Importance of risk assessment,endoscopic hemostasis,and recent advancements in the management of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(ANVUGIB)is a common medical emergency in clinical practice.While the incidence has significantly reduced,the mortality rates have not undergone a similar reduction in the last few decades,thus presenting a significant challenge.This editorial outlines the key causes and risk factors of ANVUGIB and explores the current standards and recent updates in risk assessment scoring systems for predicting mortality and endoscopic treatments for achieving hemostasis.Since ANUVGIB predominantly affects the elderly population,the impact of comorbidities may be responsible for the poor outcomes.A thorough drug history is important due to the increasing use of antiplatelet agents and anticoagulants in the elderly.Early risk stratification plays a crucial role in deciding the line of management and predicting mortality.Emerging scoring systems such as the ABC(age,blood tests,co-morbidities)score show promise in predicting mortality and guiding clinical decisions.While conventional endoscopic therapies remain cornerstone approaches,novel techniques like hemostatic powders and over-the-scope clips offer promising alternatives,particularly in cases refractory to traditional modalities.By integrating validated scoring systems and leveraging novel therapeutic modalities,clinicians can enhance patient care and mitigate the substantial morbidity and mortality associated with ANVUGIB.

Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions:Clinical significance

Transoral endoscopic resections in treating upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions have the advantages of maintaining the integrity of the gastrointestinal lumen,avoiding perforation and reducing gastrointestinal fistulae.They are becoming more widely used in clinical practice,but,they may also present a variety of complications.Gas-related complications are one of the most common,which can be left untreated if the symptoms are mild,but in severe cases,they can lead to rapid changes in the respiratory and circulatory systems in a short period,which can be life-threatening.Therefore,it is important to predict the occurrence of gas-related complications early and take preventive measures actively.Based on the authors'results in the prepublication of the article“Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions,”and in conjunction with our evaluation and additions to the relevant content,radiographs may help screen patients at high risk for gas-related complications.Controlling blood glucose levels,shortening the duration of surgery,and choosing the most appropriate surgical resection may positively impact the prognosis of patients at high risk for gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.

Advancements in endoscopic hemostasis for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal(GI)bleeding is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.Traditionally,through-the-scope(TTS)clips,thermal therapy,and injection therapies are used to treat GI bleeding.In this review,we provide an overview of novel endoscopic treatments that can be used to achieve hemostasis.Specifically,we discuss the efficacy and applicability of over-thescope clips,hemostatic agents,TTS doppler ultrasound,and endoscopic ultrasound,each of which offer an effective method of reducing rates of GI rebleeding.

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.

Advancements in hemostatic strategies for managing upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review

Upper gastrointestinal(GI)hemorrhage presents a substantial clinical challenge.Initial management typically involves resuscitation and endoscopy within 24 h,although the benefit of very early endoscopy(<12 h)for high-risk patients is debated.Treatment goals include stopping acute bleeding,preventing rebleeding,and using a multimodal approach encompassing endoscopic,pharmacological,angiographic,and surgical methods.Pharmacological agents such as vasopressin,prostaglandins,and proton pump inhibitors are effective,but the increase in antithrombotic use has increased GI bleeding morbidity.Endoscopic hemostasis,particularly for nonvariceal bleeding,employs techniques such as electrocoagu-lation and heater probes,with concerns over tissue injury from monopolar electrocoagulation.Novel methods such as Hemospray and Endoclot show promise in creating mechanical tamponades but have limitations.Currently,the first-line therapy includes thermal probes and hemoclips,with over-the-scope clips emerging for larger ulcer bleeding.The gold probe,combining bipolar electrocoagulation and injection,offers targeted coagulation but has faced device-related issues.Future advancements involve combining techniques and improving endoscopic imaging,with studies exploring combined approaches showing promise.Ongoing research is crucial for developing standardized and effective hemorrhage management strategies.

