fellows more frequently report injuries and may be at particularly high risk which has not been found in previously reported surveys of practicing gastroenterologists. Standardized curricula on ergonomic considerations and injury prevention are needed to enhance GI fellowship training and reduce injury rates.

Role of food and aeroallergen sensitization in eosinophilic esophagitis in adults.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of IgE-mediated food sensitivity is frequently performed for patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). However, the clinical relevance of identifying IgE-mediated sensitivity to foods in adults is unclear. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether EoE associated with food or aeroallergen sensitivity represents a phenotype of EoE with distinct clinical or biological features. METHODS: A medical record review identified 257 patients with a diagnosis of EoE evaluated in the adult allergy clinic at the University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics from 2008 to 2013. Patient records were reviewed to capture measures of disease severity, endoscopy results, pathology reports, allergy testing, medical management and patient-reported outcomes. RESULTS: Evaluation of food sensitization with skin prick testing and/or serum IgE was performed for 93% of patients. Sensitization to at least 1 food was identified in 54% of patients who were more likely to report concomitant asthma, allergic rhinitis, eczema, and/or food allergy compared with nonfood sensitive patients. Aeroallergen sensitivity was identified in 87% of patients tested. Clinical characteristics, including EoE symptoms, disease severity, endoscopic findings, peripheral eosinophilia, and patient-reported outcomes, did not differ between food sensitive and non-food sensitive patients. However, on endoscopy, aeroallergen sensitive patients were more likely to have strictures and less likely to exhibit felinization compared with non-aeroallergen sensitized patients. CONCLUSION: Adults with EoE and IgE-mediated food sensitivity are not phenotypically different than non-food sensitive patients. There is no clear clinical utility in identifying food sensitivity in adults with EoE. Further studies are needed to determine whether aeroallergen sensitivity represents a distinct phenotype of EoE.

Colonoscopy training in gastroenterology fellowships: determining competence.

BACKGROUND: Although 140 colonoscopies is the recommended minimal requirement for gastroenterology fellows, it is unclear whether this minimum is a surrogate for competence. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether 140 colonoscopies is an adequate threshold to determine > or =90% colonoscopy performance independence. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis on a database constructed for quality control/improvement. SETTING: Gastroenterology fellowship training program at a veterans hospital. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients who underwent colonoscopy primarily for symptoms, previous polyps, or family history of cancer (a minority were performed for screening only) from April 2007 to September 2008. This study involved 11 gastroenterology fellows who performed 770 colonoscopies during 18 individual month-long rotations. INTERVENTION: Assessment of various procedure-related parameters. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Determining when > or =90% independence in colonoscopy performance was reached. RESULTS: Total colonoscopy time, time to cecal intubation, withdrawal time, and independent completion rates all significantly improved when first and third years of training were compared (P < .001 for all comparisons). The adenoma detection rate did not change between years of training. Independent completion was achieved in > or =90% of cases for all fellows after 500 colonoscopies, whereas no fellow reached a > or =90% independent colonoscopy completion rate after 140 colonoscopies. LIMITATIONS: Number of participants, single center. CONCLUSIONS: Becoming a competent colonoscopist requires repeated practice. Our study suggests that, although there is variability between a trainee's ability to become colonoscopy independent, 500 colonoscopies are likely required to ensure reliable (> or =90%) independent completion rates. Competency requires more than a single parameter.

Variation in colonoscopic technique and adenoma detection rates at an academic gastroenterology unit.

The purpose of this research is to evaluate the quality of colonoscopy at an academic institution with a focus on factors influencing withdrawal times and adenoma detection rates. Procedural data and pathologic results of 550 consecutive screening colonoscopies in average risks patients (mean [+/-SD] age, 57 +/- 7.6, 44% male) completed by ten academic gastroenterologists were reviewed. Per individual gastroenterologist, the adenoma detection rates ranged widely from 0.09 to 0.82 adenomas per patient with a mean of 0.46 for the group. The mean withdrawal time was 7.0 min for the group and ranged from 3.4 to 9.6 min. There was a significant positive relationship between the number of adenomas detected and the withdrawal time (P = 0.006). Endoscopists with cecal intubation time to withdrawal time ratios of less than 1 detected significantly more adenomas compared to endoscopists with ratios greater than 1 (P = 0.001). (1) Significant variation in academic gastroenterologists' abilities to detect adenomas during screening colonoscopies exists. (2) Colonoscopic withdrawal time and the cecal intubation to withdrawal time ratio are important factors associated with increased adenoma detection rates.

Surgical resident's training in colonoscopy: numbers, competency, and perceptions.

