Predictive Factors Correlated with Successful Early Endoscopic Removal of Pancreaticolithiasis in Chronic Pancreatitis after Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and symptomatic pancreatic duct (PD) calculi often involves techniques like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL), or a combination of both. However, identifying predictive factors for the successful removal of these calculi remains variable. This study aimed to determine the factors predicting successful ESWL and endoscopic removal in CP and PD calculi patients. METHODS: We examined data from CP patients who underwent complete PD calculi removal via ESWL combined with ERCP between July 2012 and 2022, and assessed baseline characteristics, imaging findings, and treatment details. Patients were categorized into early- and late-endoscopic complete removal groups (EER and LER groups, respectively). RESULTS: Of the 27 patients analyzed, 74.1% were male with an average age of 44 ± 9.6 years. EER was achieved in 74% of the patients. Patients in the EER group exhibited smaller PD calculi diameter (8.5 vs. 19 mm, p = 0.012) and lower calculus density (964.6 vs. 1313.3 HU, p = 0.041) compared to the LER group. Notably, PD stricture and the rate of PD stent insertion were not different between the groups. A calculus density threshold of 1300 HU on non-contrast CT demonstrated 71% sensitivity and 80% specificity in predicting EER. CONCLUSIONS: Smaller and low-density PD calculi may serve as predictors for successful EER, potentially aiding in the management of CP patients with PD calculi.

Clinical Outcomes of the Endoscopic Step-Up Approach with or without Radiology-Guided Percutaneous Drainage for Symptomatic Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis.

Background and objectives: Symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis is a serious local complication of acute necrotising pancreatitis. The endoscopic step-up approach is the standard treatment for symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis; however, adjunctive radiologic percutaneous drainage for this condition is controversial. This study compared the clinical and radiologic resolution of walled-off pancreatic necrosis achieved with the endoscopic step-up approach with or without radiology-guided percutaneous drainage. Material and Methods: This retrospective, single-centre cohort study enrolled patients with symptomatic walled-off pancreatic necrosis who underwent endoscopic transmural drainage (ETD) followed by directed endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) with or without radiology-guided drainage. A total of 34 patients (endoscopic approach, n = 22; combined modality approach, n = 12) underwent the endoscopic step-up approach (ETD followed by DEN). Baseline characteristics, clinical success, and resolution of necrosis were compared between groups. Results: All patients achieved symptom resolution from walled-off pancreatic necrosis. The mean patient age was 58.4 years, and 21 (61.8%) were men. Following treatment with the endoscopic approach and combined modality approach, clinical success was achieved in 90.9% of patients within 11.5 days, and 66.7% of patients within 16.5 days, respectively. Both length of hospital stay (55 days vs. 71 days; p = 0.071) and time to complete radiologic resolution were shorter (93 days vs. 124 days; p = 0.23) in the endoscopic approach group. Conclusion: Both the endoscopic step-up approach and the CMD approach resulted in a favourably high clinical resolution rates in patients with symptomatic WON. However, clinical success rates seemed to be higher, and the length of hospital stay tended to be shorter in the endoscopic approach than in the CMD approach, as well as the significantly shorter necrosectomy time in each procedure was observed. Of note, these findings might be from some inherited differences in baseline characteristics of the patients between the two groups, and a randomized controlled trial with a larger sample size to verify these results is warranted.

Role of oral iron supplementation for anemia secondary to acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Although acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) can lead to anemia, evidence regarding the effects of oral iron supplementation on UGIB-induced anemia following discharge remains lacking. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral iron supplementation on hemoglobin response and iron storage in patients with anemia secondary to nonvariceal UGIB. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial included 151 patients with nonvariceal UGIB who had anemia at discharge. Patients were assigned to a 1:1 block in which they were either administered 6 weeks of 600 mg/d oral ferrous fumarate (treatment group, n = 77) or treated without iron supplementation (control group, n = 74). The primary outcome was composite hemoglobin response (hemoglobin elevation greater than 2 g/dL or no anemia at the end of treatment [EOT]). RESULTS: The proportion of patients achieving composite hemoglobin response was greater in the treatment group than in the control group (72.7% vs 45.9%; adjusted risk ratio [RR], 2.980; P = 0.004). At EOT, the percentage change in the hemoglobin level (34.2 ± 24.8% vs 19.4 ± 19.9%; adjusted coefficient, 11.543; P < 0.001) was significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group; however, the proportions of patients with a serum ferritin level <30 µg/L and a transferrin saturation <16% were lower in the treatment group (all P < 0.05). No significant differences in treatment-associated adverse effects and adherence rates were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION: Oral iron supplementation exerts beneficial effects on anemia and iron storage following nonvariceal UGIB without significantly impacting rates of adverse effects or adherence.

