Adenoma miss rate of polypectomy-referring hospitals is high in Korea

Background/Aims@#We evaluated the miss rates of polyps, adenomas, and advanced neoplasia of polypectomy-referring hospitals and risk factors for missed adenomas. @*Methods@#We compared medical records and electronic images of initial colonoscopies from polypectomy-referring hospitals with those of corresponding therapeutic colonoscopies from Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital obtained from May 2014 to February 2016. @*Results@#A total of 147 patients (56.6 ± 12.1 years, 37 females) were included. The mean number of polyps and adenomas detected on initial colonoscopy was 2.4 ± 1.7 and 1.7 ± 1.4, respectively. The mean number of additionally detected polyps and adenomas per patient during therapeutic colonoscopy was 1.4 ± 1.8 and 1.0 ± 1.5, respectively. Pooled miss rate for polyps, adenomas, and advanced neoplasia was 36%, 37%, and 11%, respectively. Pooled miss rate for adenomas was significantly higher for right-sided, non-pedunculated, and small (< 1 cm) adenomas (p = 0.031, p = 0.000, and p = 0.000, respectively). The miss rate of polyps, adenomas, and advanced neoplasia per patient was 60%, 49%, and 7%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed age and number of adenoma on initial colonoscopy were significantly related with risk for adenoma-missing (p = 0.005 and p = 0.023, respectively). @*Conclusions@#Among patients referred for polypectomy, adenoma is missed in one of two patients and advanced neoplasm is missed in one of 13. Patients with advanced age or multiple adenoma on initial colonoscopy have a higher possibility of missed adenoma. Total colon exploration should be performed carefully during therapeutic colonoscopy.

Comparison of AIMS65 Score and Other Scoring Systems for Predicting Clinical Outcomes in Koreans with Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The AIMS65 score has not been sufficiently validated in Korea. The objective of this study was to compare the AIMS65 and other scoring systems for the prediction of various clinical outcomes in Korean patients with acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB). METHODS: The AIMS65 score, clinical and full Rockall scores (cRS and fRS) and Glasgow-Blatchford (GBS) score were calculated in patients with NVUGIB in a single center retrospectively. The performance of these scores for predicting mortality, rebleeding, transfusion requirement, and endoscopic intervention was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve. RESULTS: Of the 523 patients, 3.4% died within 30 days, 2.5% experienced rebleeding, 40.0% required endoscopic intervention, and 75.7% needed transfusion. The AIMS65 score was useful for predicting the 30-day mortality, the need for endoscopic intervention and for transfusion. The fRS was superior to the AIMS65, GBS, and cRS for predicting endoscopic intervention and the GBS was superior to the AIMS65, fRS, and cRS for predicting the transfusion requirement. CONCLUSIONS: The AIMS65 score was useful for predicting the 30-day mortality, transfusion requirement, and endoscopic intervention in Korean patients with acute NVUGIB. However, it was inferior to the GBS and fRS for predicting the transfusion requirement and endoscopic intervention, respectively.

Perigastric Abscess as a Complication of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer: First Case Report / 대한소화기학회지

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early gastric cancer (EGC) is a widely accepted and well established procedure because of its curative potential and low invasiveness compared with surgery. Perforation is a potential major complication during ESD, and non-surgical treatments such as endoscopic closure with clips are sufficient in most cases. Here, we report a case of perigastric abscess that occurred as a complication of ESD for EGC. The patient improved with administration of antibiotics without surgical intervention.

Usefulness of Dual Priming Oligonucleotide-Polymerase Chain Reaction for Diagnosis and Treatment of Helicobacter pylori

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The eradication rate of triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori is decreasing and one of the main causes is increased clarithromycin resistance. Recently, new methods have been introduced for the diagnosis of clarithromycin resistance. The aim of this study was to investigate the diagnostic rate of dual priming oligonucleotide-polymerase chain reaction (DPO-PCR) compared with histology and the eradication rates of triple therapy for clarithromycin susceptible H. pylori. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent DPO-PCR exam and Giemsa stain for diagnosis of H. pylori between January, 2015 and March, 2016 at Incheon St. Mary's Hospital. Clarithromycin resistance of H. pylori was determined by DPO-PCR and the diagnostic accuracy of DPO-PCR was compared with histology. We also examined the eradication rates of triple therapy for clarithromycin susceptible strains. RESULTS: A total of 928 patients underwent DPO-PCR exam and Giemsa stain for diagnosis of H. pylori. The resistance rate for clarithromycin was 39%. The sensitivity and specificity of PCR exam compared with histology were 96.2% and 96.9%. The positive predictive values, negative predictive values, and accuracy were 90.54%, 98.87%, 96.88%, each. A total of 53 patients received triple therapy, and 39 patients completed ¹³C-urea breath test. The overall eradication rate was 97.4%. CONCLUSIONS: DPO-PPR showed high accuracy compared with biopsy and the eradication rates of triple therapy for clarithromycin susceptible H. pylori was 97.4%. DPO-PCR may be effective in determining treatment regimens in areas of high clarithromycin resistance.

