Endoscopic Quality Research Articles

Real-Time Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Colonoscopy and the Effect of Endoscopist Experience on Polyp Detection Rates at a Tertiary Referral Center

Abstract Background: In recent years, new technology has emerged with the potential to considerably influence the future landscape of gastrointestinal endoscopy. One example of this is real-time artificial intelligence-assisted colonoscopy (AIC). Reported improvements in polyp detection rate (PDR) and adenoma detection rate (ADR) over standard colonoscopy (SC) have led to its rapid adoption in several tertiary endoscopy centers worldwide. However, many clinicians have mixed attitudes concerning the use of AIC. Similar to other skill-based procedures, the quality of endoscopy is directly proportional to the technical expertise and proficiency of the endoscopist. Objective: To evaluate the use of real-time AIC versus SC at a tertiary, high-volume referral center. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Settings: Single tertiary referral center. Patient and Methods: Data was retrospectively analyzed from patients who underwent elective colonoscopy at Singapore General Hospital from August 1, 2022 to October 31, 2022. Main Outcome Measures: The primary study outcome was PDR and ADR. Subgroup analysis assessed the differences in polyp detection according to the experience level of the endoscopist. Sample Size: Eight hundred and fifty-nine patients. Results: Over the 3-month study period, 859 patients underwent complete colonoscopies performed by nine accredited endoscopists; 430 patients underwent SC and 429 underwent AIC. Both groups were statistically similar in age, gender, and indication for colonoscopy. The median ADR was 34.2% (range, 24.6%–57.3%) for the entire cohort. Overall detection rates were higher for AIC than SC for diminutive polyps (≤5 mm) (45.7% vs 38.6%, P = 0.045), sessile polyps (48.5% vs 37.4%, P = 0.009), and polyps with adenomatous (42.4% vs. 36.3%, P = 0.043) or serrated histology (1.2% vs. 0%, P = 0.025). Using SC, PDR among junior versus senior endoscopists was comparable at 47.9% vs 45.6% (P = 0.672) and ADR at 36.1% vs 36.8% (P = 0.912). With real-time AI enhancement, PDR and ADR for junior endoscopists considerably increased over their senior counterparts, with PDR at 69.5% vs 44.9% (P = 0.0001) and ADR at 50.0% vs 37.7% (P = 0.016). Among senior endoscopists, AIC did not result in any statistical improvement of PDR (P = 0.999) and ADR (P = 0.854) compared to SC. Conclusions: AIC significantly increases PDR and ADR compared to SC, particularly for detecting diminutive and sessile polyps. This benefit was only observed among less experienced endoscopists. Limitations: This study is limited by its retrospective nature, short study duration, and availability of the AI system, leading to practical constraints. Conflict of Interest: The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Harnessing Electronic Medical Record Tools to Provide Proceduralist Feedback on Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Metrics.

In 2022, the Pediatric Endoscopy Quality Improvement Network published quality metrics related to pediatric endoscopy. We utilized electronic medical record (EMR) tools to collect pediatric endoscopy quality metrics (PEQM) and to standardize proceduralist feedback. EMR tools were created to capture and display PEQM: (1) an endoscopy documentation template, (2) nursing documentation of events during endoscopy for timed calculations, and (3) a data dashboard. Dashboard metrics provided individualized PEQM feedback relative to group performance and ideals where available. Utilization of the endoscopy documentation tools and data dashboard was measured. Utility was assessed using a survey based on the Technology Adoption Model. Adoption of documentation tools has been nearly universal with positive survey outcomes. Robust dashboard visualization has been demonstrated. Use of EMR documentation tools standardized PEQM collection. Future capture and sharing of common PEQM data across institutions could help determine PEQM benchmarks.

Adenoma Detection Rate Benchmarks: An Updated Analysis.

