Carbon dioxide for gut distension during digestive endoscopy:Technique and practice survey

AIM:To assess the adoption of Carbon dioxide(CO2)insufflation by endoscopists from various European countries,and its determinants.METHODS:A survey was distributed to 580 endoscopists attending a live course on digestive endoscopy.RESULTS:The response rate was 24.5%.Fewer than half the respondents(66/142,46.5%)were aware of the fact that room air can be replaced by CO2 for gut distension during endoscopy,and 4.2%of respondents were actually using CO2 as the insufflation agent.Endoscopists aware of the possibility of CO2 insufflation mentioned technical difficulties in implementing the system and the absence of significant advantages of CO2 in comparison with room air as barriers to adoption in daily practice(84%and 49%of answers,respectively;two answers were permitted for this item).CONCLUSION:Based on this survey,adoption of CO2 insufflation during endoscopy seems to remain relatively exceptional.A majority of endoscopists were not aware of this possibility,while others were not aware of recent technical developments that facilitate CO2 implementation in an endoscopy suite.

Gastritis: Sociodemographic, Clinical, Endoscopic and Histological Aspects, about 593 Cases at the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the General Hospital Idrissa Pouye

Introduction: Gastritis is a very common and widely distributed condition worldwide. It represents one of the most common pathological entities in gastroenterology and digestive endoscopy. Our objective was to determine the sociodemographic, clinical, endoscopic, and histological aspects of gastritis in the digestive endoscopy unit of the General Hospital Idrissa Pouye (GHIP). Materials and Method: This was a retrospective study over a period of 4 years (from 1 January 2014 to 31 December 2017) at the digestive endoscopy unit of GHIP. We had collated oesogastroduodenal endoscopy (EGDE) reports with gastritis appearance with gastric biopsies and reports with normal stomach appearance with gastric biopsies and their histological reports. We collected and analyzed data on age, gender, indications for endoscopy, endoscopic findings and histological results. Results: The reports of 593 patients were analyzed. The mean age was 45 years old (range 8 - 88 years old) and the sex ratio was 0.63 (230 men). The indications for endoscopy were epigastralgia in (91%) of cases, dyspepsia in (22%) of cases, pyrosis in (12%) of cases. The endoscopic appearance was normal in 229 patients (39%). The endoscopic location of the gastritis was antral in 76%, fundic in 22% and pangastric in 2%. The gastritis was erythematous in 327 patients (90%), erosive in 126 patients (35%), congestive in 53 patients (15%), pseudonodular in 14 patients (4%) and atrophic in 10 patients (3%). Histology was normal in 8 patients (1.3%) and showed gastritis in 585 patients (98.7%). Gastritis was chronic in 575 patients (98.2%), acute in 10 patients (1.7%). Gastritis activity was moderate in (52.7%) and mild in (42.9%). Atrophy was absent in 521 patients (88.6%) and mild in 46 patients (8.2%). Intestinal metaplasia was found in 66 patients (11%). Dysplasia was present in 1.7% of cases. This dysplasia was intermediate grade (60%) in 6 patients, low grade (20%) in 2 patients and severe grade (20%). H. pylori was present in 404 patients (68%). Conclusion: Gastritis is usually found in the digestive endoscopy unit of the GHIP. The indications for endoscopy are dominated by epigastralgia and histology is necessary for its diagnosis.

Patients’ Lived Experience and Injuries Observed during Upper Digestive Endoscopy at KARA Teaching Hospital (Togo)

Background: Endoscopy remains the most performant medical exam exploring the upper digestive tract;but depending on patients, its tolerance is variable. Objective: This study aimed at describing the experience and evaluating the tolerance, acceptability and injuries observed during upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Methods: This is a prospective and descriptive study carried out from April to July 2017 in the digestive endoscopy unit of the Kara teaching hospital (Togo). The gastroscopy was performed by the same operator (Hepatogastroenteroloogist). The premedication was done with direct intravenous injection of 10 mg of Metoclopramide hydrochloride and viscous Lidocaine oral gel. Previously, essential information about the examination course was given to patients after obtaining their verbal consent. Patients’ impressions of the experience, tolerance and acceptability were collected on a survey sheet, before and after the examination. Results: One hundred and eleven patients were included, 62 women and 49 men. The average age was 45.9 years (15 - 88 years), and the sex ratio (F/M) was 1.2. Most of the patients (89.2%) were experiencing the gastroscopy for the first time, and the main reason was epigastralgia in 55%. The examination duration was good at 88.3% and tolerance was good at 72.1%. Tingling, irritation, pain or sore throat feelings were noted in 13.5%. Patients agreeing to make an ulterior UDE if necessary were up to 92.8%. Observed injuries were dominated by antral erythematous gastropathy (28.8%). Conclusion: UDE is well tolerated among our patients and its acceptability is high. Injuries are dominated by inflammatory pathologies of the stomach in our population.

