Clinical Significance of Screening Colonoscopy in Elderly: A KASID Multi-center Study

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Currently, screening colonscopy is widely performed in the medical field. The initial time of screening is recommended at an age of 50 years, but the age to cease screening is unknown. Accordingly, we have investigated the diagnostic yield of colonoscopy according to indications in the elderly, and we evaluated if screening colonoscopy is useful in the elderly. METHODS: We recruited asymptomatic individuals undergoing screening colonoscopy according to age (2830 subjects aged 50-74 years and 111 subjects > or =75 years-old), The colonoscopy findings of the study subjects were compared. In addition, colonoscopy findings of asymptomatic subjects more than 75 years-old were compared with the findings of symptomatic subjects with the same age. RESULTS: The yield for overall neoplasia and advanced adenoma was higher in the group of subjects > or =75 years-old than in the 50-74 years age group (overall adenoma: 49.54% versus 24.98%, p or =75 years-old than in symptomatic subjects > or =75 years-old (49.54% versus 28.19%, p or =75 years-old. The lack of a decline in the frequency of adenoma, including advanced adenoma, justifies continuing screening colonoscopy in the elderly.

Two Cases of Metronidazole-induced Encephalopathy / 대한소화기학회지

Metronidazole is a 5-nitroimidazole compound known as an antimicrobial agent widely used for the treatment of protozoal infection, anaerobic infection, Helicobacter pylori infection and hepatic encephalopathy. It may produce a number of neurologic side effects including peripheral neuropathy, seizure, encephalopathy, ataxic gait and dysarthritic speech. There have been ten or more reports of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy in the literatures including a few reports of brain imaging changes by magnetic resonance images (MRI). However, none of the case of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy in patients with hepatic encephalopathy has been reported yet. Recently, we experienced two cases of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis caused by chronic hepatitis B, which were diagnosed by brain MRI and MR spectroscopy. In this report, we present 2 cases of metronidazole-induced encephalopathy with MR imaging and MR spectroscopic changes including follow- up imaging performed after the discontinuation of the metronidazole with a review of the literatures.

A Case of Jejunal Diverticulitis with Perforation Combined with Intussusception Caused by Inflammatory Fibroid Polyp / 영남의대학술지

Diverticulosis of the small intestine is a rare entity, compared with that of duodenum or colon, and is found in only 1% of autopsied patients. The main complications are diverticulitis with or without a perforation, obstruction and hemorrhage, which are associated with a high mortality. Intussusception is primarily a disease of childhood; with only 5 to 10% of cases occurring in adults. In contrast to childhood intussusception, 90% of adult intussusception cases are had an associated pathologic processes. An inflammatory fibroid polyp is an uncommonly localized non-neoplastic lesion of the gastrointestinal tract. It occurs most often in the stomach and secondly in the ileum. It rarely occurs in other organs such as the colon, jejunum, duodenum and esophagus. We report a case of jejunal diverticulitis with a perforation combined with intussusception caused by an inflammatory fibroid polyp. A 78-year-old female presented with abdominal pain, fever and chill. Contrast CT scan showed intussusception of the ileum. The patient was treated with a small bowel segmental resection. After surgery, the specimen showed jejunal diverticulitis with perforation.

Is the Invasive Approach for All the Upper Gastrointestinal Mesenchymal Tumors Necessary? / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mesenchymal tumors are the most frequent submucosal tumors in gastrointestinal trail. We reviewed the mesenchymal tumors which are confirmed by pathology to examine whether the invasive approach of all mesenchymal tumors is necessary. METHODS: This study was performed on fifty-nine patients who has mesenchymal tumors confirmed by endoscopic or surgical resection from January 2000 to June 2004. RESULTS: Mesenchymal tumors consisted of thirty-six gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), 20 leiomyomas and 3 schwannomas. All the esophageal tumors were leiomyoma (12/12, 100%). In stomach, there were 32 GISTs (76.2%), 7 leiomyomas (16.7%) and 3 schwannomas (7.1%). And there were 4 GISTs (80.0%) and 1 leiomyoma (20.0%) in duodenum. Tumors less than 1 cm in maximal diameter were leiomyoma or GISTs with very low risk of aggressive behavior. 56.1% of the tumors larger than 1 cm consisted of low, intermediate or high risk GISTs. CONCLUSIONS: Biopsy must be considered according to its size and anatomic location of mesenchymal tumors. The invasive approach for every esophageal submucosal tumor is not necessary unless the size is very large, because most of them are benign in nature. However, the gastric submucosal tumor with more than 1 cm in diameter should be carefully and regularly followed up or biopsied because it cannot be assumed to be benign for any GIST more than 1 cm in size at the present time, safely.

