Hospital Endoscopy Research Articles

Comparative exploration of deep convolutional neural networks using real-time endoscopy images

Until now various deep convolutional neural networks are designed and trained for the purpose of classifying different medical conditions related to the domain of gastroenterology. Most of the study carried out have considered publicly available datasets to train the classification networks. Nevertheless, the main motive for carrying out different works in the field gastroenterology is to administer the developed models in healthcare centers in real-world set-ups. For doing so, it is important to check the generalizing ability of the designed systems by regulating them so as to classify endoscopy images captured in a specific hospital. In this regard, the foremost work completed is the collection of the endoscopy data from the hospital and then correctly annotating the images taking the help of a senior endoscopist with experience of more than 5 years. Once the data annotation is completed, the images are segregated into the class of normal and abnormal endoscopy images. Four different models are designed in the current work based on deep learning models, transfer learning models and ensemble approaches, and trained to classify the hospital endoscopy data as normal or abnormal. The models are then tested and evaluated based on various performance measures. It is observed from the comparative analysis that the transfer learning-based ensemble model has the best generalizing ability and gives the best specificity of 100 ​%. It is believed that deep learning-based models can assist endoscopists in add-on to human prediction efficiency.

Correlation of preoperative CT features with intra- and postoperative parameters of endoscopic resection in patients with gastric submucosal tumor (1~3cm).

Endoscopic resection of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) possesses minimal trauma, expedited recovery, and reduced costs. Nonetheless, intraoperative challenges, including imprecise surgical risk assessment, prevail. Hence, we investigated the correlation between preoperative CT observation features and perioperative parameters for predicting outcomes in SMT patients. Subjects diagnosed with SMT and undergoing endoscopic surgery conducted at West China Hospital's Endoscopy Center from September 2019 to October 2023 were retrospectively selected. Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and computer tomography (CT) were utilized for evaluating SMT. The study assessed the correlation between preoperative CT findings and perioperative parameters. Increased lesion size on contrast-enhanced CT correlates with increased operative duration, hospital stay, postoperative antibiotic use. Of utmost significance, we observed a significantly higher intraoperative perforation rate for patients with tumor outgrowth compared to those with lesion involvement of the lumen (96.88% vs 29.11%, P < 0.001). These patients also demonstrated an increased risk of postoperative blood stream infections (P = 0.012), necessitating higher antibiotic grade (P = 0.048), along with prolonged gastrostomy tube retention (P = 0.001) and hospitalization (P = 0.018). In addition, CT provides a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of tumor size (P = 0.037) and growth pattern (P = 0.026) than EUS. CT assessment of tumor size closer to reality than EUS. Importantly, these features can assist in pinpointing lesions with elevated surgical complexity and high risk of complications, leading to improved preoperative preparation, thereby increasing anticipation of surgical risks and reducing incidence of complications.

FP4.9 - Adherence to post Colonic polypectomy surveillance guidelines

Abstract Aims The British Society of Gastroenterology updated its guidelines in 2020 regarding polyps follow-up following colonoscopy. The surveillance depends on type, size, number, and histology criteria. Our aim was to assess adherence of our hospital's endoscopy department to these new guidelines. Methods A retrospective analysis of all consecutive adult patients who underwent colonoscopy were included between January and March 2022 at our hospital. Data were collected and analyzed on excel. The endoscopy report was identified from MediLogik-EMS.Histology from PICS system. Demographics including the specialty of endoscopist was also included. Non-parametric data were expressed in their Median and IQR. Results Out of the 108 patients examined 50/108 (49%) were found to have polyps and were included in the analysis. F: M =1:2, median age 64 with IQR 18.5(59-77.5). Tubular adenoma was found in 58%, hyperplastic polyps in 12%, sessile serrated polyps in 10%, tubulovillous adenoma in 8%, adenocarcinoma in 8%, and inflammatory polyps in 4%. Histopathology revealed tubular adenoma with LGD in 58%, inflammatory polyps in 16%, adenocarcinoma in 8%. Polyps were removed using cold biopsy in 58% and hot snare in 38%. BSG guidelines were followed in 92% (46/50). The reason for not adherence was either histologically incomplete excision, requiring a site check within 2-6 months which was not performed in6%(3)or high-risk features requiring 3 yearly surveillance colonoscopy follow-ups not requested in 2%(1). Conclusion There is high adherence to the guidelines but still not 100%. Our aim is to achieve 100% adherence in the re-audit.