Role of Colonoscopy in Patients with Hematochezia / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although colonoscopy is not indicated in patients with hematochezia, many surgeons, internists, and physicians are recommending colonoscopy for these patients in Korea. The aim of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic value of colonoscopy for patients with hematochezia. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the data of colonoscopy between January 2010 and December 2010. A total of 321 patients among 3,038 colonoscopies (10.6%) underwent colonoscopy to evaluate the cause of hematochezia. The patients with previous colorectal surgery (2) or polypectomy (5) were excluded. We analyzed endoscopic diagnoses. Advanced neoplastic polyps were defined as adenomas with villous histology or high grade dysplasia, or adenomas more than 10 mm in diameter. RESULTS: Hemorrhoid was the most common diagnosis (217 cases, 67.6%). Polyps were detected in 93 patients (29.0%), but advanced neoplastic polyps were found in only 14 cases (4.4%). Colorectal cancers were diagnosed in 18 patients (5.6%) including 14 rectal cancers. There was no cancer located above sigmoid-descending junction. Diverticuli were detected in 41 patients (12.8%) but there was only one case of suspected diverticular bleeding. Colitis was diagnosed in 24 patients (7.5%). Other lesions included acute anal fissure, rectal tumor, stercoral ulcer, and radiation proctitis. CONCLUSIONS: The colonoscopy had little value in patients with hematochezia because the most pathologic lesions were located below sigmoid colon. The first choice of diagnosis in patients with hematochezia is sigmoidoscopy.

Solitary Neurofibroma of the Sigmoid Colon Presenting as a Subepithelial Tumor Successfully Removed by Endoscopic Resection / 대한소화기학회지

Neurofibromas are benign, slow-growing nerve sheath tumors of the peripheral nervous system, arising from Schwann cells, and classically associated with neurofibromatosis type 1 (Nf1, von Recklinghausen's disease). They occur rarely in the gastrointestinal tract as isolated neoplasms, outside the classical clinical feature of neurofibromatosis. We herein present an isolated colonic neurofibroma without any systemic signs of neurofibromatosis. A 59-year-old female came to our hospital for constipation. On physical examination, general appearance showed no definite skin lesions. A subepithelial tumor measuring 0.8 cm was detected at the distal descending colon on colonoscopy. The lesion was removed completely by endoscopic resection. Microscopic examination showed proliferation of spindle cells in the mucosa and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Immunohistochemical staining was positive for S-100 protein. The above morphological and immunohistochemical characteristics were consistent with a diagnosis of a solitary neurofibroma of the sigmoid colon.

Cholangitis Secondary to Food Material Impaction in the Common Bile Duct through a Choledochoduodenal Fistula

Biliary-enteric communications caused by duodenal ulcers are uncommon, and choledochoduodenal fistula (CDF) is by far the most common type. Usually in this situation, food material does not enter the common bile duct because the duodenal lumen is intact. Here, we report a case in which cholangitis occurred due to food materials impacted through a CDF. Duodenal obstruction secondary to duodenal ulcer prevented food passage into the duodenum in this case. Surgical management was recommended; however, the patient refused surgery because of poor general condition. Consequently, the patient expired with sepsis secondary to ascending cholangitis.

