Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit Research Articles

Clinical and endoscopic characteristics of patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in Egypt: a nationwide multicenter study

BackgroundEgypt faces a significant public health burden due to chronic liver diseases (CLD) and peptic ulcer disease. CLD, primarily caused by Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, affects over 2.9% of the population nationwide, with regional variations. Steatotic liver disease is rapidly emerging as a significant contributor to CLD, especially in urban areas. Acid-related disorders are another widespread condition that can significantly impact the quality of life. These factors and others significantly influence the indications and findings of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures performed in Egypt.AimWe aimed to evaluate the clinico-demographic data, indications, and endoscopic findings in Egyptian patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in various regions of Egypt.MethodsThis study employed a retrospective multicenter cross-sectional design. Data was collected from patients referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy across 15 tertiary gastrointestinal endoscopy units in various governorates throughout Egypt.Results5910 patients aged 38–63 were enrolled in the study; 75% underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), while 25% underwent a colonoscopy. In all studied patients, the most frequent indications for EGD were dyspepsia (19.5%), followed by hematemesis (19.06%), and melena (17.07%). The final EGD diagnoses for the recruited patients were portal hypertension-related sequelae (60.3%), followed by acid-related diseases (55%), while 10.44% of patients had a normally apparent endoscopy. Male gender, old age, and the presence of chronic liver diseases were more common in patients from upper than lower Egypt governorates. Hematochezia (38.11%) was the most reported indication for colonoscopy, followed by anemia of unknown origin (25.11%). IBD and hemorrhoids (22.34% and 21.86%, respectively) were the most prevalent diagnoses among studied patients, while normal colonoscopy findings were encountered in 18.21% of them.ConclusionThis is the largest study describing the situation of endoscopic procedures in Egypt. our study highlights the significant impact of regional variations in disease burden on the utilization and outcomes of GI endoscopy in Egypt. The high prevalence of chronic liver disease is reflected in the EGD findings, while the colonoscopy results suggest a potential need for increased awareness of colorectal diseases.

Healthcare in the era of climate change and the need for environmental sustainability.

Climate change is an existential threat to humanity. While the healthcare sector must manage the health-related consequences of climate change, it is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, responsible for up to 4.6% of global emission, aggravating global warming. Within the hospital environment, the three largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions are the operating theatre, intensive care unit and gastrointestinal endoscopy. Knowledge of the health-related burden of climate change and the potential transformative health benefits of climate action is important to all health professionals, as they play crucial roles in effecting change. This article summarises the available literature on the impact of healthcare on climate change and efforts in mitigation, focusing on the intrinsic differences and similarities across the operating theatre complex, intensive care unit and gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. It also discusses strategies to reduce carbon footprint.

Medical radiation exposure during gastrointestinal enteral metallic stent placement: Post hoc analysis of the REX-GI study.

Recently, the use of various endoscopic procedures performed under X-ray fluoroscopy guidance has increased. With the popularization of such procedures, diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) have been widely accepted as the global standard for various procedures with ionizing radiation. The Radiation Exposure from Gastrointestinal Fluoroscopic Procedures (REX-GI) study aimed to prospectively collect actual radiation exposure (RE) data and establish DRLs in gastrointestinal endoscopy units. In this post hoc analysis of the REX-GI study, we established DRLs for each disease site by analyzing cases of gastrointestinal enteral metallic stent placement. The REX-GI study was a multicenter, prospective observational study conducted to collect actual RE data during gastrointestinal enteral metallic stent placement. To establish DRL values for three disease sites, namely the esophagus, gastroduodenum, and colon, we examined fluoroscopy time (FT; min), number of X-ray images, air kerma at the patient entrance reference point (K a,r; mGy), and the air kerma-area product (P KA; Gy cm2) during enteral metallic stent placement. Five-hundred and twenty-three stenting procedures were performed. The DRL values of FT (min) and the number of X-ray images for the esophagus/gastroduodenum/colon were 9/16/18 min and 9/15/11 min, respectively. Furthermore, the DRL values of K a,r and P KA for each disease site were 43.3/120/124 mGy and 10.3/36.6/48.4 Gy cm2, respectively. Among the procedures, esophageal stents were significantly associated with the lowest values (P < 0.001). The characteristics of RE vary according to disease site among gastrointestinal enteral metallic stent placements. Thus, it is desirable to set DRL values based on the disease site.

