Usefulness of a new polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel (PVA-H)-based simulator for endoscopic submucosal dissection training: a pilot study

Background/Aims@#We developed a new endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) simulator and evaluated its efficacy and realism for use training endoscopists. @*Methods@#An ESD simulator was constructed using polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel sheets and compared to a previous ESD simulator. Between March 1, 2020, and December 30, 2021, eight expert endoscopists from three different centers analyzed the procedure-related factors of the simulator. Five trainees performed gastric ESD exercises under the guidance of these experts. @*Results@#Although the two ESD simulators provided overall favorable outcomes in terms of ESD-related factors, the new simulator had several benefits, including better marking of the target lesion’s limits (p<0.001) and overall handling (p<0.001). Trainees tested the usefulness of the new ESD simulator. The complete resection rate improved after 3 ESD training sessions (9 procedures), and the perforation rate decreased after 4 sessions (12 procedures). @*Conclusions@#We have developed a new ESD simulator that can help beginners achieve a high level of technical experience before performing real-time ESD procedures in patients.

Osteoporosis Is Associated with an Increased Risk of Colorectal Adenoma and High-Risk Adenoma: A Retrospective, Multicenter, Cross-Sectional, Case-Control Study

Background/Aims@#The protective effects of vitamin D and calcium on colorectal neoplasms are known. Bone mineral density (BMD) may be a reliable biomarker that reflects the long-term anticancer effect of vitamin D and calcium. This study aimed to evaluate the association between BMD and colorectal adenomas including high-risk adenoma. @*Methods@#A multicenter, cross-sectional, case-control study was conducted among participants with average risk of colorectal cancer who underwent BMD and screening colonoscopy between 2015 and 2019. The main outcome was the detection of colorectal neoplasms. The variable under consideration was low BMD (osteopenia/osteoporosis). The logistic regression model included baseline demographics, components of metabolic syndrome, fatty liver disease status, and aspirin and multivitamin use. @*Results@#A total of 2,109 subjects were enrolled. The mean age was 52.1±10.8 years and 42.6% were male. The adenoma detection rate was 43%. Colorectal adenoma and high-risk adenoma were both more prevalent in subjects with low BMD than those with normal BMD (48.2% vs 38.8% and 12.1% vs 9.1%). In the univariate analysis, old age, male sex, smoking, metabolic components, fatty liver, and osteoporosis were significantly associated with the risk of adenoma and high-risk adenoma. In the multivariate analysis, osteoporosis was independently associated with risk of colorectal adenoma (odds ratio [OR], 1.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.11 to 2.46; p=0.014) and high-risk adenoma (OR, 1.94; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.29; p=0.014). @*Conclusions@#Osteoporosis is an independent risk factor of colorectal adenoma and high-risk adenoma

Expression of Chemokine CCL28 in Ulcerative Colitis Patients

Background/Aims@#Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an inflammatory bowel disease for which new serological markers are required. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of the mucosaassociated epithelial chemokine CCL28 in UC. @*Methods@#The study included 50 patients; of these, 25 were patients with UC, and 25 were healthy controls. The levels of serum CCL28 were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CCL28 expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in 15 representative colon tissues biopsied based on disease activity (UC patients with severe activity, five samples;UC patients with mild activity, five samples; healthy controls, five samples). @*Results@#The serum CCL28 levels were remarkably higher (p<0.05) in patients with UC (median, 235.7 pg/mL; IQR, 63.8 to 117.2 pg/mL) than in healthy controls (median, 48.9, pg/mL; IQR, 35.9 to 42.0 pg/mL). However, there was no significant difference in serum CCL28 according to disease extent or activity. In contrast, IHC analysis revealed a significant difference in CCL28 consistent with disease status, disease extent, and disease activity. @*Conclusions@#CCL28 could be useful for diagnosing UC. However, further validations of CCL28 on disease activity and severity are needed.

Investigation of Factors Affecting Clinical Outcomes after Stent Placement in Malignant Obstruction of the Esophagus or the Gastric Cardia

No abstract available.

