Uso de la enteroscopía intraoperatoria como método diagnóstico en pacientes con sangrado gastrointestinal de origen oscuro. Experiencia inicial / Use of intraoperative enteroscopy as a diagnostic method in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Initial experience

Introducción: el sangrado gastrointestinal de origen oscuro es una entidad poco frecuente y se reserva a los casos en los que ya se ha realizado exploración del intestino delgado (endoscópica/radiológica) sin encontrar la causa. Actualmente el estándar de oro es la videocápsula, que se ha descrito como una técnica segura, útil y eficaz para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de las enfermedades del intestino delgado. Objetivo: describir variables demográficas, indicaciones, hallazgos, segmento explorado, tratamiento y tiempo de procedimiento quirúrgico de la enteroscopía transoperatoria en 15 pacientes con diagnóstico de sangrado de tubo digestivo de origen oscuro. Material y métodos: se incluyeron 15 pacientes adultos con el diagnóstico de sangrado de origen oscuro con panendoscopía y colonoscopía negativa a sangrado. A todos se les realizó laparotomía exploradora y enteroscopía transoperatoria con un gastroduodenoscopio. Resultados: se realizaron 15 enteroscopías transoperatorias con gastroduodenoscopio; 10 en mujeres y 5 en hombres, con promedio de edad de 67.2 años. Se exploró la tercera y cuarta porción del duodeno, yeyuno e íleon terminal. Los diagnósticos encontrados fueron enfermedad de Crohn en 1 paciente (6.66%), adenomas en 2 (13.3%), divertículo yeyunal en 6 (40%) y angiectasias en 6 casos (40%). La localización fue en yeyuno [12 casos (80%)] e íleon [3 casos (20%)]. Conclusiones: la enteroscopía intraoperatoria es una alternativa diagnóstica en el sangrado de origen oscuro cuando no se cuente con la enteroscopía doble balón o la videocápsula endoscópica.

Background: Bleeding of dark origin is a rare entity and it is reserved for cases in which exploration of the small intestine has already been performed (endoscopic / radiological) without finding the cause. Currently, the gold standard is the videocapsule which has been described as a safe, useful and effective technique for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the small intestine. Objective: The objective was to describe demographic variables, indications, findings, explored segment, treatment and time of the surgical procedure of the intraoperative enteroscopy in 15 patients with a diagnosis of gastrointestinal bleeding of dark origin. Material and methods: 15 adult patients with the diagnosis of bleeding of dark origin with panendoscopy and negative colonoscopy to bleeding were included. All of these underwent exploratory laparotomy and intraoperative enteroscopy with a gastroduodenoscope. Results: 15 intraoperative enteroscopies were performed with a gastroduodenoscope; 10 women and 5 men with an average age of 67.2 years. Third and fourth portions of the duodenum, jejunum, and terminal ileum were explored. The diagnoses found were Crohn's disease 1 (6.66%), Adenomas 2 (13.3%), jejunal diverticulum 6 (40%) and angiectasias in 6 cases (40%). The location was in jejunum, 12 cases (80%) and ileum, 3 cases (20%). Conclusions: Intraoperative enteroscopy is a diagnostic alternative in bleeding of dark origin when there is no double balloon enteroscopy or endoscopic video capsule.

A prática do processamento de gastroscópios, colonoscópios e duodenoscópios nos serviços de saúde intra - hospitalares / The practice of processing gastroscopes, colonoscopes and duodenoscopes in intra-hospital health services

