Difficult colorectal polypectomy:Technical tips and recent advances

Colonoscopy has been shown to be an effective modality to prevent colorectal cancer(CRC)development.CRC reduction is achieved by detecting and removing adenomas,which are precursors of CRC.Most colorectal polyps are small and do not pose a significant challenge for trained and skilled endoscopists.However,up to 15%of polyps are considered“difficult”,potentially causing life-threatening complications.A difficult polyp is defined as any polyp that is challenging for the endoscopist to remove owing to its size,shape,or location.Advanced polypectomy techniques and skills are required to resect difficult colorectal polyps.There were various polypectomy techniques for difficult polyps such as endoscopic mucosal resection(EMR),underwater EMR,Tip-in EMR,endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD),or endoscopic full-thickness resection.The selection of the appropriate modality depends on the morphology and endoscopic diagnosis.Several technologies have been developed to aid endoscopists in performing safe and effective polypectomies,especially complex procedures such as ESD.These advances include video endoscopy system,equipment assisting in advanced polypectomy,and closure devices/techniques for complication management.Endoscopists should know how to use these devices and their availability in practice to enhance polypectomy performance.This review describes several useful strategies and tips for managing difficult colorectal polyps.We also propose the stepwise approach for difficult colorectal polyps.

Hypothesis that alpha-amylase evokes regulatory mechanisms originating in the pancreas,gut and circulation,which govern glucose/insulin homeostasis

The anti-incretin theory involving the abolishment of diabetes type(DT)II by some of methods used in bariatric surgery,first appeared during the early years of the XXI century and considers the existence of anti-incretin substances.However,to date no exogenous or endogenous anti-incretins have been found.Our concept of the acini-islet-acinar axis assumes that insulin intra-pancreatically stimulates alpha-amylase synthesis(“halo phenomenon”)and in turn,alphaamylase reciprocally inhibits insulin production,thus making alpha-amylase a candidate for being an anti-incretin.Additionally,gut as well as plasma alphaamylase,of pancreatic and other origins,inhibits the appearance of dietary glucose in the blood,lowering the glucose peak after iv or oral glucose loading.This effect of alpha-amylase can be interpreted as an insulin down regulatory mechanism,possibly limiting the depletion of pancreatic beta cells and preventing their failure.Clinical observations agree with the above statements,where patients with high blood alpha-amylase concentrations are seldom obese and seldom develop DT2.Obese-DT2,as well as DT1 patients,usually develop exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI)and vice versa.Ultimately,DT2 patients develop DT1,when the pancreatic beta cells are exhausted and insulin production ceases.Studies on biliopancreatic diversion(BPD)and on BPD with duodenal switch,a type of bariatric surgery,as well as studies on EPI pigs,allow us to observe and investigate the above-mentioned phenomena of intra-pancreatic interactions.

Acute pancreatitis in liver transplant hospitalizations:Identifying national trends,clinical outcomes and healthcare burden in the United States

BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)in liver transplant(LT)recipients may lead to poor clinical outcomes and development of severe complications.AIM We aimed to assess national trends,clinical outcomes,and the healthcare burden of LT hospitalizations with AP in the United States(US).METHODS The National Inpatient Sample was utilized to identify all adult(≥18 years old)LT hospitalizations with AP in the US from 2007–2019.Non-LT AP hospitalizations served as controls for comparative analysis.National trends of hospitalization characteristics,clinical outcomes,complications,and healthcare burden for LT hospitalizations with AP were highlighted.Hospitalization characteristics,clinical outcomes,complications,and healthcare burden were also compared between the LT and non-LT cohorts.Furthermore,predictors of inpatient mortality for LT hospitalizations with AP were identified.All P values≤0.05 were considered statistically significant.RESULTS The total number of LT hospitalizations with AP increased from 305 in 2007 to 610 in 2019.There was a rising trend of Hispanic(16.5%in 2007 to 21.1%in 2018,P-trend=0.0009)and Asian(4.3%in 2007 to 7.4%in 2019,p-trend=0.0002)LT hospitalizations with AP,while a decline was noted for Blacks(11%in 2007 to 8.3%in 2019,P-trend=0.0004).Furthermore,LT hospitalizations with AP had an increasing comorbidity burden as the Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI)score≥3 increased from 41.64%in 2007 to 62.30%in 2019(P-trend<0.0001).We did not find statistically significant trends in inpatient mortality,mean length of stay(LOS),and mean total healthcare charge(THC)for LT hospitalizations with AP despite rising trends of complications such as sepsis,acute kidney failure(AKF),acute respiratory failure(ARF),abdominal abscesses,portal vein thrombosis(PVT),and venous thromboembolism(VTE).Between 2007–2019,6863 LT hospitalizations with AP were compared to 5649980 non-LT AP hospitalizations.LT hospitalizations with AP were slightly older(53.5 vs 52.6 years,P=0.017)and had a higher proportion of patients with CCI≥3(51.5%vs 19.8%,P<0.0001)compared to the non-LT cohort.Additionally,LT hospitalizations with AP had a higher proportion of Whites(67.9%vs 64.6%,P<0.0001)and Asians(4%vs 2.3%,P<0.0001),while the non-LT cohort had a higher proportion of Blacks and Hispanics.Interestingly,LT hospitalizations with AP had lower inpatient mortality(1.37%vs 2.16%,P=0.0479)compared to the non-LT cohort despite having a higher mean age,CCI scores,and complications such as AKF,PVT,VTE,and the need for blood transfusion.However,LT hospitalizations with AP had a higher mean THC($59596 vs$50466,P=0.0429)than the non-LT cohort.CONCLUSION In the US,LT hospitalizations with AP were on the rise,particularly for Hispanics and Asians.However,LT hospitalizations with AP had lower inpatient mortality compared to non-LT AP hospitalizations.

