Transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation of acupuncture points improves tolerance in adults undergoing diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy (OGDS) is the most common diagnostic procedure for upper gastrointestinal diseases. It often causes discomfort and anxiety, which are only mitigated by systemic sedation. However, sedation poses additional risks of adverse cardiopulmonary events, increased medical costs, and prolonged recovery. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation of acupuncture points (Acu-TENS) is a non-invasive and innovative approach that induces analgesic effect during endoscopy. This trial is the first to be reported in English that explores the potential of Acu-TENS to increase patient tolerance during non-sedated elective diagnostic OGDS. METHODS: A double-blinded randomized controlled trial involving 348 subjects was conducted at a tertiary hospital to evaluate the success rate of OGDS with Acu-TENS. Subjects aged 18-75 years scheduled for their first elective diagnostic OGDS were randomized into the intervention (Acu-TENS) and placebo arms. OGDS success was assessed based on subjects' satisfaction ratings on a Likert scale and procedure's technical adequacy. Secondary measures included subjects' willingness to undergo future OGDS under similar conditions, procedure duration, and the endoscopist's perceived ease of the procedure. RESULTS: OGDS success rates were significantly higher with Acu-TENS (77.8%) than with the placebo (68.0%; odds ratio [OR] 1.64, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.01-2.66, p = 0.043). Subjects who received Acu-TENS expressed higher willingness for future OGDS (78.9%) than those who received the placebo (68.6%; OR 1.71, 95% CI 1.04-2.79, p = 0.031). Procedure duration were significantly shorter in the intervention arm (6.0 min) than in the placebo arm (10.0 min; p = 0.002). No adverse effects were reported, and endoscopists perceived similar procedure ease in both arms. CONCLUSIONS: Acu-TENS improved OGDS success and enhanced patients' experiences during non-sedated OGDS. It demonstrated safety with no side effects and reduced the procedure completion time. It could be used as an adjunct in non-sedated diagnostic OGDS.

Endoscopic Treatment of Obesity and Nutritional Aspects of Bariatric Endoscopy.

Obesity is a significant problem worldwide. Several serious diseases that decrease patient quality of life and increase mortality (high blood pressure, dyslipidaemia, type 2 diabetes etc.) are associated with obesity. Obesity treatment is a multidisciplinary and complex process that requires maximum patient compliance. Change of lifestyle is fundamental in the treatment of obesity. While pharmacotherapeutic options are available, their efficacy is limited. Surgical treatment though highly effective, carries the risk of complications and is thus indicated mostly in advanced stages of obesity. Endoscopic treatments of obesity are less invasive than surgical options, and are associated with fewer complications and nutritional deficits. Currently, there is a large spectrum of endoscopic methods based on the principles of gastric volume reduction, size restriction and gastric or small bowel bypass being explored with only few available in routine practice. The aim of this publication is to present an up-to-date summary of available endoscopic methods for the treatment of obesity focusing on their efficacy, safety and nutritional aspects.

Adaptación a la realidad de Latinoamérica de la Guía Clínica NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 sobre Diagnóstico, Prevención y Tratamiento de Infección por Helicobacter pylori en Pediatría / Adaptation to the reality of Latin America of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics

