Diagnostic yield from symptomatic gastroscopy in the UK: British Society of Gastroenterology analysis using data from the National Endoscopy Database.

OBJECTIVE: This national analysis aimed to calculate the diagnostic yield from gastroscopy for common symptoms, guiding improved resource utilisation. DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted of diagnostic gastroscopies between 1 March 2019 and 29 February 2020 using the UK National Endoscopy Database. Mixed-effect logistic regression models were used, incorporating random (endoscopist) and fixed (symptoms, age and sex) effects on two dependent variables (endoscopic cancer; Barrett's oesophagus (BO) diagnosis). Adjusted positive predictive values (aPPVs) were calculated. RESULTS: 382 370 diagnostic gastroscopies were analysed; 30.4% were performed in patients aged <50 and 57.7% on female patients. The overall unadjusted PPV for cancer was 1.0% (males 1.7%; females 0.6%, p<0.01). Other major pathology was found in 9.1% of procedures, whereas 89.9% reported only normal findings or minor pathology (92.5% in females; 94.6% in patients <50).Highest cancer aPPVs were reached in the over 50s (1.3%), in those with dysphagia (3.0%) or weight loss plus another symptom (1.4%). Cancer aPPVs for all other symptoms were below 1%, and for those under 50, remained below 1% regardless of symptom. Overall, 73.7% of gastroscopies were carried out in patient groups where aPPV cancer was <1%.The overall unadjusted PPV for BO was 4.1% (males 6.1%; females 2.7%, p<0.01). The aPPV for BO for reflux was 5.8% and ranged from 3.2% to 4.0% for other symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer yield was highest in elderly male patients, and those over 50 with dysphagia. Three-quarters of all gastroscopies were performed on patients whose cancer risk was <1%, suggesting inefficient resource utilisation.

Effects of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists on Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Limited evidence exists regarding the impact of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) on upper endoscopy. Therefore, a meta-analysis was conducted to comprehensively review the available evidence on this subject. METHODS: A systematic bibliographic search was carried out until May 2024. Pooled estimates were analyzed using a random-effects model, with results presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The primary outcome assessed was the rate of retained gastric content (RGC), while secondary outcomes included rates of aborted and repeated procedures, adverse event rate, and rates of aspiration. RESULTS: This analysis included 13 studies involving a total of 84,065 patients. Patients receiving GLP-1RA therapy exhibited significantly higher rates of RGC (OR, 5.56; 95% CI, 3.35 to 9.23), a trend that was consistent among patients with diabetes (OR, 2.60; 95% CI, 2.23 to 3.02). Adjusted analysis, accounting for variables such as sex, age, body mass index, diabetes, and other therapies, confirmed the elevated rates of RGC in the GLP-1RA user group (adjusted OR, 4.20; 95% CI, 3.42 to 5.15). Furthermore, rates of aborted and repeated procedures were higher in the GLP-1RA user group (OR, 5.13; 95% CI, 3.01 to 8.75; and OR, 2.19; 95% CI, 1.43 to 3.35; respectively). However, no significant differences were found in AE and aspiration rates between the 2 groups (OR, 4.04; 95% CI, 0.63 to 26.03; and OR, 1.75; 95% CI, 0.64 to 4.77; respectively). CONCLUSION: Use of GLP-1RAs is associated with increased retention of gastric contents and more frequent aborted procedures during upper endoscopy. However, the adverse event and aspiration rates do not seem different; therefore, adjusting fasting time instead of routinely withholding GLP-1RAs could be reasonable in these patients.

Topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine for gastroscopy: a double-blinded, randomized cross-over study in healthy volunteers.

OBJECTIVES: The benefits of topical pharyngeal anesthesia for gastroscopy remain under debate. Articaine, a local anesthetic with fast onset and offset of action as well as low systemic toxicity, could be a promising choice for topical anesthesia. The objective of this study was to assess whether topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine is beneficial in sedated gastroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This randomized double-blinded cross-over study included nine volunteers who underwent two gastroscopies under conscious sedation. One was performed with topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine and the other with placebo. Hemodynamic parameters including autonomic nervous system state were recorded prior to and during the endoscopic procedure. The endoscopist and the volunteer assessed the endoscopy after the examination. RESULTS: Topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine resulted in less discomfort during esophageal intubation and higher patient satisfaction with the procedure. Topical pharyngeal anesthesia with articaine did not increase satisfaction or facilitate the procedure as rated by the endoscopist. There were no clinically relevant differences in hemodynamic parameters. CONCLUSION: The use of articaine for topical pharyngeal anesthesia results in less intubation-related discomfort and better satisfaction.

