Oesophageal Mycosis: Epidemiological and Clinical Aspects and Risk Factors for Occurrence in the Digestive Endoscopy Unit of the Donka National Hospital, Conakry CHU

Introduction: Oesophageal mycosis (OM) is one of the most common opportunistic infections in patients infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). However, this condition is increasingly observed in immunocompetent subjects. The aim of this study was to determine the endoscopic prevalence, clinical characteristics and risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis in our department. Patients and Method: This was a prospective cross-sectional study of all patients who underwent oeso-gastroduodenal fibroscopy during the period from 1st January to 31st December 2022, i.e. one year, at the digestive endoscopy unit of the hepato-gastroenterology department of the Donka CHU national hospital in Conakry. All patients found to have oesophageal mycosis by FOGD were included. The endoscopy was performed using appropriate equipment: A Fujinon 4400 video endoscopy column;Three Fujinon EG 590 video gastroscopes;A hoover;Data were collected using a pre-established survey form and analysed using Epi info software version 6.0.4;Pearson’s Chi2 test as a test of independence and the exact 5% threshold ficher test. Results: Out of 1343 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed, 107 cases of oesophageal mycosis were found, representing a prevalence of 7.96%. The mean age was 40 years, with a male predominance of 55.42%. The sex ratio M/F was 1.24. The 45 and over age group was the most affected, with a prevalence of 40.43%, followed by the [35 - 45] age group, with a prevalence of 22.43%. Clinical symptoms were dominated by epigastralgia in 74.76% of cases, followed by odynophagia in 37.38% of cases, nausea and vomiting in 28.03% of cases, and pyrosis in 26.16% of cases. Oesophageal mycosis without oesophagitis was the most common endoscopic finding in 70% of cases. The main associated endoscopic lesions were erythemato-erosive and congestive gastropathy in 28.03% of cases, peptic oesophagitis (9.34%) and gastric ulcer (5.60%). The main risk factors found were positive HIV serology in 39.25% of cases, and diabetes in 24.30% of cases, with a statistically significant relationship of 0.02 and 0.01 respectively. Conclusion: Oesophageal mycosis is the most common opportunistic infection in patients with impaired cellular immunity. The prevalence of oesophageal mycosis in our series was 7.96%. This study enabled us to identify the main risk factors for the occurrence of oesophageal mycosis. Our country needs to step up its programme to combat and prevent immunodeficiency diseases, particularly HIV and diabetes.

Virtual reality tools for training in gastrointestinal endoscopy:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Virtual reality(VR)has emerged as an innovative technology in endoscopy training,providing a simulated environment that closely resembles real-life scenarios and offering trainees a valuable platform to acquire and enhance their endoscopic skills.This systematic review will critically evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods.AIM To evaluate the effectiveness and feasibility of VR-based training compared to traditional methods.By examining the current state of the field,this review seeks to identify gaps,challenges,and opportunities for further research and implementation of VR in endoscopic training.METHODS The study is a systematic review,following the guidelines for reporting systematic reviews set out by the PRISMA statement.A comprehensive search command was designed and implemented and run in September 2023 to identify relevant studies available,from electronic databases such as PubMed,Scopus,Cochrane,and Google Scholar.The results were systematically reviewed.RESULTS Sixteen articles were included in the final analysis.The total number of participants was 523.Five studies focused on both upper endoscopy and colonoscopy training,two on upper endoscopy training only,eight on colonoscopy training only,and one on sigmoidoscopy training only.Gastrointestinal Mentor virtual endoscopy simulator was commonly used.Fifteen reported positive results,indicating that VR-based training was feasible and acceptable for endoscopy learners.VR technology helped the trainees enhance their skills in manipulating the endoscope,reducing the procedure time or increasing the technical accuracy,in VR scenarios and real patients.Some studies show that the patient discomfort level decreased significantly.However,some studies show there were no significant differences in patient discomfort and pain scores between VR group and other groups.CONCLUSION VR training is effective for endoscopy training.There are several well-designed randomized controlled trials with large sample sizes,proving the potential of this innovative tool.Thus,VR should be more widely adopted in endoscopy training.Furthermore,combining VR training with conventional methods could be a promising approach that should be implemented in training.