Búsqueda de optimización de la cápsula endoscópica mediante análisis observacional

ObjectivesTo search for parameters susceptible to optimization when performing capsule endoscopy (CE) in a third level hospital with high volume and experience in this test. Patients and methodsRetrospective observational study, including 1325 CEs performed between 2017 and 2022. Overall diagnostic yield, effective diagnostic yield, by indication, place of request and waiting list, as well as complete examination rate and cleansing degree were analyzed. ResultsThe overall diagnostic yield was 70.99%, while the effective diagnostic yield was 72.7%. Diagnostic yields varied between 60.2% and 77.9% depending on the indication and between 64.7% and 74.3% depending on the requesting center. The mean waiting list was 101.15 days, with a tendency to worse results when the waiting list was longer. A total of 77.8% of the examinations were complete. Completion rates were lower in patients >70 years of age (p=0.001), as well as in those with gastric transit >60minutes (p=0.000). A total of 77.3% were clean, with debris that did not impede diagnosis being found in 16.9% and debris that did impede diagnosis in 5.8%. There was a relationship, although not significant, between cleansing degree and age. ConclusionsThe diagnostic yields of CE in our center are in line with those previously reported. Differences were found according to the place of request. Waiting list could also influence diagnostic yield. Completion rates are lower in >70 years of age and when gastric transit is >60minutes. Cleansing degree achieved is acceptable.

Impact of primary duodenogastric reflux and Helicobacter pylori infection on gastritis and antibiotic resistance in children

To investigate the risk factors for Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection in children with primary duodenogastric reflux (DGR) and its impact on gastritis and antibioticresistance. A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 2 190 children who underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in Wuxi Children's Hospital from January 2019 to February 2022, among whom 308 children were diagnosed with primary DGR. According to the presence or absence of HP infection, the children were classified to HP infection group (53 children) and non-HP infection group (255 children). The risk factors for HP infection and its impact on the incidence rate and severity of gastritis were analyzed. According to the presence or absence of primary DGR, 331 children with HP infection were classified to primary DGR group (29 children) and non-primary DGR group (302 children), and then the impact of primary DGR with HP infection on antibiotic resistance was analyzed. The HP infection group had a significantly higher age than the non-HP infection group (P<0.05), and there was a significant difference in the age distribution between the two groups (P<0.05), while there were no significant differences in the incidence rate and severity of gastritis between the two groups (P>0.05). The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that older age was a risk factor for HP infection in children with DGR (P<0.05). Drug sensitivity test showed that there were no significant differences in the single and combined resistance rates of metronidazole, clarithromycin, and levofloxacin between the primary DGR group and the non-primary DGR group (P>0.05). Older age is closely associated with HP infection in children with DGR. Primary DGR with HP infection has no significant impact on gastritis and antibiotic resistance in children.

Characterization of primary small intestinal lymphoma: a retrospective study based on double balloon endoscopy