Postoperative outcomes of resectable periampullary cancer accompanied by obstructive jaundice with and without preoperative endoscopic biliary drainage.

Background: Preoperative biliary drainage (PBD) is useful in resectable periampullary cancer with obstructive jaundice. Whether it is better than direct surgery (DS) in terms of postoperative complications and mortality is controversial. Methods: All cases of successful pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) in patients with periampullary cancer with obstructive jaundice performed between January 2016 and January 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Endoscopic PBD was performed; data pertaining to serum bilirubin level, procedural technique, and duration before surgery were obtained. The incidence of postoperative complications and survival rate were compared between the PBD and DS group. Results: A total of 104 patients (PBD, n = 58; DS, n = 46) underwent curative PD. The mean age was 63.8 ± 10 years and 53 (51%) were male. Age, body mass index (BMI), sex, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group status, presence of comorbid disease, initial laboratory results, and pathological diagnoses were not significantly different between the two groups. The incidence of postoperative complications was 58.6% in the PBD group while 73.9% in the DS group (relative risk [RR] 1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92, 1.73, p=0.155) and the difference was not significant except in bile leakage (RR 8.83, 95% CI 1.26, 61.79, p = 0.021) and intraoperative bleeding (RR 3.97, 95% CI 0.88, 17.85, p = 0.049) which were higher in the DS group. The one-year survival rate was slightly less in the DS group but the difference was not statistically significant. The independent predictors for death within 1-year were intraoperative bleeding and preoperative total bilirubin > 14.6 mg/dL. Conclusions: PBD in resectable malignant distal biliary obstruction showed no benefit in terms of 1-year survival over DS approach. But it demonstrated the benefit of lower risks of intraoperative bleeding, and bile leakage. Additionally, the level of pre-operative bilirubin level of over 14.6 mg/dL and having intraoperative bleeding were associated with a lower 1-year survival in such patients. Overall, PBD may be not necessary for all resectable periampullary cancer patients, but there might be a role in those with severely jaundice (>14.6 mg/dL), as it helps lower risk of intraoperative bleeding, and might lead to a better survival outcome.

Optical diagnosis by near-focus versus normal-focus narrow band imaging colonoscopy in colorectal polyps based on combined NICE and WASP classification: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Narrow Band Imaging (NBI) International Colorectal Endoscopic (NICE) and Workgroup Serrated Polyps and Polyposis (WASP) classifications were developed for optical diagnosis of neoplastic and sessile serrated polyps, respectively. Near-focus NBI with NICE combined with WASP criteria for optical diagnosis of colonic polyps has not yet been evaluated. We aimed to compare the accuracy of near-focus NBI (group A) with normal-focus NBI (group B) in real-time optical diagnosis of colorectal polyps using combined NICE and WASP criteria. METHODS: Among 362 patients, 118 with 227 polyps were recruited. Groups A and B included 62 patients with 130 polyps (three lost polyps) and 56 patients with 106 polyps (six lost polyps), respectively. Optical diagnoses were compared with pathological reports. RESULTS: The accuracy of optical diagnosis of neoplastic polyps in groups A and B was not significantly different (76% vs. 71%, p=0.52). WASP criteria provided all false positive diagnoses of sessile polyps as serrated polyps in 31 (16.2%) patients. CONCLUSION: Near-focus NBI was not superior to normal-focus NBI in optical diagnostics of neoplastic polyps using NICE criteria. In our study, WASP classification yielded all false positives in the diagnosis of sessile serrated adenomas/polyps. Routine real-life optical diagnosis of polyps is still unadvisable.