The relationship between gastric ultrasound findings and endoscopically aspirated volume in infants and determining the antral cutoff value for empty stomach diagnosis.

Pulmonary aspiration of gastric content is a serious perioperative complication. The objective of this prospective study was to assess the relationship between the gastric volumes suctioned endoscopically and quantitative (antral cross-section area) and qualitative (empty vs. nonempty) examination of the gastric antrum. Furthermore, the study aimed to determine the best antral cross-section area cutoff value for a truly empty antrum in infants. This study was performed in a pediatric gastrointestinal endoscopy unit. Antral sonography was performed in supine and right lateral decubitus positions in 46 fasted infants prior to upper gastrointestinal endoscopic evaluation. Antral cross-sectional area measurements in both positions and qualitative evaluation of the antrum (according to a three-point grading system) were recorded. Gastric contents were endoscopically suctioned and measured. Forty-six patients (aged under 24 months) were included. According to the three-point qualitative grading system, 76.1% of patients were classified as grade 0. The best cutoff value for the antral cross-section area in the right lateral decubitus position, indicating an empty antrum, was determined to be 2.40 cm2. At this specific cutoff value, the sensitivity was 100%, the specificity was 68.6%, and the negative predictive value was 100%. Gastric ultrasonography can confirm an empty or nearly empty stomach in healthy infants.

Pediatrik Gastrointestinal Endoskopi Ünitesinde Çalışan Endoskopi Hemşirelerinin Anestezi Yönetimi Konusundaki Farkındalığı; Bir Anket Çalışması

Objective: We aimed to determine the awareness and knowledge levels of endoscopy nurses working in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy units on anesthesia applications they encountered in clinical practice. Material and Methods: Endoscopy nurses that work in Pediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy units in Turkey were invited to this study. Among the 33 questions, seven were in the section questioning the endoscopy nurses’ demographics and occupational working time (Section 1). In the other part, 16 questions were asked about what should be known during the anesthesia administration and recovery process (Section 2). The remaining 10 questions were statements that determined the level of awareness regarding anesthesia practices in pediatric GI endoscopy units. (Section 3) Results: The total of 80 participants’ mean age was 40.3±9.1 years, and 91.3% were female. Seventy seven percent of the participants replied “yes” to the statement of “The endoscopy nurse should be able to evaluate possible complications by considering the ASA classification of the patients.” Thirty five percent of participants knew about the Modified Aldrete Scoring system. The mean age, total working time, and working time in the pediatric GI endoscopy unit were found to be lower in those who agreed with the statement "Patients can be discharged with their parents/caregiver without any scoring or criteria evaluation two hours after the procedure" Conclusion: In conclusion, although the pediatric endoscopy nurse is not responsible for anesthesia management practices, their awareness and knowledge about anesthesia management play a key role for the endoscopy and the anesthesia team in ensuring patient safety.

Correlation of Circulating Cathelcidin Level and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Activity

Abstract Background Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), which include Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), are a group of idiopathic, chronic and relapsing inflammatory disorders of the gastrointestinal tract, whose incidence and prevalence has been increasing in the last decade. Objective To correlate circulating cathelicidin levels with mucosal disease activity in patients with IBD. Patients and Methods This case control cross sectional study was conducted on 45 adult subjects referred to Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Liver Unit, EL-Haram Hospital.40 of the patients had IBD, the other 40 were non IBD patients studied as case control. All subjects were submitted to complete medical history, physical examination, laboratory investigations, colonoscopic examination and cathelicidin serum level. Results Our results showed that there was no statistically significant difference between both studied groups regarding both age and sex distribution. In this study we found highly significant decrease in Hemoglobin level in cases group compared to control group (p value &amp;lt; 0.001). Also, there was significant increase in platelets level among cases group compared to control (p value &amp;lt; 0.05). Also, we found that serum albumin was decreased among IBD patients compared to control. Conclusion Serum Cathelicidin has shown significant increase in patients with IBD activity. Serum cathelicidin levels showed statistically significant reverse correlation with Partial Mayo Scores of severity in UC patients. Serum cathelicidin levels showed Non-statistically significant correlation with Harvey Bradshaw Indices of severity in CD patients. Co-evaluation of LL-37 and CRP levels was more accurate than CRP alone or LL-37 alone in the correlation with Mayo Endoscopic Score of UC patients.

