AIM: To retrospectively compare previous-day vs splitdose preparation in terms of bowel cleanliness and polyp detection in patients referred for polypectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent two colonoscopies: one di...AIM: To retrospectively compare previous-day vs splitdose preparation in terms of bowel cleanliness and polyp detection in patients referred for polypectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent two colonoscopies: one diagnostic in a private clinic and a second for polypectomy in a University Hospital. The latter procedures were performed within 12 wk of the index ones. Examinations were accomplished by two experienced endoscopists, different in each facility. Twenty-seven patients underwent screening/surveillance colonoscopy, while the rest were symptomatic. Previous day bowel preparation was utilized initially and splitdose for polypectomy. Colon cleansing was evaluated using the Aronchick scale. We measured the number of detected polyps, and the polyp miss rates per-polyp.RESULTS: Excellent/good preparation was reported in 38 cases with previous-day preparation(76%) vs 46 with split-dose(92%), respectively(P = 0.03). One hundred and twenty-six polyps were detected initially and 169 subsequently(P < 0.0001); 88 vs 126 polyps were diminutive(P < 0.0001), 25 vs 29 small(P = 0.048) and 13 vs 14 equal or larger than 10 mm. The miss rates for total, diminutive, small and large polyps were 25.4%, 30.1%, 13.7% and 6.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that split-dose preparation was significantly associated(OR, P) with increased number of polyps detected overall(0.869, P < 0.001), in the right(0.418, P = 0.008) and in the left colon(0.452, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Split-dose preparation improved colon cleansing, enhanced polyp detection and unmasked significant polyp miss rates.展开更多
BACKGROUND： Peroral cholangioscopy facilitates diagnosis and therapy of biliary disorders. This study prospectively evaluated a new short access cholangioscopy. METHODS： Consecutive patients were included as follows...BACKGROUND： Peroral cholangioscopy facilitates diagnosis and therapy of biliary disorders. This study prospectively evaluated a new short access cholangioscopy. METHODS： Consecutive patients were included as follows： difficult stones （group 1） underwent cholangioscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy and indeterminate biliary strictures （group 2） were evaluated with macroscopic assessment and cholangioscopy guided biopsy sampling. We evaluated the complete stone clearance rate （group 1） and diagnostic accu- racy （group 2）. Follow-up was performed over a median of 13 and I6 months, respectively. RESULTS： Group 1 （n=21）： complete stone clearance defined as lack of stones in cholangiography and stone removal dur- ing cholangioscopy was achieved in 15 （71.4%） patients. Clini- cal stone clearance defined as lack of symptoms, laboratory abnormalities and hospital visits during follow-up, irrespec- tive of stone clearance was evident in 17 （81.0%） patients. One serious adverse event occurred （bile duct perforation）. Group 2 （n=28）： malignancy was confirmed in 15 patients. Sensitiv- ity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of cholangioscopy were 85.7%, 75.0% and 80.7%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of biopsies were 54.5%, 100.0% and 72.2%, respectively. No serious adverse events occurred, and one patient was lost to follow-up.CONCLUSIONS： The novel system enabled complex stone treatment and biliary stricture diagnosis. Cholangioscopy outperformed direct biopsy regarding characterization of in- determinate strictures.展开更多
AIM To compare the aspiration needle(AN) and core biopsy needle(PC) in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) of abdominal masses.METHODS Consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNA were included i...AIM To compare the aspiration needle(AN) and core biopsy needle(PC) in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) of abdominal masses.METHODS Consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNA were included in this prospective single-center trial. Each patient underwent a puncture of the lesion with both standard 22-gauge(G) AN(Echo Tip Ultra; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, United States) and the novel 22 G PC(Echo Tip Pro Core; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, United States) in a randomized fashion; histology was attempted in the PC group only. The main study endpoint was the overall diagnostic accuracy, including the contribution of histology to the final diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures included material adequacy, number of needle passes, and complications.RESULTS Fifty six consecutive patients(29 men; mean age 68 years) with pancreatic lesions(n = 38), lymphadenopathy(n = 13), submucosal tumors(n = 4), or others lesions(n = 1) underwent EUS-FNA using both of the needles in a randomized order. AN and PC reached similar overall results for diagnostic accuracy(AN: 88.9 vs PC: 96.1, P = 0.25), specimen adequacy(AN: 96.4% vs PC: 91.1%, P = 0.38), mean number of passes(AN: 1.5 vs PC: 1.7, P = 0.14), mean cellularity score(AN: 1.7 vs PC: 1.1, P = 0.058), and complications(none). A diagnosis on the basis of histology was achieved in the PC group in 36(64.3%) patients, and in 2 of those as the sole modality. In patients with available histology the mean cellularity score was higher for AN(AN: 1.7 vs PC: 1.0, P = 0.034); no other differences were of statistical significance.CONCLUSION Both needles achieved high overall diagnostic yields and similar performance characteristics for cytological diagnosis; histological analysis was only possible in 2/3 of cases with the new needle.展开更多