BackgroundThe diagnosis of primary small intestinal lymphoma (PSIL) is difficult. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical, radiological and endoscopic characteristics of PSIL and provide clue for diagnosis.MethodsA total of 30 patients diagnosed with PSIL who underwent double balloon endoscopy (DBE) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical, radiological and endoscopic data were collected. Univariate analysis was used to determine significant indicators for differentiating three main subtypes of PSIL. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the risk factors for survival.ResultsIn this study, 10 patients were pathologically diagnosed as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), 11 were indolent B-cell lymphoma (BCL) and 9 were T-cell lymphoma (TCL). Compared with DLBCL patients, the body mass index (BMI) of TCL patients was significantly lower (p = 0.004). Meanwhile, compared with patients with DLBCL, the patients with indolent BCL had lower levels of C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), fibrinogen and D-Dimer (p = 0.004, p = 0.004, p = 0.006, and p = 0.002, respectively), and lower proportion of thicker intestinal wall and aneurysmal dilation in CT scan (p = 0.003 and p = 0.020, respectively). In terms of ulcer morphology, patients with DLBCL had significantly higher proportion of deep ulcers than patients with indolent BCL (p = 0.020, respectively). Cox regression analysis showed that drink (p = 0.034), concomitant colonic ulcers (p = 0.034) and elevated LDH (p = 0.043) are risk factors for mortality in patients with PSIL.ConclusionsThis study provides clinical characteristics of patients with PSIL. Thicker intestinal wall and aneurismal dilation detected on CT scan and deeper ulcer on DBE examination helps to establish a diagnosis of DLBCL.

Stricture dilation via balloon-assisted endoscopy in Crohn's disease: approach and intraprocedural outcomes with the single-balloon and double-balloon systems.

Despite recent emerging literature involving the utility of endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) of strictures via balloon-assisted endoscopy (BAE), specifically regarding the management of Crohn's disease (CD), the optimal clinical approach with balloon systems has been largely neglected in academic literature. This study assesses the intra-procedural success and safety of EBD via BAE for small bowel CD strictures while detailing our clinical approach and technique. Secondarily, we compare the single-balloon endoscope (SBE) and double-balloon endoscope (DBE) systems for EBD-related outcomes. Retrospective consecutive patient cohort analysis. We retrospectively assessed a consecutive small bowel CD patient cohort undergoing BAE at the University of Alberta Hospital endoscopy unit from 2013 to 2020. The primary endpoint discerned the safety and immediate success rate of EBD during endoscopy, and comparisons of the dilation parameters and efficacy of SBE versus DBE were assessed as secondary outcomes. During the study period, 87 patients (44 male) with a mean age of 56 ± 14.7 years underwent 179 endoscopic procedures (92 DBE and 87 SBE). Of 358 strictures encountered, 320 (89.4%) were successfully dilated and traversed. The mean maximum dilation diameter was 15.76 ± 2.10 mm. There were no perforations or major adverse events. EBD via BAE is a safe procedure in small bowel CD with a high intraprocedural success rate. Overall, SBE had a higher success rate in traversing strictures before and after dilation using our technique. This analysis is limited by the retrospective nature of our study and must be balanced against the inherent benefits of the DBE system.

Colonoscopic Findings in Patients Attended At Al Azhar Assiut University Hospital Endoscopy Unit in the Last Two Years

Colonoscopic Findings in Patients Attended At Al Azhar Assiut University Hospital Endoscopy Unit in the Last Two Years

Application of metal stent implantation with endoscope and X-ray fluoroscopy combined laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute left hemicolon cancer obstruction

BackgroundThis study aimed to conduct a case–control study of endoscopic and fluoroscopic metal stent placement combined with laparoscopic surgery versus conventional open Hartmann’s procedure in treating acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction. Additionally, the study aims to discuss the application value of endoscopic and X-ray-guided metal stent placement combined with laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction.MethodsFrom June 2011 to December 2019, 23 patients with acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction who underwent metal stent implantation combined with laparoscopic surgery under endoscopy and X-ray fluoroscopy in Wenzhou Central Hospital were collected, and 20 patients with acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction who underwent traditional emergency open Hartmann’s surgery during the same period were selected as a control group. All patients were diagnosed with left colon obstruction by plain abdominal film and/or CT before the operation and colon adenocarcinoma by colonoscopic biopsy and/or postoperative pathology. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative anal exhaust time, the success rate of one-stage anastomosis, postoperative hospital stay, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.ResultsThis study showed a significant difference in the therapeutic effect between the two groups. Compared with the traditional Hartmann’s operation group, the success rate of one-stage anastomosis in endoscopic and X-ray-guided metal stent placement combined with the laparoscopic operation group was significantly higher than that in the Hartmann’s operation group (P < 0.05). The overall incidence of postoperative complications and hospital stay were significantly lower in the observation group than in the Hartmann’s group (P < 0.05). Further subgroup analysis of the overall postoperative complication rate of the two groups showed that the traditional Hartmann’s operation group was more likely to have an incomplete intestinal obstruction (P < 0.05). This study also showed no significant differences between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, number of harvested lymph nodes, and postoperative anal exhaust time (all P > 0.05). This study also found no significant differences between the two groups in overall survival rates or recurrence-free survival rates (all P > 0.05).ConclusionsThe comparison of the therapeutic effects of the two groups verified the feasibility of endoscopy combined with X-ray fluoroscopy metal stent placement in combination with laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of acute left-sided colon cancer obstruction. Compared with the traditional emergency open Hartmann’s procedure, metal stent implantation under endoscopy and X-ray fluoroscopy combined with laparoscopic surgery is more minimally invasive, safe, and effective. It avoids the traditional second or even third surgical trauma to effectively improve the quality of life of patients, so that patients can recover quickly after surgery.