Modern approach to cholecysto-choledocholithiasis

Gallstones and common bile duct calculi are found to be associated in 8%-20% of patients, leading to possible life-threatening complications, such as acute biliary pancreatitis, jaundice and cholangitis. The gold standard of care for gallbladder calculi and isolated common bile duct stones is represented by laparoscopic cholecystectomy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, respectively, while a debate still exists regarding how to treat the two diseases at the same time. Many therapeutic options are also available when the two conditions are associated, including many different types of treatment, which local professionals often administer. The need to limit maximum discomfort and risks for the patients, combined with the economic pressure of reducing costs and utilizing resources, favors single-step procedures. However, a multitude of data fail to strongly demonstrate the superiority of any technique(including a two or multi-step approach), while rigorous clinical trials that include so many different types of treatment are still lacking, and it is most likely unrealistic to conduct them in the future. Therefore, the choice of the best management is often led by the local presence of professional expertise and resources, rather than by a real superiority of one strategy over another.

Bone alterations in inflammatory bowel diseases

Inflammatory bowel diseases(IBDs)are characterized by a multifactorial partially unknown etiology that involves genetic,immunological and environmental factors.Up to 50%of IBD patients experience at least one extraintestinal manifestation;among them is the involvement of bone density which is referred to as metabolic bone disease(MBD),including osteopenia and osteoporosis.Bone alterations in IBDs population appear to have a multifactorial etiology:Decreased physical activity,inflammation-related bone resorption,multiple intestinal resections,dietary malabsorption of minerals and vitamin D deficiency,genetic factors,gut-bone immune signaling interaction,steroid treatment,microbiota and pathogenic micro-organisms interaction,and dietary malabsorption of minerals,that,all together or individually,may contribute to the alteration of bone mineral density.This review aims to summarize the prevalence and pathophysiology of metabolic bone alterations in IBD subjects outlining the main risk factors of bone fragility.We also want to underline the role of the screening and prophylaxis of bone alterations in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis patients and the importance of treating appropriately MBD.

在消化内视镜检查法的高技术成像

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.

Sarcopenia in hepatocellular carcinoma:Current knowledge and future directions

Liver cancer is the second most occurring cancer worldwide and is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths.Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)is the most common(80%-90%)type among malignant liver cancers.Sarcopenia occurs very early in HCC and can predict and provide an opportunity to improve muscle health before engaging in the treatment options such as loco-regional,systemic,and transplant management.Multiple prognostic stating systems have been developed in HCC,such as Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer,Child-Pugh score and Albumin-Bilirubin grade.However,the evaluation of patients’performance status is a major limitation of these scoring systems.In this review,we aim to summarize the current knowledge and recent advances about the role of sarcopenia in cirrhosis in general,while focusing specifically on HCC.Additionally,the role of sarcopenia in predicting clinical outcomes and prognostication in HCC patients undergoing loco-regional therapies,liver resection,liver transplantation and systematic therapy has been discussed.A literature review was performed using databases PubMed/MEDLINE,EMBASE,Cochrane,Web of Science,and CINAHL on April 1,2021,to identify published reports on sarcopenia in HCC.Sarcopenia can independently predict HCC-related mortality especially in patients undergoing treatments such as loco-regional,surgical liver transplantation and systemic therapies.Basic research is focused on evaluating a balance of anabolic and catabolic pathways responsible for muscle health.Early clinical studies have shown promising results in methods to improve sarcopenia in HCC which can potentially increase prognosis in these patients.As sarcopenia occurs very early in HCC,it can predict and provide an opportunity to improve muscle health before engaging in the treatment options such as loco-regional,systemic,and transplant management.Further,sarcopenia measurement can obviate the confounding caused by the abdominal ascites in these patients.The use of sarcopenia can add to the existing scoring systems to better prognosticate the HCC.

