Role of over the scope clips in the management of iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations

Advances in endoscopic and surgical techniques have increased the frequency and complexity of these procedures and associated complications such as gastrointestinal perforation. With the advancements in the field of gastroenterology, the promising use of an over the scope clips(OTSC) has fulfilled the unmet need for a reliable endoscopic devise in approximation of gastrointestinal perforation. This novel approach has raised the level of confidence in endoscopist in dealing with this serious complication during endoscopy. Here we have shared our experience with OTSC to evaluate its efficacy and safety in managing iatrogenic gastrointestinal perforations during endoscopy.

Importance of reporting segmental bowel preparation scores during colonoscopy in clinical practice

AIM: To evaluate the impact of reporting bowel preparation using Boston Bowel Preparation Scale(BBPS) in clinical practice.METHODS: The study was a prospective observational cohort study which enrolled subjects reporting for screening colonoscopy. All subjects received a gallon of polyethylene glycol as bowel preparation regimen. After colonoscopy the endoscopists determined quality of bowel preparation using BBPS. Segmental scores were combined to calculate composite BBPS. Site and size of the polyps detected was recorded. Pathology reports were reviewed to determine advanced adenoma detection rates(AADR). Segmental AADR's were calculated and categorized based on the segmental BBPS to determine the differential impact of bowel prep on AADR. RESULTS: Three hundred and sixty subjects were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 59.2 years, 36.3% males and 63.8% females. Four subjects with incomplete colonoscopy due BBPS of 0 in any segment were excluded. Based on composite BBPS subjects were divided into 3 groups; Group-0(poor bowel prep, BBPS 0-3) n = 26(7.3%), Group-1(Suboptimal bowel prep, BBPS 4-6) n = 121(34%) and Group-2(Adequate bowel prep, BBPS 7-9) n = 209(58.7%). AADR showed a linear trend through Group-1 to 3; with an AADR of 3.8%, 14.8% and 16.7% respectively. Also seen was a linear increasing trend in segmental AADR with improvement in segmental BBPS. There was statistical significant difference between AADR among Group 0 and 2(3.8% vs 16.7%, P < 0.05), Group 1 and 2(14.8% vs 16.7%, P < 0.05) and Group 0 and 1(3.8% vs 14.8%, P < 0.05). χ2 method was used to compute P value for determining statistical significance.CONCLUSION: Segmental AADRs correlate with segmental BBPS. It is thus valuable to report segmental BBPS in colonoscopy reports in clinical practice.

Novel anti-diabetic agents in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a mini-review

BACKGROUND:Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)encompasses a spectrum that ranges from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH)and to cirrhosis.The recommended treatment for this disease includes measures that target obesity and insulin resistance.The present review summarizes the role of newer anti-diabetic agents in treatment of NAFLD.DATA SOURCES:PubMed,MEDLINE and Ovid databases were searched to identify human studies between January 1990and January 2013 using specified key words.Original studies that enrolled patients with a diagnosis of NAFLD or NASH and involved use of newer classes of anti-diabetic agents for a duration of at least 3 months were included.RESULTS:Out of the screened articles,four met eligibility criteria and were included in our review.The classes of newer anti-diabetic medications described were dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues.CONCLUSIONS:Liraglutide and Exenatide showed improvement in transaminases as well as histology in patients with NASH.Sitagliptin showed improvement in transaminases but limited studies are there to access its effect on histology.Further studies are needed to support use of newer anti-diabetic medications in patients with NAFLD.

Review of efficacy and safety of laxatives use in geriatrics

AIM:To study the efficacy and safety of pharmacolo-gical treatment of constipation in geriatrics.METHODS:Pub Med,MEDLINE,google scholar,and Ovid were searched to identify human studies performed on the use of laxatives in elderly with constipation,which were conducted between January1990 and January 2013 using the specified keywords.Controlled studies that enrolled geriatric patients with a diagnosis of constipation and addressed the efficacy and/or the safety of pharmacological treatments were included.Studies were excluded from this review if they were non-controlled trials,case series,or case reports.RESULTS:Out of twenty three studies we initially retrieved in our search,only nine studies met the eligibility criteria of being controlled trials within geriatrics.The laxatives examined in the nine studies were senna,lactulose,sorbital,polyethylene glycol(PEG),lubiprostone,linaclotide,and prucalopride.In those studies,senna combinations had a higher efficacy than sorbitol or lactulose as well as,a very good adverse effect profile.PEG was also shown to be safe and effective in geriatric population.Furthermore,it has been shown that PEG is as safe in geriatrics as in general population.New agents like lubiprostone and prucalopride show promising results but the data about these agents in geriatrics are still limited which warrant further investigation.CONCLUSION:Senna combinations and PEG appear to have a more favorable profile over the other traditionally used laxatives in elderly patients with constipation.