Diagnostic performance of endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition by EUS-FNA versus EUS-FNB for solid pancreatic mass without ROSE: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is an established diagnostic procedure for solid pancreatic mass. However, the diagnostic yield between fine-needle aspiration (FNA) and fine-needle biopsy (FNB) remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate and compare the diagnostic yields between FNA and FNB using conventional FNA and Franseen needles of the same size 22-gauge needle, in patients with solid pancreatic mass who underwent EUS-TA without rapid onsite cytopathology evaluation (ROSE). METHODS: All cases of EUS-TA by FNA or FNB for solid pancreatic mass between January 2017 and October 2020 in a single-centre university hospital were retrospectively reviewed. All procedures were performed without an onsite cytologist. Before the endoscopist finished the procedure, macroscopic onsite evaluation (MOSE) was confirmed. The diagnostic yield and the average number of needle passes between FNB and FNA were then compared. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients (FNA, n = 77; FNB, n = 74) with solid pancreatic mass detected by cross-sectional imaging underwent EUS-TA. The mean age was 62.3 ± 12.8 years, with 88 (58.3%) males. Age, sex, mass location, tumour size and disease stage from imaging were not significantly different between the two groups. The diagnostic performance was higher in EUS-FNB (94.6%) than in EUS-FNA (89.6%). The mean number of needle passes was clearly fewer in FNB than in FNA (2.8 vs. 3.8, p < 0.001). The total procedure time was shorter in FNB (34.7 min) than in FNA (41 min). The adverse event rate between FNB and FNA was not significantly different. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic yield of solid pancreatic mass was higher in FNB using the Franseen needle than in FNA using the conventional FNA needle in a centre where ROSE is unavailable, without serious adverse event. In addition, FNB had fewer needle passes and shorter total procedure time.

Correction to: Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Surgical Gastrostomy and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy with Introducer Technique in Patients with Upper Aerodigestive Malignancies: A Single-Center Analysis.

In the original version of this article, there were data missing from Table 3. Following is the corrected table. The original article has been updated.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes Between Surgical Gastrostomy and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy with Introducer Technique in Patients with Upper Aerodigestive Malignancies: A Single-Center Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Conventional percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) in patients with upper aerodigestive malignancies inevitably carries a risk of stomal metastasis that could be avoided by the direct insertion of the gastrostomy tube through the abdomen. This study compared the efficacy and safety between surgical gastrostomy (SG) and Introducer PEG in patients with upper aerodigestive malignancies. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients with upper aerodigestive malignancies undergoing SG or Introducer PEG. Procedure data, postprocedural clinical outcomes and 30-day mortality were assessed. RESULTS: In total, 99 patients were feasible to analysis: 53 were in the SG group, and 46 were in the Introducer PEG group. The SG group had a higher incidence of (in-hospital) major complications [28.3% VS 4.3%, p = 0.002], a longer procedure duration [52.02 ± 21.30 VS 21.46 ± 8.22 min, p < 0.001], higher pain scores at 24 h [median (interquartile range, IQR); 5(3-8) VS 1(0-5), p < 0.001] and longer length of hospitalization (LOH) [median (IQR); 5(4-6) days VS 3(2-4) days, p < 0.001)]. In-hospital (3.8% VS 0%, p = 0.493) and 30-day mortality (17.0% VS 13.0%, p = 0.586) were not different between the two groups. In univariate analysis, high BMI, anemia (hemoglobin <11 g/dL), normal nutritional status (serum albumin >3 g/dL) and procedural type were found to be predicting factors for complications. Procedural type (Introducer PEG) was an independent factor for major complications in multivariate analysis [OR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.02-0.61, p= 0.011]. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with upper aerodigestive malignancies, Introducer PEG was associated with lower rate of (in-hospital) major complications, faster operative time, lower pain scores and shorter LOH. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRY NUMBER: TCTR20181220004.

Biliary Fascioliasis in Chronic Calcific Pancreatitis Presenting with Ascending Cholangitis and Biliary Stricture.

Biliary fascioliasis is a rare infection of the hepatobiliary system. In human, it is known to present with two main phases; acute phase (hepatic phase) presenting with abdominal pain or abnormal liver biochemistry then chronic phase (biliary phase) presenting with biliary obstruction or cholangitis. Optimal treatment of biliary fascioliasis consists of endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with removal of the parasite and single oral dose of triclabendazole. We report a rare case of biliary fascioliasis in chronic calcified pancreatitis who presented with ascending cholangitis and biliary stricture. A 63-years-old Thai man was referred to our hospital for treatment of clinical symptoms severe cholangitis. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed evidence of distal common bile duct stricture associated with chronic calcific pancreatitis. ERCP was performed, that found a few amorphous filling defects in the common bile duct and distal biliary stricture. After removal of the foreign body of what seems to be a fluke parasite followed with single oral dose triclabendazole thereafter, the clinical symptom was improved dramatically.

Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver with extrahepatic growth presenting with ascending cholangitis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound features: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver with extrahepatic growth is a rare benign epithelial neoplasm of the biliary system that presents with a mass effect or is incidentally found on imaging. The tumor affects mostly the common hepatic duct, which is difficult to diagnose preoperatively by radiology, endoscopy, or cystic fluid analysis. Endoscopic ultrasound is a noninvasive tool for the evaluation of features of a cystic lesion and the extent of disease. Optimal treatment is complete tumor resection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 27-year-old Thai woman was referred to our hospital for investigation and treatment of clinical symptoms of obstructive jaundice and ascending cholangitis, as well as an unknown cause of obstruction. Multiple investigations were performed, including endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and magnetic resonance imaging. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a multiloculated cystic lesion with internal septations without communication to the bile duct, which helped to support a diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm. Eventually, the pathological diagnosis made was mucinous cystic neoplasm of the bile duct. A follow-up clinical examination with imaging at 6 months revealed that the patient was asymptomatic and without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: We report a rare case of a patient with a large mucinous cystic neoplasm of the liver with extrahepatic growth causing biliary obstruction, which was diagnosed on the basis of endoscopic ultrasound features. Following definitive diagnosis, treatment with complete surgical resection using a multidisciplinary approach was successful.

Simple Clinical Score to Predict 24-Week Survival Times in Patients with Inoperable Malignant Distal Biliary Obstruction as a Tool for Selecting Palliative Metallic or Plastic Stents.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic biliary drainage (EBD) is the mainstay treatment for inoperable malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Some authorities suggest that metallic stents are more cost-effective than plastic stents in patients with expected survival of at least 6 months. However, studies attempting to define the predictive factors for such survival times are limited. This study aims to develop a scoring system for predicting a survival time of <24 weeks in these patients. METHOD: Patients with MDBO from inoperable periampullary cancers who underwent EBD at Songklanagarind Hospital during 2004-2009 were retrospectively analyzed. Baseline clinical, laboratory, and imaging data were retrieved. The survival time data were retrieved from the medical records and Thailand's civil registration database. Multivariate Cox regression model coefficients were used in the development of a survival time prediction scoring system. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients were included. The overall median survival was 17.6 weeks. Fifty-seven (58.1%) survived <24 weeks. By multivariate analysis, cancer type and liver metastasis were significant predictive factors. The Simple Clinical Score (SCS) was calculated from (2× liver metastasis) + (1× pancreatic cancer) - (2× ampullary cancer) - (1× cholangiocarcinoma), when 1 and 0 were used for the presence and absence of each factor, respectively. The cutoff value of the score ≥0 had a sensitivity and specificity of 0.77 and 0.63, respectively, for predicting a survival time of <24 weeks, with AUC of 0.76. The median survival of patients with SCS <0 and ≥0 was 36.6 and 13.1 weeks, respectively. CONCLUSION: The scoring system from this study may be beneficial for clinicians to select the appropriate stents in endoscopic biliary drainage in inoperable MDBO patients.

An Uncommon Cause of Small Bowel Bleeding from Appendiceal Carcinoma.

Massive hematochezia caused by a small bowel lesion is a rare entity. Currently, video capsule endoscopy and balloon-assisted enteroscopy are effective in identifying the source of small intestine bleeding. Herein, we report a case of small bowel bleeding caused by a nonmucinous appendiceal adenocarcinoma with ileal invasion which was detected by video capsule endoscopy and single-balloon endoscopy. Despite the advanced disease stage with hepatic and peritoneal metastases, as of September 2016 the patient has had 8 years' disease-free survival after surgical resection and chemotherapy.

