Endoscopy Unit Research Articles

Orally Administered Peppermint Oil Solution in Small Bowel Capsule Endoscopy: A Novel Approach to Improve Completion Rates in Patients at Risk of Dela

Background and Study Aims Small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is crucial in diagnosing small bowel diseases, yet incomplete examinations often result from prolonged gastric transit time. This study aimed to assess the efficacy of orally administered peppermint oil solution as a prokinetic agent to improve SBCE completion rates in patients with delayed gastric transit risk factors. Patients and Methods Conducted as a single-centre, prospective, open-label, non-inferiority trial, the study involved 132 patients identified as at risk for delayed gastric transit. Participants were divided into three groups: a peppermint oil solution group (n=57), a real-time monitoring and intravenous prokinetics group (n=75), and a control group without risk factors (n=193). The primary outcomes included SBCE completion rates, gastric transit time (GTT), small bowel transit time (SBTT), diagnostic yield, and bowel preparation quality. Results Completion rates were high and comparable among groups, with 94.7% in the peppermint group, 90.7% in the real-time monitoring group, and 95.3% in the control group. The peppermint group exhibited a significantly shorter mean GTT of 42.3 minutes compared to 57.0 minutes in the real-time monitoring group (p=0.0423). However, the SBTT was longer in the peppermint group at 246 minutes versus 193 minutes in the real-time monitoring group (p=0.0081), though similar to the control group at 228.3 minutes (p=0.2612). Diagnostic yield and bowel preparation quality were consistent across all groups. Conclusion Oral peppermint oil solution is a safe and effective alternative to traditional prokinetics, enhancing SBCE completion rates while reducing time and resource use in the endoscopy unit.

OGC SO27 - Management of oesophageal defects with Microtech VAC stents (MVS): A single centre case series

Abstract Background Oesophageal defects following cancer resection, dilatation or Boerhaave’s syndrome are increasingly managed with endoscopic approaches. Surgical management is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pigtails stents (PS), oesophageal stents and negative pressure therapy (eso-sponge) have all been described with variation in efficacy. Microtech VAC stents (MVS) have emerged as a means of providing an oesophageal luminal stent and negative pressure to the mediastinum. Method Between June 2023 to June 2024, 19 MVS have been used in four patients with transmural oesophageal defects. Two patients had anastomotic leak (one was a quaternary referral) following Ivor Lewis Oesophagectomy. One patient had a perforation from a dilatation of a gastro-jejunostomy anastomotic stricture post-gastric bypass at another centre, then admitted as an emergency. One patient had Boerhaave’s syndrome. Results Four patients were treated with MVS. In two patients, one post dilatation perforation and one with Boerhaave’s, one MVS was sufficient to resolve the mucosal defect after seven and 11 days respectively. The other two patients with anastomotic leak required seven and 10 MVS respectively. In these patients MVS and antibiotics controlled mediastinitis, but did not completely resolve the mucosal defect. For chronic leak management MVS were exchanged for PS to enable ambulatory care. No complications with MVS changes within seven days. One patient had ingrowth of mucosa into the MVS after 11 days, but was successfully removed. Conclusion MVS therapy has been demonstrated to be safe and feasible in the management of oesophago-gastric perforations in a UK centre. Exchange of VS every 5-7 days does have additional burden to a busy endoscopy unit. No adverse events were observed.

Endoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications at a Nigerian tertiary health facility

BackgroundCholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration for biliary stone disease are common hepatobiliary surgeries performed by general surgeons in Nigeria. These procedures can be complicated by injury to the biliary tree or retained stones, requiring repeat surgical intervention. This study presents the experience of using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of hepatobiliary surgery complications at the academic referral center of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTHC) Ile-Ife, Nigeria.MethodsAll patients with postcholecystectomy complications referred to the endoscopy unit at OAUTHC from March 2018 to April 2023 were enrolled. Preoperative imaging included a combination of abdominal ultrasound, CT, MRI, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), and T-tube cholangiogram. All ERCP procedures were performed under general anesthesia.ResultsSeventy-two ERCP procedures were performed on 45 patients referred for postcholecystectomy complications. The most common mode of presentation was ascending cholangitis [16 (35.6%)], followed by persistent biliary fistula [12 (26.7%)]. The overall median duration of symptoms after cholecystectomy was 20 weeks, with a range of 1-162 weeks. The most common postcholecystectomy complication observed was retained stone [16 (35.6%)]. Other postcholecystectomy complications included bile leakage, bile stricture, bile leakage with stricture, and persistent bile leakage from the T-tube in 12 (26.7%), 11 (24.4%), 4 (8.9%), and 2 (4.4%) patients, respectively. Ampullary cannulation during ERCP was successful in all patients (45, 100%). Patients with complete biliary stricture (10/12) required hepaticojejunostomy.ConclusionEndoscopic management of postcholecystectomy complications was found to be safe and reduce the number of needless surgeries to which such patients are exposed. We recommended prompt referral of such patients for ERCP.

Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Transmission Through Endoscopy Procedures in the Country of Georgia.

Exposure to healthcare procedures might be a source of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission in Georgia, one of the few countries currently on track to eliminate hepatitis C. While there has been a history of iatrogenic transmission of HCV, the risk of HCV transmission related to endoscopic procedures has not been previously assessed in Georgia. The goal of this study was to assess HCV seroconversion among individuals undergoing endoscopic procedures to estimate the relative role and incidence of HCV infection attributable to endoscopic procedures. A prospective cohort study was conducted in four endoscopy units in two cities (Tbilisi and Kutaisi) of Georgia during April-September, 2021. Recruitment of study participants was conducted using convenience sampling, and every eligible patient was approached and invited to participate in the study. Study population included adults (age ≥ 18 years) who received an endoscopic procedure (gastroscopy, colonoscopy and bronchoscopy) in inpatient or outpatient unit at the study sites. HCV antibody (anti-HCV) testing was conducted using rapid diagnostic test (RDT) on the same day they underwent the endoscopic procedure. Patients with a non-reactive anti-HCV baseline test were retested after 6 months. Patients with reactive baseline tests were excluded from the study and linked to further testing and care. Participants with a reactive result on follow-up RDTs were retested using a lab-based anti-HCV and HCV ribonucleic acid (RNA) test. A total of 981 HCV antibody non-reactive participants were enrolled; 590 (64.8%) of them were reached and retested after 6 months. At retesting, two out of 590 (0.3%) individuals had a reactive anti-HCV result on RDT and both were negative on laboratory-based anti-HCV and HCV RNA tests. Based on the results of this study, endoscopic procedures were not shown to contribute to HCV transmission in Georgia.

S890 Improving Inpatient Workflow and Optimizing Resource Utilization in the Endoscopy Unit in a Tertiary Care Center

S890 Improving Inpatient Workflow and Optimizing Resource Utilization in the Endoscopy Unit in a Tertiary Care Center

Impact of linked color imaging on the proximal adenoma miss rate: a multicenter tandem randomized controlled trial (the COCORICO trial).

Missed lesions are common during standard colonoscopy and are correlated with post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer. Contrast-enhanced technologies have recently been developed to improve polyp detection. We aimed to evaluate the impact of linked color imaging (LCI) on the proximal adenoma miss rate in routine colonoscopy. This national, multicenter, tandem, randomized trial compared the outcomes of colonoscopy with white-light imaging (WLI) versus LCI for polyp detection in the right colon. Two consecutive examinations of the right colon (upstream of the hepatic flexure) were made with WLI and LCI by the same operator. First-pass examination by WLI or LCI was randomized 1:1 after cecal intubation. According to statistical calculations, 10 endoscopy units had to include approximately 700 patients. The primary outcome was proximal adenoma miss rate. Secondary outcomes were the proximal miss rates for sessile serrated lesions (SSL), advanced adenomas, and polyps. 764 patients were included from 1 January 2020 to 22 December 2022, and 686 patients were randomized (345 WLI first vs. 341 LCI first). Both groups were comparable in terms of demographics and indications. The proximal adenoma miss rate was not significantly higher in the WLI-first group (36.7%) vs. the LCI-first group (31.8%) (estimated mean absolute difference: 4.9% [95%CI -5.2% to 15.0%], P = 0.34). There was also no significant difference in miss rates for SSLs, advanced adenomas, and polyps in the proximal colon. In contrast to previous data, this study does not support the benefit of LCI to the proximal adenoma miss rate in routine colonoscopy.