Clinical Significance of Fecal Lactoferrin and Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction in Patients with Acute Diarrhea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The diagnostic yield of fecal leukocyte and stool cultures is unsatisfactory in patients with acute diarrhea. This study was performed to evaluate the clinical significance of the fecal lactoferrin test and fecal multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in patients with acute diarrhea. METHODS: Clinical parameters and laboratory findings, including fecal leukocytes, fecal lactoferrin, stool cultures and stool multiplex PCR for bacteria and viruses, were evaluated prospectively for patients who were hospitalized due to acute diarrhea. RESULTS: A total of 54 patients were included (male, 23; median age, 42.5 years). Fecal leukocytes and fecal lactoferrin were positive in 33 (61.1%) and 14 (25.4%) patients, respectively. Among the 31 patients who were available for fecal pathogen evaluation, fecal multiplex PCR detected bacterial pathogens in 21 patients, whereas conventional stool cultures were positive in only one patient (67.7% vs 3.2%, p=0.000). Positive fecal lactoferrin was associated with presence of moderate to severe dehydration and detection of bacterial pathogens by multiplex PCR (21.4% vs 2.5%, p=0.049; 100% vs 56.5%, p=0.032, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Fecal lactoferrin is a useful marker for more severe dehydration and bacterial etiology in patients with acute diarrhea. Fecal multiplex PCR can detect more causative organisms than conventional stool cultures in patients with acute diarrhea.

A Case of Disseminated Intra-abdominal Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Managed with Low Dose Imatinib / 대한소화기학회지

Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gastrointestinal tract. Imatinib mesylate is recommended as adjuvant therapy for GIST after surgical resection. However, drug-related adverse events are common. A 74-year-old female with metastatic GIST who was managed with imatinib experienced severe adverse events, including skin rashes, tremor, and alopecia, etc. The imatinib dose was reduced and the size of the metastatic GIST continued to decrease and adverse events showed significant improvement.

Diagnostic Coding for Intramucosal Carcinoma and Neuroendocrine Tumor in the Colorectum: Proposal for Avoiding Confusing Coding in Korea

Applying proper coding is important for doctors practicing gastroenterology. The coding systems established by various organizations define tumors differently. As a result of changing concepts of tumor classification, there are coding and reimbursement issues following the confirmation of malignant lesions by nationwide cancer screening in patients with intramucosal carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors of the colorectum. In addition, there have been discrepancies between the views of endoscopists and pathologists regarding tumor coding. The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy held an expert meeting and established a consensus for the coding of intramucosal carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumor of the colorectum.

Diagnostic Coding for Intramucosal Carcinoma and Neuroendocrine Tumor in the Colorectum: Proposal for Avoiding Confusing Coding in Korea

Applying proper coding is important for doctors practicing gastroenterology. The coding systems established by various organizations define tumors differently. As a result of changing concepts of tumor classification, there are coding and reimbursement issues following the confirmation of malignant lesions by nationwide cancer screening in patients with intramucosal carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumors of the colorectum. In addition, there have been discrepancies between the views of endoscopists and pathologists regarding tumor coding. The Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy held an expert meeting and established a consensus for the coding of intramucosal carcinoma and neuroendocrine tumor of the colorectum.

The Usefulness of Three-dimensional Computed Tomography as an Assessment of Periacetabular Osteolysis in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty / 대한고관절학회지

PURPOSE: This study was performed to determine the usefulness of three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) in measuring periacetabular osteolysis by comparing the real volume of osteolysis in revision surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twnety-three patients who had undergone revision surgery due to periacetabular osteolysis but not included septic osteolysis and implant loosening. The mean age of patients at the time of surgery was 55.2 years. And the mean time interval between the primary total hip arthroplasty and revision surgery was 13.3 years. We measured the polyethylene wear in plain radiographs using computer assisted vector wear analysis program, the volume of acetabular osteolytic lesions in high-resolution spiral CT scans using Rapidia 3D software version 2.8 algorithms before the revision surgery were performed. Intraoperative real osteolytic volume was calculated as the sum of the volumetric increments of the acetabular cup and impacted allo-cancellous bone volume. RESULTS: Strong correlation was found between the volume of acetabular osteolytic lesions measured on 3D-CT and intraoperative real osteolytic volume which was calculated as the sum of the volumetric increments of the acetabular cup and impacted allo-cancellous bone volume. CONCLUSION: 3D-CT is considered a useful method for assessing and measuring the volume of periacetabular osteolysis before revision surgery.