Peroral endoscopic reduction of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis after bariatric surgery: Techniques and efficacy

AIM: To investigate the techniques and efficacy of peroral endoscopic reduction of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis after bariatric surgery.METHODS: An extensive English language literature search was conducted using Pub Med, MEDLINE, Medscape and Google to identify peer-reviewed original and review articles using the keywords "bariatric endoscopic suturing", "overstitch bariatric surgery", "endoscopic anastomotic reduction", "bariatric surgery", "gastric bypass", "obesity", "weight loss". We identified articles describing technical feasibility, safety, efficacy, and adverse outcomes of overstitch endoscopic suturing system for transoral outlet reduction in patients with weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass(RYGB). All studies that contained material applicable to the topic were considered. Retrieved peer-reviewed original and review articles were reviewed by the authors and the data extracted using a standardized collection tool. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis as percentages of the event. RESULTS: Four original published articles which met our search criteria were pooled. The total number cases were fifty-nine with a mean age of 46.75 years(34-63 years). Eight of the patients included in those studies were males(13.6%) and fifty-one were females(86.4%). The mean time elapsed since the primary bypass surgery was 5.75 years. The average pre-endoscopic procedure body mass index(BMI) was 38.68(27.5-48.5). Mean body weight regained post-RYGB surgery was 13.4 kg from their post-RYGB nadir. The average pouch length at the initial upper endoscopy was 5.75 cm(2-14 cm). The pre-intervention anastomotic diameter was averaged at 24.85 mm(8-40 mm). Average procedure time was 74 min(50-164 min). Mean post endoscopic intervention anastomotic diameter was 8 mm(3-15 mm). Weight reduction at 3 to 4 mo post revision noted to be anaverage of 10.1 kg. Average overall post revision BMI was recorded at 37.7. The combined technical and clinical success rate was 94.9%(56/59) among studied participants. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic suturing can be technically feasible, effective and safe for transoral outlet reduction in patients with weight regain following RYGB.

Accuracy of endoscopists' estimate of polyp size: A continuous dilemma

AIM: To examine the discrepancy, if any, between the endoscopist's estimate and pathologist's measurement of colonic polyp size. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 88 patients who underwent colonoscopy with a clear unequivocal documentation of polyp size by both the endoscopist and pathologist. Endoscopist measurements were based on the visual estimate of polyp size seen on high definition screens. The measurement was done by our pathologists after formalin fixation. We compared the endoscopist estimate of the polyp size to the pathologist measurement in order to explore the discordance between the two readings. Data regarding demographics and method of polypectomy(snare polypectomy vs excisional biopsy) was collected, as well. Statistical analysis software statistical software was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Our cohort included 88 patients from which 111 polyps were removed. Fifty-two(46.8%) of the 111 polyps were excised using biopsy forceps and fiftynine(53.2%) were removed by snare. In the biopsy forceps group, the mean polyp size documented by the pathologist was 0.38 ± 0.19 cm and the mean polyp size documented by the endoscopist was 0.54 ± 0.16cm. The mean difference was 0.15 cm(P < 0.001). In the snare group, the mean polyp size documented by the pathologist was 0.54 ± 0.24 cm and the mean polyp size documented by the endoscopist 0.97 ± 0.34 cm. The mean difference was 0.42 cm(P < 0.001). Combining both groups, the mean size documented by pathologist was 0.46 ± 0.23 cm compared to 0.76 ± 0.35 cm documented by the endoscopist. The mean difference was 0.3 cm(95%CI: 0.23-0.36).CONCLUSION: Post polypectomy measurement by the pathologist are generally smaller than the endoscopist's estimate.