Early-onset colorectal cancer prompted organizations to reduce the recommended screening initiation age from 50 to 45 years. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee recommends 3 priority quality indicators for colonoscopy services. The adenoma detection rate is considered the most important measure with the established benchmark based upon studies of patients 50 years or older. The incidence of polyps increases with age, so this change has an as-yet-unknown effect on the new benchmark. Five studies were reviewed. Based upon the results, 45- to 50-year-old patients should be included in facilities' adenoma detection rate calculations using the currently recommended benchmarks of 25% for women and men combined, or 20% for women and 30% for men when the genders are calculated separately. Males consistently had more adenomas than females in each of the 3 studies that separated genders, a detail that might merit gender-based adenoma detection rate determinations in some practices. One study indicated caution is advised; it recommends males and females be calculated separately and different benchmarks be used for each gender. The adenoma detection rate has been shown to increase over time. More studies are needed to guide screening quality metrics.

Evaluating the Safety and Quality of Diagnostic Colonoscopies Performed by General Surgeons: A Retrospective Study.

Introduction Colonoscopy, which is a challenging procedure and requires adequate time to master the skill, is the procedure of choice to visualize colonic mucosa to rule out many colonic pathologies. There is a dearth of published information from real clinical experiences regarding successful procedures and limitations. The end point of colonoscopy is the visualization of the cecal pole by intubating the cecum. Many Europeans and English health organizations recommend that the procedure should have a completion rate of around or above 90%. Gut preparation is an important determinant for a successful procedure and obviates the need for further invasive and/or expensive procedures such as imaging. The majority of colonoscopies are being performed by gastroenterologists (GI) throughout the world, and the role of a surgeon as an endoscopist is in debate. Before this study, neither a retrospective nor a prospective evaluation of the general surgeon's (GS) endoscopy's quality and safety had been evaluatedin our institution. Material and method This retrospective observational study was carried out from 1January2022 to 31August2022 in the Department of Surgery at Mayo Hospital, Lahore, to evaluate colonoscopy completion rates, reason for failure, and complications in terms of bleeding and perforation. All patients undergoing lower gastrointestinal endoscopy (LGiE), both elective and emergency, were included. Patients under 15 years of age and patients known to be hepatitis B-positive or hepatitis C-positive were excluded from the study. All relevant data were entered into a data sheet. Qualitative variables such as gender, cecal intubation, adjusted cecal intubation, gut preparation, reasons for failed colonoscopy, analgesia use, and complications (bleeding and perforation) were calculated as frequency and percentage. Quantitative data such as age and pain score were reported as mean and standard deviation (SD). Details obtained were tabulated and analyzed via the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 29.0 (IBM SPSS Statistics, Armonk, NY). Results A total of 57 patientdata were collected; 35.1% (n=20) were female, and 64.9% (n=37) were males. The cecal intubation rate (CIR) was 49.1% (n=28), and the adjusted rate was 71.9%, excluding incompleteness due to mass obstructing lumen, 8.8% (n=5); planned left colonoscopy, 7% (n=4); sigmoidoscopy, 3.5% (n=2); distal stoma scope, 1.8% (n=1); and colonic stricture, 1.8% (n=1). The prevalent reason for failed colonoscopy was inadequate gut preparation (15.8% {n=9}). Other reasons include patientdiscomfort, 3.5% (n=2); looping of scope, 7% (n=4); and acute colonic angulation, 1.8% (n=1). No complications were recorded. Conclusion This study shows that colonoscopy can be done by general surgeons safely and effectively with adequate training. High rates of cecal intubation emerge during colonoscopies performed under deep sedation and by skilled colonoscopists. Adequate bowel preparatory regimen is compulsory for quality procedure.

Improving Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality

Improving Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality

A150 MODERATE AGREEMENT IN ENDOSCOPIC DISEASE SCORING OF PEDIATRIC EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS AMONG PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGISTS IN CANADA