Procedimentos endoscópicos representam um importante recurso diagnóstico e terapêutico amplamente utilizado nos serviços de saúde. Entretanto, durante o exame, ao entrar em contato com o trato gastrointestinal, o endoscópio se torna altamente contaminado pela microbiota humana. Portanto, a limpeza meticulosa e desinfecção desse equipamento é extremamente crítica na prevenção de infecção e segurança do seu uso. Diante disso, objetivou-se avaliar a prática do processamento de gastroscópios, colonoscópios e duodenoscópios nos serviços de saúde intra ­ hospitalares. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, com apoio da Secretaria de Estado de Saúde de Minas Gerais (SES-MG), realizado em oito serviços de endoscopia intrahospitalares em Belo Horizonte, sendo avaliado o processamento de 22 equipamentos endoscópicos e 60 amostras dos canais dos equipamentos. A coleta de dados ocorreu por meio de entrevista, observação das práticas adotadas, análise microbiológica dos canais de ar/água e, no duodenoscópio acrescentou-se a análise do canal do elevador, somado à aplicação de teste de proteína após a limpeza. A análise dos dados se deu por meio de estatística descritiva, com cálculo de frequências, medidas de tendência central. A maioria dos serviços dispuham de endoscópios com média global de uso de 7,3 anos. As manutenções preventivas ocorriam em média a cada 90 dias. Protocolos de processamento não estavam ao alcance dos profissionais de forma facilitada em 50% (4/8) dos serviços. A auditoria do processo de limpeza é realizada em 62,5% (5/8) dos serviços, por meio de teste adenosina trifosfato (ATP) bioluminescência. Nenhum serviço possuía rotina de vigilância dos pacientes submetidos a procedimentos endoscópicos. Todas as etapas do processamento apresentaram não conformidades com as diretrizes nacionais e internacionais, destacando-se a etapa da limpeza como a de maior desafio, seguida da secagem, pré-limpeza, teste de vedação e armazenamento. Na pré-limpeza, verificou-se que 86,4% (19/22) dos equipamentos não era padronizada a compressa para limpeza externa do equipamento, sendo adotada a gaze. O teste de vedação não foi realizado em 36,4% (8/22) dos equipamentos. Na limpeza, 72,7% (17/22) dos endoscópios não foram imersos em solução detergente e 63,6% (14/22) dos equipamentos, os canais eram friccionados com esvova de tamanho único. Nenhum serviço havia padronização de tempo para a secagem final dos canais. No armazenamento, os armários convencionais em MDF foram encontrados em 37,5% (3/8) dos serviços, sem qualquer ventilação. Quanto ao potencial de contaminação, após o processamento verificou-se um predomínio de Pseudomonas, sendo que 28,5% eram resistentes a carbepenem e 21,4% com perfil intermediário. Serratia marcescens resistente a carbapenem foi isolada em 33,3% das amostras. Em relação aos testes de avaliação da limpeza, 33% (2/6) dos duodenoscópios apresentavam resíduos de proteína no canal do elevador. Conclui-se que as práticas cotidianas do processamento de endoscópios em serviços de saúde não têm sido realizadas conforme as evidências e as recomendações científicas.

Endoscopic procedures are an important diagnosis and therapeutic resource broadly used in health services. However, during the procedure, when contacting the gastrointestinal tract, the endoscope becomes highly contaminated by human microbiota. A thorough cleaning and disinfection of these equipment is of critical importance in the prevention of infection and safety of its use. Therefore, the aim was to evaluate the practice of processing gastroscopes, colonoscopes and duodenoscopes in intra-hospital health services. The study was a crosssectional one, supported by Minas Gerais State Department of Health, performed in eight inhospital endoscopic services in Belo Horizonte. Data collection occurred through interviews, observation of practices, microbiological analysis of air/water channels, and in the duodenoscope, was added analysis of the elevator channel, adding to protein test applications after cleaning. 60 samples from the equipment channels were analyzed. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, with frequency calculation, measures of central tendency. The majority of services had endoscopes with global average use of 7,3 years. Preventive maintenance occurred in an average cicle of 90 days. At pre-cleaning, it was found that 86.4% (19/22) of the endoscopes did not standardized compress for the equipment external cleaning, and gause was adopted. The sealing test was not used at 36.4% (8/22) of the equipment. For cleaning, 63.6% (14/22) of endoscopes did not had compatible brushes for each channel, and 72.7% (17/22) of the equipments were not immersed in a detergent solution. At storage, conventional MDF cabinets were found, at 37.5% (3/8) of services, without any air circulation. Processing protocols at 50% (4/8) of services were not available to professionals in an easy way. All processing steps presented nonconformities with national and international guidelines, highlighting the cleaning stage as the most challenging one, followed by drying, pre-cleaning, sealing test and storage. The cleaning process audit took place at 62.5% (5/8) of services, through adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence. As for disinfection, all services monitored the solution with MEC tape. None of the services had a surveillance routine of patients undergoing endoscopic procedures. As for the contamination potential, after processing there was a predominance of Pseudomonas, 28.5% were resistant to carbepenem and 21.4% had an intermediate profile. Serratia marcescens carbapenem resistant, was isolated at 33.3% of the samples. Regarding cleaning validation tests, 33% (2/6) of duodenoscopes showed protein residues in the elevator channel. It is concluded that the daily practices endoscopes processing in health services have not been carried out in accordance with scientific evidence and recommendations.

Processamento endoscópico: quais são os gaps na prática clínica? / Endoscopic processing: what are the gaps in clinical practice?

