Therapy discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease,particularly involving immunomodulators,biologics,and small molecules,remains a controversial and evolving topic.This letter reflects on developments following the...Therapy discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease,particularly involving immunomodulators,biologics,and small molecules,remains a controversial and evolving topic.This letter reflects on developments following the publication by Meštrovićet al,emphasizing the complex balance between risks of relapse,antidrug antibody formation,and potential complications of long-term immunosuppression.Recent evidence underscores high relapse rates following withdrawal-especially of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents-and highlights the lack of robust data for newer biologics.Updated guidelines from European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization,British Society of Gastroenterology,and American College of Gastroenterology all support cautious and individualized approaches,with strict criteria and close follow-up,particularly in Crohn’s disease.For ulcerative colitis,therapeutic cycling remains insufficiently addressed.We proposed a flowchart to support clinical decision-making and stress the importance of shared decisionmaking in the era of personalized medicine since,despite new drug classes and evolving strategies,the therapeutic ceiling in inflammatory bowel disease has yet to be fully overcome.展开更多
Experimental therapies targeting immune and stromal cells,such as mast cells,cancer-associated fibroblasts,dendritic cells,and tumor endothelial cells,in the treatment of gastrointestinal solid tumors pose new and com...Experimental therapies targeting immune and stromal cells,such as mast cells,cancer-associated fibroblasts,dendritic cells,and tumor endothelial cells,in the treatment of gastrointestinal solid tumors pose new and complex surgical and medico-legal challenges.These innovative treatments require that informed consent not be limited to simple acceptance of the medical procedure,but instead reflect a true relational and cognitive process grounded in understanding,free choice,and the ability to revoke consent at any time.In particular,it is essential that the patient understands the experimental nature of the therapy,its development stage,potential benefits and risks,as well as the implications for their health and personal dignity.In the case of stromal cell-based treatments,which may exert complex immunomodulatory effects or activate angiogenic pathways that are not yet fully understood,patients must be made fully aware that they are participating in a non-standardized therapy whose outcomes,whether beneficial or harmful,cannot yet be predicted with certainty.This requires particularly careful medical communication,using simple yet scientifically accurate explanations delivered in appropriate language,along with a final verification of the patient’s actual understanding.展开更多
AIM: To assess the diagnostic concordance between endoscopic and histological atrophy in the United Kingdom and Japan.METHODS: Using published data,a total of 252 patients,126 in the United Kingdom and 126 in Japan,ag...AIM: To assess the diagnostic concordance between endoscopic and histological atrophy in the United Kingdom and Japan.METHODS: Using published data,a total of 252 patients,126 in the United Kingdom and 126 in Japan,aged 20 to 80 years,were evaluated. The extent of endoscopic atrophy was classified into five subgroups according to a modified Kimura-Takemoto classification system and was compared with histological findings of atrophy at five biopsy sites according to the updated Sydney system.RESULTS: The strength of agreement of the extent of atrophy between histology and visual endoscopic inspection showed good reproducibili ty,wi th a weighted kappa value of 0.76(P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that three factors were associated with decreased concordance: Japanese ethnicity [odds ratio(OR) 0.22,95% confidence interval(CI) 0.11-0.43],older age(OR = 0.32,95%CI: 0.16-0.66) and endoscopic atrophy(OR = 0.10,95%CI: 0.03-0.36). The strength of agreement between endoscopic and histological atrophy,assessed by cancer risk-oriented grading,was reproducible,with a kappa value of 0.81(95%CI: 0.75-0.87). Only nine patients(3.6%) were endoscopically underdiagnosed with antral predominant rather than extensive atrophy and were considered false negatives.CONCLUSION: Endoscopic grading can predict histological atrophy with few false negatives,indicating that precancerous conditions can be identified during screening endoscopy,particularly in patients in western countries.展开更多
Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the main entities of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic remittent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.The incidence and prevalence are on the rise wo...Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the main entities of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic remittent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.The incidence and prevalence are on the rise worldwide,and the heterogeneity between patients and within individuals over time is striking.The progressive advance in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis coupled with an unprecedented increase in therapeutic options have changed the management towards evidence-based interventions by clinicians with patients.This guideline was stimulated and supported by the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society following a systematic review and a Delphi consensus process that provided evidence-and expert opinion-based recommendations.Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding diagnosis,evaluation of disease severity,appropriate and timely use of different investigations,choice of appropriate therapy for induction and remission phase according to disease severity,and management of main complications.展开更多
Patients affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)frequently present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis,limiting an upfront surgical approach.Neoadjuvant treatment(NAT)has become the standard of c...Patients affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)frequently present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis,limiting an upfront surgical approach.Neoadjuvant treatment(NAT)has become the standard of care to downstage non-metastatic locally advanced PDAC.However,this treatment increases the risk of a nutritional status decline,which in turn,may impact therapeutic tolerance,postoperative outcomes,or even prevent the possibility of surgery.Literature on prehabilitation programs on surgical PDAC patients show a reduction of postoperative complications,length of hospital stay,and readmission rate,while data on prehabilitation in NAT patients are scarce and randomized controlled trials are still missing.Particularly,appropriate nutritional management represents an important therapeutic strategy to promote tissue healing and to enhance patient recovery after surgical trauma.In this regard,NAT may represent a new interesting window of opportunity to implement a nutritional prehabilitation program,aiming to increase the PDAC patient’s capacity to complete the planned therapy and potentially improve clinical and survival outcomes.Given these perspectives,this review attempts to provide an in-depth view of the nutritional derangements during NAT and nutritional prehabilitation program as well as their impact on PDAC patient outcomes.展开更多
Background: Cancers have been a major public health problem in developing countries in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of digestive cancers in secondary and tertiary he...Background: Cancers have been a major public health problem in developing countries in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of digestive cancers in secondary and tertiary health care facilities in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a cross sectional and descriptive study conducted over a period of 12 months in 14 health structures over the national territory. Included in our study were patients aged 15 and above with a histologically proven digestive cancer, patients with a clinical, biological and morphologic evidence of a digestive cancer. Socio-demographic (age, gender, region of origin, profession), clinical (symptoms on diagnosis, personal and family past history, consumption habits, tumour location) and paraclinical data were recorded on a pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Quantitative data was expressed as means with their corresponding standard deviations. Chi square was used for correlation between variables. A P value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Five hundred and eighty-two cases of digestive cancers were recorded out of 37,780 consultations/admissions during the study period giving a prevalence of 1.5% with a male predominance (58.1%). The mean age was 53.11 ± 17.26 years (15 - 99) with 33.8% of them below 45 years of age. Tumours were predominantly localized in the liver (43.5%) and colon (24.9%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type in 44.5% of all cases. Alcohol consumption was found to be associated with colorectal cancer (p = 0.028) while tobacco consumption was found to be significantly associated with oesophageal cancer (p ≤ 0.001) and gastric cancer (p = 0.0047). Conclusion: A third of patients with digestive cancers were aged less than 45 years suggesting an early onset of these cancers in our setting. Relatively low prevalence with the liver being the most common site of localisation in our setting.展开更多
