A Novel Hemostatic Peptide Solution for Common Acute Gastrointestinal Bleeding Diseases: First Case Series Study on the Treatment Results of Endoscopic Hemostasis by Nonexpert Endoscopists.

INTRODUCTION: We investigated the hemostatic effect and safety of a hemostatic peptide solution for the treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding requiring emergency endoscopy. METHODS: We retrospectively examined the patient backgrounds, hemostatic results, and procedural safety in patients who were treated with a hemostatic peptide solution for hemostasis during emergency endoscopies for gastrointestinal bleeding. All hemostatic procedures were performed by nonexpert physicians with less than 10 years of endoscopic experience. All of the cases were treated at a single institution over the months from January 2022 to January 2023. RESULTS: Twenty-six consecutive patients (17 males and 9 females) with a median age of 74 (45-95) years were included. Their conditions requiring emergency endoscopy were melena in 8 patients, hematochezia in 2, hematemesis in 8, anemia in 6, and bleeding during esophagogastroduodenoscopy in 2. The sites of bleeding were the esophagus in 3 patients, the stomach in 17, the duodenum in 3, the small intestine in 2, and the colon in 1. Hemostasis was obtained with another hemostasis device used in conjunction with the hemostatic peptide solution in 13 cases and with the hemostatic peptide solution alone in 13 cases. The hemostasis success rate was 100%, with no complications. Rebleeding occurred within 1 week in 4 cases. CONCLUSION: Hemostasis with the hemostatic peptide solution was safe and provided a temporary high hemostatic effect in emergency gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Effectiveness of Clipping for Definitive Colonic Diverticular Bleeding in Preventing Early Recurrent Bleeding.

Objective Clipping is a common technique for managing colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB), despite the lack of published evidence regarding its effectiveness. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of clipping for CDB in preventing early recurrent bleeding. Methods This dual-center retrospective study included 93 patients who underwent emergency hospitalization for bloody stool, diagnosed with definitive CDB, and treated with clipping or conservative treatment. The primary outcome was early recurrent bleeding. A logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between the occurrence of early recurrent bleeding and clipping with adjustment for propensity scores. Secondary outcomes included death, transfusion, length of hospitalization, need for transcatheter arterial embolization or surgery, and adverse events. Results The patient characteristics were similar between the clipping (n=85) and conservative treatment (n=8) groups. The rate of early recurrent bleeding was significantly lower in the clipping group than in the conservative treatment group [23.5% (20 cases) vs. 75% (6 cases), p=0.005]. In the propensity score-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for early recurrent bleeding in the clipping group was 0.094 (95% confidence interval, 0.008-0.633, p=0.026). Secondary outcomes were not significantly different between the two groups. Stigmata of recent hemorrhage (SRH) at the time of recurrent bleeding was identified in 79.2% of patients (19/24). In the clipping group, recurrent bleeding was observed in 62.5% of cases (10/16) from the same diverticulum. However, early recurrent bleeding tended to be less likely with direct clipping (p=0.072). Conclusion Clipping for definite CDB was more effective in preventing early recurrent bleeding than conservative treatment.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori infection on malignancy of undifferentiated-type gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Although almost all cases of gastric cancer are caused by Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection, there are some rare exceptions. Furthermore, the clinicopathological characteristics of gastric cancer may differ depending on HP infection status. This study aimed to determine the clinicopathological characteristics of undifferentiated-type gastric cancer (UD-GC) according to HP status. METHODS: The study involved 83 patients with UD-GC who were selected from 1559 patients with gastric cancer who underwent endoscopic resection at our hospital and whose HP infection status was confirmed. Clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated according to HP status (eradicated, n = 28; infected, n = 32; not infected, n = 23). RESULTS: In patients without HP infection, UD-GCs were < 20 mm and intramucosal with no vascular invasion. In patients with eradicated HP, there was no correlation between development of UD-GC and time since eradication. Nine of twelve patients with a tumor detected ≥ 5 years after eradication had undergone yearly endoscopy. Submucosal invasion was observed in two of four patients and lymphovascular invasion in three of four patients whose UD-GC was detected ≥ 10 years after eradication. There was no significant between-group difference in the frequency of lesions with invasion into the submucosal layer or deeper (14.3%, 10.5%, and 0% in the UD-E, UD-I, and UD-U groups, respectively). CONCLUSION: The clinicopathological characteristics of UD-GC were similar between HP-infected patients and HP-eradicated patients. Three of four patients with eradicated HP whose UD-GC developed ≥ 10 years after eradication were not eligible for endoscopic treatment and required additional surgery resection. In contrast, UD-GC was curable by endoscopic resection in all patients without HP infection.

Clinicopathological Differences between Eosinophilic Esophagitis and Asymptomatic Esophageal Eosinophilia.