Do we need colonoscopy verification in patients with fundic gland polyp?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of colorectal neoplasia in subjects with fundic gland polyps (FGPs) and the relationship between FGPs and colorectal neoplasia in Korea. METHODS: We analyzed 128 consecutive patients with FPGs who underwent colonoscopy between January 2009 and December 2013. For each case, age- (±5 years) and sex-matched controls were identified from among patients with hyperplastic polyps, gastric neoplasms, and healthy controls. Clinical characteristics were reviewed from medical records, colonoscopic findings, pathologic findings, and computed tomography images. The outcome was evaluated by comparison of advanced colonic neoplasia detection rates. RESULTS: Of the 128 patients, seven (5.1%) had colon cancers and seven (5.1%) had advanced adenomas. A case-control study revealed that the odds of detecting a colorectal cancer was 3.8 times greater in patients with FGPs than in the age- and sex-matched healthy controls (odds ratio [OR], 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.09-13.24; P =0.04) and 4.1 times greater in patients with FGPs than in healthy controls over 50 years of age (OR, 4.10; 95% CI, 1.16-14.45; P =0.04). Among patients with FGPs over 50 years old, male sex (OR, 4.83; 95% CI, 1.23-18.94; P =0.02), and age (OR, 9.90; 95% CI, 1.21-81.08; P =0.03) were associated with an increased prevalence of advanced colorectal neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS: The yield of colonoscopy in colorectal cancer patients with FGPs was substantially higher than that in average-risk subjects. Colonoscopy verification is warranted in patients with FGPs, especially in those 50 years of age or older.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Quantification across Different Phases of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection Using an Immunoradiometric Assay

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an emerging serologic test and may be useful for identifying treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to evaluate HBsAg titers during the natural course of CHB and identify correlations between HBsAg titers and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA concentrations across different CHB phases measured using an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). METHODS: CHB phases were defined on the basis of HBV DNA concentrations, the presence of hepatitis B e antigen/antibody (HBeAg/Ab) and serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Serum HBsAg titers and paired HBV DNA concentrations in the different phases of CHB were compared using 627 serum samples. RESULTS: Mean HBsAg titers were significantly higher in the immunotolerant (IT) phase and immunoreactive (IR) HBeAg-positive phase than in the low-replicative (LR) and HBeAg-negative CHB (ENH) states. The correlation between HBsAg titers and HBV DNA concentrations was modest in the IT (n=36, r=0.804, p<0.001) and IR (n=48, r=0.773, p<0.001) phases, and it was poor in the LR state (n=116, r=0.289, p=0.002); however, no significant correlation was observed in the ENH state (n=67, r=0.146, p=0.237) or in the oral nucleos(t)ide analogue-treated group (n=267). CONCLUSIONS: HBsAg quantification using IRMA might be useful for discriminating different CHB phases and different stages of chronic liver disease.

Circulating Ghrelin Levels and Obestatin/Ghrelin Ratio as a Marker of Activity in Ulcerative Colitis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ghrelin levels are known to increase in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC), but serum obestatin levels in UC patients are not well elucidated. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between serum ghrelin and obestatin levels and disease activity in UC patients. METHODS: The serum ghrelin and obestatin levels were measured in 21 UC patients (12 with active disease and 9 in remission) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The relationship between the circulating levels of these 2 hormones and disease activity was analyzed. The colonic mucosal mRNA expression of ghrelin and obestatin was measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The mean serum ghrelin values were significantly higher in patients with active disease than in patients with remission (1370.6+/-404.3 vs. 783.5+/-235.3 pg/mL, P=0.001). Colonic mucosal mRNA expression of ghrelin was also significantly higher in patients with active disease than in patients in remission (0.805+/-0.214 vs. 0.481+/-0.356, P=0.018). However, the mean serum obestatin levels and colonic mucosal mRNA expression of obestatin were not significantly different between both groups. The circulating obestatin/ghrelin ratio was significantly lower in patients with active UC than in patients in remission (0.32+/-0.08 vs. 0.58+/-0.20, P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The serum ghrelin levels and the obestatin/ghrelin ratio were related to the activity of UC, but serum obestatin was not related to activity of UC. The ghrelin levels and the obestatin/ghrelin ratio could serve as activity markers in patients with UC.