Resumen: Introducción: Las últimas guías clínicas conjuntas de NASPGHAN y ESPGHAN en relación a la infección por H. pylori publicadas el año 2016, contienen 20 afirmaciones que han sido cuestionadas en la práctica respecto a su aplicabilidad en Latinoamérica (LA); en particular en relación a la preven ción del cáncer gástrico. Métodos: Se realizó un análisis crítico de la literatura, con especial énfasis en datos de LA y se estableció el nivel de evidencia y nivel de recomendación de las afirmaciones mas controversiales de las Guías Conjuntas. Se realizaron 2 rondas de votación de acuerdo a la técnica Delfi de consenso y se utilizó escala de Likert (de 0 a 4) para establecer el "grado de acuerdo" entre un grupo de expertos de SLAGHNP. Resultados: Existen pocos estudios en relación a diagnóstico, efectividad de tratamiento y susceptibilidad a antibióticos de H. pylori en pacientes pediátricos de LA. En base a estos estudios, extrapolaciones de estudios de adultos y la experiencia clínica del panel de expertos participantes, se realizan las siguientes recomendaciones. Recomendamos la toma de biopsias para test rápido de ureasa e histología (y muestras para cultivo o técnicas moleculares, cuando estén disponibles) durante la endoscopia digestiva alta sólo si en caso de confirmar la infección por H. pylori, se indicará tratamiento de erradicación. Recomendamos que centros regionales seleccio nados realicen estudios de sensibilidad/resistencia antimicrobiana para H. pylori y así actúen como centros de referencia para toda LA. En caso de falla de erradicación de H. pylori con tratamiento de primera línea, recomendamos tratamiento empírico con terapia cuádruple con inhibidor de bomba de protones, amoxicilina, metronidazol y bismuto por 14 días. En caso de falla de erradicación con el esquema de segunda línea, se recomienda indicar un tratamiento individualizado considerando la edad del paciente, el esquema indicado previamente y la sensibilidad antibiótica de la cepa, lo que implica realizar una nueva endoscopía con extracción de muestra para cultivo y antibiograma o es tudio molecular de resistencia. En niños sintomáticos referidos a endoscopía que tengan antecedente de familiar de primer o segundo grado con cáncer gástrico, se recomienda considerar la búsqueda de H. pylori mediante técnica directa durante la endoscopia (y erradicarlo cuando es detectado). Con clusiones: La evidencia apoya mayoritariamente los conceptos generales de las Guías NASPGHAN/ ESPGHAN 2016, pero es necesario adaptarlas a la realidad de LA, con énfasis en el desarrollo de centros regionales para el estudio de sensibilidad a antibióticos y mejorar la correcta selección del tratamiento de erradicación. En niños sintomáticos con antecedente familiar de primer o segundo grado de cáncer gástrico, se debe considerar la búsqueda y erradicación de H. pylori.

Abstract: Introduction: The latest joint H. pylori NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN clinical guidelines published in 2016, contain 20 statements that have been questioned in practice regarding their applicability in Latin America (LA); in particular in relation to gastric cancer prevention. Methods: We conduc ted a critical analysis of the literature, with special emphasis on LA data and established the level of evidence and level of recommendation of the most controversial claims in the Joint Guidelines. Two rounds of voting were conducted according to the Delphi consensus technique and a Likert scale (from 0 to 4) was used to establish the "degree of agreement" among a panel of SLAGHNP ex perts. Results: There are few studies regarding diagnosis, treatment effectiveness and susceptibility to antibiotics of H. pylori in pediatric patients of LA. Based on these studies, extrapolations from adult studies, and the clinical experience of the participating expert panel, the following recom mendations are made. We recommend taking biopsies for rapid urease and histology testing (and samples for culture or molecular techniques, when available) during upper endoscopy only if in case of confirmed H. pylori infection, eradication treatment will be indicated. We recommend that selected regional centers conduct antimicrobial sensitivity/resistance studies for H. pylori and thus act as reference centers for all LA. In case of failure to eradicate H. pylori with first-line treatment, we recommend empirical treatment with quadruple therapy with proton pump inhibitor, amoxi cillin, metronidazole, and bismuth for 14 days. In case of eradication failure with the second line scheme, it is recommended to indicate an individualized treatment considering the age of the pa tient, the previously indicated scheme and the antibiotic sensitivity of the strain, which implies performing a new endoscopy with sample extraction for culture and antibiogram or molecular resistance study. In symptomatic children referred to endoscopy who have a history of first or se cond degree family members with gastric cancer, it is recommended to consider the search for H. pylori by direct technique during endoscopy (and eradicate it when detected). Conclusions: The evidence supports most of the general concepts of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines, but it is necessary to adapt them to the reality of LA, with emphasis on the development of regional centers for the study of antibiotic sensitivity and to improve the correct selection of the eradication treatment. In symptomatic children with a family history of first or second degree gastric cancer, the search for and eradication of H. pylori should be considered.

Esophageal Hematoma Associated with the Bolus Ingestion of Hot Coffee.