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)significantly affected endoscopy practice,as gastrointestinal endoscopy is considered a risky procedure for transmission of infection to patients and personnel of endoscopy...BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)significantly affected endoscopy practice,as gastrointestinal endoscopy is considered a risky procedure for transmission of infection to patients and personnel of endoscopy units(PEU).AIM To assess the impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy during the first European lockdown(March-May 2020).METHODS Patients undergoing endoscopy in nine endoscopy units across six European countries during the period of the first European lockdown for COVID-19(March-May 2020)were included.Prior to the endoscopy procedure,participants were stratified as low-or high-risk for potential COVID-19 infection according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy(ESGE)and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates(ESGENA)joint statement,and contacted 7-14 d later to assess COVID-19 infection status.PEU were questioned regarding COVID-19 symptoms and/or infection via questionnaire,while information regarding hospitalizations,intensive care unitadmissions and COVID-19-related deaths were collected.The number of weekly endoscopies at each center during the lockdown period was also recorded.RESULTS A total of 1267 endoscopies were performed in 1222 individuals across nine European endoscopy departments in six countries.Eighty-seven(7%)were excluded because of initial positive testing.Of the 1135 pre-endoscopy low risk or polymerase chain reaction negative for COVID-19,254(22.4%)were tested post endoscopy and 8 were eventually found positive,resulting in an infection rate of 0.7%[95%CI:0.2-0.12].The majority(6 of the 8 patients,75%)had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Of the 163 PEU,5[3%;(95%CI:0.4-5.7)]tested positive during the study period.A decrease of 68.7%(95%CI:64.8-72.7)in the number of weekly endoscopies was recorded in all centers after March 2020.All centers implemented appropriate personal protective measures(PPM)from the initial phases of the lockdown.CONCLUSION COVID-19 transmission in endoscopy units is highly unlikely in a lockdown setting,provided endoscopies are restricted to emergency cases and PPM are implemented.展开更多
Pancreatic cysts are mostly incidental findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans,with few patients presenting with abdominal pain or other symptoms.The accurate diagnosis of cysts is importan...Pancreatic cysts are mostly incidental findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans,with few patients presenting with abdominal pain or other symptoms.The accurate diagnosis of cysts is important as management depends on the type(neoplastic or non-neoplastic).Cross-sectional imaging is fast being replaced with endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)and various techniques based on that such as EUS-guided fine needle aspiration,EUS-guided needle confocal laser endomicroscopy,EUS-through-the-needle biopsy,and contrast-enhanced EUS.Clinical studies have reported varying diagnostic and adverse event rates with these modalities.In addition,American,European,and Kyoto guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts have provided different recommendations.In this editorial,we elaborate on the clinical guidelines,recent studies,and comparison of different endoscopic methods for the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts.展开更多
Trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunting(TIPSS)has been in use for many years with great results and many evolutions.The procedure essentially involves the insertion of a metal covert stent to create an...Trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunting(TIPSS)has been in use for many years with great results and many evolutions.The procedure essentially involves the insertion of a metal covert stent to create an Hepato-Hepatic portosystemic shunt.Over time,TIPSS has become the subject of many studies aimed at examining its clinical utility and evaluating the results of using TIPSS to manage complications related to portal hypertension.From the outset,this procedure has been met with hope and enthusiasm and give the chance to consider another possibility to treat the complications of portal hypertension without the use of surgery.Considering that TIPSS is an attractive alternative to shunt surgery because it does not require the use of general anesthesia or laparotomy,in fact this method is applicable to many patients with severe liver disease not suitable for it.TIPSS has been studied for the management of variceal bleeding,ascites,hepatic hydrothorax,hepatorenal syndrome,and other types of cirrhosis.However,some drawbacks of the TIPSS,such as shunt stenosis and hepatic encephalopathy,have also been reported in the literature.On the basis of the available evidence and the new epidemiological findings regarding liver disease,the following question may be posed:What is the place of TIPSS in current clinical practice?展开更多
BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is crucial for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions,especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),a highly aggressive cancer which represents the majority with a prevalence of a...BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is crucial for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions,especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),a highly aggressive cancer which represents the majority with a prevalence of approximately 85%.AIM To identify EUS features that differentiate PDAC from other lesions such as neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)and helping in the differential diagnosis,by analyzing a large sample of solid pancreatic lesions.METHODS This observational,retrospective,multicenter study analyzed the endosonographic characteristics of 761 patients with a radiological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesion,who underwent pancreatic EUS for typing and staging with needle biopsies between 2015 and 2023.General patient characteristics(age and sex)and solid lesion features were collected and described,such lesion size(Bmode),vessel involvement(compression or invasion),ductal dilation,lymphadenopathy,echogenicity,echopattern,margin regularity,multifocality,internal vascularization and elastography.Subsequently,a predictive analysis was performed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictive features for PDAC or NET diagnoses.RESULTS Our study enrolled 761 patients,predominantly male with a mean age of 68.6.PDACs were generally larger(mean 33 mm×27 mm),often had irregular margins,and displayed significant upstream ductal dilation.Hypoechogenicity was common across malignant lesions.In contrast,NETs were smaller(mean 20 mm×17 mm)and typically had regular margins with multiple lesions.Vascular involvement,although predominant in PDAC,is a common feature of all malignant neoplasms.Multifocality,however,although a rare finding,is more typical of NETs and metastases,and practically absent in the remaining lesions.Predictive analyses showed that ductal dilation and irregular margins were the most significant predictors for PDAC[odds ratio(OR)=5.75 and 3.83],with hypoechogenicity,heterogeneous echopattern and lymphadenopathies also highly significant(OR=3.51,2.56 and 1.99).These features were inversely associated with NETs,with regular margins and absence of ductal involvement or lymphadenopathies(OR=0.24,0.86 and 0.45 respectively),as already shown by the descriptive analysis.Finally,age,despite achieving statistical significance,lacks clinical value given an OR trending towards 1.CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive overview of EUS features for solid pancreatic lesions,identifying distinct features like upstream ductal dilation and irregular margins for PDAC vs regular margins for NETs as strong diagnostic predictors.These findings enhance the understanding of pancreatic pathologies,offering valuable insights for improved differential diagnosis and clinical management,especially in complex cases.Further prospective studies could build on these results.展开更多
BACKGROUND Gastrectomy is recognized as a potential cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI).However,limited data are available regarding the incidence and impact of EPI on quality of life(QoL)following gastric...BACKGROUND Gastrectomy is recognized as a potential cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI).However,limited data are available regarding the incidence and impact of EPI on quality of life(QoL)following gastric surgery.AIM To evaluate incidence and severity of EPI after gastrectomy and its effect on QoL at least one year after surgery.METHODS EPI was assessed using fecal elastase measurement and classified into:(1)No-EPI(fecal elastase>200μg/g);(2)Moderate EPI(fecal elastase 100–200μg/g);and(3)severe EPI(fecal elastase<100μg/g).QoL was measured using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index(GIQLI)questionnaire.RESULTS Sixteen out of 44(36.4%)patients developed EPI post-operatively:9(56.2%)patients had moderate EPI while 7(43.8%)patients had severe EPI.Severe EPI was more frequently observed in younger patients(5/7:71.4%;P=0.05),in more advanced disease stages(7/7:100%;P=0.05),lymph nodes metastases(7/7:100%;P=0.04)and in the mixed histotypes(4/7:66.7%;P=0.02)compared to the no-EPI and moderate EPI groups.QoL analysis showed that severe EPI was associated with a significantly lower overall GIQLI score[65(59–92)]compared to the no-EPI/moderate EPI groups[89(84–100)](P=0.002).Lower scores were particularly evident in the core(P<0.0001)and disease-specific symptoms domains(P=0.002)in the severe EPI group compared to the no-EPI/moderate EPI groups.CONCLUSION Gastrectomy is a cause of EPI.Younger patients,aggressive disease and advanced stages are significant risk factors for more severe EPI.Severe EPI worsens QoL,being associated with a higher rate of gastrointestinal symptoms.展开更多