Objetivo: Identificar na prática clínica gaps que interferem na efetividade do processamento endoscópico. Método: Revisão integrativa de artigos publicados entre 2008­2020, identificados em bases de dados por meio de descritores controlados em Ciências da Saúde, adotando-se a estratégia PICO. Os gaps identificados foram classificados segundo nível de evidência (IA, IB, IC, II). Resultados: Foram encontrados 18 artigos registrando 64 gaps, 26,6% no nível de evidência IA e 40,6% IB, predominando: ausência/inadequação da secagem (55,5%), limpeza manual sem escovação dos canais/escovas inapropriadas (50%), omissão do teste de vedação (38,8%), inadequações no armazenamento (33,3%) e no uso da solução desinfetante (27,7%), tempo de imersão ou monitorização da concentração mínima eficaz, ausência de pré-limpeza (16,6%), transporte incorreto para a sala de processamento (11,1%). Conclusão: As diretrizes fortemente recomendadas por entidades internacionais e nacional têm sido descumpridas, representando aspectos críticos no processamento dos endoscópios que implicam em potenciais falhas na segurança do paciente.

Objective: This paper aimed to identify gaps in clinical practice that interfere with the effectiveness of endoscopic processing. Method: Integrative review of articles published between 2008 and 2020, identified in databases through controlled descriptors in Health Sciences, adopting the PICO strategy. The identified gaps were classified according to the level of evidence (IA, IB, IC, II). Results: Eighteen articles were found, recording 64 gaps, 26.6% at the level of evidence IA and 40.6% IB, predominating: absence/inadequate drying (55.5%), manual cleaning without brushing the inappropriate channels/brushes (50%), omission of the sealing test (38.8%), inadequate storage (33.3%) and use of the disinfectant solution (27.7%), time of immersion or monitoring of the minimum effective concentration, absence of pre-cleaning (16.6%), incorrect transportation to the processing room (11.1%). Conclusion: It was concluded that guidelines strongly recommended by international and national entities have been breached, representing critical aspects in the processing of endoscopes that imply potential failures in patient safety.

Efficacy of Peracetic Acid (EndoPA®) for Disinfection of Endoscopes / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We aimed to investigate the efficacy of peracetic acid (EndoPA®; Firson Co., Ltd., Cheonan, Korea) in disinfecting endoscopes. METHODS: We prospectively investigated the gastroscopes (Part I) utilized in 100 gastroscopic examinations and colonoscopes (Part II) utilized in 30 colonoscopic examinations after disinfecting them with 0.2% peracetic acid (EndoPA®; Firson Co., Ltd.). These instruments had been collected consecutively throughout the study period. We reprocessed and disinfected the endoscopes according to the guidelines for cleaning and disinfecting gastrointestinal endoscopes laid down by the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 2017. Three culture samples were obtained from each examination, based on different sampling methods. The primary outcome was a positive culture rate. RESULTS: In Part I of our study, two of 300 samples were positive. The culture positive rate after disinfection was 0.7% (2/300). The culture positive rate was not significantly different based on the exposure time to EndoPA® or the age of the scopes (p=0.7 or 0.2, respectively). In Part II of our study, all samples (n=90) were negative. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 0.2% peracetic acid (EndoPA®) appears to be a good disinfectant for both gastroscopes and colonoscopes.

Treatment Using the SpyGlass Digital System in a Patient with Hepatolithiasis after a Whipple Procedure

An 89-year-old man was referred to our hospital for treatment of hepatolithiasis causing recurrent cholangitis. He had undergone a prior Whipple procedure. Computed tomography demonstrated left-sided hepatolithiasis. First, we conducted peroral direct cholangioscopy (PDCS) using an ultraslim endoscope. Although PDCS was successfully conducted, it was unsuccessful in removing all the stones. The stones located in the B2 segment were difficult to remove because the endoscope could not be inserted deeply into this segment due to the small size of the intrahepatic bile duct. Next, we substituted the endoscope with an upper gastrointestinal endoscope. After positioning the endoscope, the SpyGlass digital system (SPY-DS) was successfully inserted deep into the B2 segment. Upon visualizing the residual stones, we conducted SPY-DS-guided electrohydraulic lithotripsy. The stones were disintegrated and completely removed. In cases of PDCS failure, a treatment strategy using the SPY-DS can be considered for patients with hepatolithiasis after a Whipple procedure.