Capsule endoscopy and panendoscopy:A journey to the future of gastrointestinal endoscopy

In 2000,the small bowel capsule revolutionized the management of patients with small bowel disorders.Currently,the technological development achieved by the new models of double-headed endoscopic capsules,as miniaturized devices to evaluate the small bowel and colon[pan-intestinal capsule endoscopy(PCE)],makes this non-invasive procedure a disruptive concept for the management of patients with digestive disorders.This technology is expected to identify which patients will require conventional invasive endoscopic procedures(colonoscopy or balloon-assisted enteroscopy),based on the lesions detected by the capsule,i.e.,those with an indication for biopsies or endoscopic treatment.The use of PCE in patients with inflammatory bowel diseases,namely Crohn’s disease,as well as in patients with iron deficiency anaemia and/or overt gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding,after a non-diagnostic upper endoscopy(esophagogastroduodenoscopy),enables an effective,safe and comfortable way to identify patients with relevant lesions,who should undergo subsequent invasive endoscopic procedures.The recent development of magnetically controlled capsule endoscopy to evaluate the upper GI tract,is a further step towards the possibility of an entirely non-invasive assessment of all the segments of the digestive tract,from mouth-to-anus,meeting the expectations of the early developers of capsule endoscopy.

Intricate roles of estrogen and estrogen receptors in digestive system cancers:a systematic review

Gender disparities are evident across different types of digestive system cancers,which are typically characterized by a lower incidence and mortality rate in females compared to males.This finding suggests a potential protective role of female steroid hormones,particularly estrogen,in the development of these cancers.Estrogen is a well-known sex hormone that not only regulates the reproductive system but also exerts diverse effects on non-reproductive organs mediated through interactions with estrogen receptors(ERs),including the classic(ERαand ERβ)and non-traditional ERs[G protein-coupled estrogen receptor(GPER)].Recent advances have contributed to our comprehension of the mechanisms underlying ERs in digestive system cancers.In this comprehensive review we summarize the current understanding of the intricate roles played by estrogen and ERs in the major types of digestive system cancers,including hepatocellular,pancreatic,esophageal,gastric,and colorectal carcinoma.Furthermore,we discuss the potential molecular mechanisms underlying ERα,ERβ,and GPER effects,and propose perspectives on innovative therapies and preventive measures targeting the pathways regulated by estrogen and ERs.The roles of estrogen and ERs in digestive system cancers are complicated and depend on the cell type and tissue involved.Additionally,deciphering the intricate roles of estrogen,ERs,and the associated signaling pathways may guide the discovery of novel and tailored therapeutic and preventive strategies for digestive system cancers,eventually improving the care and clinical outcomes for the substantial number of individuals worldwide affected by these malignancies.

Insights into the history and tendency of glycosylation and digestive system tumor:A bibliometric-based visual analysis

BACKGROUND Glycosylation,a commonly occurring post-translational modification,is highly expressed in several tumors,specifically in those of the digestive system,and plays a role in various cellular pathophysiological mechanisms.Although the importance and detection methods of glycosylation in digestive system tumors have garnered increasing attention in recent years,bibliometric analysis of this field remains scarce.The present study aims to identify the developmental trends and research hotspots of glycosylation in digestive system tumors.AIM To find and identify the developmental trends and research hotspots of glycosylation in digestive system tumors.METHODS We obtained relevant literature from the Web of Science Core Collection and employed VOSviewer 1.6.19 and CiteSpace(version 6.1.R6)to perform bibliometric analysis.RESULTS A total of 2042 documents spanning from 1978 to the present were analyzed,with the research process divided into three phases:the period of obscurity(1978-1990),continuous development period(1991-2006),and the rapid outbreak period(2007-2023).These documents were authored by researchers from 66 countries or regions,with the United States and China leading in terms of publication output.Reis Celso A had the highest number of publications,while Pinho SS was the most cited author.Co-occurrence analysis revealed the most popular keywords in this field are glycosylation,expression,cancer,colorectal cancer,and pancreatic cancer.Furthermore,the Journal of Proteome Research was the most prolific journal in terms of publications,while the Journal of Biological Chemistry had the most citations.CONCLUSION The bibliometric analysis shows current research focus is primarily on basic research in this field.However,future research should aim to utilize glycosylation as a target for treating tumor patients.