Detect The Most Important Changes That Occur in The Stomach Tissue of Patients Infected With H. Pylori

The current study aimed to detect the most important changes that occur in the stomach tissue of patients infected with H. pylori. Samples were collected from the Endoscope Unit for the period from 12/14/2022 to 1/30/2024 at Azadi Teaching Hospital and Al-Watan Al-Ahli Hospital in Kirkuk Governorate, from both sexes for the age group (14-57) years. Stool samples were taken from the same patients those undergoing laparoscopy for the purpose of investigating the presence of Helicobacter pylori. Tissue biopsy samples were taken by the gastroenterologist using laparoscopic forceps, and (88) samples were obtained from these patients, with two tissue biopsies from each patient. The histological results of people infected with Helicobacter pylori bacteria showed many histological changes, including infiltration of inflammatory cells, which was accompanied by multiple tissue necrosis, and damage to some gastric glands as a result of degeneration of glandular epithelial cells with thickening of the basal membrane, in addition to necrosis and damage to most of the gastric glands. Narrowing of the lumen of some glands, sometimes their complete atrophy, metaplasia of the epithelial cells of the gastric glands and the epithelial tissue lining the antral area, and cell shedding occur. It is concluded from the current study that H. pylori has led to many tissue lesions in the stomach of patients, the most important of which is stomach ulceration.

PCR-based RFLP and ERIC-PCR patterns of Helicobacter pylori strains linked to multidrug resistance in Egypt.

H. pylori infects approximately 50% of the world's population that causes chronic gastritis, and may lead to peptic ulcer disease (PUD). H. pylori-induced chronic infections are associated with gastric adenocarcinoma and low-grade gastric lymphoma. In Egypt, H. pylori strains are widespread and became resistant to antimicrobial agents, thus advanced typing methods are needed to differentiate infectious strains that are resistant to antibiotics, and therefore earlier prognosis and infection control. The main objectives were (i) to determine susceptibility of infectious H. pylori strains to some antimicrobial agents that are currently used in eradication therapy in Egypt; (ii) to identify diverse strains commonly detected in the gastrointestinal (GIT) endoscopy units in Egypt through phenotypic and genotypic analyses. In this observational study we isolated 167 isolates from 232 gastric biopsies (antrum and corpus) of patients who were admitted to the upper GIT endoscopy units in five governmental Egyptian hospitals. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns were investigated using Kirby Bauer disc diffusion and agar dilution Minimum Inhibitory Concentrations (MICs) methods. Phenotypic characterization was based on biotyping and antibiogram typing techniques. Genotypic characterization was carried out using PCR-based Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) and Enterobacterial Repetitive Intergenic Consensus (ERIC)-PCR analyses. H. pylori isolates were highly resistant to diverse antimicrobial agents including Metronidazole, Fluoroquinolones, Macrolides, Amoxycillin, Tetracycline and Gentamicin. Two factors contributed to the increased resistance of H. pylori to the conventional therapy seen in Egypt: (i) Metronidazole and Amoxycillin are inexpensive and available drugs being abused by patients; (ii) the regional prescribing practice of Macrolids commonly used to treat upper respiratory and urinary tract infections. Five different biotypes were identified depending on the ability of the isolates to synthesize different enzymes. Nine antibiogram types were identified. PCR-RFLP analysis revealed fifteen different fingerprints while ERIC-PCR revealed 22 fingerprints. Biotyping alone or in combination with antibiogram typing are highly useful molecular tools in the prognosis of strain relatedness. PCR-RFLP and ERIC-PCR acquired good discriminatory power for identifying H. pylori infectious sub-types.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion in gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Position Statement.

1: The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) adheres to the overarching principles of equality of opportunity, fair treatment, nondiscrimination, and diversity of health care professionals. 2: ESGE strongly supports the creation of collaborations within and between national and international endoscopy societies to disseminate the principles of diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. 3: ESGE aims to reflect the diversity of its membership in all its scientific and educational activities. 4: ESGE supports the fostering of collaborative work settings that empower all members of the endoscopy team to reach their full potential. 5: ESGE supports international and national endoscopy societies in promoting equitable access to high quality endoscopy training. 6: ESGE recommends the implementation of ergonomic principles in endoscopy units to prevent injuries and to provide adapted workplace conditions for personnel with disabilities and/or special needs. 7: ESGE recommends comprehensive mentorship, that includes diverse backgrounds, and equitable sponsorship for professional development, training, and academic excellence. 8: ESGE recommends that endoscopists actively identify, discuss, and attempt to accommodate reasonable patient preferences and expectations regarding endoscopy procedures. 9: ESGE advocates for educational and awareness campaigns targeting both health care professionals and patients, as well as the adoption of cost-effective health care strategies to address disparities and enhance equity in endoscopy care. 10: ESGE is committed to increasing support for underrepresented scholars and minorities pursuing research in endoscopy. 11: ESGE identifies mentorship and sponsorship as factors that may mitigate the barriers to academic careers for underrepresented endoscopy scholars. 12: ESGE recognizes the need to increase awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the field of endoscopy and supports publications on these topics.