Guidelines of cleaning and disinfection in gastrointestinal endoscope for clinicians

Gastrointestinal endoscopy plays an important diagnostic and therapeutic role in the field of gastrointestinal disease. As endoscopies have become more common due to the nationwide screening program for digestive cancer and an increasing interest in health among the general public, the risk of infection transmission between patients has emerged as a clinical challenge. Although endoscopes can become highly contaminated with secretions and blood during use, the thorough reprocessing of an endoscope before it is reused in subsequent patients can be difficult due to its complicated structure. Although the incidence of endoscopy-associated infections has been reported to be extremely low, compelling evidence suggests that the actual incidence is underestimated. It has been well established that endoscopes reprocessed appropriately, in accordance with standard guidelines, have no risk of infection transmission. Although revised guidelines for endoscope reprocessing were released in Korea in 2015, suboptimal infection prevention practices during endoscope reprocessing have been reported. Under these circumstances, the Korean Society of Digestive Endoscopy developed the ‘Guidelines of cleaning and disinfection in gastrointestinal endoscope for clinicians’ based on the currently available evidence. These guidelines provide accurate and updated information on reprocessing techniques, and can help improve the quality of reprocessing and compliance by health care personnel. As a result, infection control during gastrointestinal endoscopies can be expected to be achieved in Korea.

Comparison of 12-hour with 72-hour terlipressin therapy for bleeding esophageal varices

Objective: To determine the efficacy of 12-hour of Terlipressin therapy as compared to 72-hour therapy in preventing rebleeding after endoscopic therapy

Study Design: Interventional study

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore, from January to March 2016

Methodology: Cirrhotic patients presenting to our hospital with Gl [gastrointestinal] bleeding received Terlipressin 2 mg intravenous bolus, followed by 1mg 6-hourly until undergoing endoscopy.;Those with esophageal varices as the source of bleeding underwent band ligation and were recruited. Of the 93 enrolled patients, 90 remained and were randomized into 25 [27.8%] in control Group-A and 65 [72.2%] in test Group-B. Group-A received 72-hour of Terlipressin while Group-B received it for 12-hour. Both groups were monitored for rebleeding for 5 days

Results: Rebleeding occurred in 1 [4%] patient in Group-A and 3 [4.6%] in Group-B during the 5-day period. All 4 [4.4%] underwent repeat endoscopy. The Group-A patient and 2 [3%] of 3 Group-B patients showed ulcers over band ligation sites as source of bleed. The third Group-B patient showed varices requiring repeat banding. One [4%] patient [Group-A]

died due to persistent encephalopathy. No drug related adverse effects were seen

Conclusion: A 12-hour duration of Terlipressin as an adjunct to endoscopic band ligation shows similar results to 72-hour therapy

Post esophageal variceal band ligation pain, another insult to injury

Objective: To measure and characterize pain in post esophageal variceal band ligation patients

Study Design: Cross sectional observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Combined Military Hospital Kharian which is a tertiary care hospital, from Dec 2014 to Aug 2015

Material and Methods: All patients of esophageal varices due to any underlying pathology requiring esophageal variceal band ligation [EVBL] were included in this study. Patients unwilling for EVBL were excluded from the study

Their EVBL was done with the help of Upper Gastrointestinal Pentax High definition 90i series Video Endoscope and subsequently they were inquired about the details of pain till next session of banding

Results: Out of 86 patients 63 [73%] were males and 23 [27%] were females. Their mean age was 54 years with SD +/- 12. Pain was present in 47 [54%] patients and 39 [46%] were pain free. It was severe in 3 [7%], moderate in 34 [72%] and mild in 10 [21%] patients. Out of post EVBL pain group 30 [65%] patients experienced pain after first EVBL session, 12 [25%] in subsequent and 5 [10%] after all the sessions

Conclusion: Post EVBL pain is a common complication. Mostly it is mild to moderate in intensity and needs attention in almost half of the patients to relief the suffering

Tratamiento actual para el divertículo de Zenker / Current treatment of Zenker´s diverticulum

Introducción: la cirugía es el tratamiento de elección para los divertículos de Zenker, pero existen diferencias en relación con el acceso a utilizar: abierto o endoscópico. Objetivo: comparar los resultados del tratamiento quirúrico del divertículo de Zenker de acuerdo con el acceso utilizado. Métodos: se realizó una revisión bibliográfica en PubMed/Medline con las palabras: divertículo, Zenker, faringoesofágico, cricofaríngeo, diverticulectomía, diverticulopexia, diverticulotomía, diverticulostomía publicados entre 2006 y 2016. Se incluyeron estudios con más de 40 casos, comparativos o no, en los idiomas inglés, español, portugués, francés e italiano. Las variables estudiadas fueron: indicaciones quirúrgicas, recidiva del divertículo, tiempo quirúrgico, tiempo para la alimentación oral, estadía hospitalaria, reoperaciones, complicaciones, mejoría de los síntomas y mortalidad. Resultados: no se encontraron ensayos aleatrorizados. Se incluyeron cuatro revisiones sistemáticas y un metanálisis, además de un grupo de estudios que comparan los accesos peroral y transcervical y otros que comparan los resultados entre diferentes técnicas de los accesos endoscópico y convencional. La mayoría de los estudios son de carácter retrospectivo.Para evaluar los resultados a largo plazo se tomaron los artículos con seguimiento mayor de 12 meses. Conclusiones: con el acceso abierto se logran mejores resultados a largo plazo, pero tiene más complicaciones inmediatas. Es preferible usarlo en pacientes jóvenes y cuando existen condiciones anatómicas desfavorables para la endoscopia. El tratamiento endoscópico constituye una opción adecuada para pacientes de alto riesgo quirúrgico y anestésico(AU)

