Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Research Articles

Safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine vs ketamine vs midazolam combined with propofol in gastrointestinal endoscopy for cancer patients: A randomized double-blinded trial

ABSTRACT Background A wide range of drugs are used for sedation in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures, including midazolam, dexmedetomidine, and ketamine. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of these drugs in combination with propofol among cancer patients undergoing GI endoscopy. Methods This randomized, double-blinded study was carried out on 75 cancer patients who underwent GI endoscopy. Patients were categorized into three equal groups. Group D: received dexmedetomidine 0.5 µg/kg bolus infusion over 10 min. Group K: received ketamine 0.5 mg/kg. Group M: received midazolam 0.05 mg/kg. With these drugs, 0.5 mg/kg propofol was administered intravenously with incremental 20 mg till achievement of Ramsey sedation score (RSS) 3–4. After that, 0.5 mg/kg propofol boluses were offered for rescue sedation. Results The endoscopy duration was comparable in the three groups. Time of RSS 3–4 achievement and total propofol dose (P < 0.05) were significantly lower in group D and group K compared to group M. Time to eye-opening were significantly lower in groups D, and K compared to group M, with insignificant difference between group K and group D. Moreover, the heart rate (HR) and mean arterial pressure (MAP) of group K at 10 min, 15 min, 20 min, 25 min, and 30 min, and PACU were significantly greater than D and M groups (P < 0.05). Incidence of hypotension and bradycardia were comparable in the three groups. Conclusions In cancer patients who underwent GI endoscopy, dexmedetomidine-propofol and ketamine-propofol had better sedation efficacy [lower achievement time of RSS 3–4, total propofol dose, and eye-opening time] compared to midazolam-propofol group with superior sedative effect of ketamine-propofol than dexmedetomidine-propofol. While ketamine-propofol had more stable HR and MAP.

Epidemiological, clinical, and histological presentation of celiac disease in Northwest China.

BACKGROUNDResearch on celiac disease (CD) in northwest China is still in its infancy. At present, large-sample data on the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of CD are limited.AIMTo investigate the epidemiological, clinical, and pathological characteristics of CD in northwest China.METHODSThe clinical data of 2884 patients with gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were retrospectively analyzed. Total immunoglobulin A (IgA) and anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) IgA levels were examined in all patients. Gastroscopy and colonoscopy were performed in patients with positive anti-tTG IgA and deficient total IgA levels. Atrophy of the duodenal and ileal villi was examined and histopathological examinations were performed. The modified Marsh–Oberhuber classification system was used to grade villous atrophy in the duodenum or distal ileum. The patients’ Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status was compared in terms of clinical presentation and Marsh grade. Statistical analyses were performed using the t-test or chi-square test.RESULTSAmong the 2884 patients, 73 were positive for serum anti-tTG IgA, and 50 were diagnosed with CD. The CD detection rate was significantly higher in Kazakhs (4.39%) than in Uyghurs (2.19%), Huis (0.71%), and Hans (0.55%). The main symptoms of CD were chronic diarrhea, anorexia, anemia, fatigue, weight loss, sleep disorders, osteopenia, and osteoporosis. The body mass index of patients with CD was significantly lower than that of patients without CD. A total of 69 patients with positive serum anti-tTG IgA and two patients with deficient total IgA levels underwent GI endoscopy. Endoscopy revealed crypt hyperplasia and/or duodenal villous atrophy, mainly manifested as nodular mucosal atrophy, grooves, and fissures. The difference in H. pylori infection rates was not statistically significant between CD and non-CD patients but was significantly different among CD patients with different Marsh grades.CONCLUSIONAmong the patients with GI symptoms in northwestern China, the prevalence of CD was more in the Uyghur and Kazakh populations. H. pylori infection may be associated with CD severity.