The standardized training and assessment system for magnetically controlled capsule gastroscopy (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To explore the feasibility of a standardized training and assessment system for magnetically controlled capsule gastroscopy (MCCG). METHODS: The results of 90 trainees who underwent the standardized training and assessment system of the MCCG at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from May 2020 to November 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. The trainees were divided into three groups according to their medical backgrounds: doctor, nurse, and non-medical groups. The training and assessment system adopted the '7 + 2' mode, seven days of training plus two days of theoretical and operational assessment. The passing rates of theoretical, operational, and total assessment were the primary outcomes. Satisfaction and mastery of the MCCG was checked. RESULTS: Ninety trainees were assessed; theoretical assessment's passing rates in the three groups were 100%. The operational and total assessment passing rates were 100% (25/25), 97.92% (47/48), and 94.12% (16/17), for the doctor, nurse, and non-doctor groups respectively, with no significant difference (χ2 = 1.741, p = 0.419). No bleeding or perforation occurred during the procedure. Approximately, 96.00% (24/25), 95.83% (46/48), and 94.12% (16/17) of the doctor, nurse and non-medical groups anonymously expressed great satisfaction, respectively, without statistically significant difference (χ2 = 0.565, p = 1.000). The average follow-up time was 4-36 months, and 87 trainees (96.67%) had mastered the operation of the MCCG in daily work. CONCLUSIONS: Standardized training and assessment of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopists is effective and feasible. Additionally, a strict assessment system and long-term communication and learning can improve teaching effects.

Assessment of risk factors for adverse events in analgosedation for pediatric endoscopy: A 10-year retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Data regarding the occurrence of complications specifically during pediatric anesthesia for endoscopic procedures is limited. By evaluating such data, factors could be identified to assure proper staffing and preparation to minimize adverse events and improve patient safety during flexible endoscopy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included children undergoing anesthesia for gastroscopy, colonoscopy, bronchoscopy, or combined endoscopic procedures over 10-year period. The primary study aim was to evaluate the incidence of complications and identify risk factors for adverse events. RESULTS: Overall, 2064 endoscopic procedures including 1356 gastroscopies (65.7%), 93 colonoscopies (4.5%), 235 bronchoscopies (11.4%), and 380 combined procedures (18.4%) were performed. Of the 1613 patients, 151 (7.3%) patients exhibited an adverse event, with respiratory complications being the most common (65 [3.1%]). Combination of gastrointestinal endoscopies did not lead to an increased adverse event rate (gastroscopy: 5.5%, colonoscopy: 3.2%). Diagnostic endoscopy as compared to interventional had a lower rate. If bronchoscopy was performed, the rate was similar to that of bronchoscopy alone (19.5% vs. 20.4%). Age < 5.8 years or body weight less than 20 kg, bronchoscopy, American Society of Anesthesiologists status ≥ 2 or pre-existing anesthesia-relevant diseases, and urgency of the procedure were independent risk factors for adverse events. For each risk factor, the risk for events increased 2.1-fold [1.8-2.4]. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies multiple factors that increase the rate of adverse events associated anesthesia-based endoscopy. Combined gastrointestinal procedures did not increase the risk for adverse events while combination of bronchoscopy to gastrointestinal endoscopy showed a similar risk as bronchoscopy alone.

A novel method of cardia visualization and comfort level enhancement during magnetic capsule gastroscopy via sugar-glued tether-assisted technique: a randomized pilot study inspired by a Chinese snack-making process (with video).