Early-onset gastrointestinal cancer:An epidemiological reality with great significance and implications

During the last few years,epidemiological data from many countries suggest that the incidence and prevalence of many cancers of the digestive system are shifting from the older to the younger ages,the so-called“early-onset cancer”.This is particularly evident in colorectal cancer and secondarily in other malignant digestive neoplasms,mainly stomach and in a lesser degree pancreas,and biliary tract.It should be emphasized that data concerning digestive neoplasms,except for those referring to the colon and stomach,could be characterized as rather insufficient.The exact magnitude of the shift in younger ages is expected to become clearer shortly,as long as relevant epidemiological data from many parts of the world would be available.The most important question concerns the etiology of this phenomenon,since its magnitude cannot be explained solely by the better diagnostic methodology and the preventive programs applied in many countries.The existing data support the assumption that a number of environ-mental factors may play a primary role in influencing carcinogenesis,sometimes from childhood.Changes that have appeared in the last decades related mainly to eating habits,consistency of gut microbiome and an increase of obese people interacting with genetic factors,ultimately favor the process of carcinogenesis.Even these factors however,are not entirely sufficient to explain the age-related changes in the frequency of digestive neoplasms.Studies of the individual effect of each of the already known factors or factors likely to be involved in the etiology of this phenomenon and studies using state-of-the-art technologies to accurately determine the degree of the population exposure to these factors are required.In this article,we attempt to describe the epidemiological data supporting the age-shifting of digestive malignancies and their possible pathogenesis.Finally,we propose some measures regarding the attitude of the scientific community to this alarming phenomenon.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in Bangladeshi children:Analysis of 100 cases

BACKGROUND Upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB)is defined as bleeding that occurs proximal to the ligament of Treitz and can sometimes lead to potentially serious and life-threatening clinical situations in children.Globally,the cause of UGIB differs significantly depending on the geographic location,patient population and presence of comorbid conditions.AIM To observe endoscopic findings of UGIB in children at a tertiary care center of Bangladesh.METHODS This retrospective study was carried out in the department of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition of Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University,a tertiary care hospital of Bangladesh,between January 2017 and January 2019.Data collected from hospital records of 100 children who were 16 years of age or younger,came with hematemesis,melena or both hematemesis and melena.All patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy(Olympus CV 1000 upper gastrointestinal video endoscope)after initial stabilization.Necessary investigations to diagnose portal hypertension and chronic liver disease with underlying causes for management purposes were also done.RESULTS A total of 100 patients were studied.UGIB was common in the age group 5-10 years(42%),followed by above 10 years(37%).Hematemesis was the most common presenting symptom(75%)followed by both hematemesis and melena(25%).UGIB from ruptured esophageal varices was the most common cause(65%)on UGI endoscopy followed by gastric erosion(5%)and prolapsed gastropathy(2%).We observed that 23%of children were normal after endoscopic examination.CONCLUSION Ruptured esophageal varices were the most common cause of UGIB in children in Bangladesh.Other causes included gastric erosions and prolapsed gastropathy syndrome.

Role of second look endoscopy in endoscopic submucosal dissection and peptic ulcer bleeding:Meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

