Helpfulness of the combination of acetic acid and FICE in the detection of Barrett's epithelium and Barrett's associated neoplasias

AIM:To investigate the mucosal morphology in Barrett's oesophagus by chromo and magnifying endoscopy.METHODS:A prospective pilot study at a tertiary medical centre was conducted to evaluate the use of acetic acid pulverisation combined with virtual chromoendoscopy using Fujinon intelligent chromoendoscopy(FICE) for semiological characterization of the mucosal morphology in Barrett's oesophagus and its neoplastic complications.Upper endoscopy using high definition whitelight,2% acid acetic pulverisation and FICE with high definition videoendoscopy were performed in 20 patients including 18 patients who presented with aspects of Barrett's oesophagus at endoscopy examination.Two patients used as controls had normal endoscopy and histological results.Prospectively,videos were watched blind from histological results by three trained FICE technique endoscopists.RESULTS:The videos of patients with high-grade dysplasia showed an irregular mucosal pattern in 14% using high definition white light endoscopy and in 100% using acid acetic-FICE combined.Videos did not identify irregular vascular patterns using high definition white light endoscopy,while acid acetic-FICE combined visualised one in 86% of cases.CONCLUSION:Combined acetic acid and FICE is a promising method for screening high-grade dysplasia and early cancer in Barrett's oesophagus.

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.