A Comprehensive Study of the Association between LEPR Gene rs1137101 Variant and Risk of Digestive System Cancers

Objective The leptin receptor,encoded by the LEPR gene,is involved in tumorigenesis.A potential functional variant of LEPR,rs1137101(Gln223Arg),has been extensively investigated for its contribution to the risk of digestive system(DS)cancers,but results remain conflicting rather than conclusive.Here,we performed a case–control study and subsequent meta-analysis to examine the association between rs1137101 and DS cancer risk.Methods A total of 1,727 patients with cancer(gastric/liver/colorectal:460/480/787)and 800 healthy controls were recruited.Genotyping of rs1137101 was conducted using a polymerase chain reactionrestriction fragment length polymorphism(PCR-RFLP)assay and confirmed using Sanger sequencing.Twenty-four eligible studies were included in the meta-analysis.Results After Bonferroni correction,the case–control study revealed that rs1137101 was significantly associated with the risk of liver cancer in the Hubei Chinese population.The meta-analysis suggested that rs1137101 is significantly associated with the risk of overall DS,gastric,and liver cancer in the Chinese population.Conclusion The LEPR rs1137101 variant may be a genetic biomarker for susceptibility to DS cancers(especially liver and gastric cancer)in the Chinese population.

Blastomas of the digestive system in adults:A review

Blastomas,characterized by a mixture of mesenchymal,epithelial,and undifferentiated blastematous components,are rare malignant neoplasms originating from precursor blast cells.This review focuses on digestive system blastomas in adult patients,including gastroblastoma,hepatoblastoma,and pancreatoblastoma.Gastroblastoma is a biphasic,epitheliomesenchymal tumor,with only sixteen cases reported to date.In addition to the characteristic histology,metastasisassociated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1-glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 gene fusion is typical,although recently novel ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1-c-terminal binding protein 1 and patched 1-glioma-associated oncogene homolog 2 fusions have been described.Hepatoblastoma is exceptionally rare in adults and can show a variety of histologic patterns which may cause diagnostic difficulty.Pancreatoblastoma,primarily a pediatric tumor,displays acinar differentiation and squamoid nests with other lines of differentiation also present,especially neuroendocrine.Diagnostic approaches for these blastomas include a combination of imaging modalities,histopathological examination,and molecular profiling.The treatment generally involves surgical resection,which may be supplemented by chemotherapy or radiotherapy in some cases.Prognoses vary with gastroblastoma generally showing favorable outcomes post-surgery whereas hepatoblastoma and pancreatoblastoma often have poorer outcomes,particularly in the setting of metastases.This review highlights the complexity of diagnosing and managing these rare adult blastomas as well as the need for ongoing research to better understand their pathogenesis and improve treatment strategies.

Immunomodulatory and chemopreventive effects of resveratrol on the digestive system cancers

Resveratrol(RSV),the primary polyphenol found in grapes,has been revealed to have anti-inflammatory properties by reducing the capacity of the peripheral blood mononuclear cells to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines,including IL-1β,IL-6,IL-1ra and TNFα.Considering the close association between chronic inflammation and cancer development,RSV’s immunomodulatory properties are one way by which the polyphenol may inhibit cancer initiation,proliferation,neovascularization,and migration.Resveratrol influences the generation of microtumor environment which is one of the key factors in cancer progress.In addition to immunomodulation,RSV inhibits cancer development by expressing anti-oxidant effects,causing cell cycle arrest,stimulating the function of certain enzymes,and activating cell signaling pathways.The end outcome is one of the various forms of cell death,including apoptosis,pyroptosis,necroptosis,and more,as it has been observed in vitro.RSV has been shown to act against cancer in practically every organ,while its effects on colon cancer have been documented more frequently.It is remarkable that longer-term clinical studies that may have established the potential for this natural substance to serve as a therapeutic adjuvant to traditional anti-cancer medications were not prompted by the encouraging outcomes seen with cancer cells treated with non-toxic doses of resveratrol.The current review aims to assess the recent findings about the immunological and anti-cancer characteristics of RSV,with a particular emphasis on cancers of the digestive tract,as a challenge for future clinical research that may contribute to the better prognosis of cancer.