877 Utility Value of Colonoscopy in the Over 80's

Abstract Aim To audit the rationale and efficacy of colonoscopy in the over 80’s over a year period at Southport hospital which caters to a geriatrically skewed population. Currently protocol driven diagnostic pathways often lead to direct triaging of patients to endoscopy preventing assessment of biological age of patient, practicalities of the procedure and risk-benefit ratio. Method A retrospective audit with data in 105 patients over the age of 80 who underwent colonoscopy in 2021 January – December 2021 was collated. An audit proforma looking at pre-, during- and post -colonoscopy data was evaluated using the hospital endoscopy records and clinical records. Results Pre-colonoscopy demographics showed that anaemia (31%) and change in bowel habit (26%) were the most common indications for colonoscopy. Completion rates, diagnostic yield and complication rates were evaluated. Completion rate was 73%. Positive findings were diverticulosis (52%), polyps (9%), colitis (3%) and malignancy in 15%. Mitigating factors for non-completion and poor efficacy were discomfort, angulation, poor bowel prep as well as incriminating polypharmacy and comorbidity. Conclusions Based on the audit findings targeted endoscopy in this age group is a better management rather than its usage as first line investigation to achieve maximum efficacy.

Is Prolonged Sitting a Risk Factor in Developing Hemorrhoids and Anal Fissures?

Background: Anal fissures and hemorrhoids are common anal conditions. They cause significant morbidity, social embarrassment, and work absenteeism. In addition, they form a significant workload on the healthcare system. Nevertheless, the etiology of these conditions is still contentious. It has been observed that hemorrhoids and anal fissures are associated with prolonged sitting. This study aims to investigate this observation.Methods: This is a case–control study. We compared 81 patients with symptomatic and endoscopically proven hemorrhoids and/or anal fissures with 162 controls with no symptoms or endoscopic evidence of perianal disease. The study was conducted at Khartoum North Teaching Hospital (KNTH) endoscopy unit between January and December 2019. Demographic data, sitting hours per day, and endoscopic findings of patients and controls were recorded in a proforma. The cases and controls were matched for age, sex, and bowel habits. Data were analyzed and compared using the SPSS version 23.Results: The mean sitting hours for cases was 5.99 (SD 3.4) whereas that for controls was 4.0 (SD 3.0) with a highly significant difference (P &lt; 0.001). Sitting for 5 hr or more per day (exposure) was associated with an increased risk of developing hemorrhoids and/or anal fissures [odds ratio 3.68, 95% CI: 2.1–6.47].Conclusion: The study showed that sitting down for 5 hr or more per day might increase the risk of developing hemorrhoids and/or anal fissures. This finding could help in the prevention and treatment of these diseases and the reduction of recurrences.