Practices in Paediatric Gastrointestinal Endoscopy at Kenyatta National Hospital and Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital in Nairobi, Kenya

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) diseases are common in children worldwide and pediatric GI endoscopy has become a fundamental component of healthcare for infants and children. There is a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic indications for pediatric upper and lower GI endoscopy as well as new diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for the endoscopic findings Objectives: To document the indications, endoscopic findings and therapeutic procedures in pediatric upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) and Gertrude’s children’s hospital. Design: Cross-sectional, consecutive entry study Setting: Kenyatta National Hospital and Gertrude’s children’s hospital Materials and Methods: This study was done over a period of 5 months involving participants of age 13 years and below who underwent GI endoscopy at the endoscopy units of KNH and Gertrude’s children’s hospital. The subjects who met the eligibility criteria were recruited by the Principal Investigator through consecutive sampling. Data was recorded in a data abstraction form. Permission to undertake the study was obtained from the combined institutional Research and Ethics Committee (IREC) of KNH and University of Nairobi as well as the Ethics Review Board of Gertrude’s Children Hospital.Data was anonymized prior to analysis. Written informed consent for the study was obtained from the participants’ parents or guardians. The data collected was coded and entered in MsAccess data base. Data cleaning was done and the data exported into SPSS version 23.0statistical software. All statistical tests were performed at 5% level of significance. Results: Mean age of the children was 7.3 years (std=3.9). Males were 58 (52.7%). OGD involved 79.1% of the participants. In KNH, the main indications for OGD (oesophagogastroduodenoscopy) were upper GI bleed and dysphagia while in Gertrude’s hospital, they were abdominal pain and emesis. Hematochezia was the predominant indication for colonoscopy. More study participants had normal than abnormal gross and histological findings. The commonest gastroscopic findings were gastritis and esophagitis. Hiatus hernia was detected in only 4.8% of the children. The commonest colonoscopic finding was colonic polyps. 69(62.7%) patients had results of biopsies taken being present. The commonest positive findings in the colon and rectum were chronic ulcerative colitis and juvenile polyps, respectively. The main therapeutic procedures done were banding for oesophageal varices, FB removal and oesophageal dilatation. Conclusions: The higher percentages of normal gross and histologic findings indicate more a functional than organic etiology to the GI presentations. Hiatus hernia is relatively uncommon in our population. Juvenile polyps are more common than ulcerative colitis as a cause of hematochezia in children. Recommendations: Considerations for higher possibility of functional diagnoses should be made for patients with recurrent abdominal pains and recurrent emesis. Emphasis should be made for parents/guardians of children who require biopsy that histology forms a crucial part of management

Extremity risk factors of sepsis for gastrointestinal endoscopy in patients with liver cirrhosis

BackgroundLiver cirrhosis is a well-known risk factor of sepsis after emergent gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Elective GI endoscopy before living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), however, may also carry the septic risk among these patients.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed the medical records of 642 cirrhotic recipients who underwent GI endoscopy from 2008 to 2016. We analyzed the incidence and risk factors of post-endoscopy sepsis during 2008–2012 (experience cohort). Our protocol changed after 2013 (validation cohort) to include antibiotic prophylaxis.ResultsIn experience cohort, 36 cases (10.5%) of the 342 LDLT candidates experienced sepsis within 48 h after endoscopy. The sepsis rate was significantly higher in patients with hepatic decompensation than patients without (22.2% vs. 9.6% vs. 2.6% in Child C/B/A groups respectively; ×2 = 20.97, P < 0.001). Using multivariate logistic regression analysis, the factors related to post-endoscopy sepsis were the Child score (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.24–1.71), Child classes B and C (OR 3.80 and 14.13; 95% CI 1.04–13.95 and 3.97–50.23, respectively), hepatic hydrothorax (OR 4.85; 95% CI 1.37–17.20), and use of antibiotic prophylaxis (OR 0.08; 95% CI 0.01–0.64). In validation cohort, antibiotics were given routinely, and all cases of hepatic hydrothorax (n = 10) were drained. Consequently, 4 (1.3%) episodes of sepsis occurred among 300 LDLT candidates, and the incidence was significantly lower than before (1.3% vs. 10.5%, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with decompensated cirrhosis and hepatic hydrothorax have higher risk of sepsis following endoscopy. In advanced cirrhotic patients, antibiotic prophylaxis and drainage of hydrothorax may be required to prevent sepsis before elective GI endoscopy.