BACKGROUND: Magnetic capsule gastroscopy (MCG) is a non-invasive diagnostic method for the digestive tract. However, its efficiency in visualizing the gastric cardia is often compromised due to the capsule's rapid passage. This study introduces a novel sugar-glued tether-assisted technique inspired by a traditional Chinese snack-making process to enhance cardia visualization and patient comfort during MCG. METHODS: This pilot, open-label, single-center, randomized controlled, non-inferiority study was conducted at Binzhou Medical University Hospital. Seventy-eight patients were enrolled and divided into three groups: conventional MCG, suction cup tether-assisted MCG, and sugar-glued tether-assisted MCG. The primary outcomes included safety, comfort level, and gastric cardia visualization quality. Secondary outcomes assessed technique-associated performance and clinical factors. RESULTS: The sugar-glued tether-assisted MCG demonstrated comparable cardia visualization quality to the suction cup method, with significantly better results than conventional MCG. Comfort levels were significantly higher in the sugar-glued group compared to the suction cup group. The number of swallow attempts was significantly lower in the sugar-glued group, with no adverse events reported. Secondary outcomes showed no significant differences in MCG assembly time and ingestion-to-detachment period between the suction cup and sugar-glued groups. CONCLUSION: The sugar-glued tether-assisted MCG is a feasible and safe modification that enhances gastric cardia visualization while improving patient comfort. This technique provides a cost-effective alternative to the suction cup method, warranting further investigation in larger, multi-center studies.

A comparison of the postoperative outcomes between intraoperative leak testing and no intraoperative leak testing for gastric cancer surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL) is a serious complication of gastric cancer surgery. Although perioperative management has made considerable progress, anastomotic leakage (AL) cannot always be avoided. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether intraoperative leak testing (IOLT) can reduce the incidence of PAL and other postoperative outcomes in gastric cancer surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this meta-analysis, we searched the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases for clinical trials to assess the application of IOLT in gastric cancer surgery. All patients underwent laparoscopic radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer surgery. Studies comparing the postoperative outcomes of IOLT and no intraoperative leak testing (NIOLT) were included. Quality assessment, heterogeneity, risk of bias, and the level of evidence of the included studies were evaluated. PAL, anastomotic-related complications, 30-day mortality, and reoperation rates were compared between the IOLT and NIOLT group. RESULTS: Our literature search returned 721 results, from which six trials (a total of 1,666 patients) were included in our meta-analysis. Statistical heterogeneity was low. The primary outcome was PAL. IOLT reduced the incidence of PAL [2.09% vs 6.68%; (RR = 0.31, 95% Cl 0.19-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Anastomotic-related complications, which included bleeding, leakage, and stricture, were significantly higher in the NIOLT group than in the IOLT group [3.24% VS 10.85%; RR = 0.30, 95% Cl 0.18-0.53, P < 0.0001]. Moreover, IOLT was associated with lower reoperation rates [0.94% vs 6.83%; RR = 0.18, 95% CI 0.07-0.43, P = 0.0002]. CONCLUSION: Considering the observed lower incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage (PAL), anastomotic-related complications, and reoperation rates, IOLT appears to be a promising option for gastric cancer surgery. It warrants further study before potential inclusion in future clinical guidelines.

Effect of moderate versus deep sedation on recovery following outpatient gastroscopy in older patients: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Although gastrointestinal endoscopy with sedation is increasingly performed in older patients, the optimal level of sedation remains open to debate. In this study, our objective was to compare the effects of moderate sedation (MS) and deep sedation (DS) on recovery following outpatient gastroscopy in elderly patients. METHODS: In this randomized, partially blinded, controlled trial, we randomly divided 270 patients older than 60 years who were scheduled for elective outpatient gastroscopy into the MS or DS group based on the Modified Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation (MOAA/S) scale. The primary outcome was the duration of stay in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Secondary outcomes included the duration of the total hospital stay, frequency of retching, bucking, and body movements during the examination, endoscopist and patient satisfaction, and sedation-associated adverse events during the procedure. RESULTS: A total of 264 patients completed the study, of whom 131 received MS and 133 received DS. MS was associated with a shorter PACU stay [16.15 ± 9.01 min vs. 20.02 ± 11.13 min, P < 0.01] and total hospital stay [27.32 ± 9.86 min vs. 30.82 ± 12.37 min, P < 0.05], lesser hypoxemia [2.3% (3/131) vs. 12.8% (17/133), P < 0.01], use of fewer vasoactive drugs (P < 0.001), and more retching (P < 0.001). There was no difference in the incidence of bucking and body movements or endoscopist and patient satisfaction between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Compared to deep sedation, moderate sedation may be a preferable choice for American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Grade I-III elderly patients undergoing outpatient gastroscopies, as demonstrated by shorter PACU stays and total hospital stays, lower sedation-associated adverse events, and similar levels of endoscopist and patient satisfaction.