Profile of Endoscopic Lesions and Prevalence of <i>H. pylori</i>Infection at the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of Panzi General Reference Hospital in Bukavu

Introduction: Thanks to the opening of the digestive endoscopy unit in the Reference General Hospital of Panzi in Bukavu in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, which inspired our work on the profile of endoscopic lesions observed in a series of 1000 patients correlated with clinical and demographic criteria with the contribution of pathology examinations of the 292 biopsies performed. The aim of our work is to evaluate the prevalence of significant endoscopic lesions as well as that of H. pylori infection. Material and Methods: This is a retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, ranging from the 16th of December 2014 to the 16th of June 2016. It covered 1000 patients who benefited from a high digestive endoscopy and 292 of them had a biopsy with pathological examination. The data obtained were recorded and analyzed using the Epi-info software and chi-square test. Results: fifty-five percent of these patients were women. 66% of the patients were under 50 years of age. Their major symptom was epigastric pain (89.2%), the most observed endoscopic lesion was erythematous gastritis (82%) therefore we have noticed 21.5% of significant lesions. Gastric cancer was present in 3.9% of cases and gastric ulcer in 4.2% of cases. The gastric tumor was correlated with age and sex (P-value at 0.000 and 0.013). The gastroduodenal ulcer was linked to age, NSAID and tobacco use (P-value at 0.0007, 0.001, 0.007). Esophageal mycosis was correlated with HIV status (P-value at 0.000). Helicobacter pylori gastritis was the most frequent (61.30%) and Helicobacter pylori were present in 63% of gastric biopsies. Conclusion: Upper digestive endoscopy is a major tool for the diagnosis of upper gastrointestinal disorders and should always be followed by a biopsy if there is a suspicious lesion for pathologic confirmation and adequate management.

Effect of comprehensive management combined with cognitive intervention on patient cooperation and complications during digestive endoscopy

BACKGROUND As lifestyles continue to change worldwide,the incidence of digestive tract carcinoma has gradually increased.Digestive endoscopy is an important tool that can assist in the diagnosis,treatment,and surgical intervention for this disease.However,the examination process is affected by many factors,and patient cooperation is often poor,which can increase the risk of complications.AIM To explore the effects of integrated management and cognitive intervention on cooperation and complications in patients undergoing endoscopy for early gastrointestinal neoplasms.METHODS A total of 354 patients with early stage gastrointestinal cancer who underwent digestive endoscopy procedures between January and December 2023 at our hospital were divided into observation and control groups(177 patients in each group)in a randomized controlled blind trial.The control group received routine interventions,while the observation group received comprehensive integrated management combined with cognitive interventions.We compared the changes in adverse mood,discomfort,examination time,cooperation with the examination,and complications before and after the intervention between the two groups.RESULTS The self-rated anxiety and depression scale scores were lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).The visual analog scale scores for discomfort during intubation and examination were also lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).Furthermore,the examination time was shorter in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05),and the degree of cooperation(94.35%)was higher in the observation group than in the control group(84.75%;P<0.05).Lastly,the incidence rates of gastrointestinal adverse reactions(10.17%vs 20.34%),choking agitation(14.69%vs 24.86%),abdominal pain(8.47%vs 18.08%),and muscle tension(5.08%vs 14.12%)were all lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Integrated management and cognitive intervention in early gastrointestinal neoplasm endoscopy alleviate mood,reduce discomfort,shorten examinations,improve cooperation,and reduce complications.