BACKGROUND Second-look endoscopy(SLE)to prevent recurrent bleeding in patients with peptic ulcer disease(PUD)and those undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)is routinely being performed.Conflicting evidence exists regarding efficacy,risk,benefit,and cost-effectiveness.AIM To identify the role and effectiveness of SLE in ESD and PUD,associated rebleeding and PUD-related outcomes like mortality,hospital length of stay,need for endoscopic or surgical intervention and blood transfusions.METHODS A systematic review of literature databases PubMed,Cochrane,and Embase was conducted from inception to January 5,2023.Randomized controlled trials that compared patients with SLE to those who did not have SLE or evaluated the role of prophylactic hemostasis during SLE compared to other conservative interventions were included.The study was conducted per PRISMA guidelines,and the protocol was registered in PROSPERO(ID CRD42023427555:).RevMan was used to perform meta-analysis,and Mantel-Haenszel Odds ratio(OR)were generated using random effect models.RESULTS A total of twelve studies with 2687 patients were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis,of which 1074 patients underwent SLE after ESD and 1613 patients underwent SLE after PUD-related bleeding.In ESD,the rates of rebleeding were 7%in the SLE group compared to 4.4%in the non-SLE group with OR 1.65,95%confidence intervals(CI)of 0.96 to 2.85;P=0.07,whereas it was 11%in the SLE group compared to 13%in the non-SLE group with OR 0.895%CI:0.50 to 1.29;P=0.36.The mean difference in the blood transfusion rates in the SLE and no SLE group in PUD was OR 0.01,95%CI:-0.22 to 0.25;P=0.91.In SLE vs non-SLE groups with PUD,the OR for Endoscopic intervention was 0.29,95%CI:0.08 to 1.00;P=0.05 while it was OR 2.03,95%CI:0.95 to 4.33;P=0.07,for surgical intervention.The mean difference in the hospital length of stay was-3.57 d between the SLE and no SLE groups in PUD with 95%CI:-7.84 to 0.69;P=0.10,denoting an average of approximately 3 fewer days of hospital stay among patients with PUD who underwent SLE.For mortality between SLE and non-SLE groups in PUD,the OR was 0.88,95%CI:0.45 to 1.72;P=0.70.CONCLUSION SLE does not confer any benefit in preventing ESD and PUD-associated rebleeding.SLE also does not provide any significant improvement in mortality,need for interventions,or blood transfusions in PUD patients.SLE decreases the hospital length of stay on average by 3.5 d in PUD patients.

Nomogram to predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions

BACKGROUND Gas-related complications present a potential risk during transoral endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.Therefore,the identification of risk factors associated with these complications is essential.AIM To develop a nomogram to predict risk of gas-related complications following transoral endoscopic resection of the upper gastrointestinal submucosal lesions.METHODS We collected patient data from the First Affiliated Hospital of the Army Medical University.Patients were randomly allocated to training and validation cohorts.Risk factors for gas-related complications were identified in the training cohort using univariate and multivariate analyses.We then constructed a nomogram and evaluated its predictive performance based on the area under the curve,decision curve analysis,and Hosmer-Lemeshow tests.RESULTS Gas-related complications developed in 39 of 353 patients who underwent transoral endoscopy at our institution.Diabetes,lesion origin,surgical resection method,and surgical duration were incorporated into the final nomogram.The predictive capability of the nomogram was excellent,with area under the curve values of 0.841 and 0.906 for the training and validation cohorts,respectively.CONCLUSION The ability of our four-variable nomogram to efficiently predict gas-related complications during transoral endoscopic resection enhanced postoperative assessments and surgical outcomes.

Causes of gastrointestinal bleeding in children based on endoscopic evaluation at a tertiary care center in Bahrain

BACKGROUND Gastrointestinal bleeding(GIB)is a serious health problem worldwide,particularly during childhood.This can be an alarming sign of an underlying disease.Gastrointestinal endoscopy(GIE)is a safe method for the diagnosis and treatment of GIB in most cases.AIM To determine the incidence,clinical presentation,and outcomes of GIB in children in Bahrain over the last two decades.METHODS This was a retrospective cohort review of the medical records of children with GIB who underwent endoscopic procedures in the Pediatric Department at Salmaniya Medical Complex,Bahrain,between 1995 and 2022.Demographic data,clinical presentation,endoscopic findings,and clinical outcomes were recorded.GIB was classified into upper(UGIB)and lower(LGIB)GIB according to the site of bleeding.These were compared with respect to patients’sex,age,and nationality using the Fisher’s exact,Pearson’sχ2,or the Mann-Whitney U tests.RESULTS A total of 250 patients were included in this study.The median incidence was 2.6/100000 per year(interquartile range,1.4-3.7)with a significantly increasing trend over the last two decades (P < 0.0001). Most patients were males (n = 144, 57.6%). Themedian age at diagnosis was 9 years (5-11). Ninety-eight (39.2%) patients required upper GIEalone, 41 (16.4%) required colonoscopy alone, and 111 (44.4%) required both. LGIB was morefrequent (n = 151, 60.4%) than UGIB (n = 119, 47.6%). There were no significant differences in sex (P = 0.710), age (P = 0.185), or nationality (P = 0.525) between the two groups. Abnormalendoscopic findings were detected in 226 (90.4%) patients. The common cause of LGIB was inflammatorybowel disease (IBD) (n = 77, 30.8%). The common cause of UGIB was gastritis (n = 70, 28%).IBD and undetermined cause for bleeding were higher in the 10-18 years group (P = 0.026 and P =0.017, respectively). Intestinal nodular lymphoid hyperplasia, foreign body ingestion, andesophageal varices were more common in the 0-4 years group (P = 0.034, P < 0.0001, and P = 0.029,respectively). Ten (4%) patients underwent one or more therapeutic interventions. The medianfollow-up period was two years (0.5-3). No mortality was reported in this study.CONCLUSIONGIB in children is an alarming condition, whose significance is increasing. LGIB, commonly due toIBD, was more common than UGIB, commonly due to gastritis.