High-Flow Nasal Oxygen versus Conventional Nasal Cannula in Preventing Hypoxemia in Elderly Patients Undergoing Gastroscopy with Sedation: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: We aimed to compare the prevention of hypoxemia using High-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) or regular nasal tubing (CNC) in elderly patients undergoing gastroscopy with sedation. Methods: This study was a prospective, randomized, controlled trial conducted at a single center. We included elective patients aged 65 and above who were undergoing gastroscopy with sedation. In the intervention group (HFNO), we set the oxygen flow rate to 60 liters per minute with an oxygen fraction (FiO2) of 0.6, while in the control group (CNC), it was 6 liters per minute. The primary outcome was the occurrence of hypoxemia (defined as Spo2 < 90%). Results: A total of 125 participants were enrolled (HFNO group: n = 63; CNC group: n = 62). The occurrence of hypoxemia was found to be significantly lower in the HFNO group compared to the CNC group (3.2% vs. 22.6%, p = 0.001). Additionally, a significantly shorter duration of low oxygen levels was observed in the HFNO group [0.0 seconds (0.0-13.0)] compared to the CNC group [0.0 seconds (0.0-124.0), p<0.001]. Moreover, a higher minimum Spo2 value was achieved in the HFNO group [99.0% (98.0-100.0) vs. 96.5% (91.0-99.0), p < 0.001], and a shorter recovery time was recorded [0.5 minutes (0.0-0.5) vs. 0.5 minutes (0.0-1.0), p = 0.016] in comparison to the CNC group. There were no differences in terms of comfort level [0 (0-4) vs. 0 (0-5), p = 0.268] between the two groups. Conclusions: The HFNO system was determined to be a safe and highly effective method for oxygen delivery, leading to a reduction in the occurrence of hypoxemia in elderly patients undergoing gastroscopy with sedation. It is recommended that HFNO be considered as the standard approach for management in this population.

High-flow nasal cannula oxygen reduced hypoxemia in patients undergoing gastroscopy under general anesthesia at ultra-high altitude: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxemia can occur in people at ultra-high altitude (above 3500 m) even at rest, and patients undergoing gastroscopy under general anesthesia have higher risk of hypoxemia. Supplementary oxygen via standard nasal cannula (SNC) is the standard of care for most patients who undergo gastroscopy under general anesthesia, which provides oxygen flow up to 15 L/min. High-flow nasal cannula (HFNC) could deliver oxygen at a rate up to 60 L/min, which is recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiologists Practice Guidelines. We speculated that the benefit with HFNC is more prominent in high-altitude areas, and aimed to compare the incidence of hypoxemia during gastroscopy under general anesthesia at ultra-high altitude with oxygen supply via either HFNC or SNC. METHODS: The trial was registered at at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2100045513; date of registration on 18/04/2021). Adult patients undergoing gastroscopy with anesthesia (estimated duration of anesthesia at ≥ 15 min) were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to receive HFNC oxygen or SNC oxygen. The primary outcome was hypoxemia (SpO2 < 90% for any duration). Secondary outcomes included severe hypoxemia (SpO2 < 75% for any duration or SpO2 < 90% but ≥ 75% for ≥ 60 s) and hypotension, as defined by reduction of mean arterial blood pressure by ≥ 25% from the baseline. RESULTS: A total of 262 patients were enrolled: 129 in the HFNC group and 133 in the SNC group. All patients received the designated intervention. Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and χ2 test were employed in the study. The rate of hypoxemia was 9.3% (12/129) in the HFNC group versus 36.8% (49/133) in the SNC group [risk ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.25(0.14-0.45); P < 0.001). The HFNC group also had lower rate of severe hypoxemia [0.0% (0/129) versus 11.3% (15/133); risk ratio (95% confidence interval): 0.03(0.00-0.55); P < 0.001, respectively]. The rate of hypotension did not differ between the 2 groups [22.5% (29/129) in HFNC group versus 21.1% (28/133) in SNC group; risk ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.07(0.67-1.69) ; P = 0.779]. CONCLUSION: HFNC oxygen reduced the incidence of hypoxemia during anesthesia in adult patients undergoing gastroscopy at ultra-high altitude.