Patient Perspective on Safety of Elective Gastrointestinal Endoscopy During the COVID-19 Pandemic

BackgroundPatients’ perception regarding the risks of COVID-19 infection with gastrointestinal (GI) and the preventive measures taken in GI endoscopy units to mitigate infection risk remains unclear. We aimed to assess patients’ perception regarding risks of COVID-19 with GI endoscopy and the changes in the endoscopy unit as a result of the ongoing pandemic. MethodsOutpatients undergoing GI endoscopy at our institution were categorized into those scheduled to undergo GI endoscopy (preprocedure) and those who had recently undergone GI endoscopy during the pandemic (postprocedure). Two separate but similar survey instruments were designed. Patients were asked to respond on a 5-point Likert scale. Responses were stratified as “low,” “neutral,” and “high” for analysis. ResultsA total of 150 and 355 respondents completed the preprocedure and postprocedure surveys, with a combined response rate of 82.5%. Non-white ethnicity was associated with reporting a “high” level of concern for endoscopy related COVID-19 exposure in both the preprocedure (OR 4.09, 95% CI 1.54-10.82) and postprocedure cohorts (OR 2.11, 95% CI 1.04-4.29). 42% of patients in the preprocedure cohort and 11.8% in the postprocedure cohort reported their level of concern for COVID exposure as “high.” Among the postprocedure cohort, 88% of the patients were likely to undergo repeat endoscopy during the pandemic if recommended. ConclusionPatients are willing to undergo GI endoscopy during the COVID-19 pandemic. Non-white and older patients, and those undergoing screening examinations were more concerned with the GI endoscopy related COVID-19 transmission risk.

Clinical characteristics of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma infiltration in the gastrointestinal tract

BackgroundAdult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a peripheral T-cell malignancy caused by human T-cell leukemia virus type 1. The clinical course of ATLL is very heterogeneous, and many organs, including the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, can be involved. However, there are few detailed reports on ATLL infiltration in the GI tract. We investigated the clinical characteristics of ATLL infiltration in the GI tract.MethodsThis retrospective observational single-center study included 40 consecutive ATLL patients who underwent GI endoscopy. The patients’ demographic and clinical characteristics and endoscopic findings were analyzed retrospectively. Patients with ATLL who were diagnosed by histological examination were divided into two groups based on GI tract infiltration.ResultsMultivariate analysis revealed that the absence of skin lesions was significantly associated with GI infiltration (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the infiltration group tended to have similar macroscopic lesions in the upper and lower GI tracts, such as diffuse type, tumor-forming type, and giant-fold type.ConclusionsGI endoscopy may be considered for ATLL patients without skin lesions.

Patient experience of gastrointestinal endoscopy: informing the development of the Newcastle ENDOPREM™

BackgroundMeasuring patient experience is important for evaluating the quality of patient care, identifying aspects requiring improvement and optimising patient outcomes. Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs) should, ideally, be patient derived,...

Safety of Propofol versus Nonpropofol-Based Sedation in Children Undergoing Gastrointestinal Endoscopy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background The majority of children who undergo gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy require anesthesia or procedural sedation for comfort, cooperation, and procedure efficiency. The safety profile of propofol is not well established in children but has been studied in the literature. Objective The aim of this study is to evaluate and compare the safety of propofol-only sedation for GI endoscopy procedures to other anesthetic regimes in the pediatric population. Methods A search was conducted in the MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized clinical trials and prospective cohorts were included in the study. Results No significant difference was noted in total complications between the two cohorts with a pooled OR of 1.31 (95% CI: 0.57–3.04, chi2 = 0.053, I 2 = 54.31%). The pooled rate of complications in the studies was 23.4% for those receiving propofol only and 18.2% for those receiving other anesthetic regimens. Sensitivity analysis was performed removing a study with a very different control comparison compared to the rest of the studies included. Once excluded, there was minimal heterogeneity in the remaining studies and a significant difference in overall complications was detected, with more complications seen in the propofol-only group compared to the other anesthetic groups (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.09–3.20). Conclusion Significantly higher incidence of cardiorespiratory complications was noted in the propofol-only versus other anesthetic regimens in pediatric patients undergoing GI endoscopy in this meta-analysis. However, the overall quality of the evidence is very low. How to Apply This Knowledge for Routine Clinical Practice Clinicians providing sedation to a pediatric population for GI endoscopy should consider there may be increased risks when using a propofol-only regimen, but further study is needed.

Safety of non-anesthesia provider administered propofol sedation in non-advanced gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures: A meta-analysis.