BACKGROUND: There is currently great discrepancy in the training requirements between medical societies regarding the recommended threshold number of colonoscopies needed to assess for technical competence. Our goal was to determine the number of colonoscopies performed by surgical residents, rate of cecal intubation, as well as trainee perceptions of colonoscopy training after completion of their training period. METHODS: This study consisted of a 12-item electronic survey completed by 21 surgical residents after their 2-month endoscopy rotation at a tertiary care, urban referral center. This survey assessed numbers of colonoscopies performed, number successful to the cecum, and perceptions of training in colonoscopy. The cecal intubation rate was used as a surrogate marker of technical competence. RESULTS: Twenty-one surgical residents performed a mean of 80 ± 35 total colonoscopies during the 2-month rotation. The average cecal intubation rate was 47% (range 9-78%). Resident comfort level for independently performing a total colonoscopy was scored a mean 3.6 on scale of 1-5 (5 = most comfortable), and 43% of the surgical residents planned on performing colonoscopy after residency training. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical residents can obtain the recommended threshold for colonoscopy (N = 50) during a standard 2-month rotation. However, no resident was able to achieve technical competence in colonoscopy as defined by a 90% cecal intubation rate. These data suggest that the method of training of general surgery residents in colonoscopy may need reappraisal.

A Prospective Multicenter Study Evaluating Endoscopy Competence Among Gastroenterology Trainees in the Era of the Next Accreditation System.

PURPOSE: The Next Accreditation System requires training programs to demonstrate competence among trainees. Within gastroenterology (GI), there are limited data describing learning curves and structured assessment of competence in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. In this study, the authors aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a centralized feedback system to assess endoscopy learning curves among GI trainees in EGD and colonoscopy. METHOD: During academic year 2016-2017, the authors performed a prospective multicenter cohort study, inviting participants from multiple GI training programs. Trainee technical and cognitive skills were assessed using a validated competence assessment tool. An integrated, comprehensive data collection and reporting system was created to apply cumulative sum analysis to generate learning curves that were shared with program directors and trainees on a quarterly basis. RESULTS: Out of 183 fellowships invited, 129 trainees from 12 GI fellowships participated, with an overall trainee participation rate of 72.1% (93/129); the highest participation level was among first-year trainees (90.9%; 80/88), and the lowest was among third-year trainees (51.2%; 27/53). In all, 1,385 EGDs and 1,293 colonoscopies were assessed. On aggregate learning curve analysis, third-year trainees achieved competence in overall technical and cognitive skills, while first- and second-year trainees demonstrated the need for ongoing supervision and training in the majority of technical and cognitive skills. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the feasibility of using a centralized feedback system for the evaluation and documentation of trainee performance in EGD and colonoscopy. Furthermore, third-year trainees achieved competence in both endoscopic procedures, validating the effectiveness of current training programs.

Correlation between Reflux and multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring in untreated volunteers.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Although probable causative agents have been identified (e.g., refluxate components, tobacco smoke), the definitive mechanism for inflammation-related laryngeal mucosal damage remains elusive. Multichannel intraluminal impedance combined with pH monitoring (MII/pH) has emerged as a sensitive tool for diagnosis and characterization of gastroesophageal reflux disease with laryngopharyngeal manifestations. To determine the relationship between laryngeal signs and MII/pH, we examined correlations between Reflux Finding Score (RFS) ratings of videostroboscopic laryngeal examinations and findings from MII/pH. STUDY DESIGN: Correlational study. METHODS: Healthy, untreated volunteers (n = 142) underwent reflux diagnosis using data acquired from MII/pH testing. Eight trained clinicians performed RFS ratings of corresponding laryngeal examinations. Averaged RFS ratings were compared to MII/pH data using Pearson correlation coefficients. The relationship between RFS and MII/pH findings and demographic/clinical information (age, sex, smoking status, reflux) was assessed using general linear modeling. Rater reliability was evaluated. RESULTS: Posterior commissure hypertrophy was negatively correlated with minutes of nonacid refluxate (R = -0.21, P = .0115). General linear modeling revealed that 28% to 40% of the variance in ratings of ventricular obliteration, erythema/hyperemia, vocal fold edema, diffuse laryngeal edema, posterior commissure hypertrophy, and granulation/granuloma could be explained by main and interaction effects of age, sex, smoking status, and reflux. Intra- and inter-rater reliability for RFS were poor-fair. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the theory that the RFS is not specific for reflux in healthy, untreated volunteers, suggesting there may be alternate explanations for inflammatory clinical signs commonly ascribed to reflux in this population.

Esophageal clearance patterns in normal older adults as documented with videofluoroscopic esophagram.