AIM: To prospectively assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students (MS), as tomorrow’s physicians, about colorectal cancer (CRC) and its screening modalities.METHODS: Three hundred fourth year MS of the Uni...AIM: To prospectively assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students (MS), as tomorrow’s physicians, about colorectal cancer (CRC) and its screening modalities.METHODS: Three hundred fourth year MS of the University of Athens were enrolled in this survey. Their selection was random, based on student identification card number. All participants completed an anonymous written questionnaire over a 4 month period. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections and included queries about CRC-related symptoms, screening with colonoscopy and MS awareness and attitudes in this field. Following collection and analysis of the data, the results are presented as percentages of answers for each separate question. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-five students an-swered the questionnaire over a 4 mo period. Interestingly, only 69% of the study population considered CRC to be a high-risk condition for public health. However, the vast majority of participants identified CRC-related symptoms and acknowledged its screening to be of great value in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. A very small proportion (38%) had received information material regarding CRC screening (either during their medical training or as a part of information provided to the general public) and only 60% of the participants declared willingness to receive further information. Regarding colonoscopy, 85% would prefer an alternative to colonoscopy methods for CRC screening. Moreover, 53% considered it to be a painful method and 68% would appreciate more information about the examination.CONCLUSION: MS in Greece need to be better informed about CRC screening and screening colonoscopy.展开更多
AIM: To measure the compliance of an Academic Hospital staff with a colorectal cancer(CRC) screening program using fecal immunochemical test(FIT).METHODS: All employees of 'Attikon' University General Hospital...AIM: To measure the compliance of an Academic Hospital staff with a colorectal cancer(CRC) screening program using fecal immunochemical test(FIT).METHODS: All employees of 'Attikon' University General Hospital aged over 50 years were thoroughly informed by a team of physicians and medical students about the study aims and they were invited to undergo CRC screening using two rounds of FIT(DyoniFOB~ Combo H, DyonMed SA, Athens, Greece). The tests were provided for free and subjects tested positive were subsequently referred for colonoscopy. One year after completing the two rounds, participants were asked to be re-screened by means of the same test.RESULTS: Among our target population consisted of 211 employees, 59(27.9%) consented to participate, but only 41(19.4%) and 24(11.4%) completed the first and the second FIT round, respectively. Female gender was significantly associated with higher initial participation(P = 0.005) and test completion- first and second round-(P = 0.004 and P = 0.05) rates, respectively. Phy sician’s(13.5% vs 70.2%, P < 0.0001) participation and test completion rates(7.5% vs 57.6%, P < 0.0001 for the first and 2.3% vs 34%, P < 0.0001 for the second round) were significantly lower compared to those of the administrative/technical staff. Similarly, nurses participated(25.8% vs 70.2%, P = 0.0002) and completed the first test round(19.3% vs 57.6%, P = 0.004) in a significant lower rate than the administrative/technical staff. One test proved false positive. No participant repeated the test one year later.CONCLUSION: Despite the well-organized, guided and supervised provision of the service, the compliance of the Academic Hospital personnel with a FIT-based CRC screening program was suboptimal, especially among physicians.展开更多
Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus diagnosed manometrically in the clinical setting of dysphagia to both solids and liquids. Currently established treatment options include pneumatic dilation, lapa...Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus diagnosed manometrically in the clinical setting of dysphagia to both solids and liquids. Currently established treatment options include pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, botulinum toxin injection performed endoscopically, oral agents that relax the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagectomy for refractory, end-stage disease. Despite their effectiveness, a significant proportion of patients eventually relapses and needs retreatment. In this setting, several new techniques are under investigation promising future enrichment of our therapeutic armamentarium for achalasic patients. Among them, peroral endoscopic myotomy and selfexpandable metal stents placed across the gastroesophageal junction represent the most encouraging modalities, as initial studies assessing their efficacy and safety indicate. This review highlights the role of selfexpandable metal stents in the management of patients with achalasia. Their possible position in the therapeutic algorithm of achalasia along with established and novel techniques is also assessed. Finally, the need for large prospective randomized trials is underlined in order to elucidate the numerous relevant issues.展开更多