Abstract Background Endoscopy is an important tool in assessing the severity of gastrointestinal diseases including Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). Agreement regarding endoscopy outcomes is important when using tools such as the Endoscopic Reference Score for EoE (EREFS). Purpose Our goal was to determine interrater and intrarater agreement of EREFS among Canadian pediatric gastroenterologists. Method Survey-based study of interrater and intrarater reliability amongst pediatric gastroenterologists with interest in pediatric EoE. Participants were sourced from the Canadian Pediatric EoE Network. Participants were asked how many years of training they’ve had with endoscopy for pediatric EoE and their comfort in disease scoring for pediatric EoE. Pediatric EoE cases were identified from the pediatric EoE registry at the Stollery Children’s Hospital with an endoscopic video associated with each case. Participants were asked to score each video using the EREFS questionnaire for the proximal, middle and distal segments of the esophagus. 15 endoscopic videos were evaluated, with 3 cases provided each week over a period of 5 weeks. Additional data included ratings of the video quality and endoscopy quality. Of 15 cases, 12 were unique cases, distributed evenly in severity between no active disease to severe disease. 3 cases were repeated to assess intrarater reliability. The maximum grade of the proximal, middle and distal segments of the esophagus for each component endoscopic finding (edema, rings, exudates, furrows, strictures) were used for reliability calculations. Fleiss Kappa was calculated for all EREFS items and for each component endoscopic finding. Cohen’s Kappa was calculated to assess intrarater reliability. Result(s) Fifteen participants were recruited for the study. The participants had a median of 12 years (IQR: 7, 19) of clinical experience in endoscopy for pediatric EoE. The majority of participants were “comfortable” (i.e., 4 on 5-point scale) with EREFS scoring for pediatric EoE. Fleiss Kappa for all EREFS items was 0.481. For each component endoscopic finding (edema, rings, exudates, furrows, strictures), Fleiss Kappa was 0.365, 0.293, 0.548, 0.263, 0.445 respectively. Cohen’s Kappa had a median of 0.620 (IQR: 0.593, 0.704). The majority of raters rated video quality and endoscopy quality as “good” (i.e., 4 on 5-point scale). Conclusion(s) There is moderate interrater reliability in EREFS scoring for pediatric EoE. Interrater reliability was between fair to moderate for each component endoscopic finding. Intrarater reliability was good. This study shows there is room for improvement in disease scoring for pediatric EoE. This could be in the form of additional training, expert-defined conventions, or centralized reading which have reduced variability in endoscopic reporting for adult GI disease in past studies and could be used in a follow-up study to attempt to improve agreement. Additionally, incorporating EREFS into routine clinical practice may increase agreement amongst endoscopists. Please acknowledge all funding agencies by checking the applicable boxes below None Disclosure of Interest None Declared

Prime Time to Focus on Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Improvement

With all the hard work and contribution by the authors and reviewers, Journal of Digestive Endoscopy (JDE), the official journal of Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India, has completed one more successful year with its impressive endoscopy-based articles under various categories. We should always take pride in how far we have come and have faith in how far we can go. We whole heartedly thank all the authors and reviewers who had sincerely contributed to JDE in 2022 and expect the same to continue for the coming year.

Use of Simethicone After Capsule Ingestion and Its Impact on the Quality of Small Bowel Video Capsule Endoscopy: A Pilot Study.

Background Small bowel capsule endoscopy is a tool to visualize the small bowel (SB) for conditions such as obscure bleeding. Various studies have been performed to compare various bowel preparation regimens in terms of small bowel transit time (SBTT), small bowel visualization quality (SBVQ), and diagnostic yield (DY). Literature suggests that using polyethylene glycol (PEG) prep is significantly better compared to clear liquid and overnight fast in terms of SBVQ and DY. Other investigators have tried to assess the efficacy of adding simethicone to the bowel preparation regimen which seems to improve SBVQ. However, no studies have been done to assess the results of simethicone ingestion after capsule swallowing. We intend to give patients simethicone one hour after capsule ingestion for two consecutive hours and compare results for SBVQ pre-and post-ingestion groups. The objective of this study is to compare the effect of simethicone on SBVQ in pre- andpost-capsule ingestion groups. Methodology This prospective, randomized controlled trial included patients who were scheduled for outpatient capsule endoscopy at Albany Medical Center (AMC) Endoscopy Suite. Patients were divided into the control group, group 1, and the treatment group (group 2). The control group followed the standard AMC pre-capsule protocol that included PEG238 g the evening prior. Group 1 included patients who received 3 mL of simethicone (20 mg/0.3 mL) 20 minutes prior to ingesting the capsule. The treatment group (group 2) included patients who ingested simethicone 3 mL 20 minutes prior to capsule swallowing, 3 mL after one hour, and 1.5 mL after another hour, totaling 7.5 mL of simethicone. Data regarding SBVQ for every patient were evaluated as an individual zone score from 1-3 points, each in proximal, middle, and distal SB based on the SBTT. A cumulative score of 3-9 was given after adding the three zones. These scores were derived using the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale. Data analysis was done using Microsoft Excel software. Results There were six patients in the control group, eight in group 1, and eight in the treatment group (group 2). Proximal, middle, and distal SB did not show any significant difference between their SBVQ scores. Moreover, the total combined score also showed no statistical difference in the SBVQ score. Conclusions There were no statistically significant differences in the SBVQ neither while looking at the cumulative score nor individual segmental score of the entire SB. However, this is only a pilot project with a small number of subjects and results may differ in future studies with increased power.