Indications and Results of Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in a Regional Hospital Center in Senegal

Introduction: Gastrointestinal endoscopy plays a crucial role in the management of gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to report the indications and results of lower digestive endoscopy in a hospital center in Senegal. Patients and Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study from September 1st, 2017, to September 30, 2018 at the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit of the regional hospital center of Thiès. All patients received for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and whose reports were usable, were included. In the reports, we collected and analyzed sociodemographic data, indication and results of the endoscopic examination. Results: We included 250 patients. There were 140 men (sex ratio 1.27). The average age was 42 years [range 1 - 92 years]. There were 37 colonoscopies (14.8%), 51 rectosigmoidoscopies (20.4%) and 162 anorectoscopies (64.8%). The patients were from the region of Thiès in 82% of cases. In most cases, they were most often referred by general practitioners (22.8%) and surgeons (20.8%). The main indications were rectal bleeding (36.8%), hemorrhoidal disease (23.2%) and proctalgia (11.6%). Hemorrhoidal disease (63.6%), anal fistula (14%) and tumors (8.8%) were the most common pathologies. Conclusion: Admitted patients at the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit of the regional hospital center of Thiès have many indications as well as pathologies. Anal pathology is dominated by hemorrhoidal disease.

Orientation in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy—the only way is up

BACKGROUND Oesophagogastroduodenoscopy is the gold standard investigation for the upper gastrointestinal(UGI)tract.Orientation during endoscopy is challenging and United Kingdom training focusses on technical competence and procedural safety.The reported location of UGI pathologies is crucial to post-endoscopic planning.AIM To evaluate endoscopists’ability to spatially orientate themselves within the UGI tract.METHODS A cross sectional descriptive study elicited,using an anonymised survey,the ability of endoscopists to orientate themselves within the UGI tract.The primary outcome was percentage of correct answers from all surveyed;secondary outcomes were percentage of correct answers from experienced vs novice endoscopists.Pearson’sχ2 test was applied to compare groups.RESULTS Of 188 respondents,86 were experienced endoscopists having completed over 1000 endoscopies.44.4%of respondents correctly identified the anterior stomach and 47.3%correctly identified the posterior of the second part of the duodenum(D2).Experienced endoscopists were significantly more likely than novice to identify the anterior stomach correctly[61.6%vs 31.3%,X2(1,n=188)=11.10,P=0.001].There was no significant difference between the two groups in identifying the posterior of D2.CONCLUSION The majority of endoscopists surveyed were unable to identify key landmarks within the UGI tract.Endoscopic orientation appears to improve with experience yet there are some areas still not well recognised.This has potential considerable impact on post-endoscopic management of patients with posterior duodenal ulcers being more likely to perforate and associated with a higher rebleeding risk.We suggest the development of a consensus statement on endoscopic description.