Background/Aims:The aim of the study was to evaluate the safety of non-anesthesia provider (NAPP) administered propofol sedation in patients undergoing non-advanced gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures.Materials and Methods:Pubmed, Embase, Cochrane central register of controlled trials, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched for prospective observational trials involving non-advanced endoscopic procedures. From a total of 608 publications, 25 [colonoscopy (9), upper GI endoscopy (5), and combined procedures (11)] were identified to meet inclusion criteria and were analyzed. Data was analyzed for hypoxia rates, airway intervention rates, and airway complication rates.Results:A total of 137,087 patients were involved. A total of 2931 hypoxia episodes (defined as an oxygen saturation below 90%) were reported with a pooled hypoxia rate of 0.014 (95% CI being 0.008-0.023). Similarly, pooled airway intervention rates and pooled airway complication rates were 0.002 (95% CI being 0.006–0.001) and 0.001 (95% CI being 0.000–0.001), respectively.Conclusions:The rates of adverse events in patients undergoing non-advanced GI endoscopic procedures with NAPP sedation are extremely small. Similar data for anesthesia providers is not available. It is prudent for anesthesia providers to demonstrate their superiority in prospective randomized controlled trials, if they like to retain exclusive ownership over propofol sedation in patients undergoing GI endoscopy.

High Prevalence of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease in Children With Intestinal Failure.

The aim of the present study was to describe the prevalence and clinical features of gastrointestinal (GI) eosinophilic inflammation among pediatric patients with intestinal failure (IF). Medical records of all patients studied in our institution's IF program who underwent GI endoscopy over a 15-year period were reviewed, and clinical, pathologic, nutrition, and laboratory data collected. One hundred five patients underwent 208 GI endoscopic procedures with biopsy. The overall prevalence of eosinophilic inflammation, defined as increased eosinophils in at least 1 tissue type on at least 1 endoscopy, was 39 of 105 (37%). The tissue-specific prevalence of eosinophilic inflammation ranged widely, with the colon/rectosigmoid being the most common (18/68, 26%), followed by the esophagus (17/83, 20%), ileum (9/54, 17%), duodenum (4/83, 5%), and stomach (3/83, 4%). Higher peripheral eosinophil count and hematochezia were associated with eosinophilic inflammation in the colon (P = 0.002 and 0.0004, respectively). The use of a strict elemental diet for 3 months before endoscopy was not associated with a decreased frequency of eosinophilic inflammation in any tissue. Eosinophilic inflammation is a common histopathological finding in patients with IF. Colonic eosinophilic inflammation is associated with clinical symptoms of GI blood loss, and peripheral eosinophilia, and was not abrogated by a strict elemental diet.

Safety and Role of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in the Management of Gastrointestinal Acute GVHD in Children After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation.

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and biopsy is a common procedure to confirm the diagnosis of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in children after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Its safety and benefits in aGVHD management is unclear. We aimed to review the safety and benefits of GI endoscopy and biopsy for GI-aGVHD management. From January 2000 to December 2009, 450 Children received allo-HSCT at SickKids. Seventy-nine (17.5%) patients underwent GI endoscopy and biopsy for suspicion of GI-aGVHD. GI-aGVHD grading was I (n=5), II (n=39), III (n=23), and IV (n=12). GI biopsy confirmed aGVHD in 49 (62%) patients and results were negative in 30 (38%). Thirty-two (40%) patients started treatment based on clinical criteria before procedure. Twenty-four out of 79 patients had a change in therapy because of biopsy results. Treatment change was significantly more common in patients who had a positive biopsy results compared with those with negative results (24/49 vs. 4/30, P=0.02). Comparing patients who started therapy before the biopsy results (n=32) and the remaining patients (n=47) who were not started on therapy, the biopsy results had more impact in altering/starting therapy in these patients (24/47 vs. 0/32, P<0.00001). For the 32 patients who started therapy before the procedure, the biopsy confirmed aGVHD diagnosis in 20 of them (63%). Only 1 patient (1.25%) had duodenal hematoma and needed prolong GI rest and ultimately recovered. GI endoscopy and biopsy was safe and useful in guiding therapy for GI-aGVHD.