Faecal Immunochemical Test (FIT) Value-Based Algorithm to Triage Symptomatic Colorectal Patients: A Retrospective Study From a Tertiary Care Hospital.

Background The aim was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of quantitative faecal immunochemical testing (FIT) in diagnosing colorectal cancer in symptomatic patients and using it to prioritize patients for urgent colorectal investigations. Methods A retrospective review was done of all symptomatic, FIT-positive patients referred from primary care to the colorectal clinic as per the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) DG30 pathway from November 1, 2021, to February 11, 2022. Patients under 18 years of age were excluded. All patients were triaged to test (TTT) or booked in face-to-face (F2F) clinics according to a local algorithm. The data was collected in Microsoft Excel (Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington, United States), and statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows (IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results Out of 915 FIT-positive patients, 774 (84.5%) patients were TTT and 70 (7.65%) were booked in F2F clinics. The mean age was 71 years, and the majority were females (n=488 (F:M = 53:47)). However, a higher prevalence of positive FIT test was observed in men than in women at higher cut-off values of >100 and >200 μg Hb/g faeces (18.79 % vs 17.48% and 12.78% vs 11.69%, respectively). The number needed to scope was 10.8, 6.03, and 5.20 at cut-off values of ≥10, >100, and >200 μg Hb/g, respectively. At cut-off values of ≥10, >100, and >200 μg Hb/g, the specificity for colorectal cancer (CRC) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 63.75 %, 88.10%, and 92.27 %, respectively, and the positive predictive value (PPV) was 9.63, 18.20, and 21.24, respectively. The majority of the patients (30.9%) had no pathology on colonoscopy, whereas CRC was detected in 9.8%. Conclusion Quantitative FIT in symptomatic colorectal patients can be used to triage patients to investigations more appropriately, reducing the burden on outpatient and endoscopy units and improving the overall efficacy of health provision.

LEAN Methodology to Improve Endoscopy Unit Efficiency in a Multi-subspecialty Ambulatory Surgery Center: A Pilot Study.

Background and objective Efforts to improve gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy unit efficiency may lead to increases in colon cancer screening volumes. LEAN management principles applied to GI endoscopy unit practices may serve as a novel foundation for efficiency improvements.We conducted apilot study in an outpatient, hospital-based GI endoscopy unit with the goal of improving endoscopy efficiency by using LEAN principles Methodology A single endoscopist and anesthesiologist along with the nursing care team implemented changes to their practice based on LEAN principles. Efficiency metrics were tracked before these changes and after to assess for improvements. Results We observed statistically significant improvements in waiting room time (13.1 minutes vs. 25.6 minutes, p<0.001), recovery room duration (55.5 minutes vs. 61.8 minutes, p=0.01), total facility time (172.5 minutes vs. 196.1 minutes, p<0.001), and true completion time (19.7 minutes vs. 32.3 minutes, p=0.002) after the implementation of LEAN interventions. Conclusions A systematic and standardized approach using LEAN methodology canimprove GI endoscopy unit operational efficiency. Larger studies are needed to validate our findings and generalize the results to the field broadly.

ThP3.15 - Trends in ERCP in a new city teaching hospital; is there a learning curve for a unit?

