CO2 enterography in endoscopic retrograde cholangiography using double-balloon endoscopy: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Double-balloon endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (DBERC) is a valuable procedure for patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Nonetheless, it is time-consuming and burdensome for both patients and endoscopists, partly because route selection in the reconstructed bowel with complicating loop is challenging. Carbon dioxide insufflation enterography is reportedly useful for route selection in the blind loop. This prospective randomized clinical trial investigated the usefulness of carbon dioxide insufflation enterography for route selection by comparing it with conventional observation. METHODS: Patients scheduled to undergo DBERC were consecutively registered. They were divided into carbon dioxide insufflation enterography and conventional groups via randomization according to stratification factors, type of reconstruction methods, and experience with DBERC. The primary endpoint was the correct rate of initial route selection. The secondary endpoints were the insertion time, examination time, amount of anesthesia drugs, and complications. RESULTS: The correct rate of route selection was significantly higher in the carbon dioxide insufflation enterography group (23/25, 92%) than in the visual method (15/25, 60%) (P = 0.018). The insertion time was significantly shorter in the carbon dioxide insufflation enterography group than in the visual group (10.8 ± 11.1 min vs 29.8 ± 15.7 min; P < 0.001). No significant differences in complications were noted between the two groups. The amounts of sedatives and analgesics used were significantly lower in the carbon dioxide insufflation enterography group (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Carbon dioxide insufflation enterography can reduce the burden of DBERC on patients and endoscopists by shortening the examination time and reducing the amount of medication.

Fecal microbiota transplantation in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a single-center prospective study in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is a potential treatment for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), but its efficacy in Japanese IBS patients is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy, side effects, and microbiome changes following FMT in Japanese IBS patients. METHODS: Seventeen Japanese patients with refractory IBS received FMT (4 donors) under colonoscopy. Responders were defined by an improvement in the IBS severity index (IBS-SI) of 50 points or more after 12 weeks. We evaluated the IBS-SI and Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) and compared the diversity and microbiome before and 12 weeks after FMT. For the microbiome, we analyzed the V3-V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene. RESULTS: IBS-SI decreased an average of 115.58 points after 12 weeks, and 10 patients (58.8%) were considered responders. Eight patients with diarrhea (66.7%) and three patients with constipation (60.0%) showed improvement in the BSFS. Two patients complained of mild abdominal pain, but there were no cases with severe side-effects. α-diversity was increased only in the responder group (p = 0.017). Patients who closely paralleled the donor microbiome had a higher rate of IBS-SI improvement. The relative abundance of Neisseria and Akkermansia increased and Desulfovibrio and Delftia were decreased in the responder group after FMT. CONCLUSIONS: Following FMT, about 60% of Japanese patients with IBS showed improvement in both the IBS-SI and BSFS, without severe side effects. Increased α-diversity and similarity to the donor microbiome after FMT may be associated with better treatment effects. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trial Registration (UMIN000026363). Registered 31 May 2017, https://rctportal.niph.go.jp/s/detail/um?trial_id=UMIN000026363 . The study was registered prospectively.