Clinical and demographic features of patients undergoing videocapsule endoscopy management:A descriptive study

BACKGROUND Video-capsule endoscopy(VCE)is an efficient tool that has proven to be highly useful in approaching several gastrointestinal diseases.VCE was implemented in Colombia in 2003,however current characterization of patients undergoing VCE in Colombia is limited,and mainly comes from two investigations conducted before the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic period.AIM To describe the characteristics of patients undergoing VCEs and establish the main indications,findings,technical limitations,and other outstanding features.METHODS A descriptive study was carried out using data from reports of VCE(PillCam SB3 system)use in a Gastroenterology Unit in Bogotá,Colombia between September 2019 and January 2023.Demographic and clinical variables such as indication for the VCE,gastric and small bowel transit times(GTT,SBTT),endoscopic preparation quality,and limitations were described[n(%),median(IQR)].RESULTS A total of 133 VCE reports were analyzed.Most were in men with a median age of 70 years.The majority had good preparation(96.2%),and there were technical limitations in 15.8%of cases.The main indications were unexplained anemia(91%)or occult bleeding(23.3%).The median GTT and SBTT were 14 and 30 minutes,respectively.The frequencies of bleeding stigma(3.79%)and active bleeding(9.09%)were low,and the most frequent abnormal findings were red spots(28.3%),erosions(17.6%),and vascular ectasias(12.5%).CONCLUSION VCE showed high-level safety.The main indication was unexplained anemia.Active bleeding was the most frequent finding.Combined with artificial intelligence,VCE can improve diagnostic precision and targeted therapeutic interventions.

Investigation on quality of life of hospitalized patients in China with digestive system malignancy

Background:The purpose of this study is to evaluate the quality of life(QoL)of hospitalized patients in China suffering from digestive system malignancies and to identify potential risk factors for a decrease in QoL.Methods:The European Organization for Research and Treatment Core Quality of Life questionnaire(EORTC QLQ-C30)was applied to evaluate the QoL of 23,519 patients with six digestive malignancies(esophageal cancer,gastric cancer,colorectal cancer,liver cancer,biliary tract cancer,and pancreatic cancer).A t test or analysis of variance was employed to analyze the total EORTC QLQ-C30 scale scores and domain scores of the EORTC QLQ-C30 scale among patients in different subgroups.Results:The average QoL score was 50.4±10.8.The tumor type,age,sex,and TNM stage all had an impact on QoL ratings.Colorectal cancer patients had a better total QoL score(49.3±10.3)and scores in the domains of functioning,withmilder symptoms,except for diarrhea.Patients with biliary tract cancer(54.2±12.3)and pancreatic cancer(54.2±12.3)reported a poorer QoL,significant functional impairment,and more pronounced symptoms.Patients with esophageal cancer experienced the most severe financial difficulties(35.2±27.5).Patients aged≥65 years,women,and those with TNM stage III/IV reported lower QoL.In addition,the disparities in total QoL scores and scores in specific domains were significant among patients with some types of tumors,and based on ethnicity,educational level,occupation,treatment(s)received,and place of residence.Conclusions:There is a need to focus on elderly individuals,those with low educational levels,and patients with progressivemalignant tumors and to improve routine disease monitoring and symptom management to enhance the quality of life for patients with malignancies of the digestive system.

Novel virtual nasal endoscopy system based on computed tomography scans

Background Currently,many simulator systems for medical procedures are under development.These systems can provide new solutions for training,planning,and testing medical practices,improve performance,and optimize the time of the exams.However,to achieve the best results,certain premises must be followed and applied to the model under development,such as usability,control,graphics realism,and interactive and dynamic gami-fication.Methods This study presents a system for simulating a medical examination procedure in the nasal cavity for training and research purposes,using a patient′s accurate computed tomography(CT)as a reference.The pathologies that are used as a guide for the development of the system are highlighted.Furthermore,an overview of current studies covering bench medical mannequins,3D printing,animals,hardware,software,and software that use hardware to boost user interaction,is given.Finally,a comparison with similar state-of-the-art studies is made.Results The main result of this work is interactive gamification techniques to propose an experience of simulation of an immersive exam by identifying pathologies present in the nasal cavity such as hypertrophy of turbinates,septal deviation adenoid hypertrophy,nasal polyposis,and tumor.

Hemostatic effect of topical hemocoagulase spray in digestive endoscopy

AIM: To evaluate the hemostatic effect of topical hemocoagulase spray in digestive endoscopy.METHODS: Eighty-nine patients who developed oozing bleeding during endoscopic treatment from September 2014 to October 2014 at Center for Digestive Endoscopy, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital were randomly divided into either a study group(n = 39) or a control group(n = 50). The study group was given topical hemocoagulase spray intraoperatively, while the control group was given traditional 8% norepinephrine spray. Hemostatic efficacy was compared between the two groups. Bleeding site, wound cleanliness and perforation were recorded, and the rates of perforation and late bleeding were compared.RESULTS: Successful hemostasis was achieved in 39(100%) patients of the study group and in 47(94.0%) patients of the control group, and there was no significant difference in the rate of successful hemostasis between the two groups. Compared with the control group, after topical hemocoagulase spray in the study group, the surgical field was clearer, the bleeding site was more easily identified, and the wound was cleaner. There was no significant difference in the rate of perforation between the study and control groups(16.7% vs 35.0%, P = 0.477), but the rates oflate bleeding(0% vs 15.8%, P = 0.048) and overall complications(P = 0.032) were significantly lower in the study group.CONCLUSION: Topical hemocoagulase spray has a definite hemostatic effect for oozing bleeding in digestive endoscopy, and this method is convenient, safe, and reliable. It is expected to become a new method for endoscopic hemostasis.

