Current concept of transurethral resection of bladder cancer: from re-transurethral resection of bladder cancer to en-bloc resection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Transurethral resection of bladder cancer (TURB) is the critical step in the management of nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). This review presents new improvements in the strategy and technique of TURB as well as in technological developments used for tumour visualization and removal. RECENT FINDINGS: The goal of TURB is to perform complete resection of NMIBC. Tumor visualization during procedure can be improved by enhanced optical technologies. Fluorescence-guided photodynamic diagnosis (PDD) and narrow-band imaging (NBI) used during TURB can improve tumour detection and potentially reduce recurrence rate, their influence on progression, however, remains controversial. TURB can be performed using monopolar or bipolar electrocautery without significant differences in results or safety. To overcome limitations of traditional TURB, the technique of en-bloc resection was introduced to improve the quality of tumour removal. In selected cases, an early re-resection (re-TURB) within 2-6 weeks after initial procedure is recommended. SUMMARY: TURB is a fundamental step in diagnosis and treatment of NMIBC. Urologists should be aware of promising innovations including new imaging and surgical techniques and their potential benefits. Hopefully, new technologies and performance of TURB bring improved outcomes, which can alter the indication criteria for re-TURB.

Optical Diagnosis for Colorectal Polyps: A Useful Technique Now or in the Future?

In the last few years, interest in the optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps has increased among gastroenterologists. Several studies have shown that the optical diagnosis of small colorectal polyps is safe and feasible in routine clinical practice and is comparable to histopathology. The Narrow-band Imaging International Colorectal Endoscopic Classification provides a validated criterion for the classification of neoplastic and nonneoplastic polyps as well as polyps with deep submucosal invasion using narrow band imaging during real-time colonoscopy. The aim of the present review is to assess the current evidence for and limitations of optical diagnosis and to propose a systematic approach for transferring research findings to patient care.

Advanced diagnostic endoscopy in the lower gastrointestinal tract: A review of JGES core sessions.

At each of the 89th to the 92nd congresses of the Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society, a series of featured discussion sessions concerning advanced diagnostic endoscopy in the lower gastrointestinal tract were presented. In total, 45 lectures were presented in this subject area. It was shown that, in recent years, several convenient and less invasive colonoscopic modalities have been developed. This review article summarizes these core sessions and the efficacy of the techniques discussed.

Novel endoscopic visualization techniques for bladder cancer detection: a review of the contemporary literature.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe the principles of photodynamic diagnosis (PDD), narrow-band imaging (NBI) and Storz Professional Image Enhancement System (SPIES) techniques for the endoscopic management of nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (BCa) and to report their impact on clinical practice. RECENT FINDINGS: PDD is associated with an increased sensitivity for detecting BCa specifically carcinoma in situ (CIS). Moreover, PDD has been shown to lower recurrence rate in comparison with white-light cystoscopy. The impact on progression-free survival is still unclear yet. NBI and, more recently, SPIES are two novel imaging techniques that do not require preoperative instillation of photosensitizing agents. NBI seems to be associated with lower recurrence rates. Nevertheless, further trials are necessary to confirm these results, in particular in high-risk lesions and CIS. Randomized clinical trials addressing the clinical impact of SPIES are ongoing. SUMMARY: Novel endoscopic imaging techniques are useful diagnostic tools for evaluating BCa during cystoscopic diagnostic surveillance as well as during transurethral resection of the bladder. Although the standard of care remains white-light cystoscopy, these techniques provide higher sensitivity in detecting BCa especially CIS. The continued evidence also suggests that this increased detection leads to lower recurrence rates. The impact on progression and the cost-efficacy as well as selection remains to be refined.

Magnifying NBI Patterns of Gastric Mucosa After Helicobacter pylori Eradication and Its Potential Link to the Gastric Cancer Risk.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer develops after successful H. pylori eradication in patients with severe atrophic gastritis. We classified atrophic and non-atrophic mucosa of gastric body using magnifying NBI endoscopy in patients after successful H. pylori eradication. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-five patients after successful H. pylori eradication (median period after eradication: 36 months) were enrolled. Magnifying NBI patterns in the uninvolved gastric body were divided into the following: restored-small, round pits, accompanied with honeycomb-like subepithelial capillary networks; atrophic-well-demarcated oval or tubulovillous pits with clearly visible coiled or wavy vessels. The subjects were also classified into the three types: Grade 0-restored pattern is shown in all or almost the entire area of gastric body; Grade 1-mixture of restored and atrophic pattern, there is a considerable portion of the atrophic area in the lesser curvature; Grade 2-atrophic pattern is shown in all or almost the entire area of the gastric body. RESULTS: Sensitivity and specificity for atrophic type for detection of histological intestinal metaplasia were 95.9 and 98.3%, respectively. No association was observed between the prevalence of Grades 0, 1 and 2 and duration after eradication, while grades 1 and 2 were significantly frequent in gastric cancer patients diagnosed both before (27/35: 77%) and after (23/31: 74%) eradication, compared to the cancer-free subjects (15/59: 25%) (P < 0.001). The grades 1 and 2 were also common in patients who underwent H. pylori eradication for gastric ulcer. CONCLUSIONS: Magnifying the NBI pattern well correlates with pathological status of gastric mucosa after H. pylori eradication and may predict gastric cancer occurrence.

Recent advances in diagnostic testing for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

INTRODUCTION: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has a large economic burden with important complications that include esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and adenocarcinoma. Despite endoscopy, validated patient questionnaires, and traditional ambulatory pH monitoring, the diagnosis of GERD continues to be challenging. Areas covered: This review will explore the difficulties in diagnosing GERD with a focus on new developments, ranging from basic fundamental changes (histology and immunohistochemistry) to direct patient care (narrow-band imaging, impedance, and response to anti-reflux surgery). We searched PubMed using the noted keywords. We included data from full-text articles published in English. Further relevant articles were identified from the reference lists of review articles. Expert commentary: Important advances in novel parameters in intraluminal impedance monitoring such as baseline impedance monitoring has created some insight into alternative diagnostic strategies in GERD. Recent advances in endoscopic assessment of esophageal epithelial integrity via mucosal impedance measurement is questioning the paradigm of prolonged ambulatory testing for GERD. The future of reflux diagnosis may very well be without the need for currently employed technologies and could be as simple as assessing changes in epithelia integrity as a surrogate marker for GERD. However, future studies must validate such an approach.