Clinical Characteristics of Pancreatic Cancer According to the Presence of Diabetes Mellitus / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Pancreatic cancer is fatal with a dismal 6-month median survival from diagnosis. Diabetes mellitus is reported to be present up to 33.3 percent of patients with pancreatic cancer. The reason for the high frequency of diabetes is unknown. We studied the prevalence and duration of diabetes in patients with pancreatic cancer and the relationship between the two diseases. METHODS: A total of 152 patients with pancreatic cancer diagnosed at Yeungnam University Hospital from January 1999 to December 2001 were enrolled in this study. Clinical features, family history, smoking history, and characteristics of the tumor were compared between diabetic and non-diabetic groups. RESULTS: Among 152 patients with pancreatic cancer, 43 patients (28.3%) had diabetes. In diabetic group, mean age of diagnosis was significantly younger than non- diabetic group (62.0 +/- 7.2 vs. 65.0 +/- 8.8, p<0.05). Most of the patients with diabetes had non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) and did not have family history. Diabetes was diagnosed within 2 years after the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer in 35 patients (74.3%) of the diabetic group. There were no differences in the location and stage of tumor, chief complaints, presence of weight loss, and body mass index between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes mellitus occurs frequently in patients with pancreatic cancer and does not influence clinical features of pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer should be suspected in patients with recent onset diabetes, especially in patients without family history of diabetes and with type of NIDDM.

The Role of Intraoperative Colonoscopy in Patients with Left Side Colon Cancer Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of an intraoperative colonoscopy for a single stage operation in patients with a left-side colon cancer obstruction. METHODS: From September 1999 to August 2002, 62 patients (mean age=61+/-14 year old, M:F=30:32) underwent an intraoperative colonoscopy during a single stage operation for a left side colon cancer. Intraoperative colonic irrigation method and colonoscopy with NICI (new intraoperative colonic irrigator, MITech Co., Ltd, Seoul, Korea) were used. RESULTS: The locations of the left-side colon cancers were the rectum in 33 (53.2%), sigmoid colon in 20 (32.3%), and descending colon in 9 (14.5%). Synchronous polyps were found in 31 patients (50%). Six patients (9.7%) had a synchronous colon cancer and 2 (3.2%) had a high grade dysplasia. Of these 62 patients, 11 (17.7%) required more extensive surgery than dictated by the primary tumor. Altered operative methods were a total colectomy in 2 patients, an extended resection in 8 patients, and a wedge resection in 1 patient. CONCULSIONS: An intraoperative colonoscopy in patients with a left-side colon cancer is a useful adjunct in diagnosing a synchronous lesions, which should allow a more appropriate surgical procedure.

A Case of Biliary Ascariasis Associated with a Common Bile Duct Stone / 대한소화기내시경학회지

Ascaris lumbricoides is the commonest intestinal parasite. The parasites are the most numerous intestinal parasites in less-developed countries and in areas with poor sanitation. However, it's prevalence is very low in Korea recently. A. lumbricoides produces no symptoms in most patients but sometimes it may give rise to intestinal obstruction or pancreatobiliary disease. Highly motile mature worms may enter the ampulla of Vater and migrate into the bile or pancreatic ducts and can cause cholangitis, biliary stone, cholecystitis, pancreatitis and liver abscess. The cases of biliary ascariasis are rare in Korea. We report a 59-year-old female, who presented with intermittent epigastic pain, diagnosed as biliary ascariasis associated with common bile duct stone after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The common bile duct (CBD) stone was removed by sphincterotomy and lithotripsy, and then we directly removed ascaris with a basket without any complication.