文摘AIM: To retrospectively compare previous-day vs splitdose preparation in terms of bowel cleanliness and polyp detection in patients referred for polypectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent two colonoscopies: one diagnostic in a private clinic and a second for polypectomy in a University Hospital. The latter procedures were performed within 12 wk of the index ones. Examinations were accomplished by two experienced endoscopists, different in each facility. Twenty-seven patients underwent screening/surveillance colonoscopy, while the rest were symptomatic. Previous day bowel preparation was utilized initially and splitdose for polypectomy. Colon cleansing was evaluated using the Aronchick scale. We measured the number of detected polyps, and the polyp miss rates per-polyp.RESULTS: Excellent/good preparation was reported in 38 cases with previous-day preparation(76%) vs 46 with split-dose(92%), respectively(P = 0.03). One hundred and twenty-six polyps were detected initially and 169 subsequently(P < 0.0001); 88 vs 126 polyps were diminutive(P < 0.0001), 25 vs 29 small(P = 0.048) and 13 vs 14 equal or larger than 10 mm. The miss rates for total, diminutive, small and large polyps were 25.4%, 30.1%, 13.7% and 6.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that split-dose preparation was significantly associated(OR, P) with increased number of polyps detected overall(0.869, P < 0.001), in the right(0.418, P = 0.008) and in the left colon(0.452, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Split-dose preparation improved colon cleansing, enhanced polyp detection and unmasked significant polyp miss rates.
基金supported by a grant from Karl Storz GmbH,Tuttlingen,Germany
文摘BACKGROUND： Peroral cholangioscopy facilitates diagnosis and therapy of biliary disorders. This study prospectively evaluated a new short access cholangioscopy. METHODS： Consecutive patients were included as follows： difficult stones （group 1） underwent cholangioscopy with electrohydraulic lithotripsy and indeterminate biliary strictures （group 2） were evaluated with macroscopic assessment and cholangioscopy guided biopsy sampling. We evaluated the complete stone clearance rate （group 1） and diagnostic accu- racy （group 2）. Follow-up was performed over a median of 13 and I6 months, respectively. RESULTS： Group 1 （n=21）： complete stone clearance defined as lack of stones in cholangiography and stone removal dur- ing cholangioscopy was achieved in 15 （71.4%） patients. Clini- cal stone clearance defined as lack of symptoms, laboratory abnormalities and hospital visits during follow-up, irrespec- tive of stone clearance was evident in 17 （81.0%） patients. One serious adverse event occurred （bile duct perforation）. Group 2 （n=28）： malignancy was confirmed in 15 patients. Sensitiv- ity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of cholangioscopy were 85.7%, 75.0% and 80.7%, respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of biopsies were 54.5%, 100.0% and 72.2%, respectively. No serious adverse events occurred, and one patient was lost to follow-up.CONCLUSIONS： The novel system enabled complex stone treatment and biliary stricture diagnosis. Cholangioscopy outperformed direct biopsy regarding characterization of in- determinate strictures.
文摘AIM To compare the aspiration needle(AN) and core biopsy needle(PC) in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA) of abdominal masses.METHODS Consecutive patients referred for EUS-FNA were included in this prospective single-center trial. Each patient underwent a puncture of the lesion with both standard 22-gauge(G) AN(Echo Tip Ultra; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, United States) and the novel 22 G PC(Echo Tip Pro Core; Cook Medical, Bloomington, Indiana, United States) in a randomized fashion; histology was attempted in the PC group only. The main study endpoint was the overall diagnostic accuracy, including the contribution of histology to the final diagnosis. Secondary outcome measures included material adequacy, number of needle passes, and complications.RESULTS Fifty six consecutive patients(29 men; mean age 68 years) with pancreatic lesions(n = 38), lymphadenopathy(n = 13), submucosal tumors(n = 4), or others lesions(n = 1) underwent EUS-FNA using both of the needles in a randomized order. AN and PC reached similar overall results for diagnostic accuracy(AN: 88.9 vs PC: 96.1, P = 0.25), specimen adequacy(AN: 96.4% vs PC: 91.1%, P = 0.38), mean number of passes(AN: 1.5 vs PC: 1.7, P = 0.14), mean cellularity score(AN: 1.7 vs PC: 1.1, P = 0.058), and complications(none). A diagnosis on the basis of histology was achieved in the PC group in 36(64.3%) patients, and in 2 of those as the sole modality. In patients with available histology the mean cellularity score was higher for AN(AN: 1.7 vs PC: 1.0, P = 0.034); no other differences were of statistical significance.CONCLUSION Both needles achieved high overall diagnostic yields and similar performance characteristics for cytological diagnosis; histological analysis was only possible in 2/3 of cases with the new needle.