Abstract Aims Describe trends in volume, demographics, and complications over time for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a new endoscopy unit. Methods Prospective recording of all ERCPs in a new city teaching hospital commenced when the unit opened in 2015. This registry recorded patient demographics, indications, procedural data and complications. We analysed annual trends over time using linear regression. Results 4504 ERCPs were performed during the study period (1/6/15-31/5/23), with a female predominance of 58%. Median age (70 years, interquartile range 59-80) was unchanged over the study period, however the proportion under 30 years had decreased over time (4%-1%, slope -0.93, p=0.042). Total number of procedures per year has decreased over time (peak 628 in 2016, falling to 438 in 2022). The proportion performed for stone disease has fallen over the study period (80%-71%, slope -0.07, p=&amp;lt;0.001). Though not a statistically significant difference, the rate of ERCP pancreatitis has had a clinically significant decrease over time (5.4%-3.9%, slope -0.033, p=0.32). Conclusion A number of changes in practice have occurred since three units were merged into one unit. We routinely give diclofenac and IV fluids post-procedure. We now preferentially treat younger stone patients with laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration. This results in an evolving use of contemporary ERCP with an older patient cohort with an increased indication of cancer and other reasons and fewer total numbers. These factors will contribute to a lower incidence of pancreatitis post-procedure but cannot discount a learning curve effect for a new unit.

ThP6.6 - Enhancing Management Strategies: Exploring the Expansion of Low-Risk Criteria in Glasgow-Blatchford Scoring for Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding – A Retrospective Cohort Study

Abstract Aims Glasgow-Blatchford Scoring (GBS) determines the need for further interventions in patients presenting with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB). We aimed to study whether we can safely expand low-risk criteria to patients with GBS 2 and manage them as urgent outpatient. Methods A retrospective study of consecutive adult patients who had inpatient endoscopy for AUGIB in a single surgical unit from September 2021 to September 2022. Patient demographics, clinical and laboratory findings, GBS and endoscopic findings was analysed. Low-risk was defined as GBS 0-1 and high-risk as GBS ≥3. Results 150 patients were identified; 79 (58.7%) were male and median age of 63 years (IQR 53-76). Median total length-of-stay was 3.7 days (IQR 1.9=7.8). Similar to the low-risk group, patients with GBS 2 presented with lower range and frequency of symptoms as the high-risk group (p=0.0002). Severity correlated with admission haemoglobin (p=0.001) and urea count (p&amp;lt;0.0001) but not relevant comorbidities (p=0.560) and admission observations (p=0.456). The frequency of benign endoscopic findings in patients with GBS 2 were similar to the low-risk group with no malignant findings noted. This group also had similar rates of past and re-attendances for AUGIB and 30-day mortality of 0% to the low-risk group. Conclusion While our study has a small sample size, it suggests promising prospect that patients with GBS 2 may not need inpatient endoscopy. Future multi-centre studies are crucial to validate and strengthen this proposition. The potential advantages include decreased inpatient admissions, reduced healthcare costs, and alleviating pressures on emergency endoscopy unit.

Comparative Performance of Common Fecal Immunochemical Tests : A Cross-Sectional Study.

Despite widespread use of fecal immunochemical tests (FITs) for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening, data to guide test selection are limited. To compare the performance characteristics of 5 commonly used FITs, using colonoscopy as the reference standard. Cross-sectional study. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03264898). Three U.S. academic medical centers and affiliated endoscopy units. Patients aged 50 to 85 years undergoing screening or surveillance colonoscopy. Participants completed 5 different FITs before their colonoscopy, including 4 qualitative tests (Hemoccult ICT, Hemosure iFOB, OC-Light S FIT, QuickVue iFOB) and 1 quantitative test (OC-Auto FIT, which was run at the manufacturer's threshold for positivity of >100 ng/mL). The primary outcome was test performance (sensitivity and specificity) for each of the 5 FITs for advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN), defined as advanced polyps or CRC. Positivity rates, positive and negative predictive values, and rates of unevaluable tests were compared. Multivariable models were used to identify factors affecting sensitivity. A total of 3761 participants were enrolled, with a mean age of 62.1 years (SD, 7.8); 63.2% of participants were female, 5.7% were Black, 86.4% were White, and 28.7% were Hispanic. There were 320 participants with ACN (8.5%), including 9 with CRC (0.2%). The test positivity rate varied 4-fold (3.9% to 16.4%) across FITs. Rates of unevaluable FITs ranged from 0.2% to 2.5%. The sensitivity for ACN varied from 10.1% to 36.7%, and specificity varied from 85.5% to 96.6%. Differences in sensitivity between FITs were all statistically significantly different except between Hemosure iFOB and QuickVue iFOB, and specificity differences were all statistically significantly different from one another. In addition to FIT brand, distal location of ACN was also associated with higher FIT sensitivity. The study did not assess the programmatic sensitivity of annual FIT. Although considered a single class, FITs have varying test performance for detecting ACN and should not be considered interchangeable. National Institutes of Health.