Clinical Significance of Klebsiella pneumoniae in Liver Abscess / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) has been emerging as the leading cause of liver abscess although the most common pathogen was Escherichia coli in the past. Our study was to clarify the significance of K. pneumoniae as a pathogen of pyogenic liver abscess. METHODS: We reviewed 157 cases of pyogenic liver abscess treated at Yeungnam University Hospital from 1996 to 2001. They were classified into two groups: K. pneumoniae group and non-K. pneumoniae group. The clinical presentations, characteristics of liver abscess, laboratory findings and the results of bacteriological studies were compared. RESULTS: The K. pneumoniae group included 60 (60.6%) cases among 99 cases with positive culture. We found higher incidence of alcoholics (45.0%) or diabetes millitus (35.0%) in K. pnemoniae group. Cryptogenic cause (61.7%) was the most frequent portal entry in K. pneumoniae liver abscess. On the other hand, in non-K. pneumoniae group, the cause of portal entry was usually the secondary (23.1%) following biliary disease (61.5%). Statistically, there was no significant difference in age, sex, symptom, characteristics of abscess, laboratory findings except total bilirubin level between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Liver abscess caused by K. pneumoniae has emerged as an important infectious disease with new clinical significance. When clinicians see pyogenic liver abscess in patients with alcoholics or diabetes millitus, K. pneumoniae should be considered first as a cause of liver abscess.

Is Routine Second-Look Endoscopy Necessary for All Bleeding Peptic Ulcers? / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Second-look endoscopy is generally performed to prevent rebleeding in patients with bleeding peptic ulcers. However, considering recent technologic advances of endoscopic hemostasis and decreasing rate of rebleeding, a small benefit with second-look endoscopy is suggested. Prospective study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of second-look endoscopic examinations. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred thirty six patients with bleeding from peptic ulcer were included. Emergency endoscopic treatments consisting of the injection of hypertonic saline-epinephrine (HSE), band ligation and/or clipping were performed in patients with Forrest class I-IIb. They were scheduled to receive second-look endoscopy in 48 hours after initial endoscopy. Nine patients (6.6%) received endoscopic retreatment during second-look endoscopy and emergency endoscopic retreatment was required before scheduled endoscopy in six patients (4.4%) because of the evidence of rebleeding. Factors influencing retreatment were Forrest classification of initial endoscopy and methods of hemostasis. None of the patients with Forrest class IIb-III and the patients receiving endoscopic band ligation or clipping on initial endoscopy required retreatment during follow-up endoscopy. CONCLUSION: Routine second-look endoscopy may not be recommended after initial successful endoscopic treatment of peptic ulcer bleeding, especially in case of Forrest class IIb, IIc or III and in the patients treated with band ligation or clipping.

A Comparative Study on the Efficacy of Covered Metal Stent and Plastic Stent in Malignant Biliary Obstruction / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Insertion of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) has become an established option for the palliation of malignant biliary obstruction (MBO). However, stent occlusion by tumor ingrowth is still an unsolved problem. To overcome this problem, membrane-covered SEMSs have been developed. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of membrane-covered SEMS versus plastic stent in the treatment of MBO. METHODS: Between Jan 2001 and Jul 2002, 57 patients with unresectable MBO who initially had plastic stents inserted were randomized to receive either plastic stent and membrane-covered SEMSs after initial plastic stent failure. RESULTS: Placement of either plastic stents or membrane-covered SEMs was successful in all patients. Mean patency duration of stents were significantly longer in membrane-covered SEMS group (189 days) than in plastic stent group (82 days) (p=0.01). The causes of stent failure were occlusion in 10 cases and migration in 1 case in membrane-covered SEMS group. Of these occluded 10 cases, tumor ingrowth was noted in 7, tumor overgrowth in 2, and biliary incrustation in 1. CONCLUSIONS: Membrane-covered SEMS has a longer patency than plastic stent. However, new membrane covering material is needed to prevent tumor ingrowth more effectively.

Ulcer healing effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication in patients with Helicobacter pylori-associated peptic ulcer / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: Proton pump inhibitor-based triple therapy is effective first line treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, it is unclear that additional acid-suppression therapy should be continued for ulcer healing after eradication of H. pylori in patients with peptic ulcer diseases. We evaluated the effect of H. pylori eradication in the treatment of H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer diseases. METHODS: Eighty patients with endoscopically proven active peptic ulcers with H. pylori infection were randomized to receive either 1 week therapy of omeprazole 20 mg bid plus clarithromycin 500 mg bid plus amoxicillin 1000 mg bid alone (OCA group) or same regimen followed by 3 weeks of ranitidine 150 mg bid (OCAR group). Endoscopy, clinical assessments and urea breath test were performed after treatment. RESULTS: Overall healing rates of peptic ulcer after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment were 89.7% and 97.4% in OCA group and 85.5% and 97.6% in OCAR group, respectively (p>0.05). The H. pylori eradication rates in OCA and OCAR group were 84.6% and 82.9%, respectively (p>0.05). Symptomatic relief rate after 4 weeks of treatment was 89.2% in OCA group and 92.5% in OCAR group (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: One-week OCA therapy without additional acid suppressing therapy seemed to be effective for the treatment of non-complicated H. pylori-associated peptic ulcer diseases. Further study will be necessary to evaluate the effect of H. pylori eradication in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease and factors affecting healing of the ulcer.