P257 Is colorectal screening in IBD fit for purpose?

Abstract Background Patients with IBD are at increased risk of CRC with it recommended that patients with longstanding colitis undergo regular surveillance endoscopy. However, there is conflicting evidence for the quality and effectiveness of IBD surveillance programmes. We undertook an audit of the effectiveness of our surveillance programme against national standards alongside a case-note review of cases of CRC arising in patients with IBD diagnosed over the same period. Methods Sequential colonoscopies for IBD surveillance at Hampshire Hospitals Foundation Trust from 01/01/2019 to 31/12/2020 were reviewed retrospectively. The quality of the surveillance endoscopy programme was assessed against the BSG and SCENIC guidelines. Patients with CRC and IBD were identified using the International Classification of Diseases coding system over the same period with subsequent case-note review of identified cases. Results 250 colonoscopies were reviewed with 6 excluded (3 inadequate bowel preparation, 3 severe active disease) leaving 244 for analysis. 203 (83.2%) were adherent to the guidelines. Non-compliance was either due to lack of dye-spray or inadequate number of biopsies (35 had 3-10 biopsies, 6 no biopsies). Overall, 2421 random biopsies were taken along with 90 targeted biopsies and/or polypectomies. 1 adenocarcinoma (0.45%), 1 HGD (sporadic polyp), 1 LGD, and 1 indefinite lesion were detected along with 19 sporadic polyps. During the same period 9 patients were diagnosed with CRC that were not in the surveillance programme. 3 had a diagnosis of probable pre-existing IBD made at the time of diagnosis of cancer (2 UC, 1 CD), 2 had a historical diagnosis of UC but were not known to secondary care, 1 was not under surveillance due to age (85), 2 had ileocaecal CD with CRC in unaffected segment of large bowel, and 1 had colitis <8 yrs. Conclusion Our audit showed that the quality of the surveillance endoscopy had improved since our previous audit (2016) with the majority of cases now undertaken with dye-spray, and less cases undertaken by non-specialist endoscopists. Though there remains room for improvement with 16.8% non-complaint primarily due to inadequate biopsies, it was reassuring that 83.2% of procedures were performed in adherence with current guidance. Despite this only 1/10 (10%) of cases of CRC in patients with IBD were picked up through surveillance with 9/10 (90%) diagnosed in patients with IBD outside the programme. These results suggest that targeting resources at improving the surveillance programme further is likely to have a limited impact on reducing CRC in patients with IBD and that research is needed to identify and address why the majority of IBD patients that develop CRC are not reached by current surveillance strategies.

Impact of improved upper endoscopy quality on detection of gastric precancerous lesions.

Intestinal metaplasia (IM) is the point of no return in gastric carcinogenesis, and patients with extensive (antrum plus corpus) IM are at high risk of developing gastric cancer. We evaluated the impact of improved gastroscopy quality on the detection of gastric IM in an Italian area at high risk for gastric cancer. Data of consecutive patients with gastric biopsies according to the updated Sydney System observed in 2013, 2016 and 2019 resulting in IM diagnosis were retrieved. In the first period, endoscopy was performed with standard white light instruments. In the second period, preendoscopic gastric preparation was administered, and the examinations lasting at least 7 min with standard endoscopes were performed. In the third period, the latter procedure was followed, with virtual chromoendoscopy equipped instruments. The prevalence of IM in any gastric site and that of extensive IM were compared among the three periods. Data of 3485 patients were available. The detection of IM in at least one gastric site increased from 29.9 to 33.6% and 34.5% (95% CI, 32.1-36.8) in the first, second and third period, respectively. The difference was statistically significant between the first and last (P = 0.02; OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.04-1.48) period. When considering extensive IM, the detection increased from 4.28 to 6.1% and 5.44%, although the difference failed to reach statistical significance (P = 0.076). Our data showed that implementation of a quality protocol increased the probability to detect IM in the stomach, allowing us to select patients deserving stricter follow-up.

