Emergency Endoscopy Research Articles

Influence of pre-endoscopic duration of esophageal food impaction on endoscopy time and postprocedure adverse events

ObjectivesEsophageal food bolus impaction is a medical emergency and 10-20% of impacted food boluses will require endoscopic removal. Emergent and prolonged procedures are associated with increased adverse events. We are interested in the relationship between the pre-endoscopic duration of esophageal food impaction and the duration of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) performed to remove the impacted food bolus.MethodsBetween 2010 and 2021, we examined EGD procedures performed for esophageal food impaction. Subjects were classified according to pre-endoscopic duration of food impaction.ResultsWe found a positive correlation between pre-endoscopic duration of food impaction and procedure length (r=0.18). Esophageal impactions with mixed foods resulted in the longest procedure duration (p<0.05). Increasing age, male gender, and duration of impaction greater than 42 hours were significantly associated with increased procedure duration (p<0.05). Esophageal perforations, prolonged intubations, admissions following EGD, and readmissions were associated with EGD duration greater than 25.5 minutes. No adverse events occurred in patients who underwent EGD within 6 hours of symptom onset.ConclusionsIn the case of an esophageal food impaction, the time between symptom onset and endoscopy is positively correlated with procedure length and risk of adverse outcomes. We suggest that food impaction should remain an indication for emergent endoscopy. Prospective studies evaluating the safety and outcomes of prolonged time to endoscopy will further clarify the management of esophageal food impactions.

Prediction of the need for emergency endoscopic treatment for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and new score model: a retrospective study

BackgroundGastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major gastrointestinal diseases. In this study, our objective was to compare Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), AIMS65 score, MAP score, Modified GBS, and Iino score as outcome measures for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. In addition, we extracted factors associated with hemostatic procedures including endoscopy, and proposed a new robust score model.MethodsFrom January 2015 to December 2019, 675 patients with symptoms such as hematemesis who visited the National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center and underwent urgent upper endoscopy with diagnosis of suspected non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding were retrospectively reviewed. We evaluated the GBS, AIMS65 score, MAP score, Modified GBS, and Iino score, and assessed the outcomes of patients requiring hemostatic treatments at the subsequent emergency endoscopy. We performed logistic regression analysis of factors related to endoscopic hemostasis and upper gastrointestinal bleeding, created a new score model, and evaluated the prediction of hemostatic treatment and mortality in the new score and the existing scores.ResultsThe factors associated with endoscopic treatment were hematemesis, heart rate, HB (hemoglobin), blood pressure, blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Based on these predictors and the partial regression coefficients, a new score named H3B2 (using the initial letters of hematemesis, heart rate, HB, blood pressure, and BUN) was generated. H3B2 score was slightly more discriminatory compared to GBS and Modified GBS (area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUROC): 0.73 versus 0.721 and 0.7128, respectively) in predicting hemostatic treatment in emergency endoscopy. The H3B2 score also showed satisfactory prediction accuracy for subsequent deaths (AUROC: 0.6857. P < 0.001).ConclusionsWe proposed a new score, the H3B2 score, consisting of simple and objective indices in cases of suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The H3B2 score is useful in identifying high-risk patients with suspected upper gastrointestinal bleeding who require urgent hemostatic treatment including emergency endoscopy.

Endoscopy for upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a tertiary hospital in Kaduna, North-West Nigeria: Experience and findings.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGIE) makes diagnosis and treatment possible; performing this procedure within 24 h of bleeding is considered the standard of care for managing this condition. Access to upper endoscopy improves the prognosis of the disease. We present our experience and findings of performing UGIE in patients referred for UGIB to a new endoscopy unit in a tertiary center in North-West Nigeria. The age, gender, reasons for referral, interval between endoscopy, and last known episode of bleeding and endoscopic findings were obtained from endoscopy records. We performed UGIE in 204 patients for UGIB over a 7-year period: Mean age 45.5 years (range 10-88 years), 61.8% male, 54.8% <50 years. Most patients (81.3%) had endoscopy seven or more days after the last known episode of bleeding and none had endoscopy within 24 h. Esophageal and gastric varices were found in almost 30% of patients while peptic ulcer disease was found in 23%. Portal hypertensive gastropathy was found in 12.7% of patients all of whom also had esophageal or gastric varices. Gastric mucosal erosions (7.4%) and gastric malignancy (6.4%) were other notable findings. No significant abnormalities were detected in 11.8% of patients. Bleeding from esophageal/gastric varices and peptic ulcer disease were the most common finding in our patients. There was delay in performing endoscopy and improving access and training for endoscopy will go a long way in addressing some of the challenges we identified.