Therapeutic Profile and Prognostic Factors of Patients Suffering from Upper Digestive Bleeding at Sikasso Regional Hospital

Introduction: Upper digestive hemorrhage is one of the main digestive emergencies and remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Mali. The aim of this study was to describe the therapeutic profile and outcome of patients suffering from upper digestive haemorrhage. Methodology: This was a prospective study carried out in the internal medicine department of the Sikasso Regional Hospital from August 2022 to July 2023. All adult patients presenting with upper digestive haemorrhage and having given their consent, were included. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 21 software. Results: Sixty-three patients were enrolled. The mean age was 49.7 ± 18.99 years, with a male-female sex ratio of 2.2. Ruptured esophageal varices (37.5%) and peptic ulcer (25%) were the main etiologies. Pharmacological treatment was dominated by proton pump inhibitors (85.7%). Hemostasis endoscopy accounted for 3.17%. The evolution was marked by hemorrhagic arrest (69.84%), recurrence of hemorrhage (11.11%) and death (19.04%), the main cause of which was hemorrhagic shock (58.3%). We found no statistically significant relationship between prognosis and etiologies (P = 0.11), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.18). Conclusion: Hemostasis endoscopy remains a challenge for Sikasso Hospital. A holistic strategy of communication and community awareness-raising, combined with adequate technical facilities, will help to improve patient care and outcomes.

Propofol vs traditional sedatives for sedation in endoscopy:A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Propofol is commonly used for sedation during endoscopic procedures.Data suggests its superiority to traditional sedatives used in endoscopy including benzodiazepines and opioids with more rapid onset of action and improved postprocedure recovery times for patients.However,Propofol requires administration by trained healthcare providers,has a narrow therapeutic index,lacks an antidote and increases risks of cardio-pulmonary complications.AIM To compare,through a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis,sedation with propofol to traditional sedatives with or without propofol during endoscopic procedures.METHODS A literature search was performed using MEDLINE,Scopus,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,Scopus,LILACS,BVS,Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials,and The Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature databases.The last search in the literature was performed on March,2019 with no restriction regarding the idiom or the year of publication.Only randomized clinical trials with full texts published were included.We divided sedation therapies to the following groups:(1)Propofol versus benzodiazepines and/or opiate sedatives;(2)Propofol versus Propofol with benzodiazepine and/or opioids;and(3)Propofol with adjunctive benzodiazepine and opioid versus benzodiazepine and opioid.The following outcomes were addressed:Adverse events,patient satisfaction with type of sedation,endoscopists satisfaction with sedation administered,dose of propofol administered and time to recovery post procedure.Meta-analysis was performed using RevMan5 software version 5.39.RESULTS A total of 23 clinical trials were included(n=3854)from the initial search of 6410 articles.For Group I(Propofol vs benzodiazepine and/or opioids):The incidence of bradycardia was not statistically different between both sedation arms(RD:-0.01,95%CI:-0.03–+0.01,I2:22%).In 10 studies,the incidence of hypotension was not statistically difference between sedation arms(RD:0.01,95%CI:-0.02–+0.04,I2:0%).Oxygen desaturation was higher in the propofol group but not statistically different between groups(RD:-0.03,95%CI:-0.06–+0.00,I2:25%).Patients were more satisfied with their sedation in the benzodiazepine+opioid group compared to those with monotherapy propofol sedation(MD:+0.89,95%CI:+0.62–+1.17,I2:39%).The recovery time after the procedure showed high heterogeneity even after outlier withdrawal,there was no statistical difference between both arms(MD:-15.15,95%CI:-31.85–+1.56,I2:99%).For Group II(Propofol vs propofol with benzodiazepine and/or opioids):Bradycardia had a tendency to occur in the Propofol group with benzodiazepine and/or opioidassociated(RD:-0.08,95%CI:-0.13–-0.02,I2:59%).There was no statistical difference in the incidence of bradycardia(RD:-0.00,95%CI:-0.08–+0.08,I2:85%),desaturation(RD:-0.00,95%CI:-0.03–+0.02,I2:44%)or recovery time(MD:-2.04,95%CI:-6.96–+2.88,I2:97%)between sedation arms.The total dose of propofol was higher in the propofol group with benzodiazepine and/or opiates but with high heterogeneity.(MD:70.36,95%CI:+53.11–+87.60,I2:61%).For Group III(Propofol with benzodiazepine and opioid vs benzodiazepine and opioid):Bradycardia and hypotension was not statistically significant between groups(RD:-0.00,95%CI:-0.002–+0.02,I2:3%;RD:0.04,95%CI:-0.05–+0.13,I2:77%).Desaturation was evaluated in two articles and was higher in the propofol+benzodiazepine+opioid group,but with high heterogeneity(RD:0.15,95%CI:0.08–+0.22,I2:95%).CONCLUSION This meta-analysis suggests that the use of propofol alone or in combination with traditional adjunctive sedatives is safe and does not result in an increase in negative outcomes in patients undergoing endoscopic procedures.