A 59-year-old woman presented with pharyngeal discomfort and dysphagia starting the previous day. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed a longitudinal reddish area and hematoma mainly on the left wall of the esophagus. On the previous day, she had felt a piece of meat sticking in her throat while eating; she therefore rapidly gulped down some hot coffee to hasten the passage of the meat. Based on the history, we diagnosed her endoscopic findings as esophageal hematoma and thermal injury associated with hot coffee. We herein describe a case of an acute esophageal hematoma and thermal injury and the clinical course following endoscopy.

Gastroparesis: New insights into an old disease.

Gastroparesis (Gp) is a chronic disease characterized by a delayed gastric emptying in the absence of mechanical obstruction. Although this condition has been reported in the literature since the mid-1900s, only recently has there been renewed clinical and scientific interest in this disease, which has a potentially great impact on the quality of life. The aim of this review is to explore the pathophysiological, diagnostic and therapeutical aspects of Gp according to the most recent evidence. A comprehensive online search for Gp was carried out using MEDLINE and EMBASE. Gp is the result of neuromuscular abnormalities of the gastric motor function. There is evidence that patients with idiopathic and diabetic Gp may display a reduction in nitrergic inhibitory neurons and in interstitial cells of Cajal and/or telocytes. As regards diagnostic approach, 99-Technetium scintigraphy is currently considered to be the gold standard for Gp. Its limits are a lack of standardization and a mild risk of radiation exposure. The C13 breath testing is a valid and safe alternative method. 13C acid octanoic and the 13C Spirulina platensis recently approved by the Food and Drug Administration are the most commonly used diagnostic kits. The wireless motility capsule is a promising technique, but its use is limited by costs and scarce availability in many countries. Finally, therapeutic strategies are related to the clinical severity of Gp. In mild and moderate Gp, dietary modification and prokinetic agents are generally sufficient. Metoclopramide is the only drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration for Gp. However, other older and new prokinetics and antiemetics can be considered. As a second-line therapy, tricyclic antidepressants and cannabinoids have been proposed. In severe cases the normal nutritional approach can be compromised and artificial nutrition may be needed. In drug-unresponsive Gp patients some alternative strategies (endoscopic, electric stimulation or surgery) are available.

A Holistic Approach to Diagnosing and Treating Dysphagia.

We report a 39-year-old Native American female with an almost 20-year history of dysphagia that had increased in the 6 months prior to the initial evaluation. Investigation revealed a number of distinct esophageal disorders including Plummer-Vinson syndrome, gastroesophageal reflux disease with esophagitis, distal esophageal stricture, esophageal intramural pseudo-diverticulosis, and recurrent esophageal Candida infections. Although prolonged therapy with proton pump inhibitors, fluconazole, nystatin, and repeated esophageal balloon dilations relieved her symptoms, her prognosis remains uncertain.

[Adaptation to the reality of Latin America of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines on the Diagnosis, Prevention and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Pediatrics]. / Adaptación a la realidad de Latinoamérica de la Guía Clínica NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 sobre Diagnóstico, Prevención y Tratamiento de Infección por Helicobacter pylori en Pediatría.

INTRODUCTION: The latest joint H. pylori NASPGHAN and ESPGHAN clinical guidelines published in 2016, contain 20 statements that have been questioned in practice regarding their applicability in Latin America (LA); in particular in relation to gastric cancer prevention. METHODS: We conduc ted a critical analysis of the literature, with special emphasis on LA data and established the level of evidence and level of recommendation of the most controversial claims in the Joint Guidelines. Two rounds of voting were conducted according to the Delphi consensus technique and a Likert scale (from 0 to 4) was used to establish the "degree of agreement" among a panel of SLAGHNP ex perts. RESULTS: There are few studies regarding diagnosis, treatment effectiveness and susceptibility to antibiotics of H. pylori in pediatric patients of LA. Based on these studies, extrapolations from adult studies, and the clinical experience of the participating expert panel, the following recom mendations are made. We recommend taking biopsies for rapid urease and histology testing (and samples for culture or molecular techniques, when available) during upper endoscopy only if in case of confirmed H. pylori infection, eradication treatment will be indicated. We recommend that selected regional centers conduct antimicrobial sensitivity/resistance studies for H. pylori and thus act as reference centers for all LA. In case of failure to eradicate H. pylori with first-line treatment, we recommend empirical treatment with quadruple therapy with proton pump inhibitor, amoxi cillin, metronidazole, and bismuth for 14 days. In case of eradication failure with the second line scheme, it is recommended to indicate an individualized treatment considering the age of the pa tient, the previously indicated scheme and the antibiotic sensitivity of the strain, which implies performing a new endoscopy with sample extraction for culture and antibiogram or molecular resistance study. In symptomatic children referred to endoscopy who have a history of first or se cond degree family members with gastric cancer, it is recommended to consider the search for H. pylori by direct technique during endoscopy (and eradicate it when detected). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence supports most of the general concepts of the NASPGHAN/ESPGHAN 2016 Guidelines, but it is necessary to adapt them to the reality of LA, with emphasis on the development of regional centers for the study of antibiotic sensitivity and to improve the correct selection of the eradication treatment. In symptomatic children with a family history of first or second degree gastric cancer, the search for and eradication of H. pylori should be considered.