Indications and Findings of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Elderly Patients in Parakou, Republic of Benin

Introduction: Elderly people are considered fragile and at greater risk of having malignant gastrointestinal tumors. The objective of this work was to report the reasons for performing gastrointestinal endoscopy and the lesions found during the endoscopy of this target population in Parakou. Patients and Study Methods: This was a descriptive and cross-sectional study with a retrospective collection of data from January 2016 to December 2017, then from January 2020 to December 2021. It took place in the Regional Teaching Hospital of Borgou-Alibori in Parakou and in the private gastrointestinal endoscopy center of Parakou (Northern Gastrointestinal Exploration Center). All patients aged at least 60 years who had undergone an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy during the study period were included. The variables studied were: the sex, age, indications for the examination, endoscopic lesions and data from the anatomo-pathological examination. Results: In total, out of 1540 upper gastrointestinal endoscopies performed during the study period, 249 (16.17%) involved patients aged 60 years and over. The sex ratio was 1.26. The main indication for the examination was epigastric pain (123 cases, i.e. 49.40%) followed by vomiting (53 cases, i.e. 21.29%). In terms of lesions, non-tumorous gastropathy came first in the stomach (206 cases, i.e. 82.73%) while esophageal lesions were dominated by esophageal candidiasis and cardial incompetence (39 cases, i.e. 15.66% in each of the two situations). In the duodenum, ulcer was noted in 30 patients (12.05%). In 38 patients, 12 (31.58%) were tested positive for Helicobacter pylori infection. Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract were confirmed in 11 patients (4.42%). Conclusion: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy remains an excellent examination for the exploration of the upper gastrointestinal tract. In Parakou, epigastric pain represents the main indication for this examination in subjects over 60 years of age. Inflammatory or ulcerated non-tumorous gastropathy is the most commonly endoscopic lesion. Esophageal and gastric cancers are less common in this population group according to our study.

Appropriateness, endoscopic findings and contributive yield of pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy

AIM:To determine the predictability of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology,Hepatology and Nutrition(NASPGHAN)and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy(ASGE)guideline with regard to appropriate endoscopic practice in children,positive endoscopic findings and contributive yield in clinical practice.METHODS:This was a descriptive,retrospective analysis,conducted at the Department of Paediatrics,University Malaya Medical Centre,Malaysia.All children who had esophagogastroduodenoscopy(EGD)and colonoscopy from January 2008 to June 2011 were included.An endoscopy was considered appropriate when its indication complied with the NASPGHAN and ASGE guideline.All endoscopic findings were classified as either positive(presence of any endoscopic or histologic abnormality)or negative(no or minor abnormality,normal histology);effecting a positive contributive(a change in therapeutic decisions or prognostic consequences)or non-contributive yield(no therapeutic or prognostic consequences).RESULTS:Overall,76%of the 345 procedures(231EGD alone,26 colonoscopy alone,44 combined EGD and colonoscopy)performed in 301 children(median age 7.0 years,range 3 months to 18 years)had a positive endoscopic finding.Based on the NASPGHAN and ASGE guideline,99.7%of the procedures performed were considered as appropriate.The only inappropriate procedure(0.3%)was in a child who had EGD for assessment of the healing of gastric ulcer following therapy in the absence of any symptoms.The overall positive contributive yield for a change in diagnosis and/or management was 44%.The presence of a positive endoscopic finding was more likely to effect a change in the therapeutic plan than an alteration of the initial diagnosis.A total of 20(5.8%)adverse events were noted,most were minor and none was fatal.CONCLUSION:The NASPGHAN and ASGE guideline is more likely to predict a positive endoscopic finding but is less sensitive to effect a change in the initial clinical diagnosis or the subsequent therapeutic plan.