Retrospective Analysis of Characteristics, Indications and Outcomes of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a Tertiary Referral Center in Saudi Arabia.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an advanced endoscopic procedure that is an essential tool in the management of pancreaticobiliary diseases. There is limited data available on the indications and outcomes of ERCP from this region. Therefore, we aim to report the characteristics of patients, indications and outcomes of ERCP in Saudi Arabia. Methods: We retrospectively looked at ERCP procedures done at a tertiary referral center covering the western region of Saudi Arabia from August 2018 until July 2020. Data were collected from the hospital's electronic patient record and endoscopy database. Of 1001 ERCPs performed, full data was available on 712 procedures on 581 patients that were included in the final analysis. Mean age was 53.1 years. Four hundred four (56.7%) were female. Board-certified consultants performed all ERCPs. The most common intervention was sphincterotomy, which was performed in 563(96.9%) patients who underwent first-ever ERCP, followed by dilatation and stenting. The commonest indication of ERCP was confirmed or suspected choledocholithiasis (52.6%), followed by replacement or removal of a biliary stent (15.7%), 55 (7.7%) for suspected ascending cholangitis, 54 (7.5%) for acute biliary pancreatitis and 15 (2%) for suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The commonest finding among all patients was choledocholithiasis in 57.9%, debris in 15.2% and biliary stricture in 14.8%. The commonest complication was pancreatitis in 22(3.1%) followed by post-sphincterotomy bleeding in 16(2.2%) and perforation in nine (1.2%). Bleeding was controlled by endoscopic intervention in four (25%) and one (6.2%) patient underwent surgery. One (0.14%) patienthad procedure-related mortalitysecondary to post-procedure pulmonary embolism and one had significant morbidity and prolonged hospitalization because of complicated perforation. The deeper common bile duct (CBD) cannulation rate was 97.3%. Our study results revealed that ERCP performed in the western region of Saudi Arabia has similar indications and findings as reported in theinternational literature. ERCP is successful in achieving the therapeutic objectives with complication rates consistent with published data.

Paediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in a Nigerian Tertiary Hospital

Background: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a very useful tool in the diagnosis and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Gastrointestinal endoscopy in paediatric practice is still evolving in Nigeria. Objective: To determine the common indications for paediatric endoscopy in a Nigerian tertiary hospital. Method: This was a retrospective study of all gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed for children aged 0 -18 years between January 2021 and March 2022. The hospital records of the children were retrieved, and data were extracted for analysis. Results: Thirty-seven endoscopic procedures were performed on 32 children with two subjects having repeated procedures while one had both upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopic studies. The mean age of the children was 11 ± 5.4 years with those aged between 10 and 14 years constituting the majority (40.6%). Most indications were diagnostic and the commonest indication for endoscopy was upper abdominal pain (40.6%) which was followed by upper gastrointestinal bleeding (37.6%). The endoscopic findings were mainly gastritis (56.8%), hiatus hernia (32.4%) and duodenitis (18.9%). The commonest therapeutic indication for gastrointestinal endoscopy was variceal banding. Conclusion: Paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy is useful for the diagnosis and treatment of paediatric gastrointestinal disorders. Upper abdominal pain and upper gastrointestinal bleeding are the leading indications for paediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy in Nigeria.

Evaluation of 30-day mortality in patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy in a tertiary hospital: a 3-year retrospective survey

ObjectiveDespite international guidelines recommendations to use mortality as a quality criterion for gastrointestinal (GI) procedures, recent studies reporting these data are lacking. Our objective was to report death causes and...

Risks of infection associated with aerosol generation during medical procedures in an endoscopy unit

Several medical procedures for treatment or diagnosis of diseases have been identified as potentially aerosol generators. The aim of this study is to investigate the potential exposure of the health professionals to aerosols generation during different medical procedures in a hospital endoscopy unit, and to characterize the emitted aerosols in terms of airborne concentration and size. Aerosols number concentrations and sizes, were measured and indoor activity was collected and correlated with the emitting sources. Endoscopy, bronchoscopy, colonoscopy, and bidirectional endoscopy procedures were identified as the most important aerosol sources. During these procedures, the increases in mean aerosols concentration (< 5 µm) in relation to the reference concentration for colonoscopy, upper endoscopy, bronchoscopy and bidirectional endoscopy procedures were 12, 72, 39, and 141%, respectively. These results showed that, depending on the type of activity performed inside the room, the concentration of aerosols varied considerably in relation to the reference concentration. The results also demonstrated that aerosols generation events during medical procedures in an endoscopy unit are divided into two categories: the events that create and disperse aerosols mechanically and events that induce the patient to produce aerosols.In the SARS-CoV-2 context, the virus stability characteristics and modes of transmission make all sources analyzed as high risk for COVID-19 transmission.