Massive Hemorrhage Due to Aortoesoghageal Fistula in an 11-Months-Old Infant: A Case Report

Aortoesophageal Fistula (AEF) with no prior history of cardiac disease or trauma is an uncommon but a mortal cause of Upper Gastro Intestinal Bleeding (UGIB) in children.&#x0D; In pediatric patients, AEF is mainly due to a congenital cardiac or vascular anomaly or foreign body ingestion. There are surgical, endoscopic, and interventional radiological treatment options; however, definitive treatment is surgical intervention. Because of the rapid and devastating course, diagnosis and treatment decision should be made quickly.&#x0D; In this article, we report a case of an 11-months-old infant who presented with hematemesis due to a primary aortoesophageal fistula. The patient was transported to the operating theater for an emergency endoscopy. He suffered massive hematemesis in the operating room and an emergency laparotomy was performed but no source of bleeding was detected. An undiagnosed AEF was found and repaired during a left thoracotomy. Despite massive volume resuscitation, the patient passed away four hours later in the PICU. The etiology of the fistula remains unknown.

Emergency computed tomography evaluation of caustic ingestion.

Computed tomography (CT) is used increasingly for the emergency assessment of caustic injuries and the need for emergency endoscopy has been challenged. The study evaluates outcomes of caustic ingestion in the modern era and the feasibility of abandoning emergency endoscopy. Between 2013 and 2019, 414 patients (197 men, median age 42years) were admitted for caustic ingestion. Emergency and long-term outcomes of patients managed by CT and endoscopy (n = 120) and by CT alone (n = 294) were compared. Propensity score-based analysis was performed to limit bias of between-group comparison. A standard mortality ratio (SMR) was used to compare the observed mortality with the expected mortality in the general French population. Complications occurred in 97 (23%) patients and 17 (4.1%) patients died within 90days of ingestion. Among 359 patients who underwent nonoperative management, 51 (14%) experienced complications and 7 (2%) died. Of 55 patients who underwent emergency surgery, 46 (84%) experienced complications and 10 (18%) died. The SMR was 8.4 for whole cohort, 5.5 after nonoperative management, and 19.3 after emergency surgery. On multivariate analysis, intentional ingestion (P < 0.016), age (P < 0.0001) and the CT grade of esophageal injuries (P < 0.0001) were independent predictors of survival. The CT grade of esophageal injuries was the only independent predictor of success (P < 0.0001). Crude and propensity match analysis showed similar survival in patients managed with and without endoscopy. CT evaluation alone can be safely used for the emergency management of caustic ingestion.

The impact of Covid-19 pandemic on Gastroenterology Department activity of Da Nang Hospital

