Real-Time Artificial Intelligence-Based Optical Diagnosis of Neoplastic Polyps during Colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Artificial intelligence using computer-aided diagnosis (CADx) in real time with images acquired during colonoscopy may help colonoscopists distinguish between neoplastic polyps requiring removal and nonneoplastic polyps not requiring removal. In this study, we tested whether CADx analyzed images helped in this decision-making process. METHODS: We performed a multicenter clinical study comparing a novel CADx-system that uses real-time ultra-magnifying polyp visualization during colonoscopy with standard visual inspection of small (≤5 mm in diameter) polyps in the sigmoid colon and the rectum for optical diagnosis of neoplastic histology. After committing to a diagnosis (i.e., neoplastic, uncertain, or nonneoplastic), all imaged polyps were removed. The primary end point was sensitivity for neoplastic polyps by CADx and visual inspection, compared with histopathology. Secondary end points were specificity and colonoscopist confidence level in unaided optical diagnosis. RESULTS: We assessed 1289 individuals for eligibility at colonoscopy centers in Norway, the United Kingdom, and Japan. We detected 892 eligible polyps in 518 patients and included them in analyses: 359 were neoplastic and 533 were nonneoplastic. Sensitivity for the diagnosis of neoplastic polyps with standard visual inspection was 88.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 84.3 to 91.5) compared with 90.4% (95% CI, 86.8 to 93.1) with CADx (P=0.33). Specificity was 83.1% (95% CI, 79.2 to 86.4) with standard visual inspection and 85.9% (95% CI, 82.3 to 88.8) with CADx. The proportion of polyp assessment with high confidence was 74.2% (95% CI, 70.9 to 77.3) with standard visual inspection versus 92.6% (95% CI, 90.6 to 94.3) with CADx. CONCLUSIONS: Real-time polyp assessment with CADx did not significantly increase the diagnostic sensitivity of neoplastic polyps during a colonoscopy compared with optical evaluation without CADx. (Funded by the Research Council of Norway [Norges Forskningsråd], the Norwegian Cancer Society [Kreftforeningen], and the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science; UMIN number, UMIN000035213.)

Incidence of microscopic residual adenoma after complete wide-field endoscopic resection of large colorectal lesions: evidence for a mechanism of recurrence.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: EMR of large (≥2 cm) nonpedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCPs) is associated with high rates of recurrent/residual adenoma, possibly because of microadenoma left at the margin of resection. Data supporting this mechanism are required. We aimed to determine the incidence of residual microadenoma at the defect margin and base after EMR. METHODS: We performed a retrospective observational study of patients undergoing EMR of large LNPCPs with the lateral defect margin further resected using the EndoRotor device (Interscope Medical, Inc, Worcester, Mass, USA) after confirming no visible residual adenomatous tissue. Aspects of the defect base were also resected in selected patients. Patients underwent surveillance at 3 to 6 months. RESULTS: Resection of the normal defect margin was performed in 41 patients and of aspects of the base in 21 patients. Mean lesion size was 43.0 mm (range, 20-130). Microscopic residual lesion was detected in the margin of apparently normal mucosa in 8 cases (19%). In 7 cases this was an adenoma, and in 1 case a serrated lesion was found at the margin of a resected tubular adenoma. Microscopic residual lesion was detected at the base in 5 of 21 cases. Residual/recurrent adenoma was detected in 2 patients. Neither had residual microadenoma at the lateral margin or base detected after the primary resection. CONCLUSIONS: Microscopic residual adenoma after wide-field EMR was detected in 19% of cases at the apparently normal defect margin and at the resection base in 5 of 21 cases. This study confirms the presence of residual microadenoma after resection of LNPCPs, providing evidence for the mechanism of recurrence.

Update on therapeutic interventions for the management of achalasia.

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motility disorder. It is the absence of peristalsis in the esophageal body and inability of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax, which characterizes this rare condition. Its features typically include dysphagia, regurgitation, chest pain, and weight loss. The ultimate goal in treating achalasia is to relieve the patient's symptoms, improve esophageal emptying, and prevent further dilatation of the esophagus. Current treatment modalities targeted at achalasia include pharmacological therapy, endoscopic therapy, and surgery. This review focuses on the current therapeutic options and explores the role of peroral endoscopic myotomy in the management armamentarium.

Reducing stress and burnout in junior doctors: the impact of debriefing sessions.

BACKGROUND: Internship and residency are difficult times with novice practitioners facing new challenges and stressors. Junior doctors may experience burnout, a syndrome that encompasses three dimensions: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation and reduced personal accomplishment. While there is some existing literature on the prevalence of burnout in junior doctors, there are few studies on interventional strategies. AIMS: This study aimed to examine the prevalence of burnout in a cohort of junior doctors and whether debriefing sessions reduced levels of burnout. METHODS: A prospective randomised controlled study of a convenience sample of postgraduate year 1 doctors in a single hospital was undertaken during a rotation term in 2011. All participants completed a questionnaire using a validated tool, the Maslach Burnout Inventory, to determine the prevalence of burnout. They were then randomly assigned to a group who were to receive four debriefing sessions over 2 months, or, to the control group, who had no debriefing sessions. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. RESULTS: Thirty-one postgraduate year 1 doctors participated in the study, with 13 being assigned to the group receiving debriefing sessions and 18 assigned to the control group. At baseline, 21/31 (68%) participants displayed evidence of burnout in at least one domain as measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory. Burnout was significantly higher in women. There was no significant difference in burnout scores with debriefing. The intervention was well received with 11/18 (61%) suggesting they would recommend the strategy to future junior doctors and 16/18 (89%) found that the sessions were a source of emotional and social support. CONCLUSIONS: Burnout is prevalent among postgraduate year 1 doctors, and they value the emotional and social support from attending debriefing sessions. A larger study is required to determine if debriefing can reduce the incidence of burnout in junior doctors.

Staphylococcus epidermidis: a possible role in the pustules of rosacea.

BACKGROUND: Rosacea is a common skin and ocular disease. Cutaneous rosacea is characterized by facial flushing, telangiectasia, papules, and pustules. It is generally regarded as inflammatory in nature. We believed that the role of bacteria as a contributory factor in pustular and ocular rosacea needed to be revisited. OBJECTIVES: We sought to ascertain whether there is an increase in the bacteria isolated from the (1) pustules of rosacea; and (2) eyelid margins of persons with cutaneous pustular rosacea. METHODS: Bacterial swabs were taken and cultured from an incised rosacea pustule, the ipsilateral cheek skin, and the eyelid margin of 15 patients with pustular rosacea. Swabs were also taken from the cheek skin and ipsilateral eyelid margin of 15 matched control subjects. RESULTS: A pure growth of Staphylococcus epidermidis was isolated from a pustule of 9 of 15 patients with pustular rosacea, and no pure growth of S epidermidis was isolated from their ipsilateral cheek skin. This was a highly statistically significant increase (P = .0003). A pure growth of S epidermidis was isolated from the eyelid margins of 4 of 15 patients with pustular rosacea, and no pure growth was isolated from the eyelids of age- and sex-matched control subjects. This was a statistically significant increase (P = .05). LIMITATIONS: This study focuses on the microbial basis of rosacea. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest S epidermidis may play a role in pustular and ocular rosacea.