Introduction: Surgery is the treatment of choice in Zenker´s diverticula, but there are different opinions about the access to be used, that is, open or endoscopic. Objective: To compare the results of the surgical treatment results of Zenker´s diverticulum according to the access employed. Methods: A literature review was made in PubMed/Medline using the keywords: diverticulum, Zenker, pharyngoesophageal, crycopharyngeal, diverticulectomy, diverticulopexy, diverticulotomy, diverticulostomy in articles published from 2006 to 2016. There were included several studies of more than 40 cases, either comparative or not in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese languages. The studied variables were surgical indications, recurrence, surgical time, length of time for oral feeding, hospital stay, reoperations, complications, symptoms improvement and mortality. Results: Randomized studies were not found. Four systematic reviews, one meta-analysis, comparative studies on perioral and transcervical access and others which compare the results of the endoscopic and of the conventional access were all included. Most of them were retrospective. For evaluation of long-term results, those articles with follow-up periods over 12 months were taken. Conclusions: The open access provides better long-term results, but it has more immediate complications. It is advisable to use it in young patients and when anatomic conditions are unfavorable for the endoscopic treatment. Finally, the endoscopic treatment is an adequate choice for patients with high surgical and anesthetic risk(AU)

A Case of Endoscopically Complete Remission of Esophageal Neuroendocrine Tumors by Concurrent Chemoradiation Therapy / 대한소화기학회지

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the esophagus are extremely rare, aggressive and have a poor prognosis. Combined therapy using chemotherapy, radiotherapy and/or surgery appear effective. Here, we present a patient with a complaint of dysphagia who was diagnosed with this rare tumor. Upper gastrointestinal endoscope of a 46-year-old female revealed a localized ulcerative lesion in the middle esophagus. Histologic exam of biopsy specimens indicated a neuroendocrine carcinoma. The tumor cells were arranged in microtubular structures, with small and round cells containing scanty cytoplasm. They were positive for synaptophysin and chromogranin A on immunohistochemical staining. A computed tomography scan showed an esophageal tumor with enlarged superior mediastinal lymph nodes and about 1.2 cm sized liver metastasis, similar to findings in PET-CT scanning. The patient was prescribed chemotherapy consisting of etoposide and cisplatin, which led to regression of disease on follow-up imaging study. She continues under clinical observation. We seek to increase awareness of this exceedingly rare but hazardous disease by sharing our unexpected finding.

Adequacy of Reprocessing Gastrointestinal Endoscopes in Korea Hospitals

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted in order to survey the current state of cleaning, disinfection, rinsing, drying, and storage of gastrointestinal endoscopes. METHODS: Eighty hospitals were selected through convenient sampling. Self-reported questionnaire was distributed from September 14 to October 10 in 2015. RESULTS: The response rate was 67.5% (54/80). In 88.9% of the hospitals, reprocessing was performed in a cleaning space separated from the laboratory and 88.9% used an enzymatic cleaner. Disinfectants used were ortho-phthalaldehyde in 63.0%, and paracetic acid in 33.3%. Eighty seven percent of the hospitals used test strips in order to test the effective concentration of disinfectant and in 61.1%, drying was done through passing air and over 70% alcohol. Microbial culture for the quality control of gastrointestinal endoscopes was performed in 77.8%. In the comparison of the adequacy of gastrointestinal endoscope reprocessing, it was observed that gastrointestinal endoscopes were reprocessed more adequately in larger and tertiary care hospitals. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal endoscopes were reprocessed in similar manners, but there were differences in the detailed process. It is still necessary to segment reprocessing into stages, to prepare standardized guidelines, and to monitor compliance with the guidelines.