Effective doses of ciprofol combined with alfentanil in inhibiting responses to gastroscope insertion, a prospective, single-arm, single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Ciprofol is a novel intravenous sedative and anesthetic. Studies have shown that it features a rapid onset of action, a fast recovery time, slight inhibition of respiratory and cardiovascular functions, and a low incidence of adverse reactions. This study aims to explore the median effective dose (ED50) and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of ciprofol in inhibiting responses to gastroscope insertion when combined with a low dose of alfentanil, and to evaluate its safety, to provide a reference for the rational use of ciprofol in clinical practices. METHODS: We included 25 patients aged 18-64 years of either sex who underwent gastroscopy under intravenous general anesthesia, with a Body Mass Index (BMI) 18-28 kg/m2, and an American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade I or II. In this study, the dose-finding strategy of ciprofol followed a modified Dixon's up-and-down method with an initial dose of 0.30 mg/kg and an increment of 0.02 mg/kg. Ciprofol was administered after intravenous injection of 7 µg/kg of alfentanil, and 2 min later a gastroscope was inserted. When the insertion response of one participant was positive (including body movement, coughing, and eye opening), an escalation of 0.02 mg/kg would be given to the next participant; otherwise, a de-escalation of 0.02 mg/kg would be administered. The study was terminated when negative response and positive response alternated 8 times. A Probit model was used to calculate the ED50 and ED95 of ciprofol in inhibiting responses to gastroscope insertion when combined with alfentanil. Patients' recovery time, discharge time, vital signs and occurrence of adverse reactions were recorded. RESULTS: The ED50 of single-dose intravenous ciprofol injection with 7 µg/kg of alfentanil in inhibiting gastroscope insertion responses was 0.217 mg/kg, and the ED95 was 0.247 mg/kg. Patients' recovery time and discharge time were 11.04 ± 1.49 min and 9.64 ± 2.38 min, respectively. The overall incidence of adverse reactions was 12%. CONCLUSION: The ED50 of ciprofol combined with 7 µg/kg of alfentanil in inhibiting gastroscope insertion responses was 0.217 mg/kg, and the ED95 was 0.247 mg/kg. Ciprofol showed a low incidence of anesthesia-related adverse events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: http://www.chictr.org.cn (ChiCTR2200061727).

European paediatricians need to be more aware of the risks faced by children who swallow button batteries and how to treat them.

AIM: The aim of this study was to assess how aware European paediatricians were of the risks faced by children who swallowed button batteries and the advice for managing such cases. METHODS: An Internet-based survey was conducted among European paediatricians between 1 April 2023 and 31 May 2023. The researchers contacted members of the European Academy of Paediatrics Research in Ambulatory Setting Network and a number of European national paediatric societies. RESULTS: Responses were received from 605 paediatricians (66.0% females) in 41 countries and 64.5% had encountered cases of button battery ingestion. Only 31.2% had received specific training and only 35.7% were familiar with the advice issued by the European Society for Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and the European Academy of Pediatrics. While 90.8% of respondents correctly recognised the need for hospitalisation of a child after button battery ingestion, only 30.1% of them identified all symptoms and 58.2% could accurately determine the appropriate diagnostic scope. One in ten underestimated the health or life risks. These deficiencies were significantly attributed to a lack of adequate training (p < 0.01). The overwhelming majority of the respondents expressed the need to increase awareness among physicians and childcare providers, mainly through social media campaigns and advertisements. CONCLUSION: European paediatricians were insufficiently aware of button battery ingestion risks and management, with significant gaps in training and familiarity with advice. Respective education for medical practitioners and raising public awareness should be markedly strengthened.

The endoscopic model for gastric carcinogenesis and Helicobacter pylori infection: A potential visual mind-map during gastroscopy examination.