Iatrogenic Arterial Gas Embolism From Esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Arterial gas embolus (AGE) is a rare complication of esophagoduodenoscopy (EGD) that has been described in only a few case reports in the literature. The exact etiology remains unknown, but many of the cases share some common characteristics. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 52-year-old otherwise healthy man who underwent outpatient EGD for a sensation of retained food in his esophagus. During the procedure, he suffered a tonic-clonic seizure, bradycardia, and hypoxia. Subsequent emergency department workup showed pneumocephalus on computed tomography brain imaging, and he was diagnosed with a cerebral AGE (CAGE). He was transferred to our facility for treatment of CAGE with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). After multiple hyperbaric treatments, he was discharged with a residual left hemiparesis, which represented a significant improvement in his overall neurologic status. We also present a review of similar EGD CAGE cases from the literature and discuss their outcomes and the need for HBOT. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Although CAGE from EGD is rare, these patients will often be transferred to the ED from gastrointestinal procedural suites and an emergency physician should understand that an iatrogenic CAGE can result from this procedure and that CAGE is a clinical diagnosis. Definitive care at a critical care-capable hyperbaric chamber will provide the patient with the best chance of meaningful recovery, and transport should be arranged as expeditiously as possible.

Identifying high-risk individuals for gastric cancer surveillance from western and eastern perspectives: Lessons to learn and possibility to develop an integrated approach for daily practice.

Current evidence shows that individuals with gastric dysplasia, severe and extensive gastric atrophy, extensive gastric intestinal metaplasia and the incomplete subtype of intestinal metaplasia are at high risk for gastric cancer (GC) development. There are several approaches to identifying these subjects, including noninvasive methods, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and histology. The main approach in Western countries is histology-based while that in Eastern countries with a high prevalence of GC is endoscopy-based. Regarding asymptomatic individuals, the key issues in selecting applicable approaches are the ability to reduce GC mortality and the cost-effectiveness of the approach. At present, population-based screening programs have only been applied in a few Asian countries with a high risk of GC. Pre-endoscopic risk assessment based on demographic and clinical features, such as ethnicity, age, gender, smoking and Helicobacter pylori status, is helpful for identifying subjects with high pre-test probability for a possibly cost-effective approach, especially in intermediate- and low-risk countries. Regarding symptomatic patients with indications for esophagogastroduodenoscopy, the importance of opportunistic screening should be emphasized. The combination of endoscopic and histological approaches should always be considered as endoscopy provides a real-time assessment of the patient's risk level. In addition, imaging enhanced endoscopy (IEE) has been shown to facilitate targeted biopsies resulting in better correlation between endoscopic and histological findings. Currently, the use of IEE is recommended for endoscopic examinations, and the Operative Link for Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia or Operative Link on Gastritis Assessment grading systems are recommended for histological examinations whenever available. However, resource limitations are an important barrier in many regions worldwide. Thus, for an approach to be applicable in real-life practice, it should be not only evidence-based but also resource-sensitive. In this review, we discuss the current understanding and approaches to identifying high-risk individuals from western and eastern perspectives, as well as the possibility of an integrated, resource-sensitive approach.

Efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine for chronic gastritis: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

BACKGROUND: To systematically evaluate efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating chronic gastritis (CG). METHODS: Data sources from PubMed, Embase, Springer Link, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Scientific Journals Database, Chinese Biomedicine Database, and Wan-fang database were searched up to July 5, 2018. Review Manager software version 5.3, the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation profiler software were conducted for this meta-analysis. RESULTS: Sixteen studies involving 1673 participants (906 vs 767) were included in this study. Pooled data showed significant statistical differences between TCM groups and current routine pharmacotherapy (RP) groups in overall clinical efficacy (odds ratio [OR] 4.65; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.29, 6.56; P < .00001), efficacy under endoscopy (OR 2.46; 95% CI 1.12, 5.43; P = .03), stomach distension (mean difference [MD] -0.37; 95% CI -0.56, -0.19; P < .0001), stomachache (standardized MD [SMD] -0.80; 95% CI -1.45, -0.14; P = .02), and belching (SMD -2.00; 95% CI -3.80, -0.20; P = .03). However, acid regurgitation (SMD -0.71; 95% CI -1.69, 0.28; P = .16) and anorexia (SMD -0.75; 95% CI -2.30, 0.80; P = .35) showed no significant statistical differences between 2 groups. In addition, incidence of adverse reactions of TCM groups was lower than that of RP groups. CONCLUSION: Evidence from this meta-analysis suggests that TCM could be more efficacious than current RP in treating CG. But further standardized research of rigorous design should be needed to further validate its efficacy.

Outcomes of transanal endorectal pull-through for rectal atresia.

Rectal atresia is a rare anorectal malformation, and it has been reported to represent 1%-2% of all anorectal malformations. We report three newborns who were admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit for abdominal distention, bilious vomiting and failure to pass meconium. The external anus and genitalia were normal and well formed. Digital rectal examination showed a blind-ending anal canal. All three infants were initially managed with diverting colostomy and then transanal resection of the rectal atresia with primary anastomosis, followed by colostomy closure. All patients eventually developed normal bowel habits and gained complete bowel control at 3-5 years of age, with mild constipation managed with laxatives. Contrast enema in a newborn with distal bowel obstruction is helpful to delineate the anatomy to show the gaps and to facilitate the procedure. In conclusion, transanal endorectal pull-through is a feasible and safe procedure with satisfactory clinical outcomes.

Acupuncture to improve tolerance of diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy in patients without systemic sedation: results of a single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial (DRKS00000164).

BACKGROUND: Sedation prior to esophagogastroduodenoscopy is widespread and increases patient comfort. However, it demands additional trained personnel, accounts for up to 40 % of total endoscopy costs and impedes rapid hospital discharge. Most patients lose at least one day of work. 98 % of all serious adverse events occurring during esophagogastroduodenoscopy are ascribed to sedation. Acupuncture is reported to be effective as a supportive intervention for gastrointestinal endoscopy, similar to conventional premedication. We investigated whether acupuncture during elective diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy could increase the comfort of patients refusing systemic sedation. METHODS: We performed a single-center, double-blinded, placebo-controlled superiority trial to compare the success rates of elective diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopies using real and placebo acupuncture. All patients aged 18 years or older scheduled for elective, diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy who refused systemic sedation were eligible; 354 patients were randomized. The primary endpoint measure was the rate of successful esophagogastroduodenoscopies. The intervention was real or placebo acupuncture before and during esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Successful esophagogastroduodenoscopy was based on a composite score of patient satisfaction with the procedure on a Likert scale as well as quality of examination, as assessed by the examiner. RESULTS: From February 2010 to July 2012, 678 patients were screened; 354 were included in the study. Baseline characteristics of the two groups showed a similar distribution in all but one parameter: more current smokers were allocated to the placebo group. The intention-to-treat analysis included 177 randomized patients in each group. Endoscopy could successfully be performed in 130 patients (73.5 %) in the real acupuncture group and 129 patients (72.9 %) in the placebo group. Willingness to repeat the procedure under the same conditions was 86.9 % in the real acupuncture group and 87.6 % in the placebo acupuncture group. CONCLUSIONS: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy without sedation is safe and can successfully be performed in two-thirds of patients. Patients planned for elective esophagogastroduodenoscopy without sedation do not benefit from acupuncture of the Sinarteria respondens (Rs) 24 Chengjiang middle line, Pericard (Pc) 6 Neiguan bilateral, or Dickdarm (IC) 4 Hegu bilateral, according to traditional Chinese medicine meridian theory. TRIAL REGISTRATION: DRKS00000164 . Registered on 10 December 2009.