Clinical utility,safety and tolerability of capsule endoscopy in urban Southeast Asian population

AIM:Capsule endoscopy has demonstrated its clinical utility in the evaluation of small bowel pathology in several Western studies.In this prospective study,we aimed to determine the clinical utility,safety and tolerability of capsule endoscopy in the evaluation of suspected small bowel disease in an urban Southeast Asian population. METHODS:We used the given (M2A) capsule endoscopy system in 16 consecutive patients with suspected small bowel pathology.In 9 patients the indication was obscure gastrointestinal bleeding,while in 6 patients it was to determine the extent of small bowel involvement in Crohn's disease.One patient underwent capsule endoscopy for evaluation of chronic abdominal pain.Patient's tolerability to the procedure was evaluated by standardized questionnaires and all patients were reviewed at one week to ensure that the capsule had been excreted without any adverse events. RESULTS:Abnormal findings were present in 8 patients (50%).The cause of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding was determined in 5 out of 9 patients.Findings included 2 cases of angiodysplasia,2 cases of jejunal ulcers and 1 case of both angiodysplasia and jejunal ulcer.One patient had small bowel erosions and loci of erythema of doubtful significance. Ileal lesions were diagnosed in 2 out of 6 patients with Crohn's disease.Capsule endoscopy was well tolerated by all patients.One patient with Crohn's disease had a complication of capsule retention due to terminal ileum stricture.The capsule eventually passed out spontaneously after i month. CONCLUSION:Our study,which represented the first Asian series,further confirms the diagnostic utility,safety and tolerability of wireless capsule endoscopy.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy:Are preparatory interventions or conscious sedation effective? A randomized trial

AIM: The fears and concerns are associated with gastroscopy (EGD) decrease patient compliance. Conscious sedation (CS) and non-pharmacological interventions have been proposed to reduce anxiety and allow better execution of EGD. The aim of this study was to assess whether CS, supplementary information with a videotape, or presence of a relative during the examination could improve the tolerance to EGD. METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-six outpatients (pts), scheduled for a first-time non-emergency EGD were randomly assigned to 4 groups: Co-group (62 pts): throat anaesthesia only; Mi-group (52 pts): CS with i.v. midazolam; Re-group (58 pts): presence of a relative throughout the procedure; Vi-group (54 pts): additional information with a videotape. Anxiety was measured using the “Spielberger State and Trait Anxiety Scales” The patients assessed the overall discomfort during the procedure on an 100-mm visual analogue scale, and their tolerance to EGD answering a questionnaire. The endoscopist evaluated the technical difficulty of the examination and the tolerance of the patients on an 100-mm visual analogue scale and answering a questionnaire. RESULTS: Pre-endoscopy anxiety levels were higher in the Mi-group than in the other groups (P<0.001). On the basis of the patients' evaluation, EGD was well tolerated by 80.7% of patients in Mi-group, 43.5% in Co-group, 58.6% in Regroup, and 50% in Vi-group (P<0.01). The discomfort caused by EGD, evaluated by either the endoscopist or the patients, was lower in Mi-group than in the other groups. The discomfort was correlated with “age” (P<0.001) and “groups of patients” (P<0.05) in the patients' evaluation, and with “gender” (females tolerated better than males, P<0.001) and “groups of patients” (P<0.05) in the endoscopist's evaluation. CONCLUSION: Conscious sedation can improve the tolerance to EGD. Male gender and young age are predictive factors of bad tolerance to the procedure.

Severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease influences daytime somnolence: A clinical study of 134 patients underwent upper panendoscopy

AIM: To asses the relationship between severity of gastroesophageal refluxe disease and Epworth sleepiness scale as an indicator of daytime somnolence. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-four patients underwent an upper panendoscopy as indicated by the typical reflux symptoms and were also investigated with regard to somnolence. Sleepiness was evaluated by Epworth Sleepiness Scale, which was compared to the severity of endoscopic findings (Savary-Miller/modified by Siewert). Patients with psychiatric disorders or being on sedato-hypnotics as well as shift workers were excluded from the study. The relationship between the severity of the reflux disease and daytime somnolence was analyzed with the help of multivariate regression analysis. RESULTS: A positive tendency was found between the severity of the reflux disease and the corresponding Epworth Sleepiness Scale. In the case of the more severe type-Savary-Miller Ⅲ- at least a mild hypersomnia was found. For this group daytime somnolence was significantly higher than in the case of the non-erosive type of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease representing the mildest stage of reflux disease. CONCLUSION: The severity of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease influences daytime somnolence.

When the vermiform appendix resembles a polyp: Be cautious of an intussuscepted appendix polypectomy

This article discusses a recently published case report on a rare instance of type IV appendiceal intussusception with a concurrent mucinous adenocarcinoma of the cecum in a young individual.The report highlights challenges in diagnosing ap-pendiceal intussusception,emphasizing the importance of endoscopic expertise in preventing impulsive decisions such as inappropriate polypectomies.The rarity of the concurrent intussuscepted appendix and mucinous cecal cancer is under-scored,prompting consideration of malignancy in appendiceal intussusception cases.Additionally,the report addresses the increasing incidence of early-onset colorectal cancer and the need for a revaluation of diagnostic paradigms in the context of evolving epidemiological trends.The awareness of potential misinter-pretations and the imperative for further investigation into this rare condition are emphasized.

Management of acquired bronchobiliary fistula:A systematic literature review of 68 cases published in 30 years

AIM:To outline the appropriate diagnostic methods and therapeutic options for acquired bronchobiliary fistula(BBF).METHODS:Literature searches were performed in Medline,EMBASE,PHMC and LWW(January 1980August 2010)using the following keywords:biliobronchial fistula,bronchobiliary fistula,bronchobiliary fistula,biliarybronchial fistula,tracheobiliary fistula,hepatobronchial fistula,bronchopleural fistula,and biliptysis.Further articles were identified through crossreferencing.RESULTS:Sixtyeight cases were collected and reviewed.BBF secondary to tumors(32.3%,22/68),including primary tumors(19.1%,13/68)and hepatic metastases(13.2%,9/68),shared the largest proportion of all cases.Biliptysis was found in all patients,and other symptoms were respiratory symptoms,such as irritating cough,fever(36/68)and jaundice(20/68).Half of the patients were treated by lessinvasive methods such as endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage.Invasive approaches like surgery were used less frequently(41.7%,28/67).The outcome was good at the end of the followup period in 28 cases(range,2 wk to 72 mo),and the recovery rate was 87.7%(57/65).CONCLUSION:The clinical diagnosis of BBF can be established by sputum analysis.Careful assessment of this condition is needed before therapeutic procedure.Invasive approaches should be considered only when noninvasive methods failed.

Gastric polypoid lesions:Analysis of 150 endoscopic polypectomy specimens from 91 patients