Helicobacter pylori (Hp) is the main trigger of chronic gastric atrophy and the main leading cause of gastric cancer. Hp infects the normal gastric mucosa and can lead to chronic inflammation, glandular atrophy, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and finally adenocarcinoma. Chronic inflammation and gastric atrophy associated with Hp infection appear initially in the distal part of the stomach (the antrum) before progressing to the proximal part (the corpus-fundus). In recent years, endoscopic developments have allowed for the characterization of various gastric conditions including the normal mucosa (pyloric/fundic gland pattern and regular arrangement of collecting venules), Hp-related gastritis (Kyoto classification), glandular atrophy (Kimura-Takemoto classification), intestinal metaplasia (Endoscopic Grading of Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia), and dysplasia/adenocarcinoma (Vessel plus Surface classification). Despite being independent classifications, all these scales can be integrated into a single model: the endoscopic model for gastric carcinogenesis. This model would assist endoscopists in comprehending the process of gastric carcinogenesis and conducting a systematic examination during gastroscopy. Having this model in mind would enable endoscopists to promptly recognize the implications of Hp infection and the potential patient's risk of developing gastric cancer.

The Study of Remazolam Combined With Propofol on Painless Gastroscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Gastroscopy is one of the most commonly used diagnostic modalities for upper gastrointestinal disorders. Remazolam besylate, a new type of ultrashort-acting benzodiazepine drug, has been less studied in gastroscopy. In this study, we studied the efficacy and safety of remazolam combined with propofol for painless gastroscopy. DESIGN: This was a single-center, placebo-controlled randomized trial. METHODS: One hundred patients undergoing painless gastroscopy were included in this study and randomly divided into 2 groups (n = 50 per group): the control group (Con group) and the remazolam group (Rem group). Sufentanil, remazolam, and propofol were used to anesthetize the patients, and then, the effects of different solutions on these patients were compared and analyzed. The patient's general condition, vital signs at different times, the dosage of propofol (mg) and additional times, complications, duration of gastroscopy (minutes), recovery time (minutes), length of stay in the recovery room (minutes), and adverse reactions were recorded. FINDINGS: Rem group systolic blood pressure was more stable (P < .05). The amount of additional propofol in Rem group was less (P < .05). The incidence of hypotension, bradycardia, and dizziness was lower in Rem group, as well as the time of awakening and stay in the recovery room were shorter (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Remazolam combined with sufentanil and propofol has less effect on hemodynamics in painless gastroscopy, and the patients have shorter awakening times.

Assessing wound complications in gastroscopy with Streptomyces protease enzyme combined with Shutai.

Current gastroscopy practices necessitate a balance between procedural efficiency and patient safety. It has been hypothesized that increasing procedure outcomes through the use of Streptomyces protease enzyme and Shutai is possible; however, precise nature of any potential adverse reactions and complications remains unknown. In Zhanjiang, China, 213 patients undergoing gastroscopy participated in this controlled trial. The subjects were allocated at random into two groups: control and treatment. The treatment group was administered topical Streptomyces protease enzyme and intravenous Shutai. Using chi-square and t-tests, information regarding patient demographics, adverse reactions, wound healing, procedure duration, distress levels, and satisfaction was gathered and analysed. The demographic and medical history characteristics of the groups were comparable. There was a greater prevalence of modest immediate reactions in the treatment group (p < 0.05), whereas there were no significant variations observed in delayed reactions and long-term complications (p > 0.05). The treatment group exhibited superior efficiency metrics, including shorter durations for diagnosis, procedure completion and recuperation (p < 0.05). The treatment group exhibited significantly higher patient satisfaction scores (p < 0.05). The incorporation of Streptomyces protease enzyme and Shutai into gastroscopy procedures resulted in significantly enhanced level of procedural efficacy and patient contentment while not introducing an additional risk of long-term complications. The increase in moderate immediate reactions that have been observed requires additional research in order to determine their clinical significance. Although these agents present a possible progression in the field of gastroscopy, their application should be tempered by the immediate adverse reactions that have been documented.