Objective: Covid-19 is a global pandemic that severely affects healthcare systems around the world. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of Covid-19 in the treatment and operation of the Department of Gastroenterology, Da Nang Hospital. Materials and menthods: Retrospective descriptive study was conducted from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020 at the Department of Gastroenterology, Da Nang Hospital. Results: During the period of 02 years, a total of 12,282 patients were included to our analysis (in 2019: 7838 patients, with 54.4% male 45.6% female, mean age 51, 46 ± 18.87 years. In 2020: 4446 patients with 57.2% male and 42.8% female, mean age 52.05 ± 18.36 years). During the Covid-19 epidemic, the most common groups of hospitalized symptoms included melena (7.3%), Hematochezia (6.3%), Hematemesis (6.3%) and jaundice (8.3%). Similarly, the disease groups increased the rate of hospitalization such as gastric ulcer (15.6% compared to before the epidemic 11.9%, p &lt; 0.001), combined gastro-duodenum ulcer (4.7% compared to 3.1%, p &lt; 0.01), stomach cancer (5.1% vs 3.4%, p &lt; 0.01), colorectal cancer (14.7% vs 10.3%, p &lt; 0.01), cirrhosis (58% vs 54.4%, p &lt; 0.05), acute hepatitis (9.7% vs 5.8%, p &lt; 0.05), acute pancreatitis (70.7% versus 63.1%, p &lt; 0.05). In particular, the number of gastrointestinal endoscopy decreased significantly during the Covid-19 epidemic compared with before the epidemic (17156 timescompared with 10880, p &lt; 0.001), of which the number of gastroscopy and ERCP was mainly reduced. In contrast, the rate of emergency endoscopy increased significantly compared to the pre-epidemic period (6.69% vs 5.85%, p &lt; 0.01), so the number of endoscopy intervention also increased significantly (5.29% vs 2.71%, p &lt; 0.001) as well as the need for surgical intervention also increased (5.6% vs 4.2%, p &lt; 0.001). The rate of patients with complications and death was also higher during the Covid-19 epidemic than before the epidemic, respectively (2.5% vs 1.7%, p &lt; 0.01), mortality (1.4% vs 0.9%, p &lt; 0.01) and duration of hospitalization were also longer (6.7 ± 4.54 vs 6.44 ± 4.68 days, p &lt; 0.01). Conclusion: The Covid-19 pandemic has significantly reduced the number of patients at the Department of Gastroenterology, Da Nang Hospital. It is necessary to change the mode of operation to flexibly adapt to the current situation. Thereby helping to significantly reduce the impact on non-Covid-19 patients Key words: Covid-19 pandemic, Department of Gastroenterology, Da Nang Hospital

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Performed by Gastroenterologists: Opportunistic Screening Strategy for Newly Diagnosed Head and Neck Cancers

AimApproximately 66% of head and neck cancers are diagnosed at an advanced stage. This prospective study aimed to detect newly diagnosed head and neck cancers using regular upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy with oral-pharynx-larynx examination.MethodsA total of 2,849 patients underwent UGI endoscopy with an additional oral-pharynx-larynx examination. Patients aged < 20 years, those who were pregnant, had a history of head and neck cancers, were undergoing emergency endoscopy, and had a poor laryngopharyngeal view were excluded. The symptoms, incidence, location, pathology, and stage of malignant neoplasms were investigated.ResultsA total of 2,720 patients were enrolled. Endoscopically observable 23 abnormal findings (0.85%) included 18 (0.66%) benign lesions and 5 (0.18%) newly diagnosed malignant neoplasms. Notably, 4 (80%) of 5 patients with malignant neoplasms were diagnosed at an early stage (Stage 0, I, and II).ConclusionsUGI endoscopy with oral-pharynx-larynx examination can achieve opportunistic head neck cancer screening and is recommended for every patient in endoscopy units.

Modified N score is helpful for identifying patients who need endoscopic intervention among those with black stools without hematemesis.

Although black stools are one of the signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, not all patients without hematemesis need endoscopic intervention. There is no apparent indicator to select who needs treatment thus far. The aim of this study was to establish a novel score that predicts the need for endoscopic intervention in patients with black stools without hematemesis. We retrospectively enrolled 721 consecutive patients with black stools without hematemesis who underwent emergency endoscopy from two facilities. In the development stage (from January 2016 to December 2018), risk factors that predict the need for endoscopic intervention were determined from the data of 422 patients by multivariate logistic regression analysis, and a novel scoring system, named the modified Nagoya University score (modified N score), was developed. In the validation stage (from January 2019 to September 2020), we evaluated the diagnostic value of the modified N score for 299 patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed four predictive factors for endoscopic intervention: syncope, the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) level, and the BUN/creatinine ratio as positive indicators and anticoagulant drug use as a negative indicator. In the validation stage, the area under the curve of the modified N score was 0.731, and the modified N score showed a sensitivity of 82.0% and a specificity of 58.8%. Our modified N score, which consists of only four factors, can identify patients who need endoscopic intervention among those with black stools without hematemesis.