BACKGROUND Biliary anastomotic stricture(BAS)occurs in approximately 14%-20%of patients post-orthotopic liver transplantation(post-OLT).Endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)using multiple plastic stent...BACKGROUND Biliary anastomotic stricture(BAS)occurs in approximately 14%-20%of patients post-orthotopic liver transplantation(post-OLT).Endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)using multiple plastic stents(MPSs)or fully covered self-expandable metal stents(cSEMSs)represent the standard treatment for BAS post-OLT.Recently,cSEMSs have emerged as the primary option for managing BAS post-OLT.AIM To compare the resolution and recurrence of BAS rates in these patients.METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary care center(Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein,São Paulo,Brazil).We reported the results of endoscopic therapy in patients with post-OLT BAS between 2012 and 2022.Patients were stratified into two groups according to therapy:(1)MPSs;and(2)cSEMSs.Primary endpoints were to compare stricture resolution and recurrence among the groups.The secondary endpoint was to identify predictive factors for stricture recurrence.RESULTS A total of 104 patients were included.Overall stricture resolution was 101/104(97.1%).Stricture resolution was achieved in 83/84 patients(99%)in the cSEMS group and 18/20 patients(90%)in the MPS group(P=0.094).Failure occurred in 3/104 patients(2.8%).Stricture recurrence occurred in 9/104 patients(8.7%).Kaplan-Meier analysis showed there was no difference in recurrence-free time among the groups(P=0.201).A multivariate analysis identified the number of ERCP procedures(hazard ratio=1.4;95%confidence interval:1.194-1.619;P<0.001)and complications(hazard ratio=2.8;95%confidence interval:1.008-7.724;P=0.048)as predictors of stricture recurrence.CONCLUSION cSEMSs and MPSs were effective and comparable regarding BAS post-OLT resolution and recurrence.The number of ERCP procedures and complications were predictors of stricture recurrence.展开更多
BACKGROUND Marginal donation after circulatory death(DCD)liver grafts are carefully used to combat the constant shortage of donors.Clinically,the worst outcomes are mainly related to severe ischemia-reperfusion-injury...BACKGROUND Marginal donation after circulatory death(DCD)liver grafts are carefully used to combat the constant shortage of donors.Clinically,the worst outcomes are mainly related to severe ischemia-reperfusion-injury and the dangerous effect of various inflammatory cytokines(CK).The machine perfusion(MP)is a promising device to rescue these grafts.AIM To analyze the role of MP connected to a sorbent cartridge(PerSorb®)and used for very damaged DCD pig livers.METHODS Seven grafts were procured from pigs from a slaughterhouse.Grafts were made very marginal with at least 60 minutes of donor warm ischemia time and 24 hours of static-cold ischemia time:(1)3 grafts were perfused in hypothermic MP with PerSorb(Sorb);(2)2 other grafts in hypothermic MP(HMP)without the cartridge(NoSorb);and(3)The other 2 livers stored in the ice box(NoTreat).The CK were measured at HMP start(T0)and at the end(Tend).Biopsies were taken at T0 and Tend.RESULTS All 5 grafts treated with HMP had a negative lactate trend after 3 hours of treatment(8.83 at T0 vs 6.4 at Tend of Sorb;15 at T0 vs 5.45 at Tend for NoSorb,P value>0.05).At Tend,both Sorb and NoSorb groups had better hemodynamic parameters,comparable between the two groups.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis showed a reduction of monocyte chemotactic protein-1,tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1βfor NoSorb group at Tend and a complete downregulation to physiological levels of the same CK in Sorb livers after 3 hours of treatment.Biopsies showed a reduction of the perisinusoidal edema for the Sorb grafts compared with the NoSorb livers.CONCLUSION These data suggest a potential protective role of treatment of grafts with MP and sorbent cartridge in reducing the inflammatory response after a severe ischemic injury.展开更多
BACKGROUND Endoscopic bilateral biliary drainage is a first line palliative treatment for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction(MHBO)but remains technically challenging.The emergence of self-expandable meta...BACKGROUND Endoscopic bilateral biliary drainage is a first line palliative treatment for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction(MHBO)but remains technically challenging.The emergence of self-expandable metallic stents carried by an ultrathin(6 Fr or smaller)delivery system now permits simultaneous bilateral stent placement.To date,only a few studies have compared this new method with conventional sequential bilateral stenting.AIM To evaluate a possible superiority of simultaneous“side by side”(SBS)biliary drainage in unresectable MHBO.METHODS We identified 135 patients who benefited from bilateral drainage using uncovered self-expandable metallic stents between 2010 and 2023.Among them,62 benefited from simultaneous SBS bilateral drainage between 2017 and 2023,and 73 benefited from sequential bilateral drainage[38 using“stent in stent”(SIS)technique and 35 using SBS technique between 2010 and 2017].RESULTS Technical success was significantly increased in simultaneous drainage compared with sequential drainage(94%vs 75%,P=0.008).However,simultaneous SBS drainage and sequential SIS drainage had a similar technical success(94%vs 95%).We observed no differences regarding clinical success,procedure duration and recurrent biliary obstruction rate.Stent patency was shorter in the SIS group compared with the simultaneous group(103 days vs 144 days).Early adverse events were more frequent in the sequential group(31%vs 21%,P=0.205),with no differences regarding SIS or SBS technique.Technical failure was associated with a higher rate of infectious fatal adverse events(9.5%vs 1.7%,P=0.02).Reintervention after recurrent biliary obstruction seems to be more successful after using SBS rather than SIS techniques(83%vs 75%,P=0.53).CONCLUSION Simultaneous SBS metallic stent placement using an ultra-thin delivery system was technically easier and as efficient as sequential bilateral stenting in unresectable MHBO to achieve bilateral drainage.The SIS procedure remains a good option in unresectable MHBO.展开更多
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided shear wave elastography(EUS-SWE)represents a significant advancement in non-invasive tissue characterization,enabling objective assessment of quantitative tissue stiffness in real-time wit...Endoscopic ultrasound-guided shear wave elastography(EUS-SWE)represents a significant advancement in non-invasive tissue characterization,enabling objective assessment of quantitative tissue stiffness in real-time with potential clinical relevance across a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.Recent developments in EUS-SWE have expanded its application beyond hepatic fibrosis to include pancreatic diseases and the evaluation of solid tumors.EUS-SWE has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to vibration-controlled transient elastography in assessing fibrosis stages,positioning it as a potential alternative to liver biopsy.Moreover,EUS-SWE has shown promise in evaluating pancreatic tissue stiffness,aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.This technique offers a distinct advantage by allowing tissue stiffness measurements during the same procedure,thereby reducing the need for additional imaging studies and biopsies.Despite its clinical potential,challenges remain,including the need for standardized protocols,optimal cutoff values,and validation across diverse patient populations.This minireview provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on EUS-SWE,examining its diagnostic performance,reproducibility,and limitations.Furthermore,we discuss the future directions of EUS-SWE,including its integration into routine clinical practice and its evolving role in precision medicine,emphasizing the necessity of large-scale studies to solidify its clinical utility and establish standardized guidelines for its use.展开更多
BACKGROUND The location of gastric neoplasms can influence the level of technical difficulty and performance of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).There are few studies that analyze the influence of tumor location ...BACKGROUND The location of gastric neoplasms can influence the level of technical difficulty and performance of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).There are few studies that analyze the influence of tumor location in the stomach on ESD outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of ESD in the proximal vs distal stomach.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted in chronological order who received gastric ESD between 2009 and 2024.Patients were stratified into two groups based on tumor location:Group 1 included patients with tumors in the lower third of the stomach,while Group 2 included those with tumors in the middle or upper third.The following parameters were evaluated for each group:procedure duration,curative resection rate,en bloc resection rate,complete resection rate,incidence of complications,and depth of neoplastic invasion.RESULTS The mean procedure time was 97.07 minutes for lesions located in the distal stomach and 129.08 minutes for those in the proximal stomach(P=0.0011).En bloc resection rates for ESD in the distal and proximal stomach were 97.9%and 85.7%,respectively(P=0.0016),while complete resection rates were 93.9%and 73.4%,respectively(P=0.0002).Curative resection was achieved in 90.9%of distal lesions compared to 65.3%of proximal lesions(P=0.0001).Submucosal invasion was identified in 4.0%of distal lesions and 14.2%of proximal lesions(P=0.013).CONCLUSION ESD performed in the proximal stomach requires a longer procedural time compared to ESD in the distal stomach,independent of lesion size and histopathological characteristics.Additionally,proximal gastric ESD is associated with reduced clinical efficacy and increased incidence of submucosal invasion.展开更多