Normal esophageal bolus transport in asymptomatic healthy older adults has not been well defined, potentially leading to ambiguity in differentiating esophageal swallowing patterns of dysphagic and healthy individuals. This pilot study of 24 young (45-64 years) and old (65+years) men and women was designed to assess radiographic esophageal bolus movement patterns in healthy adults using videofluoroscopic recording. Healthy, asymptomatic adults underwent videofluoroscopic esophagram to evaluate for the presence of ineffective esophageal clearance, namely, intraesophageal stasis and intraesophageal reflux. Intraesophageal stasis and intraesophageal reflux were visualized radiographically in these normal subjects. Intraesophageal stasis occurred significantly more frequently with semisolid (96%) compared with liquid (16%) barium, suggesting that a variety of barium consistencies, as opposed to only the traditional fluids, would better define the spectrum of esophageal transport. Intraesophageal reflux was observed more frequently in older males than in their younger counterparts. The rates of intraesophageal stasis and intraesophageal reflux were potentially high given that successive bolus presentations were spaced 10 seconds apart. These findings suggest a need for a more comprehensive definition regarding the range of normal esophageal bolus transport to (a) prevent misdiagnosis of dysphagia and (b) to enhance generalization to functional eating, which involves solid foods in addition to liquids.

Gastric electrical stimulation is an effective and safe treatment for medically refractory gastroparesis.

BACKGROUND: Gastroparesis is characterized by delayed gastric emptying in the absence of obstruction. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Severe gastroparesis can result in recurrent hospitalizations, malnutrition, and even death. Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is a low morbidity treatment that may be effective in patients who are refractory to medical therapy. METHODS: For a period of more than 35 months, 19 GES systems were implanted laparoscopically for refractory gastroparesis of diabetic (DG, n = 10), idiopathic (IG, n = 6), or postsurgical (PSG, n = 3) etiology. Total gastroparesis symptom scores (TSS) and weekly vomiting frequency were assessed. Gastric emptying studies were attained preoperatively and after 6 months. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 38 weeks. There were no major complications. Within 6 weeks, frequency of vomiting decreased in 75% of DG (6/8) and 100% of IG (4/4) patients. No PSG patient complained of vomiting preoperatively. Mean TSS scores improved significantly at all intervals out to 1 year. Gastric emptying studies normalized in 80% of DG patients but in only 1 of the 6 patients with gastroparesis due to other causes. CONCLUSION: GES therapy can lead to improvement in symptoms of gastroparesis and frequency of vomiting within 6 weeks. This therapy is a low morbidity treatment option that may help patients whose symptoms fail to improve with medical therapy.

Non-acidic supraesophageal reflux associated with diffuse alveolar damage and allograft dysfunction after lung transplantation: a case report.

Advances in lung transplantation have improved 1-year survival rates, but allograft dysfunction continues to be a significant cause of post-transplant death. Diffuse alveolar damage is an early indication of allograft dysfunction and has been linked to gastroesophageal reflux. We report a case of diffuse alveolar damage-associated allograft dysfunction in a patient found to have significant non-acid gastroesophageal reflux.

Predictors of early recurrence of benign esophageal strictures.

OBJECTIVE: In the era of liberal proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use, benign esophageal strictures remain a significant management problem, with 30-40% of patients experiencing symptomatic recurrence within 1 yr of successful dilation. We therefore sought to examine predictors of early recurrence of benign esophageal strictures after endoscopic dilation. METHODS: Predictors for stricture recurrence were examined in 87 consecutive outpatients undergoing initial dilation over a 1-yr period. Patients with symptomatic recurrence of dysphagia requiring repeat dilation within 1 yr of initial successful dilation (cases) were compared to patients who did not require redilation (controls). Predictors were assessed by univariate and multivariate analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis of significant predictors using time to first redilation was also performed. RESULTS: Of the patients, 36 required repeat dilation within 1 yr, whereas 51 did not (median follow-up, 33 months). Of all strictures, 67 (77%) were peptic, with the remainder caused by radiation, drug-related injury, or congenital stenosis, among other causes. In multivariate analysis, nonpeptic strictures were significant predictors for early recurrence, as was a narrower stricture diameter. For peptic strictures, the persistence of heartburn after dilation and the presence of a hiatal hernia were significant predictors. Of all peptic strictures, 84% of patients were on PPIs after dilation, with no difference between cases and controls. Of all patients with persistent heartburn after dilation, 90% were on PPIs. CONCLUSIONS: The persistence of heartburn after dilation is a strong predictor for early symptomatic recurrence of benign esophageal peptic strictures, despite a high rate of PPI use. This may suggest persistent acid reflux requiring optimization of acid reduction therapy. Alternatively, combined acid and alkaline reflux may account for progressive injury despite PPI therapy. Esophageal pH studies may be invaluable in making the distinction between acid and non-acidic (alkaline) reflux. Nonpeptic strictures are also more likely to have early recurrences and are therefore more difficult to manage.