Gastrointestinal Diseases Classification Using Deep Transfer Learning and Features Optimization

Gastrointestinal diseases like ulcers, polyps’, and bleeding areincreasing rapidly in the world over the last decade. On average 0.7 millioncases are reported worldwide every year. The main cause of gastrointestinaldiseases is a Helicobacter Pylori (H. Pylori) bacterium that presents in morethan 50% of people around the globe. Many researchers have proposeddifferent methods for gastrointestinal disease using computer vision techniques.Few of them focused on the detection process and the rest of themperformed classification. The major challenges that they faced are the similarityof infected and healthy regions that misleads the correct classificationaccuracy. In this work, we proposed a technique based on Mask Recurrent-Convolutional Neural Network (R-CNN) and fine-tuned pre-trainedResNet-50 and ResNet-152 networks for feature extraction. Initially, the region ofinterest is detected using Mask R-CNN which is later utilized for the trainingof fine-tuned models through transfer learning. Features are extracted fromfine-tuned models that are later fused using a serial approach. Moreover, anImproved Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) algorithm has also opted for thebest feature selection from the fused feature vector. The best-selected featuresare finally classified using machine learning techniques. The experimentalprocess was conducted on the publicly available dataset and obtained animproved accuracy of 96.43%. In comparison with state-of-the-art techniques,it is observed that the proposed accuracy is improved.

Rare causes of acute non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding: A comprehensive review

Non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding(NVUGIB)is a common gastroenterological emergency associated with significant morbidity and mortality.Gastroenterologists and other involved clinicians are generally assisted by international guidelines in its management.However,NVUGIB due to peptic ulcer disease only is mainly addressed by current guidelines,with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy being recommended as the gold standard modality for both diagnosis and treatment.Conversely,the management of rare and extraordinary rare causes of NVUGIB is not covered by current guidelines.Given they are frequently lifethreatening conditions,all the involved clinicians,that is emergency physicians,diagnostic and interventional radiologists,surgeons,in addition obviously to gastroenterologists,should be aware of and familiar with their management.Indeed,they typically require a prompt diagnosis and treatment,engaging a dedicated,patient-tailored,multidisciplinary team approach.The aim of our review was to extensively summarize the current evidence with regard to the management of rare and extraordinary rare causes of NVUGIB.

Sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy: Current issues

Diagnostic and therapeutic endoscopy can successfully be performed by applying moderate(conscious) sedation.Moderate sedation,using midazolam and an opioid,is the standard method of sedation,although propofol is increasingly being used in many countries because the satisfaction of endoscopists with propofol sedation is greater compared with their satisfaction with conventional sedation.Moreover,the use of propofol is currently preferred for the endoscopic sedation of patients with advanced liver disease due to its short biologic half-life and,consequently,its low risk of inducing hepatic encephalopathy.In the future,propofol could become the preferred sedation agent,especially for routine colonoscopy.Midazolam is the benzodiazepine of choice because of its shorter duration of action and better pharmacokinetic profile compared with diazepam.Among opioids,pethidine and fentanyl are the most popular.A number of other substances have been tested in several clinical trials with promising results.Among them,newer opioids,such as remifentanil,enable a faster recovery.The controversy regarding the administration of sedation by an endoscopist or an experienced nurse,as well as the optimal staffing of en-doscopy units,continues to be a matter of discussion.Safe sedation in special clinical circumstances,such as in the cases of obese,pregnant,and elderly individuals,as well as patients with chronic lung,renal or liver disease,requires modification of the dose of the drugs used for sedation.In the great majority of patients,sedation under the supervision of a properly trained endoscopist remains the standard practice worldwide.In this review,an overview of the current knowledge concerning sedation during digestive endoscopy will be provided based on the data in the current literature.

Current application situation of gastrointestinal endoscopy in China

AIM:To study the current application situation of gastrointestinal(GI) endoscopy in China's Mainland.METHODS:From 12 August,2011 to 15 February,2012,draft questionnaires were sent by e-mail to 289 hospital-based GI endoscopy units,including units with three levels(provincial,prefecture and county level) in China's Mainland.All the surveyed GI endoscopy units were state-owned and hospital-based.Proportions were compared using χ 2 tests.Comparisons between groups were performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.A probability of P < 0.05 was considered to represent a statistically significant difference.RESULTS:Based on satisfactory replies,169/279(60.6%) of units were enrolled in the survey,which covered 28 provinces(90.3%,28/31) in China's Mainland.Compared with published survey data,the number of GI endoscopes per unit has increased by nearly three times(from 2.9 to 9.3) in the past decade.About 33 of 169(19.5%) endoscopy units possessed an X-ray machine,which was mainly owned by provincial endoscopy units(43.2%,19/44).Video capsule endoscopes,which were almost unavailable ten years ago,were owned by 20.7%(35/169) of GI endoscopy units.Endoscopic submucosal dissection could be performed by 36.4%(19/44) of the provincial units,which was significantly higher than the prefecture level(9.9%,P < 0.01) and county level(0.0%,P < 0.01) units,respectively.CONCLUSION:Rapid development in GI endoscopy has been made in China's Mainland,and major diagnostic endoscopes and therapeutic endoscopy procedures are predominantly used in large endoscopy units.