Correlation between Gastrointestinal Symptoms Questionnaire and Findings of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in Gastrointestinal Disorders

Abstract Background Gastrointestinal diseases are among the most common problems in tropical countries and commonly manifest as diarrhea, abdominal pain, abdominal distention, gastrointestinal bleeding, intestinal obstruction, malabsorption, or malnutrition. Aim of the Work The aim of this work is to compare the efficacy of gastrointestinal Symptoms questionnaire and results of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy to create an optimally reliable tool for measuring the presence and severity of GI symptoms and to measure the symptomatic response to treatment more objectively. Subjects and Methods This study has been conducted on 100 patients complaining of gastrointestinal symptoms attending the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit in Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University hospital. All patients have been evaluated by upper GI endoscopy to measure the correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaire and upper GI endoscopy. Results There was significant correlation between gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaire and results of upper gastrointestinal disorders. Conclusion Gastrointestinal symptoms questionnaire is an easy used tool which can be used to measure the presence, severity of gastrointestinal symptoms and the symptomatic response to treatment more objectively.

Indications and Results of Lower Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in a Regional Hospital Center in Senegal

Introduction: Gastrointestinal endoscopy plays a crucial role in the management of gastrointestinal diseases. The aim of this study was to report the indications and results of lower digestive endoscopy in a hospital center in Senegal. Patients and Methods: We conducted a descriptive retrospective study from September 1st, 2017, to September 30, 2018 at the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit of the regional hospital center of Thiès. All patients received for lower gastrointestinal endoscopy and whose reports were usable, were included. In the reports, we collected and analyzed sociodemographic data, indication and results of the endoscopic examination. Results: We included 250 patients. There were 140 men (sex ratio 1.27). The average age was 42 years [range 1 - 92 years]. There were 37 colonoscopies (14.8%), 51 rectosigmoidoscopies (20.4%) and 162 anorectoscopies (64.8%). The patients were from the region of Thiès in 82% of cases. In most cases, they were most often referred by general practitioners (22.8%) and surgeons (20.8%). The main indications were rectal bleeding (36.8%), hemorrhoidal disease (23.2%) and proctalgia (11.6%). Hemorrhoidal disease (63.6%), anal fistula (14%) and tumors (8.8%) were the most common pathologies. Conclusion: Admitted patients at the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit of the regional hospital center of Thiès have many indications as well as pathologies. Anal pathology is dominated by hemorrhoidal disease.

External nasal dilator decreases N95 respirator-related respiratory effort and symptoms in gastrointestinal endoscopy unit staff.

Background and study aims N95-filtering facepiece respirators (FFR) use is associated with physiological changes and symptoms due to impaired nasal airflow and increased breathing resistance. We prospectively studied the effect of using an external nasal dilator (END) in gastroenterology laboratory (gastrointestinal lab) staff using N95FFR. Patients and methods N95FFR qualitative saccharine fit testing was performed on study participants with and without an END. Prospective data collection and comparisons included: 1) survey of perceived symptoms and difficulty of performing one day of gastrointestinal procedures with N95FFR and 1 day of gastrointestinal procedures with END plus N95FFR in random sequence; and 2) vitals and respiratory belt plethysmography in ten gastroenterologists performing simulated colonoscopy while wearing a surgical mask (SM), N95FFR plus SM, END plus N95FFR plus SM for 20 minutes each in random sequence and rapid succession. Results Twenty-nine of 31 participants passed the N95FFR and the END plus N95FFR fit test. Twenty-two participants (12 physicians; 11 males; mean age 44.1 years, range 31–61) performed 1 day of gastrointestinal procedures with an N95FFR and 1 day of gastrointestinal procedures with an END plus N95FFR. Significantly less difficulty with nasal breathing and severity of symptoms including breathing difficulty, headache, fatigue and frustration, occurred while using an END plus N95FFR. Respiratory plethysmography peak-to-trough measurement showed an increase during the N95FFR stage compared to the END plus N95FFR stage and the SM stage. Conclusions N95FFR related respiratory changes and symptom development may be mitigated by END use.