Capsule endoscopy in patients refusing conventional endoscopy

Capsule endoscopy is nowadays the diagnostic technique of choice in the study of small bowel pathologies,allowing the non-invasive study of the entire mucosa.This has led,together with new technical advances,to the creation of two new models(PillCam ESO and PillCam Colon)for the study of esophageal and colonic diseases.These two new capsules offer an interesting alternative to conventional endoscopy in the study of the upper and lower digestive tracts,because traditional endoscopy is often unpleasant and uncomfortable for the patient,can be painful,often requires moderate or deep sedation and is not without complications(hemorrhage,perforation,etc.).PillCam Colon is particularly important for its usefulness in the diagnosis of colonic polyps,and is a potentially useful tool in cases of incomplete colonoscopy or in colorectal cancer screening,even more when most patients are reluctant to undergo screening programs due to the said disadvantages of conventional colonoscopy.This article discusses the advantages of capsule endoscopy over conventional endoscopy,its current application possibilities and indications in routine clinical practice.In the various sections of the work,we assess the application of endoscopic capsule in different sections of the digestive tract(esophagus,stomach,and colon)and finally the potential role of panendoscopy with PillCam Colon.

Standard-definition White-light,High-definition White-light versus Narrow-band Imaging Endoscopy for Detecting Colorectal Adenomas:A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial

Objective This study aimed to compare the performance of standard-definition white-light endoscopy(SD-WL),high-definition white-light endoscopy(HD-WL),and high-definition narrow-band imaging(HD-NBI)in detecting colorectal lesions in the Chinese population.Methods This was a multicenter,single-blind,randomized,controlled trial with a non-inferiority design.Patients undergoing endoscopy for physical examination,screening,and surveillance were enrolled from July 2017 to December 2020.The primary outcome measure was the adenoma detection rate(ADR),defined as the proportion of patients with at least one adenoma detected.The associated factors for detecting adenomas were assessed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression.Results Out of 653 eligible patients enrolled,data from 596 patients were analyzed.The ADRs were 34.5%in the SD-WL group,33.5%in the HD-WL group,and 37.5%in the HD-NBI group(P=0.72).The advanced neoplasm detection rates(ANDRs)in the three arms were 17.1%,15.5%,and 10.4%(P=0.17).No significant differences were found between the SD group and HD group regarding ADR or ANDR(ADR:34.5%vs.35.6%,P=0.79;ANDR:17.1%vs.13.0%,P=0.16,respectively).Similar results were observed between the HD-WL group and HD-NBI group(ADR:33.5%vs.37.7%,P=0.45;ANDR:15.5%vs.10.4%,P=0.18,respectively).In the univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses,neither HD-WL nor HD-NBI led to a significant difference in overall adenoma detection compared to SD-WL(HD-WL:OR 0.91,P=0.69;HD-NBI:OR 1.15,P=0.80).Conclusion HD-NBI and HD-WL are comparable to SD-WL for overall adenoma detection among Chinese outpatients.It can be concluded that HD-NBI or HD-WL is not superior to SD-WL,but more effective instruction may be needed to guide the selection of different endoscopic methods in the future.Our study’s conclusions may aid in the efficient allocation and utilization of limited colonoscopy resources,especially advanced imaging technologies.

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.

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.