Setting up a three-stage pre-endoscopy triage during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A multicenter observational study.

ObjectivesBetween May and July 2021, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic led to a sharp surge in community transmission in Taiwan. We present a three‐stage restructuring process of pre‐endoscopy triage at the beginning of the pandemic, which can support urgent endoscopic procedures while protecting endoscopy staff.MethodsThe pre‐endoscopy triage framework was set up with three checkpoints at the hospital entrance, outpatient department, and endoscopy unit, with a specific target patient population and screening methods. Relevant data included the number of endoscopic procedures performed, outpatient department visits, and performing screening methods such as temperature measurement, travel, occupation, contact, and clustering history checking, polymerase chain reaction assay, and rapid antigen test.ResultsForehead temperature measurement and verification of travel, occupation, contact, and clustering history provided rapid, easy, and early mass screening of symptomatic patients at the hospital entrance. During the pandemic, outpatient department visits and endoscopic procedures decreased by 37% and 64%, respectively. The pre‐endoscopy screening methods used displayed regional variations in COVID‐19 prevalence. Among 16 endoscopy units with a community prevalence of ≥ 31.04 cases per 100,000 residents, 12 (75%) used polymerase chain reaction assay and four (25%) used rapid antigen test to identify asymptomatic patients before endoscopy. Of 6540 pre‐endoscopy screening patients, 15 (0.23%) tested positive by laboratory testing. No endoscopy‐related nosocomial COVID‐19 infections were reported during the pandemic.ConclusionsWe present a three‐stage pre‐endoscopy triage based on the local laboratory capacity, medical resources, and community prevalence. These measures could be useful during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Clinical Benefits and Challenges in Application of Novel Portable Gastric Capsule Endoscopy for Home Healthcare Patients.

Portable magnetic-assisted capsule endoscopy (MACE) provides satisfactory patient experience and safety with comparable performance in diagnosis of organic lesions when compared to conventional upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. In this study, a total of 58 homecare patients were included for MACE either in the hospital (n = 42) or at home (n = 16), with mean age of 71.1 ± 12.4 years. A total of 55 patients (94.83%) had completed the MACE with diagnosis of reflux esophagitis (43.6%), gastritis (54.5%), erosions (21.8%), fundic polyps (14.5%), peptic ulcers (25.9%), etc. Most patients (n = 47, 85.5%) were satisfied with the experience, and all patients who received MACE at home (n = 15, 100%) appreciated the convenience of endoscopy at home. Less than half of the patients (n = 24, 43.6%) could afford MACE if the expense was not covered by health insurance (USD 714). Time consumption from both traffic and capsule manipulation was also challenging for the physicians, as it took an average of 24.7 min to complete MACE, but it added up to a total of 92.7 min at home, which is about 15 times that of conventional endoscopy in hospital. More efforts are needed to ease the financial burden of patients, and optimization of workflow in community practice may help lift the obstacles revealed in this study.

Analysis of the Influence of Comprehensive Nursing Intervention on Vital Signs and Negative Emotions of Patients with Gastrointestinal Polyps Treated by Digestive Endoscopy.