Oncologic safety of colonic stenting as a bridge to surgery in leftsided malignant colonic obstruction:Current evidence and prospects

Approximately 7%-29%of patients with colorectal cancer present with colonic obstruction.The concept of self-expandable metal stent(SEMS)insertion as a bridge to surgery(BTS)is appealing.However,concerns on colonic stenting possibly impairing oncologic outcomes have been raised.This study aimed to review current evidence on the short-and long-term oncologic outcomes of SEMS insertion as BTS for left-sided malignant colonic obstruction.For short-term outcomes,colonic stenting facilitates a laparoscopic approach,increases the likelihood of primary anastomosis without a stoma,and may decrease postoperative morbidity.However,SEMS-related perforation also increases local recurrence and impairs overall survival.Moreover,colonic stenting may cause negative oncologic outcomes even without perforation.SEMS can induce shear forces on the tumor,leading to increased circulating cancer cells and aggressive pathological characteristics,including perineural and lymphovascular invasion.The conflicting evidence has led to discordant guidelines.Well-designed collaborative studies that integrate both oncologic outcomes and data on basic research(e.g.,alteration of circulating tumors)are needed to clarify the actual benefit of colonic stenting as BTS.

Staple-line leak after sleve gastrectomy in obese patients: A hot topic in bariatric surgery

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is a surgical procedure that is being increasingly performed on obese patients. Among its complications, leaks are the most serious and life threatening. The placement of esophageal, covered, self-expandable metal stents in these cases has been performed by many authors but reports on the outcome of this procedure are limited and the technical aspects are not well defined. Stent migration is the main complication of the procedure and poses a challenge to the surgeon, with a limited number of options. Here we evaluate the technical and clinical outcome of a new, dedicated, self-expanding metal stent, comparing the advantages of this stent to those traditionally used to treat staple-line leak after sleeve gastrectomy. While published data are limited, they seem support the use of this kind of new stent as the best option for the stenting treatment of a staple-line leak after sleeve gastrectomy, over other kinds of stents. Further studies based on larger series are needed to better evaluate patient outcome.

Over-the-scope clips in the treatment of gastrointestinal tract iatrogenic perforation: A multicenter retrospective study and a classification of gastrointestinal tract perforations

AIM: To determine the outcome of the management of iatrogenic gastrointestinal tract perforations treated by over-the-scope clip(OTSC) placement.METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 20 patients(13 female and 7 male; mean age: 70.6 ± 9.8 years) in eight high-volume tertiary referral centers with upper or lower iatrogenic gastrointestinal tract perforation treated by OTSC placement. Gastrointestinal tract perforation could be with oval-shape or with round-shape. Ovalshape perforations were closed by OTSC only by suction and the round-shape by the "twin-grasper" plus suction. RESULTS: Main perforation diameter was 10.1 ± 4.3 mm(range 3-18 mm). The technical success rate was 100%(20/20 patients) and the clinical success rate was 90%(18/20 patients). Two patients(10%) who did not have complete sealing of the defect underwent surgery. Based upon our observations we propose two types of perforation: Round-shape "type-1 perforation" and oval-shape "type-2 perforation". Eight(40%) out of the 20 patients had a type-1 perforation and 12 patients a type-2(60%). CONCLUSION: OTSC placement should be attempted after perforation occurring during diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopy. A failed closure attempt does not impair subsequent surgical treatment.