Incidence and Mortality in Upper Gastrointestinal Cancer After Negative Endoscopy for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the upper gastrointestinal tract. This study aimed to assess whether and to what extent a negative upper endoscopy in patients with GERD is associated with decreased incidence and mortality in upper gastrointestinal cancer (ie, esophageal, gastric, or duodenal cancer). METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study of all patients with newly diagnosed GERD between July 1, 1979 and December 31, 2018 in Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. The exposure, negative upper endoscopy, was examined as a time-varying exposure, where participants contributed unexposed person-time from GERD diagnosis until screened and exposed person-time from the negative upper endoscopy. The incidence and mortality in upper gastrointestinal cancer were assessed using parametric flexible models, providing adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Among 1,062,740 patients with GERD (median age 58 years; 52% were women) followed for a mean of 7.0 person-years, 5324 (0.5%) developed upper gastrointestinal cancer and 4465 (0.4%) died from such cancer. Patients who had a negative upper endoscopy had a 55% decreased risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer compared with those who did not undergo endoscopy (HR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.43-0.48), a decrease that was more pronounced during more recent years (HR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.30-0.38 from 2008 onward), and was otherwise stable across sex and age groups. The corresponding reduction in upper gastrointestinal mortality among patients with upper endoscopy was 61% (adjusted HR, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.37-0.42). The risk reduction after a negative upper endoscopy in incidence and mortality lasted for 5 and at least 10 years, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Negative upper endoscopy is associated with strong and long-lasting decreases in incidence and mortality in upper gastrointestinal cancer in patients with GERD.

Regular gastroscopy and colonoscopy during the evaluation of urachal cancer: do we really need them?

PURPOSE: Urachal cancer is similar to gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma in histology, and gastroscopy/colonoscopy is often administered during perioperative evaluation. However, gastroscopy and colonoscopy have corresponding disadvantages. This study discusses whether gastroscopy/colonoscopy is truly necessary for patients with urachal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 166 bladder adenocarcinoma cases diagnosed at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups (urachal cancer and nonurachal cancer), and perioperative evaluations were retrieved. RESULTS: There were 78 patients with urachal cancer, the median age was 48 years, and 59 were male. Perioperative gastroscopy/colonoscopy revealed 5 intestinal polyps and 1 adenoma during these evaluations, and no primary gastrointestinal cancer was found. Meanwhile, preoperative imaging evaluation did not detect significant gastrointestinal lesions. For 88 patients with nonurachal cancer, including primary bladder adenocarcinoma and metastatic tumors from gastrointestinal cancer, the median age was 56 years, and 64 were male. Preoperative imaging evaluation demonstrated 36 cases of gastrointestinal lesions, and 32 were confirmed by gastroscopy/colonoscopy; the other 4 were negative. Another 4 cases of colon cancer were detected by regular colonoscopy for suspected primary bladder adenocarcinoma. In all, 35 cases of colon cancer and 1 case of gastric cancer were identified by endoscopic examination. The diagnostic consistency of imaging and gastrointestinal endoscopy was favorable (P < 0.001), and the negative predictive value and diagnostic efficiency of imaging were 96.9% and 94.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The vast majority of gastrointestinal cancer cases can be identified by assessment of the patient's clinical symptoms, meticulous physical examination, and imaging evaluation. We recommend that gastroscopy/colonoscopy only be applied to patients with urachal cancer when the above examinations are positive.

Comparison of 95% effective dose of remimazolam besylate and propofol for gastroscopy sedation on older patients: A single-centre randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: Advanced age is an important risk factor for adverse events during procedural sedation. Remimazolam is safe and effective in gastroscopic sedation. However, the ideal dose and application for older patients are not well known. We aim to investigate its 95% effective dose (ED95) for older patients undergoing gastroscopy and to assess its safety and efficacy, with propofol as the comparison. METHODS: The trial consists of 2 parts, patients aged >65 years and scheduled for outpatient painless gastroscopy were enrolled. In the first part, Dixon's up-and-down methodology was used to determine the ED95 of remimazolam besylate and propofol for gastroscopic insertion, in combination with 0.2 µg/kg remifentanil. In the second part, patients in each group received 0.2 µg/kg remifentanil and ED95 dose of the study drugs for sedation induction, supplemental doses were added to maintain sedation depth when necessary. The primary outcome was the incidence of adverse events. The secondary outcome was the recovery time. RESULTS: The ED95 of remimazolam besylate and propofol induction were 0.2039 (95% confidence interval 0.1753-0.3896) mg/kg and 1.9733 (95% confidence interval 1.7346-3.7021) mg/kg respectively. Adverse events were reported in 26 (40.6%) patients in the remimazolam group and 54 (83.1%) in the propofol group (P < .0001), whereas the remimazolam group presented a higher incidence of hiccups (P = .0169). Besides, the median time to awakening was approximately 1 min shorter with remimazolam than with propofol (P < .05). CONCLUSION: For older patients undergoing gastroscopy, the ED95 dose of remimazolam is a safer alternative than propofol when inducing the same sedation depth.