This study evaluated the antibacterial effects of 2%lidocaine and its combination with 0.9%saline solution on Escherichia coli infection in superficial surgical wounds in Wistar rats.The goal was to determine if these...This study evaluated the antibacterial effects of 2%lidocaine and its combination with 0.9%saline solution on Escherichia coli infection in superficial surgical wounds in Wistar rats.The goal was to determine if these treatments could effectively reduce E.coli Colony Forming Units(CFUs)below the critical threshold of 1×105.Seventy male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups,each undergoing different interventions to assess the antibacterial efficacy of lidocaine,with outcomes measured through bacterial cultures and CFU quantification.Results demonstrated a Log10reduction of approximately 0.44 in E.coli CFUs following infiltration with 2%lidocaine.The combined use of 2%lidocaine infiltration and 0.9%saline irrigation resulted in nearly complete suppression of bacterial growth.These findings suggest that these simple interventions could be valuable in emergency surgical settings to mitigate the risk of surgical site infections and serve as effective prophylactic measures.increase in hospital stay,which represents an additional cost in terms of expenses and directly impacts the patient's outcome.11Several lines of evidence point to 104colony forming units per gram of tissue(CFUs/g)as the threshold at which healing generally begins to slow.12Knowledge of the antibacterial activity of lidocaine has been used to prevent bacterial contamination of other lipid-based anesthetics,such as propofol,with a significant decrease in bacterial development13-15and its antifungal effect.15,16Other effects attributed to lidocaine concerning systemic inflammatory response are the inhibition of granulocyte adhesion at sites of inflammation,decreased leukocyte adhesion during endotoxemia,and decreased macromolecular filtration;it is suggested that it may play a therapeutic role in endothelial damage during sepsis.17-19On the other hand,different measures have been taken to reduce the surgical wound infection rate,such as prophylactic antibiotics and local wound care,including pressure irrigation with 0.9% saline solution,with good results.20The antibacterial effect of lidocaine has been demonstrated in an animal model21;however,no model resembles surgical wound infection and the use of lidocaine to prevent infection.This study aimed to demonstrate that using 2% lidocaine(2 mL/g of tissue)will reduce the E.coli CFUs below 1×105in an infected superficial surgical wound in an experimental model.展开更多
Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),a widespread gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach,causes chronic gastritis,which may progress to peptic ulcer,mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma,and gastric cancer.H...Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),a widespread gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach,causes chronic gastritis,which may progress to peptic ulcer,mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma,and gastric cancer.H.pylori infection affects over 50%of people in developing countries and 10%-20%in developed countries.The Kyoto consensus classifies H.pylori gastritis as an infectious disease in the International Classification of Disease 11th Revision.The Maastricht/Florence consensus recommends treatment for all infected individuals,introducing a shift in the management strategies.The prevalence of H.pylori infection is high in the Middle East,with infection rates of 40%-70%and 85%-90%being reported among children and adults,respectively.The increasing resistance to antibiotics,including macrolides and fluoroquinolones,is a major challenge in the management of H.pylori.Clarithromycin resistance,which is associated with reduced effectiveness of standard triple therapy regimens,leading to higher rates of treatment failure,impacts the eradication rates.This emphasizes the need for routine antibiotic susceptibility testing at the national level,the use of alternative therapies,including new molecular methods,and antibiotic stewardship.An online panel of experts from the Middle East,along with an international expert,developed this consensus to provide comprehensive guidelines on the diagnosis,treatment,prevention,and role of gut microbiota in H.pylori infection,with the goal of improving clinical decision-making and reducing the impact of antibiotic resistance in the region.These guidelines are intended to support healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of H.pylori,including primary care physicians,gastroenterologists,and other specialists.They may also inform future clinical research aimed at optimizing treatment strategies and addressing regional challenges.展开更多
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Despite improvements in surgical techniques and systemic therapies,long-term outcomes after liver resection are lim...BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Despite improvements in surgical techniques and systemic therapies,long-term outcomes after liver resection are limited by high recurrence rates.While adjuvant strategies have shown limited benefit,the role of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable HCC is still under investigation.AIM To assess the efficacy,feasibility,and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable HCC through a meta-analysis of current literature.METHODS A systematic search was conducted across PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,and Scopus for studies published in the past five years evaluating neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable HCC.Primary endpoints included major pathological response(MPR),pathological complete response(pCR),overall response rate(ORR),resection rate,and grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs).A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using log odds ratios(ORs)and pooled event rates were calculated to provide absolute estimates of clinical endpoints.RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the final analysis.The pooled ORs were 0.28(95%CI:0.19-0.41)for MPR,0.54(95%CI:0.25-1.14)for ORR,0.26(95%CI:0.11-0.66)for pCR,5.37(95%CI:2.70-10.66)for resection rate,and 0.33(95%CI:0.22-0.50)for grade 3-4 TRAEs.Corresponding pooled event rates were 19%for MPR,35%for ORR,22%for pCR,81%for resection feasibility,and 19%for severe TRAEs.CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant immunotherapy appears to be a feasible and safe approach in patients with resectable HCC,achieving moderate pathological responses and high resection rates.展开更多
Gastrointestinal(GI)tract defects can be classified into three distinct entities:Leak,perforation,and fistula.Each arises from different mechanisms and is managed accordingly.Leaks occur most often after surgery,while...Gastrointestinal(GI)tract defects can be classified into three distinct entities:Leak,perforation,and fistula.Each arises from different mechanisms and is managed accordingly.Leaks occur most often after surgery,while perforations arise due to flexible endoscopic maneuvers.Fistulae arise from a variety of mechanisms,including specific disease states.Endoscopic management is vital in treating such defects if the region of interest can be accessed with the appropriate endoscopic accessories.The primary goal of endoscopic therapy is to interrupt the flow of luminal contents across a GI defect.Considering the proper endoscopic approach to luminal closure,several basic principles must be considered.Outcomes are dependent on the size and exact location of the leak/fistula,as well as the viability of the surrounding tissue.Almost all complex leaks and fistulae must be approached in a multidisciplinary manner,collaborating with colleagues in nutrition,radiology,and surgery.With advances in technology,a myriad of devices and accessories are available that allow a tailored approach.In this review,we discuss these modalities,provide technical tips,and review published outcomes data regarding each approach,as well as practical considerations for the successful closure of these defects.展开更多
文摘Therapy discontinuation in inflammatory bowel disease,particularly involving immunomodulators,biologics,and small molecules,remains a controversial and evolving topic.This letter reflects on developments following the publication by Meštrovićet al,emphasizing the complex balance between risks of relapse,antidrug antibody formation,and potential complications of long-term immunosuppression.Recent evidence underscores high relapse rates following withdrawal-especially of anti-tumor necrosis factor agents-and highlights the lack of robust data for newer biologics.Updated guidelines from European Crohn’s and Colitis Organization,British Society of Gastroenterology,and American College of Gastroenterology all support cautious and individualized approaches,with strict criteria and close follow-up,particularly in Crohn’s disease.For ulcerative colitis,therapeutic cycling remains insufficiently addressed.We proposed a flowchart to support clinical decision-making and stress the importance of shared decisionmaking in the era of personalized medicine since,despite new drug classes and evolving strategies,the therapeutic ceiling in inflammatory bowel disease has yet to be fully overcome.