The Approach to Performance of Quality Upper Endoscopy in Lynch Syndrome (QUELS)

Strong evidence demonstrates the protective benefit of frequent colonoscopy surveillance for colorectal cancer prevention in Lynch Syndrome (LS) and is endorsed by many guidelines. Until recently, the evidence supporting the utility of upper endoscopy [esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD)] for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) cancer surveillance was limited. Over the last 3 years, multiple studies have demonstrated that EGD surveillance in LS is associated with the detection of both precancerous lesions and early-stage UGI cancers. On the basis of the emerging favorable evidence derived from EGD surveillance programs, the 2022 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) Guidelines for LS recommend UGI surveillance with EGD starting between age 30 and 40 years with repeat EGDs every 2 to 4 years, preferably in conjunction with colonoscopy, in all patients with a germline pathogenic variant (PV) in MLH1, MSH2, EPCAM, and MSH6 and, because of the lack of data, consideration in PMS2. Standardization of the approach to performing EGD surveillance in LS and reporting clinically actionable findings is requisite for both improving quality and understanding the cost efficiency and outcomes of patients undergoing EGD as a surveillance tool. Accordingly, the primary objective of this Quality of Upper Endoscopy in Lynch Syndrome (QUELS) statement is to articulate a framework for standardizing the approach to performing and reporting EGD findings in patients with LS by introducing emerging quality metrics. The recommendations presented herein were developed from available evidence and consensus-based expert opinion and provide a practical approach for clinicians applying EGD surveillance in accordance with the most recent and existing LS guidelines.

The Saudi Gastroenterology Association guidelines for quality indicators in gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.

The quality and safety of gastrointestinal endoscopy varies considerably across regions and facilities worldwide. In this field, quality management has traditionally focused on individual performance of endoscopists, with most indicators addressing process measures and limited evidence of improvement in health outcomes. Indicators of quality can be classified according to their nature and sequence. The various professional societies and organizations have proposed many systems of indicators, but a universal system is necessary so that healthcare professionals are not overburdened and confused with a variety of quality improvement approaches. In this paper, we propose guidelines by the Saudi Gastroenterology Association pertaining to quality in endoscopic procedures aiming to improve the awareness of endoscopy unit staff toward important quality indications to enhance and standardize quality of care provided to our patients.

Association Between Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire Score, Endoscopy and Biopsy in Children with Clinical Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Prospective Study.

Gastro esophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a burdensome disease affecting many children. A clinical examination is reported to be unreliable to diagnose GERD in children. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Symptom and Quality of Life Questionnaire (PGSQ) and endoscopic and histopathological findings in children with symptoms suggesting GERD. Changes in the PGSQ score in children with esophagitis as response to one month therapy were recorded as secondary outcome. This is a prospective cohort study in the pediatric outpatient clinic in an Indonesian tertiary hospital. Children aged 2-17 years old with clinical symptoms suspected of GERD are included in the study. Blinded endoscopic and histopathological examination was performed in all patients before one month proton pump inhibitors (PPI) therapy. The PGSQ information was collected at inclusion and after one month PPI treatment. Fifty-eight subjects were included. Esophagitis was found in 60.9% of subjects according to endoscopy and 58.6% according to histology. There was no significant relationship between the PGSQ score and endoscopic (p=0.781) nor biopsy (p=0.740) examinations. The PGSQ showed a low diagnostic value compared to endoscopy and biopsy (area under the curve [AUC] 0.477, p=0.477, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.326-0.629 and AUC 0.474, p=0.740 (95% CI 0.321-0.627 respectively). The PGSQ improved significantly post one month of PPI treatment. The PGSQ cannot be used to diagnose esophagitis in children with clinical symptoms suggesting GERD. However, the PGSQ can be used to monitor the treatment response in children with esophagitis.