Annual Eradication Rates of Helicobacter pylori Infection over 9 Years in Incheon

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Failure of Helicobacter pylori eradication has increased over the past decade and is related to increased antibiotic resistance. The aim of this study was to estimate the eradication rates of H. pylori infection over the past 9 years in a single center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2013, a total of 5,715 patients were diagnosed with H. pylori infection and were prescribed first line triple regimens. 2,482 patients underwent tests for assessment of eradication by 13C-urea breath test, rapid urease test or histopathological examinations. RESULTS: The overall eradication rate of first line triple regimen was 80.4% and continually decreased during the study period (P=0.011). Among the triple regimens, the eradication rate of two-week and one-week regimens were 90.1% and 79.3%, each. The two-week regimen was superior to the one-week regimen (P=0.000). The overall eradication rates of second line quadruple regimen was 91.4% and there was no significant decrease in the annual eradication rates (P=0.708). The overall eradication rates of both first line and second line therapy were 81.9% and decreased gradually during the study period (P=0.011). Multivariate analysis revealed sex, age, type of proton pump inhibitor, and duration of eradication to be associated with eradication failure. CONCLUSIONS: The eradication rates of first line triple regimen has decreased gradually; however, the eradication rates of second line regimen remains unchanged. Triple regimens of two-weeks seem to be better than one.

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Early Gastric Cancer in a Patient with Myelodysplastic Syndrome / 대한소화기학회지

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been successfully performed in thrombocytopenic conditions such as in patients with liver cirrhosis but successful ESD for early gastric cancer (EGC) in hematologic diseases has rarely been reported. A 52-year-old male patient, who had previously been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome 2 years ago, was admitted to our hospital for ESD of EGC. ESD was performed successfully in this patient after platelet concentrates transfusion on the day of ESD. ESD might be an option for the treatment of EGC in thrombocytopenia due to hematologic diseases when optimal supportive managements are applied.

Removal of Rectal Foreign Bodies Using Tenaculum Forceps Under Endoscopic Assistance

The incidence of rectal foreign bodies is increasing by the day, though not as common as that of upper gastrointestinal foreign bodies. Various methods for removal of foreign bodies have been reported. Removal during endoscopy using endoscopic devices is simple and safe, but if the foreign body is too large to be removed by this method, other methods are required. We report two cases of rectal foreign body removal by a relatively simple and inexpensive technique. A 42-year-old man with a vibrator in the rectum was admitted due to inability to remove it by himself and various endoscopic methods failed. Finally, the vibrator was removed successfully by using tenaculum forceps under endoscopic assistance. Similarly, a 59-year-old man with a carrot in the rectum was admitted. The carrot was removed easily by using the same method as that in the previous case. The use of tenaculum forceps under endoscopic guidance may be a useful method for removal of rectal foreign bodies.

Effectiveness of Tranexamic Acid in Reducing Blood Loss after Spinal Fusion / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: Spinal fusion surgery can be associated with significant blood loss, often requiring blood transfusion. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss and transfusion after lumbar spinal fusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 75 consecutive patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery for spinal stenosis were included in this study. Thirty-five patients who were administered tranexamic acid were compared with 40 patients who did not receive the drug. Blood loss through drain, amount of blood transfusion, and hematological laboratory findings were evaluated. RESULTS: Blood loss through drain for the first 24 hours after surgery was 548.6+/-192.1 ml in the tranexamic acid group and 1,089.8+/-368.3 ml in the control group with a significant difference (p=0.001). Total blood loss through drain was 1,010.5+/-452.5 ml in the tranexamic acid group and 1,512.7+/-427.8 ml in the control group with a significant difference (p=0.005). Time to removal of drains after surgery was not different, 2.6+/-0.8 days in the tranexamic acid group and 2.5+/-1.1 days in the control group (p=0.885). Packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion for the postoperative period and the number of patients requiring transfusion was significantly lower in the tranexamic acid group than in the control group. A prolongation of protrombin time was observed in the control group on first postoperative day. There were no complications related to the use of tranexamic acid. CONCLUSION: Tranexamic acid had an effect on reducing blood loss through drain for the first 24 hours and total blood loss after spinal fusion surgery. As a result, there was less of a requirement for RBC transfusion after surgery.

Long-Term Clinical Outcome of Two Stage Revision Surgery for Infected Hip Arthroplasty Using Cement Spacer / 대한정형외과학회잡지