文摘Experimental therapies targeting immune and stromal cells,such as mast cells,cancer-associated fibroblasts,dendritic cells,and tumor endothelial cells,in the treatment of gastrointestinal solid tumors pose new and complex surgical and medico-legal challenges.These innovative treatments require that informed consent not be limited to simple acceptance of the medical procedure,but instead reflect a true relational and cognitive process grounded in understanding,free choice,and the ability to revoke consent at any time.In particular,it is essential that the patient understands the experimental nature of the therapy,its development stage,potential benefits and risks,as well as the implications for their health and personal dignity.In the case of stromal cell-based treatments,which may exert complex immunomodulatory effects or activate angiogenic pathways that are not yet fully understood,patients must be made fully aware that they are participating in a non-standardized therapy whose outcomes,whether beneficial or harmful,cannot yet be predicted with certainty.This requires particularly careful medical communication,using simple yet scientifically accurate explanations delivered in appropriate language,along with a final verification of the patient’s actual understanding.
文摘AIM: To assess the diagnostic concordance between endoscopic and histological atrophy in the United Kingdom and Japan.METHODS: Using published data,a total of 252 patients,126 in the United Kingdom and 126 in Japan,aged 20 to 80 years,were evaluated. The extent of endoscopic atrophy was classified into five subgroups according to a modified Kimura-Takemoto classification system and was compared with histological findings of atrophy at five biopsy sites according to the updated Sydney system.RESULTS: The strength of agreement of the extent of atrophy between histology and visual endoscopic inspection showed good reproducibili ty,wi th a weighted kappa value of 0.76(P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that three factors were associated with decreased concordance: Japanese ethnicity [odds ratio(OR) 0.22,95% confidence interval(CI) 0.11-0.43],older age(OR = 0.32,95%CI: 0.16-0.66) and endoscopic atrophy(OR = 0.10,95%CI: 0.03-0.36). The strength of agreement between endoscopic and histological atrophy,assessed by cancer risk-oriented grading,was reproducible,with a kappa value of 0.81(95%CI: 0.75-0.87). Only nine patients(3.6%) were endoscopically underdiagnosed with antral predominant rather than extensive atrophy and were considered false negatives.CONCLUSION: Endoscopic grading can predict histological atrophy with few false negatives,indicating that precancerous conditions can be identified during screening endoscopy,particularly in patients in western countries.
基金Supported by Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society,No.001802.
文摘Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are the main entities of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by chronic remittent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.The incidence and prevalence are on the rise worldwide,and the heterogeneity between patients and within individuals over time is striking.The progressive advance in our understanding of the etiopathogenesis coupled with an unprecedented increase in therapeutic options have changed the management towards evidence-based interventions by clinicians with patients.This guideline was stimulated and supported by the Emirates Gastroenterology and Hepatology Society following a systematic review and a Delphi consensus process that provided evidence-and expert opinion-based recommendations.Comprehensive up-to-date guidance is provided regarding diagnosis,evaluation of disease severity,appropriate and timely use of different investigations,choice of appropriate therapy for induction and remission phase according to disease severity,and management of main complications.
文摘Patients affected by pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)frequently present with advanced disease at the time of diagnosis,limiting an upfront surgical approach.Neoadjuvant treatment(NAT)has become the standard of care to downstage non-metastatic locally advanced PDAC.However,this treatment increases the risk of a nutritional status decline,which in turn,may impact therapeutic tolerance,postoperative outcomes,or even prevent the possibility of surgery.Literature on prehabilitation programs on surgical PDAC patients show a reduction of postoperative complications,length of hospital stay,and readmission rate,while data on prehabilitation in NAT patients are scarce and randomized controlled trials are still missing.Particularly,appropriate nutritional management represents an important therapeutic strategy to promote tissue healing and to enhance patient recovery after surgical trauma.In this regard,NAT may represent a new interesting window of opportunity to implement a nutritional prehabilitation program,aiming to increase the PDAC patient’s capacity to complete the planned therapy and potentially improve clinical and survival outcomes.Given these perspectives,this review attempts to provide an in-depth view of the nutritional derangements during NAT and nutritional prehabilitation program as well as their impact on PDAC patient outcomes.
文摘Background: Cancers have been a major public health problem in developing countries in recent years. The aim of this study was to determine the epidemiological profile of digestive cancers in secondary and tertiary health care facilities in Cameroon. Methodology: This was a cross sectional and descriptive study conducted over a period of 12 months in 14 health structures over the national territory. Included in our study were patients aged 15 and above with a histologically proven digestive cancer, patients with a clinical, biological and morphologic evidence of a digestive cancer. Socio-demographic (age, gender, region of origin, profession), clinical (symptoms on diagnosis, personal and family past history, consumption habits, tumour location) and paraclinical data were recorded on a pretested questionnaire. Data was analysed using SPSS version 20.0. Quantitative data was expressed as means with their corresponding standard deviations. Chi square was used for correlation between variables. A P value 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Five hundred and eighty-two cases of digestive cancers were recorded out of 37,780 consultations/admissions during the study period giving a prevalence of 1.5% with a male predominance (58.1%). The mean age was 53.11 ± 17.26 years (15 - 99) with 33.8% of them below 45 years of age. Tumours were predominantly localized in the liver (43.5%) and colon (24.9%). Adenocarcinoma was the most common histological type in 44.5% of all cases. Alcohol consumption was found to be associated with colorectal cancer (p = 0.028) while tobacco consumption was found to be significantly associated with oesophageal cancer (p ≤ 0.001) and gastric cancer (p = 0.0047). Conclusion: A third of patients with digestive cancers were aged less than 45 years suggesting an early onset of these cancers in our setting. Relatively low prevalence with the liver being the most common site of localisation in our setting.