Lobar lung transplantation from deceased donors: A systematic review

AIM To systematically review reports on deceased-donor-lobar lung transplantation(dd LLTx) and uniformly describe sizematching using the donor-to-recipient predicted-total lung-capacity(pT LC) ratio. METHODS We set out to systematically review reports on ddL LTx and uniformly describe size matching using the donorto-recipient pT LC ratio and to summarize reported oneyear survival data of ddL LTx and conventional-LTx. We searched in Pub Med, CINAHL via EBSCO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews via Wiley(CDSR),Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects via Wiley(DARE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials via Wiley(CENTRAL), Scopus(which includes EMBASE abstracts), and Web of Science for original reports on ddL LTx. RESULTS Nine observational cohort studies reporting on 301 ddL LTx met our inclusion criteria for systematic review of size matching, and eight for describing one-year-survival. The dd LLTx-group was often characterized by high acuity;however there was heterogeneity in transplant indications and pre-operative characteristics between studies. Data to calculate the pT LC ratio was available for 242 ddL LTx(80%). The mean pT LCratio before lobar resection was1.25 ± 0.3 and the transplanted pT LCratio after lobar resection was 0.76 ± 0.2. One-year survival in the ddL LTxgroup ranged from 50%-100%, compared to 72%-88%in the conventional-LTx group. In the largest study ddL LTx(n = 138) was associated with a lower one-year-survival compared to conventional-LTx(n = 539)(65.1% vs84.1%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Further investigations of optimal donor-to-recipient size matching parameters for ddL LTx could improve outcomes of this important surgical option.

Advances in treatment and prevention of hepatitis B

Chronic hepatitis B(CHB)continues to contribute to worldwide morbidity and mortality significantly.Scientists,clinicians,pharmaceutical companies,and health organizations have dedicated substantial Intellectual and monetary resources to finding a cure,increasing immunization rates,and reducing the global burden of CHB.National and international health-related organizations including the center for disease control,the national institute of health,the American Association for the study of liver disease(AASLD),The European association for the study of the Liver(EASL),The Asia Pacific association for the study of the Liver(APASL)and the world health organization release periodic recommendations for disease prevention and treatment.Our review of the most recent guidelines by EASL,AASLD,APASL,and Taiwan Association for the Study of the Liver revealed that an overwhelming majority of cited studies were published before 2018.We reviewed Hepatitis B-related literature published 2018 onwards to identify recent developments and current barriers that will likely direct future efforts towards eradicating hepatitis B.The breakthrough in our understanding of the hepatitis B virus life cycle and resulting drug development is encouraging with significant room for further progress.Data from high-risk populations,most vulnerable to the devastating effects of hepatitis B infection and reactivation remain sparse.Utilization of systems approach,optimization of experimental models,identification and validation of next-generation biomarkers,and precise modulation of the human immune response will be critical for future innovation.Within the foreseeable future,new treatments will likely complement conventional therapies rather than replace them.Most Importantly,pragmatic management of CHB related population health challenges must be prioritized to produce real-world results.

Secondary aortoduodenal fistula

Aorto-duodenal fistulae (ADF) are the most frequent aorto-enteric fistulae (80%), presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. We report the first case of a man with a secondary aorto-duodenal fistula presenting with a history of persistent occlusive syndrome. A 59-year old man who underwent an aortic-bi-femoral bypass 5 years ago, presented with dyspepsia and biliary vomiting. Computed tomography scan showed in the third duodenal segment the presence of inflammatory tissue with air bubbles between the duodenum and prosthesis, adherent to the duodenum. The patient was submitted to surgery, during which the prosthesis was detached from the duodenum, the intestine failed to close and a gastro-jejunal anastomosis was performed. The post-operative course was simple, secondary ADF was a complication (0.3%-2%) of aortic surgery. Mechanical erosion of the prosthetic material into the bowel was due to the lack of interposed retroperitoneal tissue or the excessive pulsation of redundantly placed grafts or septic procedures. The third or fourth duodenal segment was most frequently involved. Diagnosis of ADF was difficult. Surgical treatment is always recommended by explorative laparotomy. ADF must be suspected whenever a patient with aortic prosthesis has digestive bleeding or unexplained obstructive syndrome. Rarely the clinical picture of ADF is subtle presenting as an obstructive syndrome and in these cases the principal goal is to effectively relieve the mechanical bowel obstruction.

Esophageal papilloma: Flexible endoscopic ablation by radiofrequency

Squamous papilloma of the esophagus is a rare benign lesion of the esophagus. Radiofrequency ablation is an established endoscopic technique for the eradication of Barrett esophagus. No cases of endoscopic ablation of esophageal papilloma by radiofrequency ablation(RFA) have been reported. We report a case of esophageal papilloma successfully treated with a single session of radiofrequency ablation. Endoscopic ablation of the lesion was achieved by radiofrequency using a new catheter inserted through the working channel of endoscope. The esophageal ablated tissue was removed by a specifically designed cup. Complete ablation was confirmed at 3 mo by endoscopy with biopsies. This case supports feasibility and safety of as a new potential indication for BarrxTM RFA in patients with esophageal papilloma.