[The calcium-regulating system and recurrent peptic ulcer].

AIM: To elucidate the functional state and value of the calcium-regulating system, calcium and phosphorus metabolism in the pathogenesis and sanogenesis of peptic ulcer (PU); to define the possible ways to correct shifts found in the treatment of disease relapse, by affecting the different levels of their disorders. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 220 patients with recurrent PU were examined by determining the blood levels of parathyrin, calcitonin, calcium and phosphorus, as well as gastric secretory and motor functions. RESULTS: Recurrent PU was accompanied by a considerable increase in the blood concentration of parathyroid hormone and calcium, a slight rise in that of calcitonin, and a significant reduction in that of phosphorus. These changes were attended by a substantial increase in gastric acid- and pepsinogen-forming functions, a decrease in the production of gastric mucoproteins, and hypermotor dyskinesia. The use of calcitrin, nifedipine, and etidronic acid, which eliminate dysfunction of the calcium-regulating system at different levels of its impairments, leads to a significant reduction in the time of alleviation of the clinical and endoscopic manifestations of a recurrence. CONCLUSION: Recurrent PU runs in the presence of calcium-regulating system dysfunction. Incorporation of the thyroid C-cell hormone preparation calcitrin, the slow calcium-channel blocker nifedipine, and etidronic acid bisphosphonate into a complex of treatment for a disease recurrence is pathogenetically sound and clinically effective.

Primary Intestinal Lymphangiectasia Manifested as Unusual Edemas and Effusions: A Case Report.

Primary intestinal lymphangiectasia (PIL) is a rare disorder of unknown etiology characterized by diffuse or localized dilation and eventual rupture of the enteric lymphatic vessels in mucosa, submucosa, and/or subserosa. Lymph, rich in all kinds of proteins and lymphocytes, leaks into the gastrointestinal tract via the affected lymphatic vessels causing hypoproteinemia and lymphopenia. The main symptom is variable degrees of pitting edemas of bilateral lower limbs. But edemas of any other parts of body, and mild serous effusions may also occur sometimes. PIL occurs in conjunction with a right hemifacial edema, a right upper limb lymphedema, asymmetric bilateral calves edemas, and a unilateral massive pleural effusion seems never to be reported before. In addition, increased enteric protein loss that may cause severe hypoproteinemia usually get overlooked, and the lymphatic system disorders always put the diagnoses in a dilemma.We described a case of a 17-year-old Chinese girl with a history of gradually progressive swellings of right-sided face, right upper limb, and bilateral calves since 3 to 4 months of age. A right-sided massive pleural effusion, a moderate pericardial effusion, and a mild ascites have been proved unchanged by a series of computerized tomography (CT) scans since 5 years ago. The diagnosis of PIL was finally confirmed by severe hypoproteinemia, endoscopic changes, and histology of jejunum biopsy. Further lymphoscintigraphy and lymphangiography also identified lymph leakage in her bowel and several abnormal lymphatic vessels. A high-protein, low-fat diet supplemented with medium-chain triglycerides (MCT) showed some benefit.This case suggested that PIL was a rare but important etiology of hypoproteinemia, effusions, and edemas. PIL, effusions, and lymphedema can be the features of multisegmental generalized lymphatic dysplasia. In addition, both lymphoscintigraphy and intranodal lymphangiography could be considered when lymphatic system disorders are suspected.

Therapeutic designing for urethral obstruction by virtual urethra and flow dynamics simulation.