Prospective randomized trial of EUS-assisted ERCP without fluoroscopy versus ERCP in common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: ERCP with stone removal is the standard treatment for common bile duct stones (CBDSs). Radiation exposure is a risk to the endoscopist and patient. EUS-guided ERCP without fluoroscopy (EGEWF) in patients with CBDSs is feasible, but the efficacy and safety compared with ERCP is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of EGEWF with ERCP in CBDS removal. METHODS: A prospective randomized study was done in 114 patients with CBDSs who met inclusion criteria. These patients were equally randomized into the EGEWF and ERCP groups. In the EGEWF group, ERCP was performed by cannulation without fluoroscopy. Balloon sweeping was done after sphincterotomy to clear the stones until the number of stones matched the number detected by EUS and the stone clearance (SC) was confirmed by cholangiography. In the ERCP group, ERCP was performed in the standard manner. The cannulation rates, SC rates, total procedure and fluoroscopic times, and adverse event rates were analyzed. RESULTS: After exclusion of 3 patients, 55 were in the EGEWF group and 56 in the ERCP group. Demographic data, laboratory data, stone characteristics, CBD diameter, and number of patients with periampullary diverticulum were not different between the 2 groups. The cannulation success rates in the EGEWF (96.35%) and ERCP (100%) groups were similar (P = .243). The SC rate in the EGEWF group (85.5%) was inferior to the ERCP group (100%) (P = .002). The SC rate based on the number of stones retrieved that matched the number by EUS was correct in 94%. More than 2 stones may increase the failure rate of SC in EGEWF. The adverse event rates and the total procedure times were not different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: EGEWF was inferior to ERCP in terms of SC; however, no radiation exposure is beneficial for selected patients. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT02870686.).

Comparing cost-effectiveness between endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in diagnosis of common bile duct stone in patients with predefined risks: A study from a developing country.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) achieves results comparable to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stone, but studies from the western have shown EUS to be less expensive in patients with intermediate risk for CBD stones. The aim of this study was to compare the costs of EUS and ERCP in the diagnosis of CBD stones in a developing country. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective study was done with 141 patients with suspected CBD stones, categorized as having high or intermediate risk for CBD stone. All underwent EUS, and the high-risk patients had ERCP after the EUS. For intermediate-risk patients, an ERCP was done at the discretion of the attending physician. The CBD stone was confirmed by ERCP in patients who underwent both EUS and ERCP. Patients who received EUS only were followed up every 3 months for 1 year. The false negative rate in patients with EUS and ERCP was estimated in the clinical follow-up. RESULT: One hundred and forty-one patients (141: 83 females, 58 males) with a mean age ± standard deviation (SD) of 55.71 ±18.68 years were recruited. Ninety-four (94) patients underwent both EUS and ERCP. ERCP confirmed the diagnosis in 83 of 85 patients (97.6%) with CBD stone detected by EUS. Forty-seven (47) patients with a negative EUS and no ERCP done were symptom-free during the follow-up. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of EUS were 97.6%, 80%, 97.6%, and 80% respectively. An EUS-based strategy for high-risk patients was 15% more expensive than an ERCP-based strategy, but the EUS-based strategy reduced the cost to 37.78% less than the ERCP-based strategy in intermediate-risk patients. The EUS-based strategy was cost-saving when the CBD stone prevalence was less than 52.5%. CONCLUSION: EUS is safer and less costly than ERCP for CBD stone diagnosis in patients with intermediate risk.

i-Scan detection of minimal change esophagitis in dyspeptic patients with or without Gastroesophageal Reflux disease.

BACKGROUND: The association of minimal change esophagitis (MCE) with GERD is controversial. i-Scan endoscopy (SE) provides high resolution and modulation of images that may improve minimal change lesion (MCL) detection. We aimed to assess the efficacy of SE in detecting MCL in dyspeptic patients with GERD compared with patients without GERD by GerdQ or by endoscopy with 24-h pH monitoring (PHM) and in normal volunteers. METHODS: This is a cohort study conducted at a tertiary center. All dyspeptic patients were prospectively recruited. All patients completed a validated Thai version of GerdQ and then underwent endoscopy. Forty normal volunteers as a control group were recruited for endoscopy. The distal esophagus was examined by high definition endoscopy and SE sequentially. All had PHM done. GERD was diagnosed by Los Angeles classification A-D and/or by a positive PHM. MCE was diagnosed when MCL or combination of MCL was present. RESULTS: Of 174 patients, 144 completed the study protocol. After the exclusion of 6 patients, 138 remained for analysis. Overlapping GERD symptoms were found in 44.2 % and 26.8 % had confirmed GERD. Group A was comprised of 61 patients with a positive GerdQ and 77 patients in group B had a negative GerdQ. Twenty-four in group A, 28 in group B and 7 in the control group had MCE that was not significantly different. MCE in GERD was significantly higher (51.45 %) than in non-GERD (32.7 %) (p = 0.047) and in the control group (20.58 %) (p = 0.007). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of SE were 51.35 %, 67.33 %, 36.54 % and 79.06 %, respectively. CONCLUSION: In dyspeptic patients, SE detected more MCE in GERD than in non-GERD patients and in the control group. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number NCT01742377.