The Geographical Distribution of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Services Within Government and Faith Based Hospitals in Ghana

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is generally a very safe and effective diagnostic and interventional modality in the current practice of medicine. To plan a comprehensive equitable gastrointestinal endoscopy service, the geographical distribution of this essential facility needs to be mapped.Methods: This study was a cross sectional situational survey of gastrointestinal endoscopy services within government and faith based health facilities in Ghana. Information on the availability of GI endoscopy services as at December 2016 was obtained by interviewingdoctors from the various regions in Ghana. Five (5) doctors working in different hospitals were interviewed per region.Results: Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy service was available in 3 out of the 4 teaching hospitals and only one regional hospital (Sunyani) in Ghana. The upper east, Upper west and Volta regions have no GI endoscopy services within any government or faithbased facility. The Christian Health Association of Ghana (CHAG) complemented government effort with GI endoscopy units at 4 district hospitals located in the Eastern, Central, Brong Ahafo and Volta regions.Conclusion: The distribution of gastrointestinal endoscopy services within government and faith based facilities is uneven. There is an urgent need to establish these services equitably across Ghana.

Reducing the environmental footprint of gastrointestinal endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) Position Statement.

Climate change and the destruction of ecosystems by human activities are among the greatest challenges of the 21st century and require urgent action. Health care activities significantly contribute to the emission of greenhouse gases and waste production, with gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy being one of the largest contributors. This Position Statement aims to raise awareness of the ecological footprint of GI endoscopy and provides guidance to reduce its environmental impact. The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates (ESGENA) outline suggestions and recommendations for health care providers, patients, governments, and industry. MAIN STATEMENTS 1: GI endoscopy is a resource-intensive activity with a significant yet poorly assessed environmental impact. 2: ESGE-ESGENA recommend adopting immediate actions to reduce the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. 3: ESGE-ESGENA recommend adherence to guidelines and implementation of audit strategies on the appropriateness of GI endoscopy to avoid the environmental impact of unnecessary procedures. 4: ESGE-ESGENA recommend the embedding of reduce, reuse, and recycle programs in the GI endoscopy unit. 5: ESGE-ESGENA suggest that there is an urgent need to reassess and reduce the environmental and economic impact of single-use GI endoscopic devices. 6: ESGE-ESGENA suggest against routine use of single-use GI endoscopes. However, their use could be considered in highly selected patients on a case-by-case basis. 7: ESGE-ESGENA recommend inclusion of sustainability in the training curricula of GI endoscopy and as a quality domain. 8: ESGE-ESGENA recommend conducting high quality research to quantify and minimize the environmental impact of GI endoscopy. 9: ESGE-ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy companies assess, disclose, and audit the environmental impact of their value chain. 10: ESGE-ESGENA recommend that GI endoscopy should become a net-zero greenhouse gas emissions practice by 2050.

The Design of Physical Components of Endoscopy Units: A Case Study of Four Major Public Hospitals in Thailand

Endoscopists and medical practitioners of the Thai Association of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (TAGE) have raised critical concerns regarding vast variations in the design of endoscopy facilities. This study presents an overview of the design of gastrointestinal endoscopy units in Thailand. The case studies include six endoscopy units from four major public hospitals in Bangkok. The research methodology comprises three main parts. The first part is based on a literature review of international and local architectural design guidelines to understand and justify the research framework. The second part includes walk-through observations and documentation of the current condition. Finally, the obtained data were compared and analyzed using the framework derived from the literature review. The findings identified variations among case studies in three main aspects: (1) functional area requirements, (2) functional relationship and circulations for traffic flow, (3) detailed functional requirements. One of the causes of these design variations is related to the lack of local design guidelines. The findings support the need for design guideline establishment and implementation to ensure efficacy and safety, especially on the future adaptive reuse buildings that would turn into endoscopic units. Another noticeable finding is the circulation traffic flow planning of separation between dirty and clean corridors. Further research suggests investigating the potential and risk of implementing the non-separating corridors for more efficient use of space. The development of local design guidelines, including the three mentioned aspects with the adjustment to the local context, would be highly beneficial to the healthcare system.