Escalas de predicción en el pronóstico del paciente con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa / Predicting scales for prognosis of patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

La hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa constituye una importante causa de morbilidad y mortalidad en el mundo. Para su manejo se ha impuesto la necesidad de usar escalas pronósticas para definir la conducta a seguir con un empleo óptimo de los recursos médicos, de manera tal que se garantice una asistencia de calidad al paciente. El objetivo del trabajo es realizar un resumen de los aspectos positivos y negativos de las escalas, relacionar los parámetros que contemplan y las posibilidades de su aplicación en Cuba. Se efectuó una búsqueda en los registros bibliográficos existentes de las bases de datos de PUBMED y EBSCO. Se utilizaron las palabras claves, en idiomas español e inglés: hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa y escalas pronósticas. Se realizó una revisión de los diferentes modelos; se relacionaron a los autores principales de las escalas; se dividieron en preendoscópicas y endoscópicas y se caracterizaron las más utilizadas. La información recogida permitió obtener una visión general, al mostrar las diferentes variantes existentes y clasificar al paciente según el riesgo que presenta, de acuerdo con los índices pronósticos obtenidos después de la aplicación de la escala. Se concluye que las escalas pronósticas permiten evaluar la necesidad de intervención urgente, la probabilidad de sangrado, la necesidad de cirugía o la mortalidad aguda en la toma de decisiones médicas y su uso está en correspondencia con las particularidades de cada contexto.

The non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The need for prognostic scales to define the course of action regarding the optimal use of medical resources has imposed, so that patient care quality is guaranteed. The aim of this paper is to go over the positive and negative aspects of the scales, to relate the parameters included and the possibilities of its application in Cuba. A search was conducted on existing bibliographic records in PubMed and EBSCO databases. Keywords in Spanish and English were used, such as non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and prognostic scales. A review of different models was performed; the principal authors of the scales were related; scales were divided into pre-endoscopic and endoscopic and the most used were characterized. The information collected allowed for an overview, showing the various existing variants and classify patients according to risks, according to forecasts indices obtained after the scale application. It is concluded that the prognostic scales to assess the need for urgent intervention, the bleeding likelihood, surgery or acute mortality in medical decision making and their use is in line with each context particularities.

24th Seah Cheng Siang Lecture: Seeing better, doing better--evolution and application of gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy

Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy has evolved tremendously from the early days when candlelight was used to illuminate scopes to the extent that it has now become an integral part of the practice of modern gastroenterology. The first gastroscope was a rigid scope first introduced by Adolf Kussmaul in 1868. However this scope suffered from the 2 drawbacks of poor illumination and high risk of instrumental perforation. Rudolf Schindler improved on this by inventing the semiflexible gastroscope in 1932. But it was Basil Hirschowitz, using the principle of light conduction in fibreoptics, who allowed us to "see well" for the first time when he invented the flexible gastroscopy in 1958. With amazing speed and innovation, instrument companies, chiefly Japanese, had improved on the Hirschowitz gastroscope and invented a flexible colonoscope. Walter McCune introduced the technique of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 1968 which has now evolved into a sophisticated procedure. The advent of the digital age in the 1980s saw the invention of the videoendoscope. Videoendoscopes have allowed us to start seeing the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) "better" with high magnification and resolution and optical/digital enhancements. Fusing confocal and light microscopy with endoscopy has allowed us to perform an "optical biopsy" of the GI mucosa. Development of endoscopic ultrasonography has allowed us to see "beyond" the GIT lumen. Seeing better has allowed us to do better. Endoscopists have ventured into newer procedures such as the resection of mucosal and submucosal tumours and the field of therapeutic GI endoscopy sees no end in sight.

Role of Clinical Endoscopy in Emphasizing Endoscope Disinfection

Based on the unexpected Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak in Korea, it was established that the virus can spread easily, MERS exposure in hospitals carries an extreme risk for infection as well as mortality, and the sharing of information was essential for infection control. Although the incidence of exogenous infections related to contaminated endoscopes is very low, the majority of published outbreaks have been caused by various shortcomings in reprocessing procedures, including insufficient training or awareness. Ever since the inauguration of "Clinical Endoscopy" as an English-language journal of the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy in 2011, it has published several articles on disinfection of the endoscope and its accessories. Many Science Citation Index journals have also emphasized high-level disinfection of the gastrointestinal endoscope. Many papers have been produced specifically, since the outbreak of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae in 2013. The recent review papers concluded that quality control is the most important issue among all the aspects of procedural care, including the efficiency of the gastrointestinal endoscopy unit and reprocessing room. Thorough reprocessing of endoscopes using high-level disinfection and sterilization methods may be essential for reducing the risk of infection.