Image quality and related outcomes of the ShuntScope for catheter implantation in pediatric hydrocephalus—experience of 65 procedures

PurposeVentricular catheter implantation in pediatric hydrocephalus can become a highly challenging task due to abnormal anatomical configuration or the need for trans-aqueductal stent placement. Transluminal endoscopy with the ShuntScope has been invented to increase the rate of successful catheter placements. This study aims to evaluate ShuntScope’s image qualities and related surgical outcomes in the pediatric population.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all pediatric patients undergoing ventricular catheter placement using the ShuntScope from 01/2012 to 01/2022 in the author’s department was performed. Demographic, clinical, and radiological data were evaluated. The visualization quality of the intraoperative endoscopy was stratified into the categories of excellent, medium, and poor and compared to the postoperative catheter tip placement. Follow-up evaluation included the surgical revision rate due to proximal catheter occlusion.ResultsA total of 65 ShuntScope-assisted surgeries have been performed on 51 children. The mean age was 5.1 years. The most common underlying pathology was a tumor- or cyst-related hydrocephalus in 51%. Achieved image quality was excellent in 41.5%, medium in 43%, and poor in 15.5%. Ideal catheter placement was achieved in 77%. There were no intraoperative complications and no technique-related morbidity associated with the ShuntScope. The revision rate due to proximal occlusion was 4.61% during a mean follow-up period of 39.7 years. No statistical correlation between image grade and accuracy of catheter position was observed (p-value was 0.290).ConclusionThe ShuntScope can be considered a valuable addition to standard surgical tools in treating pediatric hydrocephalus. Even suboptimal visualization contributes to high rates of correct catheter placement and, thereby, to a favorable clinical outcome.

A deep learning based framework for the classification of multi- class capsule gastroscope image in gastroenterologic diagnosis.

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to develop a method to automatic classify capsule gastroscope image into three categories to prevent high-risk factors for carcinogenesis, such as atrophic gastritis (AG). The purpose of this research work is to develop a deep learning framework based on transfer learning to classify capsule gastroscope image into three categories: normal gastroscopic image, chronic erosive gastritis images, and ulcer gastric image. Method: In this research work, we proposed deep learning framework based on transfer learning to classify capsule gastroscope image into three categories: normal gastroscopic image, chronic erosive gastritis images, and ulcer gastric image. We used VGG- 16, ResNet-50, and Inception V3 pre-trained models, fine-tuned them and adjust hyperparameters according to our classification problem. Results: A dataset containing 380 images was collected for each capsule gastroscope image category, and divided into training set and test set in a ratio of 70%, and 30% respectively, and then based on the dataset, three methods, including as VGG- 16, ResNet-50, and Inception v3 are used. We achieved highest accuracy of 94.80% by using VGG- 16 to diagnose and classify capsule gastroscopic images into three categories: normal gastroscopic image, chronic erosive gastritis images, and ulcer gastric image. Our proposed approach classified capsule gastroscope image with respectable specificity and accuracy. Conclusion: The primary technique and industry standard for diagnosing and treating numerous stomach problems is gastroscopy. Capsule gastroscope is a new screening tool for gastric diseases. However, a number of elements, including image quality of capsule endoscopy, the doctors' experience and fatigue, limit its effectiveness. Early identification is necessary for high-risk factors for carcinogenesis, such as atrophic gastritis (AG). Our suggested framework will help prevent incorrect diagnoses brought on by low image quality, individual experience, and inadequate gastroscopy inspection coverage, among other factors. As a result, the suggested approach will raise the standard of gastroscopy. Deep learning has great potential in gastritis image classification for assisting with achieving accurate diagnoses after endoscopic procedures.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee's Three Priority Quality Indicators for Screening Colonoscopy Services.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee's Three Priority Quality Indicators for Screening Colonoscopy Services.