文摘BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)significantly affected endoscopy practice,as gastrointestinal endoscopy is considered a risky procedure for transmission of infection to patients and personnel of endoscopy units(PEU).AIM To assess the impact of COVID-19 on endoscopy during the first European lockdown(March-May 2020).METHODS Patients undergoing endoscopy in nine endoscopy units across six European countries during the period of the first European lockdown for COVID-19(March-May 2020)were included.Prior to the endoscopy procedure,participants were stratified as low-or high-risk for potential COVID-19 infection according to the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy(ESGE)and the European Society of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Nurses and Associates(ESGENA)joint statement,and contacted 7-14 d later to assess COVID-19 infection status.PEU were questioned regarding COVID-19 symptoms and/or infection via questionnaire,while information regarding hospitalizations,intensive care unitadmissions and COVID-19-related deaths were collected.The number of weekly endoscopies at each center during the lockdown period was also recorded.RESULTS A total of 1267 endoscopies were performed in 1222 individuals across nine European endoscopy departments in six countries.Eighty-seven(7%)were excluded because of initial positive testing.Of the 1135 pre-endoscopy low risk or polymerase chain reaction negative for COVID-19,254(22.4%)were tested post endoscopy and 8 were eventually found positive,resulting in an infection rate of 0.7%[95%CI:0.2-0.12].The majority(6 of the 8 patients,75%)had undergone esophagogastroduodenoscopy.Of the 163 PEU,5[3%;(95%CI:0.4-5.7)]tested positive during the study period.A decrease of 68.7%(95%CI:64.8-72.7)in the number of weekly endoscopies was recorded in all centers after March 2020.All centers implemented appropriate personal protective measures(PPM)from the initial phases of the lockdown.CONCLUSION COVID-19 transmission in endoscopy units is highly unlikely in a lockdown setting,provided endoscopies are restricted to emergency cases and PPM are implemented.
文摘Pancreatic cysts are mostly incidental findings on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans,with few patients presenting with abdominal pain or other symptoms.The accurate diagnosis of cysts is important as management depends on the type(neoplastic or non-neoplastic).Cross-sectional imaging is fast being replaced with endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)and various techniques based on that such as EUS-guided fine needle aspiration,EUS-guided needle confocal laser endomicroscopy,EUS-through-the-needle biopsy,and contrast-enhanced EUS.Clinical studies have reported varying diagnostic and adverse event rates with these modalities.In addition,American,European,and Kyoto guidelines for the diagnosis and management of pancreatic cysts have provided different recommendations.In this editorial,we elaborate on the clinical guidelines,recent studies,and comparison of different endoscopic methods for the diagnosis of pancreatic cysts.
文摘Trans-jugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunting(TIPSS)has been in use for many years with great results and many evolutions.The procedure essentially involves the insertion of a metal covert stent to create an Hepato-Hepatic portosystemic shunt.Over time,TIPSS has become the subject of many studies aimed at examining its clinical utility and evaluating the results of using TIPSS to manage complications related to portal hypertension.From the outset,this procedure has been met with hope and enthusiasm and give the chance to consider another possibility to treat the complications of portal hypertension without the use of surgery.Considering that TIPSS is an attractive alternative to shunt surgery because it does not require the use of general anesthesia or laparotomy,in fact this method is applicable to many patients with severe liver disease not suitable for it.TIPSS has been studied for the management of variceal bleeding,ascites,hepatic hydrothorax,hepatorenal syndrome,and other types of cirrhosis.However,some drawbacks of the TIPSS,such as shunt stenosis and hepatic encephalopathy,have also been reported in the literature.On the basis of the available evidence and the new epidemiological findings regarding liver disease,the following question may be posed:What is the place of TIPSS in current clinical practice?
基金Supported by the Italian Ministry of Health-Current research IRCCS(Funds Dedicated to the Research of the Gastroenterology and Digestive Endoscopy Unit,Fondazione IRCCS Ca’Granda,Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico,Milano).
文摘BACKGROUND Endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)is crucial for diagnosing solid pancreatic lesions,especially pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC),a highly aggressive cancer which represents the majority with a prevalence of approximately 85%.AIM To identify EUS features that differentiate PDAC from other lesions such as neuroendocrine tumors(NETs)and helping in the differential diagnosis,by analyzing a large sample of solid pancreatic lesions.METHODS This observational,retrospective,multicenter study analyzed the endosonographic characteristics of 761 patients with a radiological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesion,who underwent pancreatic EUS for typing and staging with needle biopsies between 2015 and 2023.General patient characteristics(age and sex)and solid lesion features were collected and described,such lesion size(Bmode),vessel involvement(compression or invasion),ductal dilation,lymphadenopathy,echogenicity,echopattern,margin regularity,multifocality,internal vascularization and elastography.Subsequently,a predictive analysis was performed through univariate and multivariate logistic regression to identify predictive features for PDAC or NET diagnoses.RESULTS Our study enrolled 761 patients,predominantly male with a mean age of 68.6.PDACs were generally larger(mean 33 mm×27 mm),often had irregular margins,and displayed significant upstream ductal dilation.Hypoechogenicity was common across malignant lesions.In contrast,NETs were smaller(mean 20 mm×17 mm)and typically had regular margins with multiple lesions.Vascular involvement,although predominant in PDAC,is a common feature of all malignant neoplasms.Multifocality,however,although a rare finding,is more typical of NETs and metastases,and practically absent in the remaining lesions.Predictive analyses showed that ductal dilation and irregular margins were the most significant predictors for PDAC[odds ratio(OR)=5.75 and 3.83],with hypoechogenicity,heterogeneous echopattern and lymphadenopathies also highly significant(OR=3.51,2.56 and 1.99).These features were inversely associated with NETs,with regular margins and absence of ductal involvement or lymphadenopathies(OR=0.24,0.86 and 0.45 respectively),as already shown by the descriptive analysis.Finally,age,despite achieving statistical significance,lacks clinical value given an OR trending towards 1.CONCLUSION This study provides a comprehensive overview of EUS features for solid pancreatic lesions,identifying distinct features like upstream ductal dilation and irregular margins for PDAC vs regular margins for NETs as strong diagnostic predictors.These findings enhance the understanding of pancreatic pathologies,offering valuable insights for improved differential diagnosis and clinical management,especially in complex cases.Further prospective studies could build on these results.
文摘BACKGROUND Gastrectomy is recognized as a potential cause of exocrine pancreatic insufficiency(EPI).However,limited data are available regarding the incidence and impact of EPI on quality of life(QoL)following gastric surgery.AIM To evaluate incidence and severity of EPI after gastrectomy and its effect on QoL at least one year after surgery.METHODS EPI was assessed using fecal elastase measurement and classified into:(1)No-EPI(fecal elastase>200μg/g);(2)Moderate EPI(fecal elastase 100–200μg/g);and(3)severe EPI(fecal elastase<100μg/g).QoL was measured using the Gastrointestinal Quality of Life Index(GIQLI)questionnaire.RESULTS Sixteen out of 44(36.4%)patients developed EPI post-operatively:9(56.2%)patients had moderate EPI while 7(43.8%)patients had severe EPI.Severe EPI was more frequently observed in younger patients(5/7:71.4%;P=0.05),in more advanced disease stages(7/7:100%;P=0.05),lymph nodes metastases(7/7:100%;P=0.04)and in the mixed histotypes(4/7:66.7%;P=0.02)compared to the no-EPI and moderate EPI groups.QoL analysis showed that severe EPI was associated with a significantly lower overall GIQLI score[65(59–92)]compared to the no-EPI/moderate EPI groups[89(84–100)](P=0.002).Lower scores were particularly evident in the core(P<0.0001)and disease-specific symptoms domains(P=0.002)in the severe EPI group compared to the no-EPI/moderate EPI groups.CONCLUSION Gastrectomy is a cause of EPI.Younger patients,aggressive disease and advanced stages are significant risk factors for more severe EPI.Severe EPI worsens QoL,being associated with a higher rate of gastrointestinal symptoms.