Role of Proton Pump Inhibitors on Rapid Urease Test (PYLO DRY) and Histopathological Examination

In the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection, rapid urease test (RUT) plays an important role. According to previous studies, if there was a low density of Helicobacter pylori in the stomach, then rapid urease test requires longer time to become positive. Density of Helicobacter pylori could be reduced by recent use of PPIs, hence rapid urease test may require longer reading time as well. The main objective was to determine the effect of PPI on the results of rapid urease test (PYLO DRY) and histopathology. Two antral biopsies were obtained from 35 dyspeptic patients, who underwent gastro intestinal endoscopy from March 2015 to July 2015. An informed consent from all patients and approval from the institutional ethical committee were obtained before proceeding. Antral biopsies were subjected for rapid urease test (PYLO DRY from HALIFAX RESEARCH LABORATORY KOLKATA, INDIA) and histopathologic examinations. The results of Rapid urease test were observed after 1 hour and 24 hours. The histopathologic examinations were used as the gold standard. PYLO DRY was positive in 17.6% (6) and 53 % (18) when observed after one hour and 24 hours respectively. Eight were positive during histopathological examination. In our study, 24 hours Rapid urease test yeilded higher sensitivity but lower specificity compared to RUT at 1 hour for diagnosis of H.pylori infection in patients who were on PPI.

Persistence and reactivation of human adenoviruses in the gastrointestinal tract

Reactivation of persistent human adenoviruses (HAdVs) is associated with high morbidity and mortality in paediatric haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) recipients. Although invasive HAdV infections mainly arise from the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, the specific sites of HAdV persistence are not well characterised. We prospectively screened biopsies from 143 non-HSCT paediatric patients undergoing GI endoscopy and monitored serial stool specimens from 148 paediatric HSCT recipients for the presence of HAdV by real-time PCR. Persistence of HAdV in the GI tract was identified in 31% of children, with the highest prevalence in the terminal ileum. In situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry identified HAdV persistence in lymphoid cells of the lamina propria, whereas biopsies from five transplant recipients revealed high numbers of replicating HAdV in intestinal epithelial cells. The prevalence of HAdV species, the frequencies of persistence in the GI tract and reactivations post transplant indicated a correlation of intestinal HAdV shedding pre-transplant with high risk of invasive infection. HAdV persistence in the GI tract is a likely origin of infectious complications in immunocompromised children. Intestinal lymphocytes represent a reservoir for HAdV persistence and reactivation, whereas the intestinal epithelium is the main site of viral proliferation preceding dissemination. The findings have important implications for assessing the risk of life-threatening invasive HAdV infections.

Periprocedural Management of 172 Gastrointestinal Endoscopies in Patients with Left Ventricular Assist Devices.

The number of patients with left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) continues to increase, and gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is commonly required in this patient population. We retrospectively reviewed the experience of a single tertiary care center in managing patients with LVADs undergoing GI endoscopy between 2006 and 2013. After hospital dismissal from the LVAD placement, 53 patients underwent 172 GI endoscopic procedures. Gastrointestinal bleeding was the indication for endoscopy in 73.8% of patients. Median age at endoscopy was 66 years, and median time from LVAD implantation to initial endoscopy was 271 days (range, 31-1681 days). Anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy was present within 1 week before 120 of 172 endoscopies (70%) and was withheld or actively reversed in 91 of 120 cases (76%). For sedation/anesthesia during endoscopy, 63 involved care by an anesthesiology team and 109 were performed with nursing sedation protocols. Noninvasive blood pressure techniques (conventional automated cuffs or Doppler pulses) were used for hemodynamic monitoring in 84%, arterial lines in 10%, and no blood pressure recordings documented/charted as inaccurate in 6%. Six patients died within 30 days of endoscopy with one death because of aspiration of blood and multiorgan failure. Patients with LVADs may safely undergo GI endoscopy with various individualized anesthetic/sedation models. Complications after endoscopy likely represent the acuity of this patient population.

