Gastric emptying evaluation by ultrasound prior colonoscopy:An easy tool following bowel preparation

AIM: To investigate the gastric emptying after bowel preparation to allow general anaesthesia. METHODS: A prospective, non-comparative, and nonrandomized trial was performed and registered on Eudra CT database(2011-002953-80) and on www.trial.gov(NCT01398098). All patients had a validated indication for colonoscopy and a preparation using sodium phosphate(NaP) tablets. The day of the procedure, patients took 4 tablets with 250 mL of water every 15 min, three times. The gastric volume wasestimated every 15 min from computed antral surfaces and weight according to the formula of Perlas et al(Anesthesiology, 2009). Colonoscopy was performed within the 6 h following the last intake.RESULTS: Thirty patients were prospectively included in the study from November 2011 to May 2012. The maximum volume of the antrum was 212 mL, achieved 15 min after the last intake. 24%, 67% and 92% of subjects had an antral volume below 20 mL at 60, 120 and 150 min, respectively. 81% of patients had a Boston score equal to 2 or 3 in each colonic segment. No adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation were reported.CONCLUSION: Gastric volume evaluation appeared to be a simple and reliable method for the assessment of gastric emptying. Data allow considering the NaP tablets bowel preparation in the morning of the procedure and confirming that gastric emptying is achieved after two hours, allowing general anaesthesia.

Toward an easier indigocarmine chromoendoscopy

Indigocarmine chromoendoscopy has been proven to improve the detection of colonic lesions during screening colonoscopy, and is associated with increased adenoma detection rates. Furthermore, it is commonly used to help in the delineation and characterization of colorectal neoplasms. However, it usually requires the use of a spraying catheter that decreases the suction capacity of the endoscope, and is time- consuming. Herein, we report on the feasibility of indigo carmine chromoendoscopy during colonoscopy without using a spraying catheter, with the dye being administered through the air/water channel of the endoscope. Since the suction channel remains free, the air can be exsufflated and the staining then applies uniformly onto the colonic walls with the excess indigocarmine dye being immediately eliminated. In our experience with various types of colonoscopes and cap-assisted colonoscopy, this procedure makes indigocarmine chromoendoscopy much easier and quicker to perform, and might save the use of a spray catheter.

Optimization of the generator settings for endobiliary radiofrequency ablation

AIM:To determine the optimal generator settings for endobiliary radiofrequency ablation. METHODS:Endobiliary radiofrequency ablation was performed in live swine on the ampulla of Vater,the common bile duct and in the hepatic parenchyma. Radiofrequency ablation time,"effect",and power were allowed to vary. The animals were sacrificed two hours after the procedure. Histopathological assessment of the depth of the thermal lesions was performed. RESULTS:Twenty-five radiofrequency bursts were applied in three swine. In the ampulla of Vater(n = 3),necrosis of the duodenal wall was observed starting with an effect set at 8,power output set at 10 W,and a 30 s shot duration,whereas superficial mucosal damage of up to 350 μm in depth was recorded for an effect set at 8,power output set at 6 W and a 30 s shot duration. In the common bile duct(n = 4),a 1070 μm,safe and efficient ablation was obtained for an effect set at 8,a power output of 8 W,and an ablation time of 30 s. Within the hepatic parenchyma(n = 18),the depth of tissue damage varied from 1620 μm(effect = 8,power = 10 W,ablation time = 15 s) to 4480 μm(effect = 8,power = 8 W,ablation time = 90 s). CONCLUSION:The duration of the catheter application appeared to be the most important parameter influencing the depth of the thermal injury during endobiliary radiofrequency ablation. In healthy swine,the currently recommended settings of the generator may induce severe,supratherapeutic tissue damage in the biliary tree,especially in the high-risk area of the ampulla of Vater.