文摘BACKGROUND Biliary anastomotic stricture(BAS)occurs in approximately 14%-20%of patients post-orthotopic liver transplantation(post-OLT).Endoscopic retrograde cholan-giopancreatography(ERCP)using multiple plastic stents(MPSs)or fully covered self-expandable metal stents(cSEMSs)represent the standard treatment for BAS post-OLT.Recently,cSEMSs have emerged as the primary option for managing BAS post-OLT.AIM To compare the resolution and recurrence of BAS rates in these patients.METHODS This retrospective cohort study was conducted in a single tertiary care center(Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein,São Paulo,Brazil).We reported the results of endoscopic therapy in patients with post-OLT BAS between 2012 and 2022.Patients were stratified into two groups according to therapy:(1)MPSs;and(2)cSEMSs.Primary endpoints were to compare stricture resolution and recurrence among the groups.The secondary endpoint was to identify predictive factors for stricture recurrence.RESULTS A total of 104 patients were included.Overall stricture resolution was 101/104(97.1%).Stricture resolution was achieved in 83/84 patients(99%)in the cSEMS group and 18/20 patients(90%)in the MPS group(P=0.094).Failure occurred in 3/104 patients(2.8%).Stricture recurrence occurred in 9/104 patients(8.7%).Kaplan-Meier analysis showed there was no difference in recurrence-free time among the groups(P=0.201).A multivariate analysis identified the number of ERCP procedures(hazard ratio=1.4;95%confidence interval:1.194-1.619;P<0.001)and complications(hazard ratio=2.8;95%confidence interval:1.008-7.724;P=0.048)as predictors of stricture recurrence.CONCLUSION cSEMSs and MPSs were effective and comparable regarding BAS post-OLT resolution and recurrence.The number of ERCP procedures and complications were predictors of stricture recurrence.
文摘BACKGROUND Marginal donation after circulatory death(DCD)liver grafts are carefully used to combat the constant shortage of donors.Clinically,the worst outcomes are mainly related to severe ischemia-reperfusion-injury and the dangerous effect of various inflammatory cytokines(CK).The machine perfusion(MP)is a promising device to rescue these grafts.AIM To analyze the role of MP connected to a sorbent cartridge(PerSorb®)and used for very damaged DCD pig livers.METHODS Seven grafts were procured from pigs from a slaughterhouse.Grafts were made very marginal with at least 60 minutes of donor warm ischemia time and 24 hours of static-cold ischemia time:(1)3 grafts were perfused in hypothermic MP with PerSorb(Sorb);(2)2 other grafts in hypothermic MP(HMP)without the cartridge(NoSorb);and(3)The other 2 livers stored in the ice box(NoTreat).The CK were measured at HMP start(T0)and at the end(Tend).Biopsies were taken at T0 and Tend.RESULTS All 5 grafts treated with HMP had a negative lactate trend after 3 hours of treatment(8.83 at T0 vs 6.4 at Tend of Sorb;15 at T0 vs 5.45 at Tend for NoSorb,P value>0.05).At Tend,both Sorb and NoSorb groups had better hemodynamic parameters,comparable between the two groups.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis showed a reduction of monocyte chemotactic protein-1,tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1βfor NoSorb group at Tend and a complete downregulation to physiological levels of the same CK in Sorb livers after 3 hours of treatment.Biopsies showed a reduction of the perisinusoidal edema for the Sorb grafts compared with the NoSorb livers.CONCLUSION These data suggest a potential protective role of treatment of grafts with MP and sorbent cartridge in reducing the inflammatory response after a severe ischemic injury.
文摘BACKGROUND Endoscopic bilateral biliary drainage is a first line palliative treatment for unresectable malignant hilar biliary obstruction(MHBO)but remains technically challenging.The emergence of self-expandable metallic stents carried by an ultrathin(6 Fr or smaller)delivery system now permits simultaneous bilateral stent placement.To date,only a few studies have compared this new method with conventional sequential bilateral stenting.AIM To evaluate a possible superiority of simultaneous“side by side”(SBS)biliary drainage in unresectable MHBO.METHODS We identified 135 patients who benefited from bilateral drainage using uncovered self-expandable metallic stents between 2010 and 2023.Among them,62 benefited from simultaneous SBS bilateral drainage between 2017 and 2023,and 73 benefited from sequential bilateral drainage[38 using“stent in stent”(SIS)technique and 35 using SBS technique between 2010 and 2017].RESULTS Technical success was significantly increased in simultaneous drainage compared with sequential drainage(94%vs 75%,P=0.008).However,simultaneous SBS drainage and sequential SIS drainage had a similar technical success(94%vs 95%).We observed no differences regarding clinical success,procedure duration and recurrent biliary obstruction rate.Stent patency was shorter in the SIS group compared with the simultaneous group(103 days vs 144 days).Early adverse events were more frequent in the sequential group(31%vs 21%,P=0.205),with no differences regarding SIS or SBS technique.Technical failure was associated with a higher rate of infectious fatal adverse events(9.5%vs 1.7%,P=0.02).Reintervention after recurrent biliary obstruction seems to be more successful after using SBS rather than SIS techniques(83%vs 75%,P=0.53).CONCLUSION Simultaneous SBS metallic stent placement using an ultra-thin delivery system was technically easier and as efficient as sequential bilateral stenting in unresectable MHBO to achieve bilateral drainage.The SIS procedure remains a good option in unresectable MHBO.
文摘Endoscopic ultrasound-guided shear wave elastography(EUS-SWE)represents a significant advancement in non-invasive tissue characterization,enabling objective assessment of quantitative tissue stiffness in real-time with potential clinical relevance across a variety of gastrointestinal disorders.Recent developments in EUS-SWE have expanded its application beyond hepatic fibrosis to include pancreatic diseases and the evaluation of solid tumors.EUS-SWE has demonstrated diagnostic accuracy comparable to vibration-controlled transient elastography in assessing fibrosis stages,positioning it as a potential alternative to liver biopsy.Moreover,EUS-SWE has shown promise in evaluating pancreatic tissue stiffness,aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer.This technique offers a distinct advantage by allowing tissue stiffness measurements during the same procedure,thereby reducing the need for additional imaging studies and biopsies.Despite its clinical potential,challenges remain,including the need for standardized protocols,optimal cutoff values,and validation across diverse patient populations.This minireview provides a comprehensive analysis of the current literature on EUS-SWE,examining its diagnostic performance,reproducibility,and limitations.Furthermore,we discuss the future directions of EUS-SWE,including its integration into routine clinical practice and its evolving role in precision medicine,emphasizing the necessity of large-scale studies to solidify its clinical utility and establish standardized guidelines for its use.