Negative capsule endoscopy in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding reliable: Recurrence of bleeding on long-term follow-up

AIM: To assess the rate of recurrent bleeding of the small bowel in patients with obscure bleeding already undergone capsule endoscopy (CE) with negative results. METHODS: We reviewed the medical records related to 696 consecutive CE performed from December 2002 to January 2011, focusing our attention on patients with recurrence of obscure bleeding and negative CE. Evaluating the patient follow-up, we analyzed the recurrence rate of obscure bleeding in patient with a negative CE. Actuarial rates of rebleeding during follow-up were calculated, and factors associated with rebleeding were assessed through an univariate and multivariate analysis. A P value of less than 0.05 was regarded as statistically significant. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) of negative CE were calculated. RESULTS: Two hundred and seven out of 696 (29.7%) CE studies resulted negative in patient with obscure/overt gastrointestinal bleeding. Overall, 489 CE (70.2%) were positive studies. The median follow-up was 24 mo (range 12-36 mo). During follow-up, recurrence of obscure bleeding was observed only in 34 out of 207 negative CE patients (16.4%); 26 out of 34 with obscure overt bleeding and 8 out of 34 with obscure occult bleeding. The younger age (< 65 years) and the onset of bleeding such as melena are independent risk factors of rebleeding after a negative CE (OR = 2.6703, 95%CI: 1.1651-6.1202, P = 0.0203; OR 4.7718, 95%CI: 1.9739-11.5350, P = 0.0005). The rebleeding rate (CE+ vs CE-) was 16.4% vs 45.1% (χ 2 test, P = 0.00001). The sensitivity, specificity, and PPV and NPV were 93.8%, 100%, 100%, 80.1%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding and negative CE had a significantly lower rebleeding rate, and further invasive investigations can be deferred.

Endoscopic treatment for gastrointestinal stromal tumor: Advantages and hurdles

One of the most prominent characteristics of gastrointestinal stromal tumors(GISTs) is their unpredictable and variable behavior. GISTs are not classified as "benign" or "malignant" but are rather stratified by their associated clinical risk of malignancy as determined by tumor size, location, and number of mitoses identified during surgicalhistology. The difficulty in assessing the malignant potential and prognoses of GISTs as well as the increasing incidence of "incidental GISTs" presents challenges to gastroenterologists. Recently, endoscopic enucleation has been actively performed as both a diagnostic and therapeutic intervention for GISTs. Endoscopic enucleation has several advantages, including keeping the stomach intact after the removal of GISTs, a relatively short hospital stay, a conscious sedation procedure, relatively low cost, and fewer human resources required compared with surgery. However, a low complete resection rate and the risk of perforation could reduce the overall advantages of this procedure. Endoscopic full-thickness resection appears to achieve a very high R0 resection rate. However, this technique absolutely requires a very skilled operator. Moreover, there is a risk of peritoneal seeding due to large active perforation. Laparoscopy endoscopy collaborations have been applied for more stable and pathologically acceptable management. These collaborative procedures have produced excellent outcomes. Many procedures have been developed and attempted because they were technically possible. However, we should first consider the theoretical basis for each technique. Until the efficacy and safety of sole endoscopic access are proved, the laparoscopy endoscopy collaborative procedure appears to be an appropriate method for minimally destructive GIST surgery.