Is Initial Cholecystectomy Is an Optimal Strategy for Patients with Suspected Choledocholithiasis? / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Jejunal Varices Causing Recurrent Obscure Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

The Incidence and Clinical Characteristics of Proximal Colonic Polyps When the Polyps Are Noted on Rectosigmoid Colon by Colonoscopy / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer and second leading cause of cancer death overall. Recently, there has been an emphasis on primary screening for colorectal cancer with colonoscopy. In this study, we aimed to address clinical characteristics and incidence of colonic polyps according to location. METHODS: From January 2009 to December 2010, 6,417 total colonoscopic examinations were performed at Boramae Hospital in Seoul, Korea. We reviewed these patients retrospectively. The distal colon was defined as the rectosigmoid junction. RESULTS: Overall, 1,972 patients (31.3%) had one of more colorectal polyps. Total of 4,445 patients were excluded from this study because of combined advanced colorectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, or familial adenomatous polyposis. Patients who had only proximal polyps were 633 (32.1%), 530 patients (26.9%) had both proximal and distal polyps, and 809 patients (41.0%) had polyps only in the rectosigmoid region. The prevalence of the proximal polyps in patients with rectosigmoid polyps was found to be significantly related to the male gender and elderly patients. However, the prevalence of the proximal colonic polyps was not related to the size and number of rectosigmoid polyps. In 530 patients with both rectosigmoid and proximal colonic polyps, the characteristics of proximal colonic polyps as size and number were similar to those of rectosigmoid polyps. Advanced proximal adenomas without distal polyps were found in 25 (29.4%) patients whom were associated with size and pathology. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend total colonoscopic examination in all patients regardless of the size and number, especially in elderly males.

A Case of Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma of the Gallbladder / 대한내과학회지

We herein report a case of large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the gallbladder confirmed by laparoscopic surgery. A 60-year-old male was HBsAg-positive. Abdominal computed tomography showed a 2.5 x 2.5 cm enhancing polypoid mass in the gallbladder and multiple masses in liver segments 4 and 5 that enhanced in the arterial phase and washed out in the delayed phase. Liver biopsy findings showed only poorly differentiated morphology. A laparoscopic operation was performed for diagnosis of the masses because curative resection seemed impossible to perform, which showed unusual findings of either hepatocelluar carcinoma or gallbladder cancer. Therefore, laparoscopic liver biopsy and cholecystectomy were performed. The final pathologic results of the masses showed large cell NEC of the gallbladder with liver metastasis. Central bisegmentectomy and extensive lymph node dissection were ultimately performed. The patient was still alive 16 months after diagnosis.

Comparison of Clinical Outcomes between Endoscopic and Radiologic Placement of Self-expandable Metal Stent in Patients with Malignant Colorectal Obstruction / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study compared the clinical outcomes between endoscopic and radiologic placement of self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) in patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. METHODS: In total, 111 patients were retrospectively enrolled in this study between January 2003 and June 2011 at Seoul National University Boramae Hospital. Technical and clinical success rates, complication rates, and stent patency were compared between using an endoscopic (n=73) or radiologic (n=38) method during the SEMS placement procedure. RESULTS: The technical success rate was higher in the endoscopic method than in the radiologic method (100% [73/73] vs. 92.1% [35/38], respectively; p=0.038). In addition, in 3 of the remaining 35 patients in the radiologic-method group, adjuvant endoscopic assistance was required. In the six patients (including the three aforementioned patients), the causes of technical failure were the inability to pass the guidewire into an obstructive lesion due to a tortuous, curved angulation of the sigmoid or descending colon (n=4), and a difficult approach to a lesion located at the descending or transverse colon (n=2). The clinical success rate, complication rate, and stent patency did not differ significantly between the two methods (p=0.424, 0.303, and 0.423, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: When the colorectal obstruction had a tortuous, curved angulation of the colon or was located at or proximal to the descending colon, the endoscopic method of SEMS placement appears to be more useful than the radiologic method. However, once SEMS placement was technically successful, the clinical success rate, complication rate, and stent patency did not differ with the method of insertion.