Propofol target-controlled infusion for sedated gastrointestinal endoscopy: A comparison of propofol alone versus propofol–fentanyl–midazolam

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy is the major technique for diagnosis of GI disease and treatment. Various sedation and analgesia regimens such as midazolam, fentanyl, and propofol can be used during GI endoscopy. The purpose of the study was to compare propofol alone and propofol combination with midazolam and fentanyl in moderate sedation for GI endoscopy. One hundred patients undergoing GI endoscopy were enrolled in this study. All patients received a propofol target-controlled infusion (TCI) to maintain sedation during the procedure. Patients were randomly allocated into either Group P (propofol TCI alone) or Group C (combination of propofol TCI plus midazolam and fentanyl). Dermographic data, anesthetic parameters (sedation regimen, blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation), procedure parameters (procedure time, colonoscopy, or panendoscopy), propofol consumption, and adverse events (hypoxia, hypotension, and bradycardia) were all recorded. Postprocedural records included recovery time, postoperative adverse events (nausea, vomiting, dizziness, recall, and pain) and satisfaction. The average propofol consumption was 251 ± 83 mg in Group P and 159 ± 73 mg in Group C (p < 0.001). The incidence of transient hypotension was higher in Group P (p = 0.009). The recovery time and discharge time were both shorter in Group C (p < 0.001 and p = 0.006 respectively). Overall, postprocedural adverse events were similar in both groups. The postanesthetic satisfaction was comparable in both groups. TCI of propofol combined with midazolam and fentanyl achieved sedation with fewer hypotension episodes and shorter recovery and discharge time than propofol TCI alone in patients undergoing GI endoscopy.

Development and validation of the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Satisfaction Questionnaire (GESQ).

Patient satisfaction is a key indicator of the quality of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a specific patient satisfaction questionnaire for patients undergoing GI endoscopy--the Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Satisfaction Questionnaire (GESQ). We developed and validated the GESQ within the context of a national multi-institution nurse endoscopy trial, based in secondary care, in three stages: (1) item generation with a panel of patients and professionals following a detailed literature review to identify the most relevant items from existing scales; (2) development and piloting of a draft questionnaire on a sample of patients referred for GI endoscopy; and (3) testing of the questionnaire within a large multicenter pragmatic randomized trial. We undertook psychometric analysis of the questionnaire to identify the underlying dimensions and assessed the questionnaire for reliability and validity. The final version of the GESQ contains 21 items. Principal components analysis revealed four subscales with high internal consistency: skills and hospital (seven items; Cronbach's alpha 0.83), pain and discomfort during and after endoscopy (four items; Cronbach's alpha 0.84), information before endoscopy (five items; Cronbach's alpha 0.80), and information after endoscopy (five items; Cronbach's alpha 0.76). The four identified subscales are clinically relevant and correspond to domains of patient satisfaction identified in previous studies. Our development and validation of the GESQ confirmed that it is a valid, reliable, interpretable, and acceptable tool to measure satisfaction in patients who have undergone a GI endoscopy.

Safety of gastrointestinal endoscopic biopsy in patients taking antithrombotics.

Current Japanese gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic guidelines permit endoscopic biopsy without cessation of antiplatelet agents and warfarin in patients with a therapeutic range of prothrombin time-international normalized ratio (PT-INR) levels, although the evidence levels are low. We evaluated the safety of endoscopic biopsy in patients currently taking antithrombotics. Consecutive patients receiving antithrombotics who underwent GI endoscopy from August 2012 to August 2013 were enrolled. Adverse events and endoscopic hemostasis after biopsy were evaluated. PT-INR level was measured in patients taking warfarin the day before endoscopy. Among 7939 patients undergoing endoscopy, 1034 patients (13.0%, 706 men and 328 women, average age 72.8 years) were receiving antithrombotics. Antithrombotics included aspirin (44.8%), warfarin (34.7%), thienopyridine (16.1%), cilostazol (10.3%), dabigatran (4.8%) etc. PT-INR levels in patients taking warfarin were >3.0 in 13 patients (4.3%), between 2.5 and 3.0 in 18 patients (6.0%), <2.5 in 269 patients (89.7%). Two hundred and six patients received endoscopic biopsy while taking aspirin (51.2%), warfarin (22.8%), and thienopyridine (13.6%). Endoscopic hemostasis was required in three patients after endoscopic biopsy (spraying thrombin in two patients, spraying thrombin and clipping in one patient). There were no major complications. The incidence of endoscopic hemostasis after biopsy in patients without antithrombotic cessation was not significantly different than in the controls not taking antithrombotics (1.5% vs 0.98%, P = 0.51). Endoscopic biopsy did not increase the bleeding risk despite not stopping antithrombotics prior to biopsy even among patients taking warfarin whose PT-INR was within the therapeutic range.