Colonoscopic Polypectomy in Outpatients / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The incidence of colon cancer has increased since 1990 in Korea. Though the cause of colon cancer is not clear, there are two theories of its development (adenoma-carcinoma sequence and de novo cancer). Recently, frequently performed colonoscopy and videoscopy make it possible to find colon polyps including tiny ones and do polypectomy. So, the authors studied safety of colonoscopic polypectomy on out-patient basis and its clinico-pathologic results. METHODS: From April 1999 to April 2000, the authors performed colonoscopy and polypectomy in patients for various gastrointestinal symptoms, follow-up after colon cancer operation, and colon cancer screening. We studied prospectively in out-patients basis after checking of bleeding tendency. If there was possibility of bleeding or perforation risk, we had done hemoclipping for prevention of complications. RESULTS: One thousand three hundred five colon polyps were found in 586 patients. 1,191 (91.3%) were smaller than 1 cm. Among the total 1,305 polyps, 10 revealed malignant transformation, in which 6 were smaller than 1 cm. Sigmoid colon and ascending colon are most common site of colon polyps, which could be removed with endoscopic mucosal resection snare. Only 1 case of postpolypectomy bleeding was noted after 9 days with mucosectomy without any other complications as perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The colon polyps are popular in the Korean and even the small polyps can be malignant. Any polyps could be removed in spite of small size and the polypectomy in out-patient basis is a safe procedure if postpolypectomy complications are fully comprehended and preventing endoscopic procedures are carried adequately.

Comparative, Controlled Study of Cisapride Tartrate and Domperidone Maleate in Patients with Non-erosive reflux disease (Multicenter Study) / 대한소화관운동학회지

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: The therapeutic requirements of patients with non-erosive reflux disease (NERD) are similar to those with erosive esophagitis. The pharmacological action mechanism of prokinetics is quite different; domperidone is a peripheral dopamine D2-antagonist and cisapride is a HT4-agonist. This study was performed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of these two different prokinetics in patients with NERD. METHODS: 178 patients, with heartburn and/or regurgitation, without reflux esophagitis were enrolled and divided into 2 groups by randomization code. In this prospective multicenter trial, 178 patients (93 patients in cisapride group, 85 patients in domperidone group) received 10 mg of cisapride three times a day or 10 mg of domperidone three time a day for 2 or 4 weeks. Symptom assessment was performed in each patients before treatments, 2 and 4 weeks after treatment. RESULTS: Of the 133 patients available for final analysis, 65 were allocated to the cisapride group and 68 to the domperidone group. After 2 weeks treatment, heartburn was reduced in 81.1% of cisapride group, 56.7% of domperidone group (p < 0.05) and regurgitation was reduced in 89.7% of cisapride group, 77.7% of domperidone group. After 4 weeks treatment, heartburn was reduced in 94.3% of cisapride group, 88.7% of domperidone group and this difference was not significant. The proportion of adverse events in cisapride group was 9.4% and was 5.5% in domperidone group. CONCLUSIONS: Cisapride tartrate was more effective in relieving heartburn in NERD patients than domperidone maleate after 2 week treatment. However, this superior effect dose not persist longer than 2 weeks.