AIM:To analyze gastric polypoid lesions in our patient- population with respect to histopathologic features and demographic,clinical,and endoscopic characteristics of patients. METHODS:Clinical records and histopathologic reports of patients with gastric polypoid lesions were analyzed retrospectively.All lesions had been totally removed by either endoscopic polypectomy or hot biopsy forceps.The histopathologic slides were re-evaluated by the same histopathologist. RESULTS:One-hundred and fifty gastric polypoid lesions were identified in 91 patients.There were 53(58 %)women and 38(42 %)men with a median age of 53(range,31 to 82)years.The most frequent presenting symptom was dyspepsia that was observed in 35(38.5 %)patients. Symptoms were mostly related to various associated gastric abnormalities such as chronic gastritis or H pylori infection rather than polypoid lesion itself.Polypoid lesions were commonly located in the antrum followed by cardia.Out of 150 lesions,80(53 %)had the largest dimensions less than or equal to 5 mm and only 7 were pedunculated.The frequencies of hyperplastic polyps,foveolar hyperplasia,and fundic gland polyps were 46 %,18 %,and 14 % respectively. We also detected gastritis varioliformis in 12 specimens, lymphoid follicles in 9,4 adenomatous polyps in 4,polypoid lesions with edematous mucosa in 4,inflammatory polyps in 3,and carcinoid tumor in 1.Adenomatous changes were observed within two hyperplastic polyps and low grade dysplasia in one adenoma.Histopathologic evaluation of the surrounding gastric mucosa demonstrated chronic gastritis in 72(79 %)patients and H pylori infection in 45(49 %). CONCLUSION:Hyperplastic polyps are the mbst frequently encountered subtype of gastric polypoid lesions.They are usually associated with chronic gastritis or H pylori gastritis.Contrary to the previous belief,they may harbour adenomatous changes or dysplastic foci. Therefore,endoscopic polypectomy seems as a safe and fast procedure for both diagnosis and treatment of gastric polypoid lesions at the same session.In addition, edematous mucosa may appear misleadingly as a polypoid lesion in some instances and it can be ruled out only by histopathologic examination.

Recurrent inflammatory fibroid polyp of cardia:A case report

Inflammatory fibroid polyp is one of the chronic inflammatory diseases in the digestive tract, which often mimics the submucosal tumor. Precise diagnosis is possible after removal of the detected lesion. Endoscopic removal is recommended as a safe and efficient method of the treatment. In this report the authors present a case of inflammatory fibroid polyp located in the cardia, which has been removed endoscopically. Twelve months later, recurrence of the lesion was noted and the patient was referred to surgical resection.

Low grade gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma:Treatment strategies based on 10 year follow-up

AIM:To deduce strategic guidelines of gastric mucosa associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma (MALTOMA) by evaluating the long-term outcome of patients in respect to various treatment modalities. METHODS:A total of 55 patients with MALTOMA from May 1992 to August 2002 were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS:Complete remission was obtained in 24 (82.8%) of 29 patients treated with anti Helicobacter pylori (Hpylori) regimen only.The duration to reach complete remission was 12 months (85 percentile,2-33 months).Five patients showed complete remission with radiation therapy (26-86 months).Two of them were Hpyloritreatment failure cases. CONCLUSION:Hpylorieradication is an effective primary treatment option for low grade MALTOMA and radiation therapy could be considered in patients with no evidence of Hpyloriinfection or who do not respond to Hpylorieradication therapy 12 months after successful eradication.

A new technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation for variceal bleeding

AIM: To develop a technique of combined endoscopic sclerotherapy and ligation (ESL) in which both techniques of endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) can be optimally used.METHODS: ESL was performed in 10 patients (age 46.4±7.9;9 males, 1 female) with cirrhosis of liver using sclerotherapy needle and Speedband, Superview multiple band ligater (Boston Scientific, Microvasive, Watertown, MA). A single band was placed 5-10 cm proximal to the gastro-esophageal junction over each varix from proximal to distal margin,followed by intravariceal injection of 1.5 % ethoxysclerol (4 ml each) 2 to 3 cm proximal to the gastroesophageal junction on the ligated varices distal to deployed band. EVL was then performed at the injection site. Similarly other varices were also injected and ligated from distal to proximally. In the subsequent sessions, ES alone was performed to sclerose small varices at the gastroesophageal junction.RESULTS: ESL was successfully performed in all patients.A median of 3 (ESL 1, ES 2) sessions (ranged 1-4) were required to eradicate the varices in 9 (90 %) of 10 patients.Recurrence of varices without bleed was seen in 1 patient during a mean follow-up of 10.3 months (ranged 6-15).Two patients died of liver failure. None died of variceal bleeding. None of the patients had procedure related complications.CONCLUSION: ESL may be useful in the fast eradication of esophageal varices. However, randomised controlled trials are required to find out its relative efficacy and impact on variceal recurrence in comparison to ES or EVL.