INTRODUCTION: Transurethral surgery is widely accepted as standard therapy for male urethral obstruction. The present study was undertaken to identify and select lesions to be managed by processing endoscopic images of the urethra for assisting less invasive therapy in patients with voiding dysfunction. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cystourethroscopic video files of 25 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms were recorded before and after administration of alpha-1 adrenoceptor antagonists. Each video frame was restored and tagged with information indicating the position in the panoramic image of the urethra. A three-dimensional virtual urethra was created to indicate critical lesions for voiding dysfunction, together with fluid dynamics simulation of urine flow. RESULTS: The urine stream was depicted in the virtual urethras in 19 patients. Before therapy, 17 patients showed vortex formation that was diminished after therapy in nine patients with a significant relationship in improvement of relative energy loss of flow (p=0.025). The narrowing points proximal to the vortex, candidate of lesions, were identified in the panoramic image and linked to the endoscopic image. DISCUSSION: Therapeutic designing for endoscopic management was possible in patients with voiding dysfunction based on computational fluid dynamics, and would be promising as "focal" therapy for aging males.

Percutaneous endoscopic caecostomy for severe constipation in adults: feasibility, durability, functional and quality of life results at 1 year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The percutaneous endoscopic ceacostomy (PEC) for antegrade colonic enemas (ACE) has recently been proposed as a less invasive alternative to the Malone procedure in chronic constipated patients. Although the feasibility and safety of this innovative approach has been demonstrated, its functional results remain unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate constipation symptoms and quality of life 1 year after the PEC placement. METHOD: From Oct 2007 to Apr 2011, 21 severely constipated patients who required ACE were prospectively included. They underwent endoscopic placement of Chait caecostomy catheter (Cook Medical). Patients completed standardized questionnaires to assess constipation (KESS) and quality of life (GIQLI) scores pre PEC placement and at 1 year. Adverse events and caecostomy use data were also documented. RESULTS: The caecostomy catheter was successfully placed in 19 patients. Complications were all minor, including chronic wound pain (n = 9), serous leakage (n = 7), superficial wound infection (n = 2) and accidental catheter removal (n = 2). Chronic wound pain led to definitive catheter removal in 5 (26 %) patients. One patient died from unrelated cause before the end of the follow-up. At 1 year, 11 (61 %) of the alive patients still performed ACE. During the period of ACE administration, 14 (74 %) patients suspended use of laxatives and retrograde irrigations. Constipation and quality of life scores were available in 15 patients. Median KESS score improved from 25 (12-39) before PEC to 17 (6-34) 1 year after PEC (p < 0.05). Median GIQLI score increased from 69 (25-108) to 95 (48-119) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PEC placement achieves satisfying functional and quality of life results, and allows approximately 3/4 of patients to suspend laxatives and retrograde enemas. Nevertheless, 1/4 of the patients ask for the PEC removal because of chronic wound pain. In order to improve long-term durability of the device, a better prevention of pain is required.

Topical anesthesia for transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy: spray, applicator, or both?

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Transnasal esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has become widely accepted in Japan. Better performance and compliance for the procedure are expected with appropriate nasal anesthesia.We aimed to elucidate the effectiveness, the safety and the compliance of nasal anesthesia for transnasal EGD. METHODS: Subjects were 372 asymptomatic patients examined by transnasal EGD for gastric cancer screening. They were pretreated with topical anesthesia either with a nasal spray method (Spr group, n = 127), cotton-tipped applicator method (Cot group, n = 115), or both (Com group, n = 130). Lidocaine (4%) was applied with atomizer in the Spr method, whereas a cotton-tipped applicator soaked in 4% lidocaine was placed in the nasal cavity for 5 min in the Cot method. After transnasal EGD, each subject rated procedure-related discomfort according to visual analogue scales. In subjects who had prior experience of transoral EGD, tolerance against EGD was compared between transnasal and transoral routes. RESULTS: There were no severe adverse events related to topical anesthesia.Transnasal EGD was completed in 94.9% of the patients.Age, gender or insertion failure rate were not different among Spr, Cot and Com groups. Pain scores for anesthesia and examination were significantly lower in the Spr group, whereas the pain score for insertion was not different among the three groups.The rate of patients who deemed transnasal EGD to be more tolerable than transoral EGD was highest in the Spr group. CONCLUSIONS: Topical nasal spray seems to be appropriate for topical anesthesia in transnasal EGD.