This research sets out to elucidate the influence of comprehensive nursing intervention (CNI) on vital signs (VSs) and negative emotions (NEs) of patients with gastrointestinal polyps treated by digestive endoscopy. To address this, from January 2020 to February 2021, 92 cases of gastrointestinal polyps treated by digestive endoscopy in the Yuyao People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province were partitioned into two different groups: the control group (CG; n = 46) intervened by routine nursing intervention, and the research group (RG; n = 46) treated by CNI based on routine care. The VSs, NEs, time of first postoperative exhaust and defecation, early food intake, length of stay (LOS), quality of life (QOL), nursing satisfaction, and the incidence of postoperative complications were compared between groups. When entering the operating room, elevated systolic/diastolic (SBP/DBP) was observed in CG compared with RG (P < 0.05) while there was no statistical difference in SBP/DBP in RG before intervention and when entering the operating room (P > 0.05). Statistically, less time of first exhaust and defecation as well as LOS and early food intake were observed in RG (P < 0.05). The HAMA and HAMD scores declined in both arms postintervention, and the decrease was more obvious in RG (P < 0.05). After intervention, the scores of various domains of GQOLI-74 elevated in both arms, and the increase was more obvious in RG (P < 0.05). RG also showed a lower total complication rate and a higher degree of nursing satisfaction than CG (P < 0.05). CNI for patients with gastrointestinal polyps treated by digestive endoscopy can obviously relieve their anxiety and depression, with stable VSs, short LOS, and low incidence of complications.

Salvaged, Staged, and Safer Management of Aortoesophageal Fistula and Mediastinitis After Removing a Pork Bone: A Case Report

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) caused by esophageal foreign body (EFB) ingestion is a life-threatening condition with a very low survival rate. However, the optimal management strategy remains undetermined. Here, we describe our successful management of a patient with AEF and mediastinitis. A 36-year-old man developed persistent chest and back pain and vomited fresh blood three days after removal of a pork bone in the esophagus under endoscopy in a local hospital. Computed tomography (CT) confirmed bilateral pulmonary infections, mediastinitis, and fistula of the aortic arch. After a multidiscipline discussion, a comprehensive staged strategy was made including salvaged thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to control fatal bleeding, adequate mediastinal debridement, drainage with cervical incision, and video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, as well as jejunostomy to prevent nasal or gastrostomy reflux from aggravating the mediastinal infection. Furthermore, systematic personalized nutrition support and antibiotics were provided. The patient recovered well and has survived for 50 months until now. Careful assessment should be made with CT to ascertain the risk of AEF before and after the removal of EFB. A salvaged staged strategy of TEVAR with adequate mediastinal debridement and drainage in a less invasive approach may be a safer alternative for AEF patients with infections caused by EFB.

Head rotation improves airway obstruction, especially in patients with less severe obstructive sleep apnea without oropharyngeal collapse.

Head rotation is thought to have an effect on obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) severity. However, keeping the head rotated fully during sleep is difficult to maintain, and the effect of head rotation is not the same in all OSA patients. Thus, this study aimed to identify whether less head rotation has an effect on airway patency and determine the responder characteristics to the head rotation maneuver (HRM). We recruited 221 patients who underwent overnight polysomnography and drug-induced sleep endoscopy (DISE) in a tertiary hospital from June 2019 to July 2020. Airway patency and the site of airway collapse were determined in the supine position with the head at 0, 30, and 60 degrees of rotation (HRM0°, HRM30°, and HRM60°, respectively) during DISE. The site of collapse was determined using the VOTE classification system: the velum (palate), oropharyngeal lateral walls, tongue base, and epiglottis. Each structure was labeled as 0, 1, or 2 (patent, partially obstructed, and completely obstructed, respectively). Airway response to the HRM30° and 60° and the clinical characteristics associated with airway opening were analyzed. The study population had a median age of 52 (25-61) years, a body mass index of 26.7(24.6-29.4) kg/m2, and the apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 28.2(13.7-71.9) events/h. HRM influenced airway patency positively not only with HRM60° (p<0.001) but also following limited rotation (HRM30°, p<0.001). Patients with tongue base (40.0% with HRM 60°) and epiglottic (52.6% with HRM 60°) collapse responded particularly well to HRM. Multivariate analysis revealed that lower AHI (p<0.001) and an absence of oropharyngeal lateral walls collapse (p = 0.011) were significant predictors of responders to HRM. Head rotation improved airway obstruction in OSA patients, even with a small degree of rotation, and should be further explored as a potential form of therapy in appropriately selected patients.