Improving Endoscopy Nursing Staff's Patient Management Through the Implementation of an Education Initiative.

Endoscopic procedure areas have high-volume, fast-paced work environments. This practice requires a diverse range of knowledge and skills that are continuously changing with the evolution of high-acuity procedures and the shift toward routine use of anesthesia services. Endoscopy nursing staff have recently shown higher levels of stress and emotional exhaustion than their colleagues in similar practice settings. Patient management and recovery from anesthesia are identified by this group of nurses as a perceived stressor with high priority for improvement in competencies. Standardized education in collaboration with anesthesia services regarding these topics does not exist. As an improvement initiative, a standardized education guide was developed and implemented in an urban endoscopy unit situated within a Level 1 trauma center to improve nursing staff's patient management, knowledge, and readiness. Nursing knowledge was evaluated before and after the delivery of an educational presentation. Results demonstrated a substantial improvement in nursing knowledge and preparedness for complex procedures and high-acuity patients. Implementation of a similar standardized endoscopy nursing education guide has the potential to positively impact endoscopy nursing staff's knowledge and preparedness related to complex endoscopy patient care delivery, possibly relieving a source of stress for endoscopy staff and improving patient safety.

1402: an artificial intelligence-based cancer prediction and triage tool in GI endoscopy units

1402: an artificial intelligence-based cancer prediction and triage tool in GI endoscopy units

Appropriateness of colonoscopies in a Tunisian endoscopy center: factors and EPAGE-I/II criteria comparison

BackgroundThere is a growing demand for colonoscopy, worldwide, resulting in increased rate of inappropriate referrals. This “overuse” of colonoscopies has become a major burden for health care.Objectivesto assess the appropriateness of colonoscopies performed at the endoscopy unit of the university hospital of Sousse and to compare these results of appropriateness according to the European Panel of Appropriateness of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (EPAGE) I and EPAGE II criteria.Patients and methodsthis cross-sectional study included all consecutive patients referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy, between January 2017 and December 2018. Patients referred for exclusively therapeutic indications, those with incomplete colonoscopies were not included. Patients with poor bowel preparation or missing data were also excluded. Indications were assessed using the EPAGE I and EPAGE II criteria.ResultsFrom 1972 consecutive patients, 1307 were included. Overall, 986 (75.4%) of all referrals were for out-patients. The majority of patients were referred by gastroenterologists (n = 1026 patients; 78.5%), followed by general surgeons (n = 85; 6.5%). The commonest indications were lower abdominal symptoms (275; 21%) followed by uncomplicated diarrhea (152; 11.6%). Relevant findings were present in 363 patients (27.7%). Neoplastic lesions were the dominant finding in 221 patients (16.9%). EPAGE I and EPAGE II criteria were applicable for 1237 (88.8%) and 1276 (97.7%) patients respectively. Hematochezia and abdominal pain recorded the highest inappropriate rates with both sets of criteria. Appropriate colonoscopies increased to 76.4% when EPAGE II criteria were applied; whereas uncertain and inappropriate procedures decreased to 10.3% and 10.9% respectively Appropriateness of indication was significantly higher in hospitalized patients. For the EPAGE II criteria, the specialty of the referring physician was also significantly associated to the appropriate use. The agreement between EPAGE I and EPAGE II criteria was slight using the weighted version of k (k = 0.153).ConclusionsThe updated and improved EPAGE II guidelines are a simple and valid tool for assessing the appropriateness of colonoscopies. They decreased the inappropriate rate and the possibility of missing potentially severe diagnoses.

Factors predict prolonged colonoscopy before the procedure: prospective registry study.