A prospective, open-labeled, and randomized trial for assessing safety and clinical utility of gastric biopsies during emergency gastroscopy for patients with bleeding gastric ulcers.

OBJECTIVE: There is no consensus on whether a gastroscopic biopsy is necessary during the emergency treatment of gastrointestinal (GI) diseases such as gastric ulcer bleeding. In this study, we examined the clinical utility and safety of an emergency gastroscopic biopsy for the assessment of gastric ulcer bleeding. METHODS: We enrolled 150 patients with a single bleeding gastric ulcer after emergency gastroscopy (EG) from April 2020 to April 2022. The patients were randomly divided into the biopsy and no biopsy groups, and they were followed-up until June 2022 to examine whether recurrent gastric ulcer bleeding had occurred. RESULTS: Re-bleeding occurred in 15 out of 150 (10%) patients. We diagnosed malignancies in 17 (11.3%) patients and validated 14 (9.3%) of them during the initial gastroscopy procedure. Factors that could predict the occurrence of gastric ulcer re-bleeding with biopsy during EG included an absence of ischemic heart disease (odds ratio [OR] = 0.395, confidence interval [CI]: 0.24-0.65, p ≤ .005), renal disease (OR = 1.74, CI: 0.77-1.59, p ≤ .005), and using warfarin or oral anticoagulants (OR = 11.953, CI: 3.494-39.460, p ≤ .005). No significant differences were observed in 60-day bleeding (p = .077) and the duration of hospitalization (p = .700) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Patients undergoing biopsy during EG did not exhibit an increased risk of re-bleeding compared with those who did not undergo a biopsy. An early biopsy facilitates an early pathologic diagnosis, early clinical intervention, safe discharge of low-risk patients, and improved outcomes in high-risk patients.

Efficacy and safety of anastomotic leak testing in gastric cancer: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Anastomosis-related complications such as bleeding, leakage, and strictures, continue to be serious complications of gastric cancer surgery. Presently, these complications have yet to be reliably prevented. Here we design a comprehensive leak testing procedure which combines gastroscopy, air, and methylene blue (GAM) leak testing. We aimed to evaluated the efficacy and safety of the GAM procedure in patients with gastric cancer. METHODS: Patients aged 18-85 years without an unresectable factor as confirmed via CT were enrolled in a prospective randomized clinical trial at a tertiary referral teaching hospital and were randomly assigned to two groups: intraoperative leak testing group (IOLT) and no intraoperative leak testing group (NIOLT). The primary endpoint was the incidence of postoperative anastomosis-related complications in the two groups. RESULTS: 148 patients were initially randomly assigned to the IOLT group (n = 74) and to the NIOLT group (n = 74) between September 2018 and September 2022. After exclusions, 70 remained in the IOLT group and 68 in the NIOLT group. In the IOLT group, 5 patients (7.1%) were found to have anastomotic defects intraoperatively, which included anastomotic discontinuity, bleeding, and strictures. The NIOLT group had a higher incidence of postoperative anastomotic leakage compared to the IOLT group: 4 patients (5.8%) vs 0 patients (0%), respectively. No GAM-related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The GAM procedure is an intraoperative leak test that can be performed safely and efficiently after a laparoscopic total gastrectomy. GAM anastomotic leak testing may effectively prevent technical defect-related anastomotic complications in patients with gastric cancer who undergo a gastrectomy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04292496.