Endoscopic resection in patients with early gastric cancer and follow-up / 대한내과학회지

BACKGROUND: As a result of endoscopic development and diagnostic technical improvements, the detection rate of early gastric cancer (EGC) has been increased and the prognosis of patients has been improved with surgical treatment. The most important factor for the prognosis of patients with EGC is the presence of regional lymph node metastasis, whose incidence is approximately 3% in patients with intramucosal EGC and 20% in patients with submucosal EGC. Recently, endoscopic resection has become the modality of treatment widely accepted in well selected cases of EGC. We have reviewed the results of endoscopic resection of EGC during 10 years and follow-up. METHODS: Over a ten year period from 1989 to 1999, 47 EGCs were resected endoscopically and the mean age of patients was 62.6 +/- 9.5 years. Thirty-six cases were treated by endoscopic mucosal resection and 11 cases were treated by snare polypectomy. RESULTS: Thirty-five cases were defined as complete resection by pathologic study and 33 cases were enrolled in follow-up study group. During follow-up period, there were 6 cases of death which was not related to the original disease. The mean follow-up duration of the survival group was 36.5 +/- 25.7 months. Local recurrence was detected in 1 case and a new lesion developed on the other site in 1 case. CONCLUSION: It appeared that endoscopic resection is an effective therapeutic procedure for some cases of EGC.

A case of pimary malignant melanoma originated from esophageal melanosis / 대한내과학회지

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus(PMME) is an extremely rare but aggressive disease that composes less than 0.1% of all primary malignant neoplasm of the esophagus. PMME was first reported in 1906 and nearly 180 cases of primary esophageal malignant melanoma have been published in the medical literature. Symptoms of the primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus mimic that of any malignant obstructing lesion of the esophagus and the metastatic spread by lymphatics and vascular routes are common. Resection of the tumor with an anastomotic procedure seems to be the treatment of choice, however prognosis is poor. At present, chemotherapy and immunotherapy have no major role in treatment. We report a case of 67-year-old man with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus originated from esophageal melanosis with a review of the literature.

The Significance of Small Polyp of colon in Koreans / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: There are two theories in the development of colon cancer. One is the adenoma-carcinoma sequence theory and the other is the de novo cancer theory. Western countries believe in the adenoma-carcinoma sequence theory, however there are many recent reports from Japan about cancers developing from small adenomas. METHODS: The present study analyzed 408 polyps from 508 cases that were taken by colonoscopic polypectomy at the Departmant of Internal Medicine, Yeung-Nam University Hospital. RESULTS: The percentage of patients who have polyp was 41.3%(210cases out of 526cases) and the peak incidence was noted in patients in their 50's and 60's. There was no difference between the sexes, but we noted significant increase in the incidence of polyps in patients over age of thirty. We found 395 polyps below 1cm and 13 polyps above 1cm. Among 408 polyps, 5 cases cancerous polyps and 3 cases showed polyp size of less than 1cm each. The first case was a polyp of 0.4cm in size with elevated mucosa at the ascending colon. The second was 0.5cm in size with round elevation and hyperemic mucosa in the rectum. The third polyp was 0.6cm in size with tubular elevation at the hepatic flexure. CONCLUSIONS: colon polyp is common disease in Koreans. even small polyps can have cancer tissue, which should be removed if discovered during colonoscopy. We believe that not all colon cancer originates in the manner described by the adenoma-carcinoma sequence theory. However further studies with a larger sample population are needed to determine the exact role colon polyps plays in the development of colon cancer.

Complication of Colonoscopic Polypectomy / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colonic adenomatous polyp is known as a premalignant lesion. Colonoscopic polypectomy, using for its removal and prevention of primary colon cancer has been considered as a effective and safe method. This study was conducted to assess its complication and safety of colonoscopic polypectomy. METHODS: One thousand two hundred ninety three polypectomy were done using colonoscopic hot biopsy, snare polypectomy, endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and piecemeal polypectomy in 679 patients from 1983 to 1999, and postpolypectomy complications and its rate were evaluated. RESULTS: 1) Postpolypectomy bleeding occured 18 cases of 1293 polypectomies (1.4%), including 10 cases of initial bleeding and 8 cases of delayed bleeding. In 9 cases (0.7%) of them hemostatic therapy were required. In delayed bleeding most cases (75%) of them occured within 66 hours after polypectomy. 2) Postpolypectomy bleeding occured in 10 cases of 982 polypectomies (1.0%) below 0.9 cm in polyp diameter, 5 cases of 242 polypectomies (2.1%) between 1.0 cm and 1.9 cm in polyp diameter and 3 cases of 69 polypectomies (4.3%) more than 2.0cm in polyp diameter (p<0.05). 3) There were no significant correlation between postpolypectomy bleeding and polypectomy methods (p=0.06) and between postpolypectomy bleeding and gross type of polyps (p=0.40) statistically. 4) Postpolypectomy perforation occured in 1 case of 1293 polypectomies (0.1%). Estimated overall postpolypectomy complication rate including bleeding and perforation was 1.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopic polypectomy is a relatively safe method in removing colonic polyp and its complication is related to size of polyp.