文摘AIM: To prospectively assess the knowledge and attitudes of medical students (MS), as tomorrow’s physicians, about colorectal cancer (CRC) and its screening modalities.METHODS: Three hundred fourth year MS of the University of Athens were enrolled in this survey. Their selection was random, based on student identification card number. All participants completed an anonymous written questionnaire over a 4 month period. The questionnaire was divided into 4 sections and included queries about CRC-related symptoms, screening with colonoscopy and MS awareness and attitudes in this field. Following collection and analysis of the data, the results are presented as percentages of answers for each separate question. RESULTS: Two hundred and sixty-five students an-swered the questionnaire over a 4 mo period. Interestingly, only 69% of the study population considered CRC to be a high-risk condition for public health. However, the vast majority of participants identified CRC-related symptoms and acknowledged its screening to be of great value in reducing CRC incidence and mortality. A very small proportion (38%) had received information material regarding CRC screening (either during their medical training or as a part of information provided to the general public) and only 60% of the participants declared willingness to receive further information. Regarding colonoscopy, 85% would prefer an alternative to colonoscopy methods for CRC screening. Moreover, 53% considered it to be a painful method and 68% would appreciate more information about the examination.CONCLUSION: MS in Greece need to be better informed about CRC screening and screening colonoscopy.
文摘AIM: To measure the compliance of an Academic Hospital staff with a colorectal cancer(CRC) screening program using fecal immunochemical test(FIT).METHODS: All employees of 'Attikon' University General Hospital aged over 50 years were thoroughly informed by a team of physicians and medical students about the study aims and they were invited to undergo CRC screening using two rounds of FIT(DyoniFOB~ Combo H, DyonMed SA, Athens, Greece). The tests were provided for free and subjects tested positive were subsequently referred for colonoscopy. One year after completing the two rounds, participants were asked to be re-screened by means of the same test.RESULTS: Among our target population consisted of 211 employees, 59(27.9%) consented to participate, but only 41(19.4%) and 24(11.4%) completed the first and the second FIT round, respectively. Female gender was significantly associated with higher initial participation(P = 0.005) and test completion- first and second round-(P = 0.004 and P = 0.05) rates, respectively. Phy sician’s(13.5% vs 70.2%, P < 0.0001) participation and test completion rates(7.5% vs 57.6%, P < 0.0001 for the first and 2.3% vs 34%, P < 0.0001 for the second round) were significantly lower compared to those of the administrative/technical staff. Similarly, nurses participated(25.8% vs 70.2%, P = 0.0002) and completed the first test round(19.3% vs 57.6%, P = 0.004) in a significant lower rate than the administrative/technical staff. One test proved false positive. No participant repeated the test one year later.CONCLUSION: Despite the well-organized, guided and supervised provision of the service, the compliance of the Academic Hospital personnel with a FIT-based CRC screening program was suboptimal, especially among physicians.
文摘Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus diagnosed manometrically in the clinical setting of dysphagia to both solids and liquids. Currently established treatment options include pneumatic dilation, laparoscopic Heller myotomy, botulinum toxin injection performed endoscopically, oral agents that relax the lower esophageal sphincter and esophagectomy for refractory, end-stage disease. Despite their effectiveness, a significant proportion of patients eventually relapses and needs retreatment. In this setting, several new techniques are under investigation promising future enrichment of our therapeutic armamentarium for achalasic patients. Among them, peroral endoscopic myotomy and selfexpandable metal stents placed across the gastroesophageal junction represent the most encouraging modalities, as initial studies assessing their efficacy and safety indicate. This review highlights the role of selfexpandable metal stents in the management of patients with achalasia. Their possible position in the therapeutic algorithm of achalasia along with established and novel techniques is also assessed. Finally, the need for large prospective randomized trials is underlined in order to elucidate the numerous relevant issues.