Objective According to consensus guidelines, eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is defined as a clinicopathological entity whose symptoms and histology must always be considered together. However, endoscopic findings typical of EoE are often seen in asymptomatic esophageal eosinophilia (aEE). We aimed to clarify the clinicopathological features of aEE. Methods We retrospectively compared cases of aEE and those of symptomatic EoE. Materials We reviewed 146 patients who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and were confirmed histopathologically to have esophageal eosinophil infiltration of at least 15 eosinophils per high-power field. They were divided into the aEE group (n=75) and the EoE group (n=71). Patients' clinicopathological findings were then collected and examined. Results The EoE group experienced dysphagia (47.9%), heartburn (40.8%), food impaction (40.8%), chest pain (16.9%), and other symptoms (8.5%). There was no significant difference between the two groups with regard to age, sex, current smoking status, or alcohol consumption. The aEE group had a significantly higher body mass index (p<0.01) and significantly lower frequency of concurrent allergic diseases (p<0.01) than the EoE group. No significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to the mean peripheral blood eosinophil count, non-specific immunoglobulin E concentration, peak eosinophil infiltration in the biopsy specimens, EoE histology scoring system, phenotype and location of typical endoscopic findings of EoE, or thickness of the esophagus wall or the mucosal and submucosal layer as measured by endoscopic ultrasonography. Two patients in the aEE group who were followed up without treatment subsequently developed esophageal symptoms. Conclusion aEE and EoE may have the same clinicopathological features.

Real-World Experience of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Ulcerative Colitis-Associated Neoplasia.

INTRODUCTION: Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have an increased risk of colorectal cancer. Some studies have recently investigated endoscopic resection of UC-associated neoplasia (UCAN), but the indications for endoscopic resection of UCAN remain controversial. This study sought to clarify the problems encountered in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for UCAN. METHODS: Seventeen lesions in 12 patients with UCAN (UCAN group) and 913 epithelial lesions in 824 control patients without UC (non-UC group) were evaluated. Both groups underwent ESD between January 2010 and December 2017 at Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan. Treatment outcomes of the 2 groups were compared retrospectively. RESULTS: Univariate analysis showed that the mean tumor size was significantly smaller in the UCAN group than in the non-UC group (25.1 ± 26.7 mm vs. 31.9 ± 19.0; p = 0.0023); however, the R0 resection rate was significantly lower in the UCAN group (70.6 vs. 92.9%; p = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed a significantly lower negative horizontal margin rate in the UCAN group (odds ratio 11.3, 95% confidence interval 3.588-34.525; p = 0.000). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: ESD for UCAN is associated with a low-negative horizontal margin rate. When performing ESD for UCAN, it is important to evaluate the accuracy of the UCAN demarcation line, especially for flat lesions, using white-light imaging and chromoendoscopy as well as other modalities, including biopsy of surrounding tissues.

The Evaluation of Esophageal Endoscopic Findings in Patients with Functional Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction.

Objective Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a diagnosis of unclear significance that has become increasingly common with recent advances in high-resolution manometry (HRM). EGJOO can be divided into mechanical or functional obstruction. Functional EGJOO is considered an incomplete phenotype or an early stage of achalasia. However, little is known about the endoscopic findings in patients with functional EGJOO. Thus, we aimed to elucidate the endoscopic findings in patients with functional EGJOO and to identify patients at high risk for achalasia. Methods This was a single-center retrospective study. A total of 259 patients underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) along with HRM for upper gastrointestinal symptoms without any obstructive lesions or stricture between July 2013 and September 2019 in our institute. Among them, 31 patients were diagnosed with EGJOO. After excluding patients who had undergone previous endoscopic treatment, those who were diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis and those who had undergone EGD at other institutes, 23 patients were finally included with a diagnosis of functional EGJOO. The endoscopic findings were evaluated by three endoscopists. Results Five patients (21.7%) had an esophageal rosette sign (ERS). No patients had grade IV gastroesophageal flap valve, esophageal mucosal breaks, or abnormal retention of liquid or food in the esophagus. Manometric findings revealed that the median distal contractile integral value was significantly higher in patients with an ERS (n=5) than in those without it (n=18). Conclusion There were some patients with functional EGJOO who had an ERS, which is the characteristic endoscopic finding in achalasia.

Effectiveness of Chemoradiotherapy for Metachronous Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma.