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

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

Combined rectal indomethacin and intravenous saline hydration in post-ERCP pancreatitis prophylaxis

Background and study aimAcute pancreatitis (AP) is a potentially life-threatening complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). There is a lack of effective measures to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), except NSAIDs. Aggressive hydration for AP can be considered, given the frequency of hemoconcentration, hypovolemia, and hypoperfusion in pancreatitis. We aimed to clarify the clinical utility of combined indomethacin and saline hydration for preventing PEP. Patients and methodIn this cross-sectional study, 120 patients undergoing ERCP for the first time at the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit and Liver Unit Kasralainy (GIELUKA) were enrolled and then randomly allocated into two groups: indomethacin and indomethacin-hydration groups. Intravenous (IV) saline was given to the latter at a rate of 10 ml/kg/h after the ERCP for 2 h. ResultsThe age of the studied patients was 43.8 ± 14.9 years, with 55% of them being female. The patient-related risk factors for PEP were older age (p = 0.039), higher pre-ERCP urea level (p = 0.032), and less choledocholithiasis (p = 0.028). The patients with PEP had a higher frequency of biliary cannulation attempts (p = 0.004) and accidental pancreatic duct cannulation (p = 0.003), required a longer cannulation time (p = 0.021), had undergone precut knife and transpancreatic sphincterotomy at a higher rate (p = 0.032; and p = 0.001, respectively), and had a significantly longer procedure time (p = 0.006).PEP occurred in only five patients in the indomethacin group, while it did not occur in the indomethacin-hydration group (8% vs. 0%, p = 0.022). Serum amylase and lipase elevation 2 h after ERCP were predictors of PEP. However, serum amylase only was significantly lower 2 h post-ERCP in the indomethacin-hydration group than in the indomethacin group (p = 0.045). Moreover, abdominal pain and vomiting on the first day of ERCP were good predictors of PEP. ConclusionAggressive IV saline hydration with rectal indomethacin can more effectively prevent PEP than indomethacin alone.

Learning From Highly Effective Teams: What Can We Apply to the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit Team?

Learning From Highly Effective Teams: What Can We Apply to the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit Team?

Combined surgical and intraoperative endoscopic rescue of a biliary incarcerated balloon dilator: a successful rescue in a fortunate patient

BackgroundEndoscopic papillary balloon dilatation (EPBD) is the second proposed maneuver for the endoscopic retrieval of common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST). Being less traumatic, EPBD is acknowledged for fewer procedure-related complications compared to (EST).Case presentationWe present a 55-year-old lady, who was referred to the pancreato-biliary division, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Unit, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, for endoscopic management of a high likelihood of choledocholithiasis. Unfortunately, during the procedure, the balloon dilator was incarcerated inside the common bile duct (CBD) with failure of all endoscopic extraction trials. Because of the resultant cholangio-pancreatitis, the incarcerated inflated balloon had to be removed immediately. Open surgical rescue of the case in conjunction with the intraoperative endoscopic biliary stent deployment had made it possible to save the patient.ConclusionThis case is one of the few reports of incarcerated balloon dilator during EPBD and failure of endoscopic retrieval, with subsequent acute pancreatitis/hepato-cholangitis, and gall bladder mucocele. Despite being a critical surgical candidate and owing to the attentive timely surgical intervention collaborated with the intra-operative endoscopic management, the case was fortunate.

POSB326 Organizational Assessment of US GI Endoscopy Units

The mandatory reprocessing and the potential repair of the reusable gastroscope and colonoscope may cause organizational consequences such as delays and cancellations. We sought to investigate the organization of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy units in the United States (US) to identify and quantify potential organizational issues and investigate whether single-use gastroscopes and colonoscopes hypothetical could prove valuable when reaching the market.