How to track and register adverse events and incidents related to gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures have evolved significantly in the last sixty years revolutionising the approach to the diagnostic and therapeutic spheres of medicine. Despite the advantages of using natural orifices to the bowel, adverse events (AE) may occur following endoscopy. Systematic AE registration is an objective in every realm of quality medicine. Despite the obvious advantage as a quality indicator, tracking endoscopy-related AE is not evident. The current study aimed at tracking all AE of all endoscopic procedures during a 3-month period. The three methods used were voluntary reporting by the endoscopist and by the patient in parallel with retrospective data analysis of patients' electronic medical records to allow capture of all AE and comparison of the three methods. During a 3-month period endoscopists and patients were requested to report any possible AE. At the end of the period, a systematic review of all patient files was performed to track all AE related to the endoscopic procedure or the endoscopyrelated anaesthesia. In total 2668 endoscopic procedures were reviewed. The total AE rate was 1.95%. Only half (51.9%) of all AE were voluntarily reported by endoscopists, the other half were extracted from the electronic medical record. There were no patient-reported AE. Although the majority (66.7%) of unreported AE were mild, these findings illustrate that voluntary AE reporting is unreliable. However, the retrospective tracking process proved to be difficult and time-consuming. The current study highlighted that systematic registration of all endoscopy-related AE is feasible, but challenging because of multiple hurdles. More practical methods are warranted to obtain reliable and long-term data as part of endoscopy quality measures.

Utilization and quality assessment of digestive endoscopy in China: results from 5-year consecutive nationwide surveys.

Worldwide, the volume and availability of digestive endoscopy have undergone dramatic development in recent years, with increasing attention on quality assurance. We investigated the utilization and quality of digestive endoscopy in China from 2015 to 2019 and developed a quantitative quality evaluation tool for medical institutions. We invited all tertiary/secondary hospitals in Chinese mainland to participate in the survey annually. The questionnaires included the personnel, annual volume, and quality indicators of endoscopy. An endoscopy quality index (EQI) was developed based on recorded quality indicators using principal component analysis to determine the relative weight. From 2015 to 2019, 806, 1412, 2644, 2468, and 2541 hospitals were respectively enrolled in this study. The average annual volume of endoscopy increased from 12,445 to 16,206 (1.30-fold) and from 2938 to 4255 (1.45-fold) in tertiary and secondary hospitals, respectively. The most obvious growth was observed in diagnostic colonoscopy (1.44-fold for all hospitals after standardization). The proportion of early cancer among all esophageal and gastric cancers during diagnostic esophagogastroduodenoscopy increased from 12.3% (55,210/448,861) to 17.7% (85,429/482,647) and from 11.4% (69,411/608,866) to 16.9% (107,192/634,235), respectively. The adenoma detection rate of diagnostic colonoscopy increased from 14.9% (2,118,123/14,215,592) to 19.3% (3,943,203/20,431,104). The EQI model included 12 quality indicators, incorporating 64.9% (7.792/12) of the total variance into one comprehensive index. According to the EQI measurements, the quality of endoscopy was higher in tertiary hospitals and hospitals in developed areas with higher volume or more endoscopists than that in other hospitals. Digestive endoscopy in China has developed considerably in recent years in terms of both volume and quality. The EQI is a promising tool to quantify the quality of endoscopy at different hospitals.

Performance measures for colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease patients: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Quality Improvement Initiative

The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) presents a short list of performance measures for colonoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Current performance measures for colonoscopy mainly focus on detecting (pre)malignant lesions. However, these performance measures are not relevant for all colonoscopy indications in IBD patients. Therefore, our aim was to provide endoscopy services across Europe and other interested countries with a tool for quality monitoring and improvement in IBD colonoscopy. Eight key performance measures and one minor performance measure were recommended for measurement and evaluation in daily endoscopy practice.

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee's Three Priority Quality Indicators for Screening Colonoscopy Services.

Colorectal cancer is the third most commonly diagnosed cancer in men and women in the United States. Small polyps are slow to grow and turn to cancer, which provides time for screening and removal of the precancerous polyps so that colorectal cancer is prevented. Quality colonoscopy services are essential to ensure all polyps are found and removed as the final step of colorectal cancer screening. The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Quality Assurance in Endoscopy Committee developed quality indicators for colonoscopy services. The Committee prioritized 3 quality indicators for screening colonoscopies: the frequency of (1) adenoma detection in asymptomatic patients at average risk; (2) adherence to the surveillance intervals for postpolypectomy, postcancer resection, or the 10-year interval for the average-risk patients with good bowel preparations who had negative colonoscopies; and (3) visualization of the cecum by notation and landmark photographic documentation. Gastroenterology nurses, endoscopists, and the quality management team can use the Plan-Do-Study-Act method of quality improvement to meet the established performance targets and prevent interval cancers.