The Effects of Family History of Colorectal Cancer on the Development of Colorectal Adenoma / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Early detection of polyp is important for the prevention of colorectal cancer (CRC). There have been few studies to investigate the relationship between colorectal adenoma and family history of CRC (FHCRC) in Korea. The aim of this study was to identify the relationship between colorectal adenoma and FHCRC. METHODS: Between March 2009 and September 2010, 225 patients with adenomatous polyps were included. Their medical records with clinical history and size, numbers, histology of polyps were reviewed. Immunohistochemical staining using Bcl-2, Bax, p-AKT, NF-kappaB, and beta-catenin antibodies were performed. We compared the histology of adenoma and expression of immunohistochemical staining according to the existence of FHCRC. RESULTS: The incidence of colorectal adenoma increased in case of FHCRC (p=0.029). In patients with FHCRC, the mean age of patients was 49 years old and younger than patients without FHCRC. In addition in patients with FHCRC, the incidence of advanced adenoma was significantly higher than in patients without FHCRC (p=0.001). The expression of Bax was significantly lower in patients with FHCRC than without FHCRC (p=0.046). CONCLUSIONS: There was a tendency for polyp to develop in their younger ages and to be more advanced adenomas in patients with FHCRC. The low expression of Bax, tumor suppressor gene, might be associated with the development of polyps in patient with FHCRC. Therefore, patients with FHCRC may be better to start screening colonoscopy earlier than patient without FHCRC.

The Changes in Etiology and Clinical Features of Non-Traumatic Small Bowel Perforation

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the clinical features, and treatment outcomes in patients with non-traumatic small bowel perforations and compared these results to the previous study with patients who were diagnosed between 1997 and 2002. METHODS: Patients who diagnosed non-traumatic small bowel perforation between January 2003 and December 2008 were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Of 38 patients of non-traumatic small bowel perforation, the most common etiologies were Crohn's disease (CD) (36.8%), followed by intestinal tuberculosis (ITB) (28.9%) and primary malignancy (15.8%). In the study of 2002, however, the most common etiologies were idiopathic (39.3%), followed by mechanical obstruction (28.6%) and infectious enteritis (14.3%). Of 38 cases, 8 perforation sites were found in the jejunum and 30 in the ileum. The number of perforations was single in 20, two in 15, and over 2 in 3 cases. Twenty-five patients were treated with resection and anastomosis, nine patients with primary closure, and four patients with both procedures. The site and number of perforations, surgical methods, and post-operative complication rates were similar to those of 2002. The perforation patients with ITB had more frequent night sweats and pulmonary tuberculosis findings than those with CD. CONCLUSIONS: Although the clinical features and surgical outcomes in the 2009 study were similar to those of the previous study conducted in 2003, the etiologies of perforations were different; CD and ITB were two most common etiologies. In addition, clinical characteristics such as night sweats or pulmonary tuberculosis were suggestive findings for the diagnosis of ITB.

A Case of Primary Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis in a Patient with Chronic Abdominal Pain

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare phenomenon presenting with multiple gas-filled cysts in the submucosal or subserosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis can occur as a primary or secondary disease with an underlying etiology. We recently managed a case of primary pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a 42-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain. The case is presented with a review of the literature.

A Case of Primary Pneumatosis Cystoides Intestinalis in a Patient with Chronic Abdominal Pain

Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis is a rare phenomenon presenting with multiple gas-filled cysts in the submucosal or subserosal layer of the gastrointestinal tract. Pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis can occur as a primary or secondary disease with an underlying etiology. We recently managed a case of primary pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis in a 42-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain. The case is presented with a review of the literature.