Influence of Body Position on Anorectal Manometric Assessment in Functional Constipation.

Objective: To date, there have been no studies to evaluate the influence of posture on anorectal manometric measurements in patients with functional constipation. The present study aimed to compare differences in anorectal manometric measurements in constipated patients when performing the test in the lying and sitting positions. Material and Method: Anorectal manometry with a conventional solid state manometric catheter was performed in 30 constipated patients in both the lying and sitting positions. Anorectal manometric variables at rest and during attempted defecation with empty rectum were assessed in both positions. A colonic transit study using Sitzmarks radiopaque markers and a 50-mL water-filled balloon expulsion test was also performed in all patients. Patients exhibiting an abnormal manometric pattern of defecation in either the sitting or lying position proceeded to a simulated defecation test. The anorectal pressure parameters of resting and during attempted defecation of the both positions were compared. Results: The resting rectal pressure, maximum rectal straining pressure, and defecation index during attempted defecation were significantly higher in the sitting position than the lying position. A dyssynergic manometric pattern during attempted defecation with empty rectum was seen in 46% of the patients in the lying position, not significantly different from the 56% in the seated position (p = 0.58). Most patients (71%) who exhibited manometric dyssynergia with an empty rectum could relax their anal sphincter during the simulated defecation test. Only six (20%) constipated patients had abnormal dyssynergic anal sphincter contraction confirmed by a simulated defecation test. Conclusion: Body position affects the results of manometric measurements related to the defecation mechanism.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary intervention in patients with surgically altered anatomy.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) in patients with surgically altered anatomies. METHODS: We performed a search of the MEDLINE database for studies published between 2001 to July 2014 reporting on EUS-BD in patients with surgically altered anatomy using the terms "EUS drainage" and "altered anatomy". All relevant articles were accessed in full text. A manual search of the reference lists of relevant retrieved articles was also performed. Only full-text English papers were included. Data regarding age, gender, diagnosis, method of EUS-BD and intervention, type of altered anatomy, technical success, clinical success, and complications were extracted and collected. Anatomic alterations were categorized as: group 1, Billroth I; group 2, Billroth II; group 4, Roux-en-Y with gastric bypass; and group 3, all other types. RESULTS: Twenty three articles identified in the literature search, three reports were from the same group with different numbers of cases. In total, 101 cases of EUS-BD in patients with altered anatomy were identified. Twenty-seven cases had no information and were excluded. Seventy four cases were included for analysis. Data of EUS-BD in patients categorized as group 1, 2 and 4 were limited with 2, 3 and 6 cases with EUS-BD done respectively. Thirty four cases with EUS-BD were reported in group 3. The pooled technical success, clinical success, and complication rates of all reports with available data were 89.18%, 91.07% and 17.5%, respectively. The results are similar to the reported outcomes of EUS-BD in general, however, with limited data of EUS-BD in patients with altered anatomy rendered it difficult to draw a firm conclusion. CONCLUSION: EUS-BD may be an option for patients with altered anatomy after a failed endoscopic-retrograde-cholangiography in centers with expertise in EUS-BD procedures in a research setting.