Endoscopic Treatment of Bleeding Angioectasia of the Upper Gastrointestinal Tract / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Angioectasia of the gastrointestinal tract have been recognized with increasing frequency as an important cause of acute and chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. The purpose of this study is to define the response of endoscopic treatment for bleeding angioectasia of upper gastrointestinal tract and to evaluate long term efficacy of endoscopic treatment. METHODS: A clinical study was done on 18 patients (20 cases) of angioectasia bleeding of upper gastrointestinal tract who admitted to Yeungnam University hospital from January 1989 to October 1998. Endoscopic therapy was done by electrocauterizaton, laser therapy, O-band ligation. In cases of failure to achieve hemostasis after endoscopic retreatment, we have done operation or used antifibrinolytic agent. RESULTS: The mean age was 60.6+/-11.2 years (range 31-77 years). Bleeding control was succeeded in 19 cases and one case was failed by endoscopic therapy. This patient was operated. Recurred bleeding was observed in 4 patients during long term follow-up period. Bleeding was controlled after endoscopic re-treatment in two of four patients. The other patients (Osler-Weber-Lendu syndrome 2 patients) were periodically required of transfusion after endoscopic therapy. Tranexamic acid was given to these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic therapy for bleeding angioectasia could reduce bleeding or make it stop, but repeated treatment was often necessary for multiple angioectasia. Tranexamic acid may be a useful treatment for refractory bleeding due to multiple angioectasia, such as Osler-Weber-Lendu syndrome.

Endoscopic Diagnosis of Right-Sided Colonic Diverticulitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Recently, it has been well known that the incidence of colonic diverticulosis is increasing in Korea. However, cases of right-sided colonic diverticulitis are rare although diverticula are located in right-sided colon more than left-side. The major clinical symptom of right-sided colonic diverticulitis is acute right lower quadrant pain which may mimic acute appendicitis. Therefore, we evaluated the clinical characteristics of the patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis and safety of the colonoscopic examinations in these patients. METHODS: The evidence of diverticulitis was confirmed by the presence of pus at the diverticular lesions on colonoscopy. We retrospectively analyzed clinical menifestations, laboratory findings, colonoscopic findings and the presence of complications after colonoscopy, and radiologic findings of the patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis. RESULTS: All the patients with right-sided colonic diverticulitis had abdominal pain. Physical examinations showed abdominal tenderness in all patients and leukocytosis was noticed in 8 out of 12 patients (66%). There was no complication during and after colonoscopy. All the patients were managed with conservative treatment including broad-spectrum antibiotics and improved without clinical aggravation. CONCLUSIONS: The colonoscopic examination may be helpful to diagnose right-sided colonic diverticulitis.

Gastroesophageal Reflux in Peptic Ulcer Patients / 영남의대학술지

BACKGROUND: It is well known fact to the patients of duodenal ulcer that their condition is frequently accompanied with reflux esophagitis. Therefore this condition is called an "acid-related disorder" because it is commonly associated with increased acidity. But there has been disputes on the effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication in these two conditions and whether H. pylori infection may have a protective role in reflux esophagitis. Only few reports have dealt with the prevalence of reflux esophagitis and gastroesophageal reflux in patients with peptic ulcer. The aim of this study is to estimate the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux and to analyze the pattern ofthe pathologic reflux in peptic ulcer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study population consisted of 57 patients with endoscopically confirmed duodenal and/or gastric ulcer who all underwent 24hr ambulatory esophageal pH monitoring. RESULTS: The prevalnace of gastroesophageal reflux in peptic ulcer patients was 54.2% and 54.5% in gastric ulcer, and 62.5% in duodenal ulcer, 50% in combined ulcer, respectively. The prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in the control group was 22.7%. CONCLUSION: We discovered significantly higher prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with peptic ulcer disease than in those without it. In conclusion, the presence or absence of gastroesophageal reflux must be considered in the setting of peptic ulcer disease management.