Characteristics of the endoscopic procedures performed in a hybrid tertiary-level hospital during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused many changes in gastrointestinal endoscopy units. To describe the changes that occurred in a gastrointestinal endoscopy unit of a hybrid hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. We performed a retrospective study of endoscopies performed in the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We collected and described the data of interest to the study, which is presented with numbers and percentages or measures of central tendency and dispersion as appropriate. Fisher's exact test or the χ2 test were used as appropriate. A total of 507 procedures were performed. There was a 92.5% reduction in the performance of endoscopic procedures. In all, 77 (15%) procedures were performed on patients with COVID-19. The most frequent procedures were esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The main indications were gastrointestinal bleeding, placement of enteral accesses, and alterations in the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Of these, 37 (48%) were therapeutic. Patients with COVID-19 were more susceptible to the development of complications. During the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of endoscopic procedures performed decreased significantly. The procedures most often required were EGD, colonoscopy, and ERCP, mainly indicated by gastrointestinal bleeding, placement of enteral accesses, and alterations of the bile and pancreatic ducts.

The EPAGE guidelines are not an effective strategy for managing colonoscopies during the COVID-19 pandemic

IntroductionThe pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus has had a serious impact on the functioning of gastrointestinal endoscopy Units. The Asociación Española de Gastroenterología [Spanish Association of Gastroenterology] (AEG) and the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva [Spanish Association of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy] (SEED) have proposed the EPAGE guidelines for managing postponed colonoscopies.ObjectiveTo evaluate the EPAGE guidelines as a management tool compared to the immunologic faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) and compared to risk score (RS) that combines age, sex and the iFOBT for the detection of colorectal cancer (CRC) and significant bowel disease (SBD).MethodsA prospective, single-centre study enrolling 743 symptomatic patients referred for a diagnostic colonoscopy. Each order was classified according to the EPAGE guidelines as appropriate, indeterminate or inappropriate. Patients underwent an iFOBT and had their RS calculated.ResultsThe iFOBT (P < .001), but not the EPAGE guidelines (P = .742), was an independent predictive factor of risk of CRC. The ROC AUCs for the EPAGE guidelines, the iFOBT and the RS were 0.61 (95%CI 0.49−0.75), 0.95 (0.93−0.97) and 0.90 (0.87−0.93) for CRC, and 0.55 (0.49−0.61), 0.75 (0.69−0.813) and 0.78 (0.73−0.83) for SBD, respectively. The numbers of colonoscopies needed to detect a case of CRC and a case of SBD were 38 and 7 for the EPAGE guidelines, 7 and 2 for the iFOBT, and 19 and 4 for a RS ≥ 5 points, respectively.ConclusionThe EPAGE guidelines, unlike the iFOBT, is not suitable for screening candidate patients for a diagnostic colonoscopy to detect CRC. The iFOBT, in combination with age and sex, is the most suitable strategy for managing demand for endoscopy in a restricted-access situation.

Infection Control of Gastrointestinal Endoscopic Procedures Performed by Nurses at Hawler and Rizgary Teaching Hospitals in Erbil City /Iraq

Background and objectives: Gastrointestinal endoscopy is a valuable diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the care of patients with gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary disorders. Compliance with accepted guidelines for the reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes between patients is critical to the safety and success of their use. This study aimed to assess the nurses' infection control practice and identify the prevalence of fungal and bacterial growth on gastroscopy and colonoscopy instruments. Methods: A descriptive study was carried out on a purposive (non-probability) sample of all nurses who worked in the gastrointestinal endoscopy units at Hawler and Rizgari Teaching Hospitals in Erbil City from January to June 2016 from where the sample specimens were also taken. The questionnaire consisted of three parts. The first part included sociodemographic data, the second part contained nurses' infection control practice before, during and after the endoscopy procedure including pre-cleaning, leak testing, manual cleaning rising, disinfection, rinsing, drying and storing instruments. The third part of the questionnaire was used to document 80 endoscopic specimens, which were collected from the endoscopic instruments. Results: The findings of the study revealed that the majority of nurses (38.5%) were within the 25-35 years age group, 61.5% were males and having less than 5 years experience. The infection control practices for endoscopy procedure showed that a majority (69.2%) of nurses practised at a fair level. The Grams stain smear results showed positivity of 65.62% for fungus and 34.375% for bacteria. All the fungi isolated belonged to the Candida species. Conclusion: The study concluded that the infection control of endoscopic procedures performed by nurses was inadequate. The swab cultures from the automated endoscope reprocessors, in combination with other bacterial isolates, showed that the Candida species were present in the endoscopic specimens.