Current Issues in Duodenoscope-Associated Infections: Now Is the Time to Take Action

A duodenoscope has a very complex structure that contains many small parts which make reprocessing more challenging. The difficulty in cleaning duodenoscopes contributes to a higher risk of infection than that of conventional gastrointestinal endoscopes. However, a duodenoscope shares similar disinfection process with other gastrointestinal endoscopes. Recent outbreaks of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections associated with duodenoscopes used for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures have raised many concerns worldwide. Duodenoscope-associated infections involving CRE or other multidrug-resistant bacteria pose a great threat to patients undergoing procedures using duodenoscopes and should be dealt with a great concern. Updated guidelines regarding cleaning and disinfection of duodenoscope needs to be developed urgently to prevent transmission of infection and ensure patient safety. Meanwhile, healthcare staff should pay special attention to thorough cleaning and disinfection of duodenoscopes.

Clinical Practice Guidelines for Endoscope Reprocessing

Gastrointestinal endoscopy is effective and safe for the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disease. However, issues regarding endoscope-transmitted infections are emerging. Many countries have established and continuously revise guidelines for endoscope reprocessing in order to prevent infections. While there are common processes used in endoscope reprocessing, differences exist among these guidelines. It is important that the reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes be carried out in accordance with the recommendations for each step of the process.

Recent Update on Microbiological Monitoring of Gastrointestinal Endoscopes after High-Level Disinfection

Endoscopy-related infections are important contributors to nosocomial infections. Endoscope reprocessing according to standard guidelines ensures high-level disinfection and prevents endoscopy-related infections. Microbiological surveillance may help in monitoring the effectiveness of gastrointestinal endoscope disinfection. The process involves microbial cultures and non-culture methods such as bioburden assays, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence, and quantitative polymerase chain reactions (PCRs). Surveillance culturing to monitor endoscopes after reprocessing has been recommended by a majority of organizations. Bioburden assays, ATP bioluminescence, and quantitative PCRs provide rapid and reliable measures. Each institution will have to try to establish its own surveillance guidelines.

Image Quality Analysis of Various Gastrointestinal Endoscopes: Why Image Quality Is a Prerequisite for Proper Diagnostic and Therapeutic Endoscopy

Arising from human curiosity in terms of the desire to look within the human body, endoscopy has undergone significant advances in modern medicine. Direct visualization of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract by traditional endoscopy was first introduced over 50 years ago, after which fairly rapid advancement from rigid esophagogastric scopes to flexible scopes and high definition videoscopes has occurred. In an effort towards early detection of precancerous lesions in the GI tract, several high-technology imaging scopes have been developed, including narrow band imaging, autofocus imaging, magnified endoscopy, and confocal microendoscopy. However, these modern developments have resulted in fundamental imaging technology being skewed towards red-green-blue and this technology has obscured the advantages of other endoscope techniques. In this review article, we have described the importance of image quality analysis using a survey to consider the diversity of endoscope system selection in order to better achieve diagnostic and therapeutic goals. The ultimate aims can be achieved through the adoption of modern endoscopy systems that obtain high image quality.

Eficacia del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios en un hospital de nivel III / Efficacy of the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes in a level III hospital

Objetivos: Determinar la eficacia del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios en un hospital de nivel III, y determinar los agentes patógenos más comunes encontrados antes y después del proceso. Material y métodos: Estudio descriptivo tipo serie de casos realizado en agosto, setiembre y octubre del 2010. Se evaluaron 50 ciclos de limpieza y desinfección de endoscopios. Para el aislamiento de microorganismos patógenos se utilizaron medios de cultivos y las pruebas de coagulasa, oxidasa y de pigmentos, medio Agar selectivo (Agar Verde Brillante, Agar Xilosa Lisina Desoxicolato, Agar con Sulfito de Bismuto), y medio Agar Mc Conkey. Resultados: La media del recuento de microorganismos antes del proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios fue 835,3 ± 1 114,6 UFC/ml, la mediana 233 UFC/ml. Después del proceso la media fue 236,3 ± 700,7 UFC/ml y la mediana 10 UFC/ml, esta diferencia fue estadísticamente significativa (p= 0,000001). La carga bacteriana antes del proceso fue positiva en 88% y después del proceso en 26%. Se encontró diferencia estadísticamente significativa para Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p=0,006) y Salmonella enterica (p=0,00001). La carga bacteriana después del décimo día de activación del desinfectante fue positiva en 55% y antes del noveno día, 19%. Conclusiones: El proceso de limpieza y desinfección de los endoscopios no es efectivo. Los microorganismos patógenos más frecuentes fueron: Salmonella entérica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa y Escherichia coli. El desinfectante de alto nivel (glutaraldehído al 2%) no es efectivo después del décimo día de haber sido activado. (AU)