INTRODUCTION: Multiple Lugol-voiding lesions (LVLs) in the esophagus increase the risk of synchronous and metachronous development of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Chemoradiotherapy (CRT) following endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) may reduce the incidence of metachronous ESCC, but few studies have investigated this. Therefore, we retrospectively examined the effect of CRT on metachronous ESCC and multiple esophageal dysplasias visible as multiple LVLs. METHODS: This study reviewed 146 patients who underwent esophageal ESD and were determined pathologically to have noncurative resection. They were divided into 2 groups: those who received additional CRT (CRT group; n = 64) and those without additional treatment (control group; n = 82). Incidence of metachronous ESCC was analyzed using propensity scores to adjust for patient characteristics. The number of multiple LVLs was also examined. RESULTS: The CRT group was significantly younger than the control group (mean 66.6 vs. 70.6 years, p = 0.011), had significantly deeper tumor invasion (p = 0.013), and had a significantly higher rate of lymphovascular invasion (47.8 vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). The CRT group also had a significantly higher improvement rate of multiple LVLs (58.1 vs. 2.0%, p < 0.001). The LVLs after CRT had a distinctive irregular crack-shaped appearance. Metachronous ESCC was found in 7 patients (10.9%) in the CRT group and in 17 patients (20.7%) in the control group (p = 0.113). In propensity score-adjusted logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio for metachronous ESCC in the CRT group was 0.316 (p = 0.023). The occurrence rate was significantly lower in the CRT group than in the control group. DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION: CRT may be effective in preventing metachronous ESCC.

Case of ileal herniation through the foramen of Winslow diagnosed preoperatively by CT and treated with laparoscopic surgery.

A previously healthy 35-year-old man visited the emergency room complaining of epigastric pain and vomiting. The pain was sudden in onset. His blood tests were within normal limits except for a mild neutrophilia of 14 300/µL. Enhanced abdominal CT scan showed the small intestine dilated into the space between the portal vein and inferior vena cava from the foramen of Winslow. Under the diagnosis of herniation through the foramen of Winslow (HFW), we performed emergency laparoscopic surgery. Laparoscopy revealed an internal herniation of the dilated small intestine through the foramen of Winslow. Because the herniated small intestine was viable, intestinal resection was unnecessary. We released the incarceration under laparoscopy. HFW is very rare and often overlooked, but abdominal CT examination enabled a precise preoperative diagnosis because of characteristic findings. We should consider the possibility of HFW in patients with internal herniation of unknown origin. Laparoscopic surgery for HFW is effective.

Spontaneous complete necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report and review of the literature.

The present study reports the case of a 68-year-old male patient who presented to Tokyo Rosai Hospital for the treatment of alcoholic liver disease. A high density was observed in liver segment S2, while a tumor, 30 mm in size, exhibiting a low density was observed in the delayed phase upon contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT), which was performed prior to admission. The tumor appeared slightly poorly defined upon abdominal ultrasound and was observed as a 30 mm low-echoic nodule that was internally heterogeneous. A 5-mm thick contrast enhancement effect was observed in the tumor border in the vascular phase on Sonazoid contrast-enhanced ultrasonography, while a defect in the entire tumor was observed in the post-vascular phase. Dysphagia had commenced three months prior to presentation and a weight loss of ~3 kg was observed. Therefore, the patient was admitted to Tokyo Rosai Hospital due to the presence of a hepatic tumor, and to undergo a close inspection of the cause of the tumor. Upon close inspection, it was determined that the weight loss and aphagia were caused by progressive bulbar paralysis. A contrast-enhanced CT was performed on post-admission day 29 as a follow-up regarding the hepatic tumor. As a result, although no change in the tumor size was observed, the contrast enhancement in the tumor borderline had disappeared. Necrosis of the tumor was considered. However, as viable persistence of the malignant tumor could not be excluded, a hepatic left lobe excision was performed. The patient was diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on the morphology of the cellular necrosis. In addition, occlusion due to thrombus was observed within the blood vessels passing inside the fibrous capsule. It was hypothesized that the formation of a thick fibrous capsule and occlusion due to thrombus in the feeding vessel were possibly involved as the cause of complete spontaneous necrosis. Written informed consent was obtained from the patient.

Gallstone Ileus following Endoscopic Stone Extraction.

An 85-year-old woman was an outpatient treated at Tokyo Rosai Hospital for cirrhosis caused by hepatitis B. She had previously been diagnosed as having common bile duct stones, for which she underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, as stone removal was unsuccessful, a plastic stent was placed after endoscopic sphincterotomy. In October 2012, the stent was replaced endoscopically because she developed cholangitis due to stent occlusion. Seven days later, we performed ERCP to treat recurring cholangitis. During the procedure, the stone was successfully removed by a balloon catheter when cleaning the common bile duct. The next day, the patient developed abdominal pain, abdominal distension, and nausea and was diagnosed as having gallstone ileus based on abdominal computed tomography (CT) and abdominal ultrasonography findings of an incarcerated stone in the terminal ileum. Although colonoscopy was performed after inserting an ileus tube, no stone was visible. Subsequent CT imaging verified the disappearance of the incarcerated stone from the ileum, suggesting that the stone had been evacuated naturally via the transanal route. Although it is extremely rare for gallstone ileus to develop as a complication of ERCP, physicians should be aware of gallstone ileus and follow patients carefully, especially after removing huge stones.