Normal Solid Gastric Emptying Values Measured by Scintigraphy Using Asian-style Meal:A Multicenter Study in Healthy Volunteers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To report gastric emptying scintigraphy, normal values should be established for a specific protocol. The aim of this study was to provide normal gastric emptying values and determine factors affecting gastric emptying using Asian rice-based meal in healthy volunteers. METHODS: One hundred and ninety-two healthy volunteers were included at 7 tertiary care centers across Thailand. Gastric emptying scintigraphy was acquired in 45 degree left anterior oblique view immediately after ingestion of a 267 kcal steamed-rice with technetium-99m labeled-microwaved egg meal with 100 mL water for up to 4 hours. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-nine volunteers (99 females, age 43 ± 14 years) completed the study. The medians (5-95th percentiles) of lag time, gastric emptying half time (GE T1/2) and percent gastric retentions at 2 and 4 hours for all volunteers were 18.6 (0.5-39.1) minutes, 68.7 (45.1-107.8) minutes, 16.3% (2.7-49.8%) and 1.1% (0.2-8.8%), respectively. Female volunteers had significantly slower gastric emptying compared to male (GE T1/2, 74 [48-115] minutes vs. 63 (41-96) minutes; P < 0.05). Female volunteers who were in luteal phase of menstrual cycle had significantly slower gastric emptying compared to those in follicular phase or menopausal status (GE T1/2, 85 [66-102] mintes vs. 69 [50-120] minutes or 72 [47-109] minutes, P < 0.05). All of smoking volunteers were male. Smoker male volunteers had significantly faster gastric emptying compared to non-smoker males (GE T1/2, 56 [44-80] minutes vs. 67 [44-100] minutes, P < 0.05). Age, body mass index and alcohol consumption habits did not affect gastric emptying values. CONCLUSIONS: A steamed-rice with microwaved egg meal was well tolerated by healthy volunteers. Gender, menstrual status and smoking status were found to affect solid gastric emptying.

The Spectrum of Endoscopic Ultrasound Intervention in Biliary Diseases: A Single Center's Experience in 31 Cases.

Background and Aim. EUS-guided intervention (EGI) for biliary therapy has been increasingly used in recent years. This report aims to describe the spectrum and experience of EUS-guided interventions in biliary diseases in a single-tertiary center. Methods. All patients with EGI were analyzed retrospectively by retrieving data from a prospectively stored endoscopic database between January 2006 and September 2010. Results. There were 31 cases with EGIs (17 female, 14 male) with a mean age ± SD of 58.03 ± 16.89 years. The majority of cases (17/31; 55%) were ampullary or pancreatic cancers with obstructive jaundice. The major indications for EGI were obstructive jaundice (n = 16) and cholangitis (n = 9). The EGIs were technically successful in 24 of the 31 cases (77%). The success rate for the first 3 years was 8 of 13 procedures (61.5%) as compared to that of the last 2 years (16/18 procedures (89%); P = 0.072). Twenty-three of the 24 cases (96%) with technical success for stent placement also had clinical success in terms of symptom improvement. The complications were major in 4 (13%) and minor in 7 (23%) patients. Conclusion. The EUS-guided drainage for biliary obstruction, acute cholecystitis, bile leak, and biloma was an attractive alternative and should be handled in expert centers.

The value of Carlsson-dent questionnaire in diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease in area with low prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Symptom-based diagnosis for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has been accepted in the population with high prevalence. Carlsson-Dent questionnaire (CDQ) is a standardized symptom-based diagnosis tool for GERD. The value of this tool in the population with low prevalence is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine CDQ performance for diagnosis of GERD in Thai population with low prevalence versus endoscopy or 24 hour pH monitoring. METHODS: Patients with dyspepsia by Rome II criteria were recruited. All patients completed a Thai version of CDQ and underwent endoscopic examination. Those without esophagitis or peptic ulcer and positive CDQ score took pH monitoring. RESULTS: One hundred patients (68 female) with mean age ± SD of 45.6 ± 12.4 years were recruited. Six with Los Angeles grade A esophagitis had negative CDQ score. In 44 with positive CDQ score, 3 had Los Angeles grade B esophagitis and 41 had pH monitoring done with 8 having positive test. The GERD diagnosis by CDQ was confirmed in 11 of 44 patients (25%). CDQ detected 11 out of 17 GERD detected by endoscopy and pH monitoring and the sensitivity of CDQ was 64%. CONCLUSIONS: CDQ diagnosed more GERD in Thai population with low prevalence compared with endoscopy and pH monitoring. This may be due to some patients with functional heartburn were picked up by CDQ and some patients with GERD were not detected by endoscopy and pH monitoring.