文摘BACKGROUND The location of gastric neoplasms can influence the level of technical difficulty and performance of endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD).There are few studies that analyze the influence of tumor location in the stomach on ESD outcomes.AIM To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of ESD in the proximal vs distal stomach.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted in chronological order who received gastric ESD between 2009 and 2024.Patients were stratified into two groups based on tumor location:Group 1 included patients with tumors in the lower third of the stomach,while Group 2 included those with tumors in the middle or upper third.The following parameters were evaluated for each group:procedure duration,curative resection rate,en bloc resection rate,complete resection rate,incidence of complications,and depth of neoplastic invasion.RESULTS The mean procedure time was 97.07 minutes for lesions located in the distal stomach and 129.08 minutes for those in the proximal stomach(P=0.0011).En bloc resection rates for ESD in the distal and proximal stomach were 97.9%and 85.7%,respectively(P=0.0016),while complete resection rates were 93.9%and 73.4%,respectively(P=0.0002).Curative resection was achieved in 90.9%of distal lesions compared to 65.3%of proximal lesions(P=0.0001).Submucosal invasion was identified in 4.0%of distal lesions and 14.2%of proximal lesions(P=0.013).CONCLUSION ESD performed in the proximal stomach requires a longer procedural time compared to ESD in the distal stomach,independent of lesion size and histopathological characteristics.Additionally,proximal gastric ESD is associated with reduced clinical efficacy and increased incidence of submucosal invasion.
文摘This study evaluated the antibacterial effects of 2%lidocaine and its combination with 0.9%saline solution on Escherichia coli infection in superficial surgical wounds in Wistar rats.The goal was to determine if these treatments could effectively reduce E.coli Colony Forming Units(CFUs)below the critical threshold of 1×105.Seventy male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups,each undergoing different interventions to assess the antibacterial efficacy of lidocaine,with outcomes measured through bacterial cultures and CFU quantification.Results demonstrated a Log10reduction of approximately 0.44 in E.coli CFUs following infiltration with 2%lidocaine.The combined use of 2%lidocaine infiltration and 0.9%saline irrigation resulted in nearly complete suppression of bacterial growth.These findings suggest that these simple interventions could be valuable in emergency surgical settings to mitigate the risk of surgical site infections and serve as effective prophylactic measures.increase in hospital stay,which represents an additional cost in terms of expenses and directly impacts the patient's outcome.11Several lines of evidence point to 104colony forming units per gram of tissue(CFUs/g)as the threshold at which healing generally begins to slow.12Knowledge of the antibacterial activity of lidocaine has been used to prevent bacterial contamination of other lipid-based anesthetics,such as propofol,with a significant decrease in bacterial development13-15and its antifungal effect.15,16Other effects attributed to lidocaine concerning systemic inflammatory response are the inhibition of granulocyte adhesion at sites of inflammation,decreased leukocyte adhesion during endotoxemia,and decreased macromolecular filtration;it is suggested that it may play a therapeutic role in endothelial damage during sepsis.17-19On the other hand,different measures have been taken to reduce the surgical wound infection rate,such as prophylactic antibiotics and local wound care,including pressure irrigation with 0.9% saline solution,with good results.20The antibacterial effect of lidocaine has been demonstrated in an animal model21;however,no model resembles surgical wound infection and the use of lidocaine to prevent infection.This study aimed to demonstrate that using 2% lidocaine(2 mL/g of tissue)will reduce the E.coli CFUs below 1×105in an infected superficial surgical wound in an experimental model.
文摘Helicobacter pylori(H.pylori),a widespread gram-negative bacterium that colonizes the stomach,causes chronic gastritis,which may progress to peptic ulcer,mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma,and gastric cancer.H.pylori infection affects over 50%of people in developing countries and 10%-20%in developed countries.The Kyoto consensus classifies H.pylori gastritis as an infectious disease in the International Classification of Disease 11th Revision.The Maastricht/Florence consensus recommends treatment for all infected individuals,introducing a shift in the management strategies.The prevalence of H.pylori infection is high in the Middle East,with infection rates of 40%-70%and 85%-90%being reported among children and adults,respectively.The increasing resistance to antibiotics,including macrolides and fluoroquinolones,is a major challenge in the management of H.pylori.Clarithromycin resistance,which is associated with reduced effectiveness of standard triple therapy regimens,leading to higher rates of treatment failure,impacts the eradication rates.This emphasizes the need for routine antibiotic susceptibility testing at the national level,the use of alternative therapies,including new molecular methods,and antibiotic stewardship.An online panel of experts from the Middle East,along with an international expert,developed this consensus to provide comprehensive guidelines on the diagnosis,treatment,prevention,and role of gut microbiota in H.pylori infection,with the goal of improving clinical decision-making and reducing the impact of antibiotic resistance in the region.These guidelines are intended to support healthcare professionals involved in the diagnosis and management of H.pylori,including primary care physicians,gastroenterologists,and other specialists.They may also inform future clinical research aimed at optimizing treatment strategies and addressing regional challenges.
文摘BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide.Despite improvements in surgical techniques and systemic therapies,long-term outcomes after liver resection are limited by high recurrence rates.While adjuvant strategies have shown limited benefit,the role of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable HCC is still under investigation.AIM To assess the efficacy,feasibility,and safety of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable HCC through a meta-analysis of current literature.METHODS A systematic search was conducted across PubMed,Web of Science,EMBASE,Cochrane Library,and Scopus for studies published in the past five years evaluating neoadjuvant immunotherapy in resectable HCC.Primary endpoints included major pathological response(MPR),pathological complete response(pCR),overall response rate(ORR),resection rate,and grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events(TRAEs).A random-effects meta-analysis was conducted using log odds ratios(ORs)and pooled event rates were calculated to provide absolute estimates of clinical endpoints.RESULTS Twelve studies were included in the final analysis.The pooled ORs were 0.28(95%CI:0.19-0.41)for MPR,0.54(95%CI:0.25-1.14)for ORR,0.26(95%CI:0.11-0.66)for pCR,5.37(95%CI:2.70-10.66)for resection rate,and 0.33(95%CI:0.22-0.50)for grade 3-4 TRAEs.Corresponding pooled event rates were 19%for MPR,35%for ORR,22%for pCR,81%for resection feasibility,and 19%for severe TRAEs.CONCLUSION Neoadjuvant immunotherapy appears to be a feasible and safe approach in patients with resectable HCC,achieving moderate pathological responses and high resection rates.
文摘Gastrointestinal(GI)tract defects can be classified into three distinct entities:Leak,perforation,and fistula.Each arises from different mechanisms and is managed accordingly.Leaks occur most often after surgery,while perforations arise due to flexible endoscopic maneuvers.Fistulae arise from a variety of mechanisms,including specific disease states.Endoscopic management is vital in treating such defects if the region of interest can be accessed with the appropriate endoscopic accessories.The primary goal of endoscopic therapy is to interrupt the flow of luminal contents across a GI defect.Considering the proper endoscopic approach to luminal closure,several basic principles must be considered.Outcomes are dependent on the size and exact location of the leak/fistula,as well as the viability of the surrounding tissue.Almost all complex leaks and fistulae must be approached in a multidisciplinary manner,collaborating with colleagues in nutrition,radiology,and surgery.With advances in technology,a myriad of devices and accessories are available that allow a tailored approach.In this review,we discuss these modalities,provide technical tips,and review published outcomes data regarding each approach,as well as practical considerations for the successful closure of these defects.