[Case report of long-term survival obtained for advanced sigmoid colon cancer with para-aortic lymph nodes by resection and chemotherapy].

The patient was a 66-year-old male. He underwent sigmoidectomy with D1 for an advanced sigmoid colon cancer with massive metastasis to the para-aortic lymph nodes. After the resection he underwent chemotherapy, and CT showed that the para-aortic lymph node metastasis had disappeared. However, CT showed other lymph node(No. 252, No. 273 lt)swelling. We therefore resected No. 252 and No. 273 lt lymph nodes. Two years after the resection the patient is alive and shows no sign of recurrence while being without chemotherapy.

[A case of breast cancer with postoperative metastasis to the supraclavicular lymph nodes-recurrence-free survival achieved by surgical excision following chemotherapy].

The patient, a 58-year-old woman, underwent a partial excision of the right breast and an axillary lymph node dissection in October 2004. The histopathological findings were: solid tubular carcinoma with metastasis to 17 axillary lymph nodes; triple negative-type breast cancer. As adjuvant therapy, FEC60 was administered 6 times, followed by radiotherapy applied to the residual breast and the right supraclavicular fossa. In Novermber 2007, she noted a tumorous growth above the right clavicle. The pathological diagnosis via fine needle biopsy was adenocarcinoma. An oral antineoplastic agent was given for about 6 months, but did not alter the lymph nodes. No distant recurrence was noted during this time. In August 2008, the right supraclavicular lymph nodes were dissected. The patient has been under observation without treatment, but no signs of recurrence have been noted. It was thought that excision of the recurrent supra-clavicular lymph nodes should be considered after careful examination in some individual cases.

[Combination chemotherapy of S-1/low-dose CDDP/lentinan for advanced gastric cancer].

Eight patients with inoperable advanced gastric cancer were treated with combination chemotherapy of S-1, low-dose cisplatin(CDDP)and Lentinan. S-1 80 mg/ m² was orally administered for 2 weeks followed by 1-week rest, CDDP 15 mg/ m² and Lentinan 2 mg/body were given intravenously on day 1 and 8. One complete response and four partial responses were observed for an overall response rate of 63%(5 of 8 patients). Only one patient developed over grade 3 toxicity leukocytopenia. Many patients could be maintained by long-term continuous treatment. Since combination chemotherapy of S-1/low-dose CDDP/Lentinan for advanced gastric cancer was very tolerable, it could be used for a long time.

[A case of the local advanced gastric cancer which became a resection possible in S-1/CDDP/lentinan neoadjuvant chemotherapy].

A 61-year-old man with esophagus invasive advanced gastric cancer and peritoneum dissemination underwent three courses of S-1/CDDP/Lentinan (LNT) combination neoadjuvant chemotherapies (T3N1P1H0, Stage IV) (It is S-1 80 mg/m2,CDDP 15 mg/m2 and LNT 2 mg/body twice/week for two weeks) since down staging was obtained. We performed the surgery of total gastrectomy, splenectomy, D2 lymph node dissection, and Roux-en Y reconstruction in March 2008. With the surgical examination, there was no ascites and peritoneal dissemination. Although there was serious infiltration, we were able to remove it. In the histopathological effect judgment, it was Grade 1b. We changed the therapy to S-1 alone after the same chemotherapy for six months. One year after the operation, he is still alive one year after the surgery.

[A case of stage IV advanced esophageal cancer with a long term survival by radiation therapy combined with nedaplatin and 5-FU chemotherapy].

The patient was a 73-year-old man who complained of dysphagea. Various examinations revealed an esophageal cancer with direct invasion to the left main bronchus (cT4, N2 (104R, 106recR), M0, Stage IVa) and gastric cancer (cT2, N0, M0, Stage IB). The patient was given preoperative chemoradiotherapy (40 Gy/20 fr with CDGP 10 mg/body day 1-5, 8- 12, 15-19 and 5-FU 250 mg/body day 1-5, 8-12, 15-19). After the chemoradiotherapy, we estimated that the esophageal cancer was down stage (cT4-->T3), and that a curative operation was possible. Therefore, subtotal esophagectomy and partial gastrectomy were performed without a complication. Pathological therapeutic evaluation of the esophageal cancer was complete response (CR) and the gastric cancer was T2, N0. Adjuvant chemotherapy was undergone with S-1. However, two years after the first operation, we found a recurrence of gastric duct. Therefore a surgical resection for recurrence of gastric duct was performed. The patient is still alive without recurrence 5 years and 2 months after the first treatment. Radiation therapy combined with nedaplatin and 5-FU is a safe and effective method for treating cT4 advanced esophageal cancer.