PURPOSE: We retrospectively analyzed long-term clinical results after two-stage revision arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for infected total hip arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six hips (group 1: cup exchanged, group 2: cup and stem exchanged) were enrolled in this study. The mean follow-up period was 7.4 years (5 to 11 years). We analyzed the laboratory findings, the time interval between antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer insertion and revision arthroplasty, Harris hip score, Oxford hip score, radiologic changes, and recurrence of infection. RESULTS: Revision hip arthroplasty was performed at 7.5 weeks on average (group 1: 7.2 weeks, group 2: 7.7 weeks) after implant removal and cement spacer insertion. In group 1, Harris hip score was 51.1 points preoperatively, 84.4 points at six months, 89.3 points in at one year, 91.8 points at three years, and 89.8 points at five years. In group 2, the Harris hip score was 49.8 points preoperatively, 78.1 points at six months, 83.7 points at one year, 90.3 points at three years, and 88.7 points at five years. Recurrence of infection developed in one hip in each group. CONCLUSION: Ninety-two percent of infected hips were eradicated with two-stage revision arthroplasty using an antibiotic-impregnated cement spacer for infected hip arthroplasty at minimum five-year follow-up. When the infection was limited to the hip joint and the stem was fixed well, two-stage revision with stem retained could be a good treatment option.

Acute Acalculous Cholecystitis without Cholangitis As a Complication of Endoscopic Snare Papillectomy for Ampullary Adenoma / 대한췌담도학회지

Endoscopic snare papillectomy (ESP) for ampulla of Vater tumor (AVT) has been performed successfully instead of surgical ampullectomy (SA) because ESP is a less invasive procedure than SA. Hemorrhage, perforation and pancreatitis are relatively common complications of ESP and other rare complications such as cholangitis, liver abscess has been reported. Recently we encountered a case of acute acalculous cholecystitis after ESP for AVT, which was treated successfully with percutaneous cholecystostomy with intravenous antibiotics. We therefore report this case with a brief review of the literature.

Reasons for Delayed Orchiopexies in a Korean Tertiary Care Hospital

PURPOSE: Since the 1990s, it has been well known that orchiopexies should be performed by no later than 2 years of age. Nevertheless, studies from other countries report a substantial number of delayed orchiopexies. On the basis of an analysis of a tertiary care hospital database, we aimed to investigate the incidence of delayed orchiopexies performed in patients after 5 years of age and to understand the causes of such delays and the possible consequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the surgical database of Seoul National University Hospital between 2004 and 2012 and detected patients who underwent orchiopexy later than 5 years of age. Reasons for delayed orchiopexies were studied and the possible consequences of delayed orchiopexies were assessed with respect to surgical difficulty and testicular volume. RESULTS: We found 160 cases of delayed orchiopexies, which accounted for about 15% of all orchiopexies performed. Two major reasons for delay were related to the parents of the child: parental delay and parental request for the treatment of persistent retractile testis. Acquired cryptorchidism was found in 21 cases (13.1%), mainly associated with hypospadias. Surgical difficulty, especially owing to a short testicular cord, was encountered in 48 cases (30.2%), and a comparison with age-matched normative values showed substantially smaller testicular volume. CONCLUSIONS: Despite well-established guidelines for the optimal age of surgery, 15% of orchiopexies were not performed at a proper time. Improved propagation of an optimal age limit is necessary to reduce the rate of delayed orchiopexies considering increases in surgical difficulty and potential testicular growth retardation.

Prepubertal Testicular Tumors in Korea: A Single Surgeon's Experience of More Than 20 Years

PURPOSE: To present clinical and histological features of prepubertal testicular tumors through the analysis of the long-term experiences of a single surgeon. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The charts of 48 children treated for testicular tumors from 1986 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent radical orchiectomy. The patients' ages, clinical presentations, histopathological findings, kinetics of tumor markers, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: The patients' median age at the initial diagnosis was 19.5 months (range, 3 to 84 months). All patients presented with either a palpable mass (76%) or scrotal size discrepancy (24%). Compared with a palpable mass, scrotal size discrepancy led to delay in diagnosis by 5 months. Regarding histology, yolk sac tumors and teratomas accounted for 53% and 36% of the tumors, respectively. The mean preoperative alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level was significantly higher in patients with yolk sac tumors than in those with teratomas (4,600 ng/mL vs. 6.3 ng/mL), and only one patient with a teratoma had a preoperative AFP value higher than 20 ng/mL. Following radical orchiectomy, 72%, 8%, and 16% of patients with a yolk sac tumor showed normalization, persistent elevation, and relapse after transient lowering of AFP, respectively. Preoperative AFP was greater in patients with non-normalization than in those with normalization. Five of six patients with non-normalization showed evidence of either vascular invasion or endolymphatic tumor emboli. CONCLUSIONS: We found a higher number of yolk sac tumors than teratomas in patients with prepubertal testicular tumors. AFP was the most useful marker in the diagnosis and follow-up of childhood yolk sac tumors. Relapsed yolk sac tumors often showed pathological evidence of aggressiveness.