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of the cleaning and disinfection processes of endoscopes in a level III hospital, and to determine the most common pathogens found before and after these procedures. Methods: Case series from August to October 2010. A total of 50 cycles of cleaning-disinfection procedures were evaluated. Culture media (Brilliant blue agar, xylose-lisine-deoxycholate, sulfite bismute, Mc Conkey) as well as coagulase and oxidase tests were used. Results: The mean count of bacteria before the procedures was 835.3 ± 1,114.6 UFC/ml; the median count was 233 UFC/ml; respective values after the procedures were 236.3 ± 700.7 UFC/ml and 10 UFC/ml, respectively, a statistical difference was found (p=0.000001). Bacterial load was positive before the procedures in 88%, and 26% after them. A statistical significant difference was found for Pseudomonas aeruginosa (p = 0.006) and Salmonella entérica (p=0.00001). Bacterial load was positive in 55% after 10 days of using the disinfectant and it was 19% after the ninth day. Conclusions: The cleaning-disinfection process is not effective. Salmonella enterica, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli were the most frequent isolated pathogens. The high level disinfectant (2% glutaraldehyde) is not effective after the tenth day. (AU)

Leopard skin sign: the use of narrow-band imaging with magnification endoscopy in celiac disease / Signo de la "piel de leopardo": el uso de endoscopía con magnificación y narrow banding en enfermedad celiaca

Celiac disease (CD) is an immune reaction to gluten containing foods such as rye, wheat and barley. This condition affects individuals with a genetic predisposition; it targets the small bowel and may cause symptoms including diarrhea, malabsorption, weight loss, abdominal pain and bloating. The diagnosis is made by serologic testing of celiac-specific antibodies and confirmed by histology. Certain endoscopic characteristics, such as scalloping, reduction in the number of folds, mosaic-pattern mucosa or nodular mucosa, are suggestive of CD and can be visualized under white light endoscopy. Due to its low sensitivity, endoscopy alone is not recommended to diagnose CD; however, enhanced visual identification of suspected mucosal abnormalities through the use of new technologies, such as narrow band imaging with magnification (NBI-ME), could assist in targeting biopsies and thereby increasing the sensitivity of endoscopy. This is a case series of seven patients with serologic and histologic diagnoses of CD who underwent upper endoscopies with NBI-ME imaging technology as part of their CD evaluation. By employing this imaging technology, we could identify patchy atrophy sites in a mosaic pattern, with flattened villi and alteration of the central capillaries of the duodenal mucosa. We refer to this epithelial pattern as ôLeopard Skin Signõ. Since epithelial lesions are easily seen using NBI-ME, we found it beneficial for identifying and targeting biopsy sites. Larger prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.

La enfermedad celiaca (EC) es una reacción inmune a los alimentos que contienen gluten como el centeno, el trigo y la cebada. Esta condición afecta a las personas con predisposición genética, comprometiendo al intestino delgado causando síntomas como diarrea, mala absorción, pérdida de peso, dolor abdominal y meteorismo. El diagnóstico se hace con estudios serológicos de anticuerpos específicos celiacos y es confirmado por histología. Algunas características endoscópicas tales como ôscallopingõ, reducción en el número de pliegues, patrón mucoso tipo mosaico o mucosa nodular, son sugestivos de EC y se pueden observar con endoscopía de luz blanca. Debido a su baja sensibilidad la endoscopía por sí sola no se recomienda para diagnosticar EC, sin embargo, una visualización cuidadosa de las anormalidades mucosas sospechosas a través de nuevas tecnologías como ôNarrow Band Imaginingõ con magnificación (NBI-ME) puede ayudar a dirigir las biopsias y así incrementar la sensibilidad de la endoscopía. Esta es una serie de siete casos con diagnóstico serológico e histológico de EC a quienes se les realizó una endoscopía digestiva alta con NBI-ME. En ellos se pudo identificar sitios de atrofia parcelar en un patrón de mosaico, con vellosidades aplanadas y alteración de los capilares de la mucosa duodenal. Nos referimos a esta alteración como el ôSigno de la Piel de Leopardoõ. Como las lesiones epiteliales se ven fácilmente usando NBI-ME, lo encontramos beneficioso para identificar y dirigir los sitios donde tomar las biopsias. Estudios prospectivos más grandes deben realizarse para confirmar nuestros hallazgos.