Antibiotics-associated Diarrhea and Other Gastrointestinal Abnormal Responses Regarding Helicobacter pylori Eradication / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is closely related with a wide range of gastrointestinal disease. One-week triple therapy is currently considered as the golden standard for the treatment of H. pylori infection. However, gastrointestinal abnormal responses are major pitfalls in such regimen. The aim of this study was to identify symptoms, frequency and severity of antibiotics-associated gastrointestinal abnormal responses during H. pylori eradication therapy. METHODS: Sixty-seven patients with H. pylori infection between September 2005 and March 2006 were included. After 1 week of H. pylori eradication triple therapy (rabeprazol 10 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, amoxicillin 1 g bid), we evaluated gastrointestinal abnormal responses (diarrhea, bloating, constipation, abdominal pain, borborygmus, flatulence, stool frequency, belching, and nausea) and severities every week for 4 weeks. RESULTS: The incidence of diarrhea was the highest in week 1, which was 41.28% (n=28) and the lowest in week 4, which was 9.52% (n=6) and decreased from week 1 to week 4 with statistical significance (p<0.0001). The most common gastrointestinal abnormal responses were associated with flatulence in week 1 (n=21, 31.34%), week 2 (n=21, 33.33%) and abdominal distention in week 3 (n=16, 25.40%), week 4 (n=15, 23.81%). Most of gastrointestinal abnormal responses were mild, and the most common symptom with higher than moderate grade was abdominal pain (n=4, 40.00%) in week 1. Alcohol consumption and coexisting medical illness were not associated with diarrhea (p=0.0852, 0.9009 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: H. pylori eradication therapy is commonly associated with antibiotics-associated gastrointestinal abnormal responses, which may result in antibiotics intolerance and H. pylori eradication failure. Even though those symptoms are not so severe, we have to consider the gastrointestinal abnormal responses associated with H. pylori eradication, especially diarrhea.

A Case of Cholangiocarcinoma Suspected by Continuous Elevation of CA 19-9 after Surgery of Xanthogranulomatous Cholecystitis / 대한소화기학회지

Xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis (XGC) is an unusual and destructive inflammatory process that is characterized by thickening of the gallbladder (GB) wall with a tendency to adhere to neighboring organs. XGC is often mistaken for GB carcinoma, and the frequency of the coexistence of these two lesions is approximately 10%. Therefore, in case of severe XGC, there is chance of either overlooking the carcinoma or other significant lesions. CA 19-9 is commonly measured in the serum of patients with hepatobiliary malignancies. Although CA 19-9 can be elevated in benign conditions such as cholestasis, pancreatitis, tuberculosis, thyroid disease etc., malignancy should be considered at first in setting of its significant and persistent elevation. We report a case of a 62-year-old man who showed continuously rising level of CA19-9 over 2000 U/mL after cholecystectomy for xanthogranulomatous cholecystitis and finally was diagnosed as cholangiocarcinoma by short-term follow up.

The Roles of Endoscopic Sphincterotomy and Cholecystectomy in Acute Biliary Pancreatitis / 대한소화기내시경학회지

No abstract available.

Palliative Self-expanding Metal Stents in the Treatment of Malignant Colorectal Obstruction

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) as palliative treatment for malignant obstruction of the colon and rectum. METHODS: From January 2003 to September 2009, 28 patients (12 men and 16 women) with malignant colorectal obstruction received placement of uncovered or covered stents for palliative purposes under endoscopic or fluoroscopic guidance. The rates of technical success, clinical success, and the complications associated with stent insertion, patient survival, and long-term stent patency were evaluated. RESULTS: The technical and clinical success rates were 100% (28/28) and 89.3% (25/28), respectively. Among the 25 patients with technical and clinical success, seven patients (28%) experienced complications: A case of perforation (n=1) was managed by surgical intervention, cases of tumor ingrowth (n=4), tumor ingrowth and overgrowth (n=1), and tumor overgrowth (n=1) were managed successfully with an additional stent. The median survival duration was 128.0+/-54.8 days. The median stent patency duration was 93.0+/-29.1 days, and the patency rates at 30, 90, and 180 days were 92%, 52%, and 25%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The placement of a self-expanding metal stent was safe and effective palliative treatment for malignant colorectal obstruction. Stent-associated complications can be managed with the placement of additional stents in the majority of the patients and long-term stent patency is favorable.