Risk stratifying patients with non-varicosic upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage using the Glasgow-Blatchford score: A case series of 91 patients

IntroductionNon-variceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH) often leads to systematic hospitalization and emergency endoscopy. However, in most cases, it does not constitute an immediate life threat. This study aimed to evaluate the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) in predicting the need for transfusions, and/or endoscopic or surgical treatments. Materials and methodsWe conducted a retrospective monocentric study including 91 patients admitted in the general surgery department of the Hospital La Rabta Tunis for a NVUGIH.Univariate analysis was performed with the Student t-test for continuous variables and with the Chi-square test for categorical variables. For a cut-off point of 9, we calculated the sensibility and the sensitivity of the GBS to predict the need for transfusions and/or hemostatic procedure. ResultsDuring the study period, 91 patients were admitted for NVUGIH. Sixty-one patients (67%) were transfused. Seven patients (7.7%) underwent emergency surgery and two patients had endoscopic hemostasis.The predictive factors for the use of transfusion and/or hemostasic treatments were: Age >50 years, ASA score, HR ≥ 90 bpm, pallor, Hb ≤ 9,5 g/dl, Urea ≥9,7 mmol/L.For a cut-off of 9 points of the GBS, sensitivity was 85.71% and specificity 92.86%. The positive predictive value was 96%. The negative predictive value was 74%. ConclusionThe main interest of the GBS lies in dispatching the patients between intensive care units for therapeutic intervention (if GBS> = 9) and ordinary hospitalization for surveillance (if GBS <9). It then makes it possible to rationalize the management of patients with digestive hemorrhage to identify those requiring hospital treatments (transfusion, endoscopic treatment, or surgery).

Treatment Strategies in Emergency Endoscopy for Acute Esophageal Variceal Bleeding (CHESS1905): A Nationwide Cohort Study.

Background and AimsEmergency endoscopy is recommended for patients with acute esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) and their prognosis has improved markedly over past decades due to the increased specialization of endoscopic practice. The study aimed to compare outcomes following emergency endoscopic injection sclerotherapy (EIS) and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in cirrhotic patients with acute EVB.MethodsCirrhotic patients with acute EVB who underwent emergency endoscopy were retrospectively enrolled from 2013 to 2020 across 34 university hospitals from 30 cities. The primary outcome was the incidence of 5-day rebleeding after emergency endoscopy. Subgroup analysis was stratified by Child-Pugh class and bleeding history. A 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) analysis was performed.ResultsA total of 1,017 and 382 patients were included in EIS group and EVL group, respectively. The 5-day rebleeding incidence was similar between EIS group and EVL group (4% vs. 5%, P = 0.45). The result remained the same after PSM (P = 1.00). Among Child-Pugh class A, B and C patients, there were no differences in the 5-day rebleeding incidence between the two groups after PSM (P = 0.25, 0.82, and 0.21, respectively). As for the patients with or without bleeding history, the differences between EIS group and EVL group were not significant after PSM (P = 1.00 and 0.26, respectively).ConclusionThe nationwide cohort study indicates that EIS and EVL are both efficient emergency endoscopic treatment strategies for acute EVB. EIS should not be dismissed as an economical and effective emergency endoscopic treatment strategy of acute EVB. ClincialTrials.gov number NCT04307264.

Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on the Management of Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in the Emergency Department: A Cohort Study

Background and study aims: During the COVID-19 pandemic, endoscopic procedures were associated with a high risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, in cases of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), priority should be given to early endoscopy. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic and the lockdown on the performance of digestive endoscopy for UGIB. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective observational cohort of 350 patients, conducted between January 2019 and December 2020, in the emergency endoscopy department of our institution. We have divided our patients into two groups, according to the period in which they were admitted (respectively pre-pandemic and pandemic periods corresponding to the year 2019 and 2020), and we have split the pandemic period into 3 subgroups according to the lockdown, each of these 3 phases was compared to its counterpart of the pre-pandemic period by adapting the same dates. Results: There was no difference in the number of admissions for UGIB before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. However, patients admitted during the pandemic period were significantly older. Peptic ulcer remained the main cause of UGIB in both study periods, with a significant decrease in the pandemic period. The subgroups analysis of the pandemic and pre-pandemic period showed that patients admitted during the lockdown phase were significantly older, with a significant decrease in the ulcerative origin of UGIB and an increase in the need for endoscopic haemostasis procedures, whereas during the post-lockdown period, there was furthermore an increase in the number of patients with UGIB of neoplastic origin. Conclusion: Despite the current epidemiological context, digestive endoscopy must be performed within the usual timeframe while adopting adequate precaution measures. Our study suggest that the reorganisation of our endoscopy department during the pandemic was effective in coping with routine endoscopic emergencies during this ........