Impact of endoscopically minimal involvement on IL-8 mRNA expression in esophageal mucosa of patients with non-erosive reflux disease

AIM:Little has been known about the pathogenesis of non- erosive reflux disease(NERD).Recent studies have implicated interleukin 8(IL-8)in the development and progression of gastroesophgeal reflux disease(GERD).The purpose of this study was to determine IL-8 RNA expression levels in NERD patients with or without subtle mucosal changes. METHODS:We studied 26 patients with NERD and 13 asymptomatic controls.Biopsy sample was taken from the esophagus 3 cm above the gastroesophageal junction and snap frozen for measurement of IL-8 mRNA levels by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR).We also examined mRNA expression of IL-8 receptors,CXCR-1 and -2 by reverse transcriptase PCR.The patients were endoscopically classified into grade M(mucosal color changes without visible mucosal break)and N(neither minimal involvement nor mucosal break)of the modified Los Angeles classification. RESULTS:The relative IL-8 mRNA expression levels were significantly higher in esophageal mucosa of NERD patients than those in esophageal mucosa of the controls.There was a significant difference in IL-8 mRNA levels between grades M and N.The CXCR-1 and -2 mRNAs were constitutively expressed in esophageal mucosa.CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high IL-8 levels in esophageal mucosa may be involved in the pathogenesis of NERD through interaction with its receptors. NERD seems to be composed of a heterogeneous population in terms of not only endoscopically minimal involvement but also immune and inflammatory processes.

Gastric ulcer penetrating to liver diagnosed by endoscopic biopsy

Liver penetration is a rare but serious complication of peptic ulcer disease.Usually the diagnosis is made by operation or autopsy.Clinical and laboratory data were no specific.A 64-year-old man was admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Hepatic penetration was diagnosed as the cause of bleeding.Endoscopy showed a large gastric ulcer with a pseudotumoral mass protruding from the ulcer bed.Definitive diagnosis was established by endoscopic biopsies of the ulcer base.

Limitations in assessment of mucosal healing in inflammatory bowel disease

An emerging parameter to define the effectiveness of new therapeutic agents in clinical trials,and by extension,for use in day-to-day clinical practice has been labeled mucosal healing.It has been hypothesized that complete healing of the intestinal mucosa in inflammatory bowel diseases should result in reduced disease complications,reduced hospitalization and reduced surgical treatment.By implication,the natural history of inflammatory bowel disease might then be altered. Measurement of mucosal healing,however,is largely observational,requiring repeated invasive endoscopic examinations,sometimes with mucosal biopsies.Other indirect imaging methods may play a role in this assessment along with other surrogate markers,including intestinal permeability.These measurements may have significant limitations that prohibit precise correlation with symptom-based disease activity indices in clinical trials.This likely reflects the dynamic nature of this evolving and individualized inflammatory process that tends to be focused,but not limited,to the mucosa of the intestinal tract.

Epidemiological investigation of Barrett's esophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease in Northwest China

Objective： To investigate the prevalence and possible risk factors of Barrett＇s esophagus （BE） in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease （GERD） in Northwest China. Methods： Patients older than 18 years who underwent regular health check-up or had upper gastrointestinal symptoms in the endoscopy centers of four major teaching hospitals located in four different provinces of Northwest China from September 2008 to February 2009 were included in the study. A face-to-face reflux diagnostic questionnaire including risk factors were taken and scale scores （So） were accumulated. Diagnostic criterion of GERD was Sc≥12 points. None of these subjects received anti-acid medication prior to their endoscopy done. Barrett＇s esophagus was diagnosed when specialized intestinal metaplasia was detected histologically. Results： A total of 528 patients met the criteria of GERD, among which 32 patients （20 male and 12 female） were diagnosed with BE. BE was present in 6.06% with a mean age of 51.2±11.6 years, which was significantly older than patients with GERD without BE （46.6±13.3 years） （P〈0.05）. There weresignificant differences between BE and GERD patients regarding gender, age, hiatus hernia, smoking and alcohol consumption （P〈0.05）, while no significant difference regarding symptoms of GERD. There was significant difference between short segment Barrett＇s esophagus and long segment （65.6% vs 34.4%, P〈0.05）. Conclusion： The prevalence of BE was 6.06% in patients with GERD in northwest China and was dominated by SSBE. The potential risk factors of Barrett＇s esophagus were older age, male, esophageal hiatal hernia, smoking and alcohol consumption.