Significantly reduced hypoxemic events in morbidly obese patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy: Predictors and practice effect

Background:Providing anesthesia for gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy procedures in morbidly obese patients is a challenge for a variety of reasons. The negative impact of obesity on the respiratory system combined with a need to share the upper airway and necessity to preserve the spontaneous ventilation, together add to difficulties.Materials and Methods:This retrospective cohort study included patients with a body mass index (BMI) >40 kg/m2 that underwent out-patient GI endoscopy between September 2010 and February 2011. Patient data was analyzed for procedure, airway management technique as well as hypoxemic and cardiovascular events.Results:A total of 119 patients met the inclusion criteria. Our innovative airway management technique resulted in a lower rate of intraoperative hypoxemic events compared with any published data available. Frequency of desaturation episodes showed statistically significant relation to previous history of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). These desaturation episodes were found to be statistically independent of increasing BMI of patients.Conclusion:Pre-operative history of OSA irrespective of associated BMI values can be potentially used as a predictor of intra-procedural desaturation. With suitable modification of anesthesia technique, it is possible to reduce the incidence of adverse respiratory events in morbidly obese patients undergoing GI endoscopy procedures, thereby avoiding the need for endotracheal intubation.

Comparison between Intermittent Propofol Bolus Techniques and Target-Controlled Infusion in Patients Underwent Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Background : Nowadays, the use of propofol for sedation during gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure has become more popular, either by intermittent-bolus (IB) technique or target-controlled infusion (TCI). The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of both techniques including the total consumption of propofol, consumption per minute, total cost, side effects and its recovery time. Method : This study was a single-blinded randomized clinical trial conducted at Digestive Endoscopy Center, Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital, Jakarta between October and November 2013. There were fifty patients with pre-operative American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) Physical Status Classification I-III, aged 18-65 years, body mass index 18-30 kg/m2 who were randomized to obtain sedation with IB propofol or TCI after having a premedication with 1 μg/kgBW fentanyl. The outcomes including the duration of sedation, total dose, propofol consumption per minute, the total cost, the incidence of hypotension, the incidence of desaturation, and recovery time were then evaluated using SPSS version 21.0. Results : Duration of procedure between two groups was not significantly different (p = 0.718). Total dose of propofol, its consumption per minute and total cost were higher in TCI group (p = 0.010; p = 0.004; p = 0.001). The incidence of hypotension, desaturation and recovery time were not significantly different (p = 0.248; p = 0.609; p = 0.33) in both groups. Conclusion : IB technique is more efficient in terms of total propofol dose, consumption per minute and total cost compared to the TCI technique. The incidences of hypotension, desaturation and recovery time profiles were comparable between the two groups. Keywords: gastrointestinal endoscopy, intermittent bolus, propofol, sedation, TCI

Short-term training of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for resident doctors in Sotogahama Central Hospital in Aomori, Japan

It is essential for young physicians in municipal hospitals to be familiar with the technique of upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy. Endoscopy is an exciting subspecialty in primary care medicine. Endoscopic procedures are primarily performed by general physicians in Japan. However, a standardized strategy for teaching diagnostic GI endoscopy is still lacking, and there is not sufficient time for young physicians to effectively learn the upper GI endoscopy technique. To elucidate how young physicians can be trained in the skills of GI endoscopy in a short time period, we initiated a 12-week training course. Two young physicians performed upper GI endoscopies for outpatients and inpatients 2 or 3 days a week from April 2010 to March 2012. The total number of cases undergoing GI endoscopy during the training course in each year was 117 and 111, respectively. The young physicians were trained in this technique by the attending physician. The short-term training course included four phases. During these phases, the young physicians learned how to insert the endoscope through the nasal cavity or oral cavity into the esophageal inlet, how to pass the endoscope from the esophageal inlet into the duodenum, how to take pictures with the endoscope, and how to stain the gastric and duodenal mucosa and take mucosal biopsy samples. The young physicians experienced 20–30 cases in each phase. In week five, they performed endoscope insertion into the duodenum along the folds of the greater curvature of the stomach. They viewed the entire stomach and took pictures until week ten of the course. The pictures taken in week ten were of a better quality for examining the disease lesions than those taken in week six. In the last 2 weeks of the training course, the young physicians stained the gastric and duodenal mucosa and took mucosal biopsy samples. The short-term training course of 100–120 cases in 12 weeks was effective for teaching young physicians how to perform GI endoscopies independently.