Vanishing tumor of the stomach

Vanishing tumor of the stomach

A118 UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL HEMORRHAGE SECONDARY TO SUPERIOR MESENTERIC ARTERY PSEUDOANEURYSM: CASE REPORT AND REVIEW OF LITERATURE

BackgroundVisceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) are rare with an estimated incidence of 0.1%-0.2%. Due to various etiologies, a tear occurs in the vessel wall with subsequent formation of a peri-artery hematoma. A ruptured VAPA is a clinical emergency due to life-threatening hemorrhage and is associated with mortality rates of 25%-75%.AimsWe report a case of upper gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage secondary to a ruptured superior mesenteric artery (SMA) pseudoaneurysm. A review of the literature regarding management of VAPAs and SMA pseudoaneurysms was performed using relevant medical subject headings on PubMed.MethodsA 66-year-old woman presented to hospital with sudden large volume hematemesis and melena. Her daily medications included Aspirin and Atorvastatin. She had no prior history of peptic ulcers or chronic liver disease. She was found to be tachycardic and hypotensive. Initial investigations demonstrated a hemoglobin of 42g/L and a blood urea nitrogen of 17.5mmol/L. She was resuscitated and referred for an emergent upper endoscopy. On endoscopy, in the third portion of the duodenum, a 4cm solid-appearing subepithelial lesion with central umbilication and an apparent visible vessel was identified. Upon inspection of the lesion, the umbilicated area spontaneously began spurting blood (Image 1). A hemoclip was immediately placed next to the lesion for localization, then hemostatic powder was applied to the area. An immediate computerized tomography (CT) angiography of the abdomen revealed a 3.9 x 2.1 cm pseudoaneurysm arising from the superior mesenteric artery impressing upon the duodenum.ResultsTranscathether arterial embolization of the SMA pseudoaneurysm was performed, during which two Nester coils were deposited in the ileocolic outflow vessel. A covered endovascular stent was also deployed across the culprit arterial branch to exclude the pseudoaneurysm. Following the procedure, the patient stabilized and had no further GI bleeding. Traditionally, visceral angiography has been the gold standard diagnostic test for VAPAs, but has now been supplanted by CT angiography. Treatment strategies of VAPAs can be broadly separated into endovascular methods (coils, vascular plugs, stents, liquid embolic agents) and surgical methods (aneurysmectomy with patching, end-to-end anastomosis, bypass grafting).ConclusionsSMA pseudoaneurysms are a rare yet life-threatening cause of GI bleeding. Endoscopically, they resemble solid subepithelial masses, such as GI stromal tumor, nerve sheath tumor or a lipoma, which may lead to inappropriate attempts to biopsy the lesion or apply direct endoscopic therapy. Prompt diagnosis with imaging, such as CT angiography, is paramount with a view to definitive treatment of the pseudoaneurysm via endovascular methods. Actively hemorrhagic SMA pseudoaneurysmFunding AgenciesNone

Changes in the Proportion of Gastrointestinal Emergency Endoscopy and Peptic Ulcer Disease During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Local Retrospective Observational Study From Vietnam.

ObjectivesThe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has disrupted the practice of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy units and may increase the risk of digestive disorders. We described the situational changes in GI endoscopy and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) proportion during COVID-19 in Vietnam and examined the associated factors.MethodsA retrospective ecological study was conducted on data of Hanoi Medical University Hospital, Vietnam. The number of upper GI endoscopy and the proportion of GI emergency endoscopy and PUD were compared between 2019 and 2020 by month (January to June). Log-binomial regression was used to explore associated factors of GI emergency endoscopy and PUD.ResultsThe number of endoscopies decreased remarkably during the nationwide social distancing in April 2020. Compared to April 2019, the proportion in April 2020 of both GI emergency endoscopy [4.1 vs. 9.8%, proportion ratio (PR) 2.39, 95% CI 2, 2.87], and PUD [13.9 vs. 15.8%; PR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.01, 1.29] was significantly higher. In log-binomial models, the proportion of GI emergency endoscopy was higher in April 2020 compared to April 2019 (adjusted PR, 2.41; 95% CI, 2.01, 2.88). Male sex and age of ≥50 years were associated with an increased PUD and GI emergency conditions.ConclusionThe proportion of both GI emergency endoscopy and PUD was significantly higher during the time of the state of emergency due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 when compared to 2019 at the same health facility in Vietnam. The findings suggest that healthcare delivery reforms during the era of an emerging pandemic are required to reduce digestive disorders, in particular, and chronic diseases in general.