Endoscopy in screening for digestive cancer

The aim of this study is to describe the role of endoscopy in detection and treatment of neoplastic lesions of the digestive mucosa in asymptomatic persons.Esophageal squamous cell cancer occurs in relation to nutritional deficiency and alcohol or tobacco consumption.Esophageal adenocarcinoma develops in Barrett's esophagus,and stomach cancer in chronic gastric atrophy with Helicobacter pylori infection.Colorectal cancer is favoured by a high intake in calories,excess weight,low physical activity.In opportunistic or individual screening endoscopy is the primary detection procedure offered to an asymptomatic individual.In organized or mass screening proposed by National Health Authorities to a population,endoscopy is performed only in persons found positive to a filter selection test.The indications of primary upper gastrointestinal endoscopy and colonoscopy in opportunistic screening are increasingly developing over the world.Organized screening trials are proposed in some regions of China at high risk for esophageal cancer;the selection test is cytology of a balloon or sponge scrapping;they are proposed in Japan for stomach cancer with photofluorography as a selection test;and in Europe,America and Japan;for colorectal cancer with the fecal occult blood test as a selection test.Organized screening trials in a country require an evaluation:the benefit of the intervention assessed by its impact on incidence and on the 5 year survival for the concerned tumor site;in addition a number of bias interfering with the evaluation have to be controlled.Drawbacks of screening are in the morbidity of the diagnostic and treatment procedures and in overdetection of none clinically relevant lesions.The strategy of endoscopic screening applies to early cancer and to benign adenomatous precursors of adenocarcinoma.Diagnostic endoscopy is conducted in 2 steps:at first detection of an abnormal area through changes in relief,in color or in the course of superficial capillaries;then characterization of the morphology of the lesion according to the Paris classification and prediction of the risk of malignancy and depth of invasion,with the help of chromoscopy,magnification and image processing with neutrophil bactericidal index or FICE.Then treatment decision offers 3 options according to histologic prediction:abstention,endoscopic resection,surgery.The rigorous quality control of endoscopy will reduce the miss rate of lesions and the occurrence of interval cancer.

Air embolism complicating gastrointestinal endoscopy: A systematic review

Gastrointestinal endoscopy has become an important modality for the diagnosis and treatment of various gastrointestinal disorders. One of its major advantages is that it is minimally invasive and has an excellent safety record. Nevertheless, some complications do occur, and endoscopists are well aware and prepared to deal with the commonly recognized ones including bleeding, perforation, infection, and adverse effects from the sedative medications. Air embolism is a very rare endoscopic complication but possesses the poten-tial to be severe and fatal. It can present with cardio-pulmonary instability and neurologic symptoms. The diagnosis may be difficult because of its clinical presen-tation, which can overlap with sedation-related cardio-pulmonary problems or neurologic symptoms possibly attributed to an ischemic or hemorrhagic central nervous system event. Increased awareness is essential for prompt recognition of the air embolism, which can allow potentially life-saving therapy to be provided.Therefore, we wanted to review the risk factors, the clinical presentation, and the therapy of an air embolism from the perspective of the practicing endoscopist.

High technology imaging in digestive endoscopy

A thorough endoscopic visualization of the digestive mucosa is essential for reaching an accurate diagnosis and to treat the different lesions. Standard white light endoscopes permit a good mucosa examination but, nowadays, the introduction of powerful endoscopic instrumentations increased ability to analyze the fi nest details. By applying dyes and zoom-magnifi cation endoscopy further architectural detail of the mucosa can be elucidated. New computed virtual chromoendoscopy have further enhanced optical capabilities for the evaluation of submucosal vascolar pattern. Recently, confocal endomicroscopy and endocytoscopy were proposed for the study of ultrastructural mucosa details. Because of the technological contents of powerful instrumentation, a good knowledge of implemented technologies is mandatory for the endoscopist, nowadays. Nevertheless, there is a big confusion about this topic. We will try to explain these technologies and to clarify this terminology.

COVID-19 and its effects on the digestive system

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is caused by infection of the coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)with typical respiratory symptoms.SARS-CoV-2 invades not only the respiratory system,but also other organs expressing the cell surface receptor angiotensin converting enzyme 2.In particular,the digestive system is a susceptible target of SARS-CoV-2.Gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 include anorexia,nausea,vomiting,diarrhea,abdominal pain,and liver damage.Patients with digestive damage have a greater chance of progressing to severe or critical illness,a poorer prognosis,and a higher risk of death.This paper aims to summarize the digestive system symptoms of COVID-19 and discuss fecal-oral contagion of SARS-CoV-2.It also describes the characteristics of inflammatory bowel disease patients with SARSCoV-2 infection and discusses precautions for preventing SARS-CoV-2 infection during gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.Improved attention to digestive system abnormalities and gastrointestinal symptoms of COVID-19 patients may aid health care providers in the process of clinical diagnosis,treatment,and epidemic prevention and control.