Colonoscopy difficulty and procedure time can vary between cases, posing challenges for daily scheduling in endoscopy units. In the literature, cecal intubation time (CIT) is commonly used to assess colonoscopy difficulty, yet there is debate regarding the factors influencing CIT. This prospective observational study aimed to evaluate the factors influencing CIT. In this single-center, prospective, observational study, 915 patients who underwent colonoscopy between July 2023 and April 2024 were evaluated. Failure to achieve cecal intubation due to poor bowel preparation and a history of colorectal surgery were considered as exclusion criteria. Patients with a CIT ≥ 11min or those with technically failed cecal intubation were categorized into the prolonged CIT subgroup, while those with a CIT < 11min were analyzed in the normal CIT subgroup. Patients were evaluated based on demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, and colonoscopy results. A total of 902 patients included in the final analysis. The median age was 55years and 55.4% of them were women. The cecal intubation rate was 97.5% (892 patients). The polyp, adenoma, and malignancy detection rate were 27.4, 20.7, and 1.9%, respectively. Median cecal intubation time (CIT) was 6min (Interquartile range: 4-8). In multivariate analysis, body mass index ≤ 18.5, previous abdominal surgery, increased Wexner Constipation Score, and lesser endoscopist experience were associated with prolonged CIT. BMI, previous abdominal surgery, severity of constipation, and the experience of endoscopist may affect CIT. Considering these factors during daily planning in the endoscopy unit can lead to more efficient facility utilization.

Endoscopic detorsion of sigmoid volvulus in a young female: a case report

BackgroundA volvulus refers to the torsion or rotational twisting of a portion of the gastrointestinal tract, with a predilection for impacting the caecum and sigmoid colon, often resulting in the development of bowel obstruction. The risk factors associated are old age, chronic fecal impaction, psychiatric disorders, colonic dysmotility, prior abdominal surgical procedures, diabetes, and Hirschsprung's disease. Elderly are most commonly affected with sigmoid volvulus but there are few cases among young adults that culminate in grave complications. Although it is rare, but young individuals presenting with acute abdomen secondary to sigmoid volvulus need urgent attention. To prevent more invasive surgical procedures, endoscopic detorsion is preferred nowadays with complete recovery of patients. We present a case of young female who was successfully managed with endoscopic detorsion.Case presentation27 years old Asian Pakistani female presented with worsening abdominal distention, constipation and vomiting since 2 days. On examination she was afebrile, vitally stable. Abdomen was distended, tympanic percussion with generalized tenderness. Abdominal radiograph was obtained which showed dilated bowel loops followed by Computed tomography of abdomen which was suggestive of Sigmoid volvulus causing intestinal obstruction. Patient was immediately moved to endoscopy unit and endoscopic detorsion of volvulus was done. For individuals who present with sigmoid volvulus and do not exhibit signs of peritonitis or colonic gangrene, the recommended course of action involves acute endoscopic detorsion, followed by scheduled surgical intervention.ConclusionThis case report emphasizes the significance of clinicians considering sigmoid volvulus as a rare but important cause when evaluating abdominal pain in young and otherwise healthy patients. A delay in diagnosis and treatment extending beyond 48 hours leads to colonic necrosis, amplifying the associated morbidity and mortality. Swift intervention is imperative to mitigate these complications and attain a conclusive remedy.

A study of non-invasive predictors of esophageal varices in patients with cirrhosis of liver – A cross-sectional study

Background: Current guidelines advise that patients diagnosed with liver cirrhosis undergo screening through upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to detect esophageal varices (EV). Prophylactic measures should be taken for those with large varices on diagnosis and during follow-up. However, this poses a dual challenge, both social and medical, as the number of cirrhotic patients rises while the availability of endoscopy units remains limited. Aims and Objectives: In this study, we aim to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the non-invasive predictors such as spleen size, platelet count (PC), and PC/spleen diameter (PC/SD) ratio for the diagnosis of EV. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based prospective observational study was done in the SDM College of Medical Sciences and Hospital, Dharwad, among 50 patients with cirrhosis of liver. Results: Among the 50 patients studied males pre-dominated the study with 80%. Out of the study population, 70% of the patients had varices. For a cutoff point of PC/SD ratio 916, the sensitivity was 71.42% and specificity was 93.3%. For a cutoff value of PC of 1.32 lakhs, the sensitivity was 71.42%, and the specificity was 73.3%. For a cutoff value of the longest SD of 12.40 cm, the sensitivity was 94.30%, and specificity was 33.3%. Conclusion: These non-invasive predictors can be useful screening tools for the diagnosis of EV. These can be effective for the initiation of prophylactic treatment when the endoscopy facility is not available.