Emergent Endoscopy for Esophageal Foreign Body Removal: The Impact of Location.

BackgroundTimely intervention is essential for the successful removal of ingested foreign bodies. Emergent endoscopy (EGD) is usually performed in the emergency department (ED), operating room (OR), intensive care unit (ICU), or endoscopy suite. However, because the endoscopy suite is not always available, this study investigated the impact of location outside of the endoscopy suite on the successful removal of ingested foreign bodies and other patient outcomes.MethodologyWe reviewed charts of patients who underwent EGD for foreign body removal at an academic quaternary center between January 01, 2012, and December 31, 2020. We defined successful EGD as retrieval of the foreign body at the first attempt and not requiring subsequent endoscopy or surgical intervention. We performed descriptive and inferential statistical analyses and conducted classification and regression trees to compare endoscopy procedure length (EPL) and hospital length of stay (HLOS) between different locations.ResultsWe analyzed 77 patients, of whom 13 (17%) underwent endoscopy in the ICU, 46 (60%) in the OR, and 18 (23%) in the ED. Endoscopic removal failed in four (5%) patients. Endoscopy length was significantly shorter in the OR (67 (48-122) minutes) versus the ICU (158 (95-166) minutes, P = 0.004) and the ED (111 (92-155) minutes, P = 0.009). Time to procedure was similar if the procedure was performed in the ED (278 minutes), the ICU (331 minutes), or the OR (378 minutes). The median (interquartile range) of HLOS for the OR group (0.87 (0.54-2.03) days) was significantly shorter than the ICU group (2.26 (1.47-6.91) days, P = 0.007).ConclusionsWhile performing endoscopy for esophageal foreign body removal in the OR may be associated with a shorter EPL and HLOS, no location was inferior for overall outcomes. Further prospective and randomized studies are needed to confirm our findings.

THE PREDICTIVITY OF RISK SCORES IN UPPER GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDINGS

Upper gastrointestinal bleedings are still a challenge for gastroenterologists as well as for physicians in the emergency departments. They are one of the most frequent causes for admission in the world. As a result, numerous risk assessment scores were described, some including accessible variables, some others including the need for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to quantify the risk of mortality, the implementation of emergency endoscopy, the risk of rebleeding, and the necessity of blood transfusion.

Patient with gastric cancer who underwent distal gastrectomy after treatment of COVID-19 infection diagnosed by preoperative PCR screening

BackgroundBecause of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, preoperative screenings for COVID-19 infection are often performed in many institutions. Some patients are diagnosed with COVID-19 infection by antigen tests or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing for COVID-19, even if they have no symptoms, such as fever or respiratory symptoms. We herein describe a patient with gastric cancer who underwent distal gastrectomy 6 weeks after recovering from COVID-19 infection diagnosed by preoperative PCR.Case presentationAn 86-year-old man was transferred to our hospital because of hematemesis and melena. A hemorrhagic gastric ulcer was found in the lesser curvature of the antrum by emergency endoscopy. Endoscopic hemostasis was performed, and he was discharged after recovery. A tumor-like lesion in the lesser curvature of the antrum was found on repeat endoscopy and was diagnosed as well-differentiated adenocarcinoma by biopsy. There was no evidence of lymph node metastasis or distant metastasis; therefore, we planned radical surgery. However, he was diagnosed with COVID-19 infection by preoperative PCR screening. Although he had no symptoms, such as fever or respiratory symptoms, he was hospitalized because of his advanced age. He was discharged 10 days after admission, and repeat COVID-19 PCR was negative. We planned radical surgery for the stomach tumor 6 weeks after recovery from the COVID-19 infection. A PCR-negative COVID-19 status was confirmed again before hospitalization. Open distal gastrectomy with Billroth I reconstruction was performed. We avoided ultrasonic scalpels and used a Crystal Vision 450D surgical smoke evacuator (I.C. Medical, Inc., Phoenix, AZ, USA) to reduce intraoperative surgical smoke. The postoperative course was uneventful.ConclusionBecause of the COVID-19 pandemic, some patients are diagnosed with COVID-19 infection by preoperative antigen tests or PCR, even if they have no symptoms. If possible, elective surgery should be performed 4 to 6 weeks after recovery from COVID-19 infection to maximize safety. Moreover, surgeons must consider intraoperative surgical smoke.

Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Practice in Pandemic Conditions

Objective A novel coronavirus, which is termed COVID-19 or SARS-CoV-2, was declared a pandemic by the WHO since March 2020. Endoscopy is a potential route for infection. Because of this reason, gastroenterology associations around the world recommended the suspension of non-emergency endoscopy. The aim of our study was to investigate the characteristics of the emergency endoscopic procedures performed during the pandemic period and compare with the same period of the previous year. Material and Methods Our endoscopy unit is the only center in the city where emergency endoscopic intervention and therapeutic endoscopic procedures are performed on adult patients. Only emergency and urgent endoscopic procedures performed between March 16 and May 18, the period when the pandemic was most intense, were evaluated. The staff in the endoscopy room used full personal protective equipment all endoscopic procedures irrespective of whether or not to test for COVID-19. Results 96 upper endoscopic (56 of them GI bleeding), 26 lower endoscopic (14 of them GI bleeding, mostly malignancy) and 27 ERCP procedures were carried out. Only one patient that 62 years old male, with a negative typical symptom query, was detected PCR positive for COVID-19 on the same day after the procedure. In the same period in 2019, we had performed 98 upper and 25 lower endoscopies and 99 ERCP for emergency indications. Conclusion COVID-19 pandemic process caused extreme changes in endoscopy procedure practice and also indications. All endoscopy units should always be accoutered for the management of emergency endoscopy procedures such as gastrointestinal bleeding.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Skills Transfer to Clinical Practice after Hands-On Workshops: An International Survey

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a complex procedure, requiring enhanced technical skills. Translation into clinical practice of ESD training programs has not been documented. Our aim was to assess ESD training pathways of endoscopists participating in dedicated workshops and its clinical impact on ESD outcomes. Methods: Participants of live porcine models ESD workshops, from 2013 to 2019, were included. They were invited to complete a survey focusing on human ESD performance after training, prior skills/competencies, complete learning pathway, and clinical outcomes. Results: From 118 invited participants, 40 (34%) completed the questionnaire. Nineteen (47%) endoscopists performed human ESD after the workshop, predominantly male (89%). At the beginning of human ESD, endoscopists had a mean of 7.7 (standard deviation (SD) 4.1) years of endoscopic experience and were all performing endoscopic mucosal resection (and emergency endoscopy. Before ESD practice, 100% of the participants were trained with live animal models and 68% with ex vivo models. The majority started clinical ESD in the lower third of the stomach or rectum (90%), with lesions ≤30 mm (89%). Each endoscopist performed a median of 19 (interquartile range 8–32) cumulative ESDs, over a mean of 3.9 (SD 2.0) years. Total en bloc resection rate was 92%, R0 resection rate 88%, and curative resection rate 86%, whereas adverse events remained <10%. Endoscopists with >10 human ESD procedures achieve clinical competence thresholds. Conclusions: Participants of ESD workshops are adequately skilled prior to clinical ESD, complying with recommendations for training and properly implementing the technique. Transfer to clinical practice, of prior ESD skills obtained in hands-on training courses, was documented. Structured training programs achieve clinical outcomes exceeding established standards, namely in the very initial clinical phase.

Refractory post-band ligation bleeding misdiagnosed as esophageal varix rupture caused by primary biliary cirrhosis: A case report

A 71-year-old woman had refractory post-band ligation esophageal bleeding although emergency EVL was carried out nine times in total. She was originally considered the esophageal variceal hemorrhage in Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC). Through discussion at a multidisciplinary meeting, we could reach an appropriate diagnosis of PBC and incomplete CREST overlap syndrome. It was difficult to distinguish hemorrhagic telangiectasia from bleeding esophageal varices, and argon plasma coagulation safely reduced the risk of rebleeding and necessity of emergency endoscopy. We learned again a valuable lesson that interprofessional communication is essential to overcome diagnostic error and cognitive bias in patients with refractory treatment. Keywords: cognitive bias; diagnostic error; interprofessional communication; PBC and CREST overlap syndrome; refractory post-band ligation bleeding.