Korean Guidelines for Postpolypectomy Colonoscopic Surveillance: 2022 revised edition

Colonoscopic polypectomy is effective in decreasing the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer (CRC). Premalignant polyps discovered during colonoscopy are associated with the risk of metachronous advanced neoplasia. Postpolypectomy surveillance is the most important method for managing advanced metachronous neoplasia. A more efficient and evidence-based guideline for postpolypectomy surveillance is required because of the limited medical resources and concerns regarding colonoscopy complications. In these consensus guidelines, an analytic approach was used to address all reliable evidence to interpret the predictors of CRC or advanced neoplasia during surveillance colonoscopy. The key recommendations state that the high-risk findings for metachronous CRC following polypectomy are as follows: adenoma ≥10 mm in size; 3 to 5 (or more) adenomas; tubulovillous or villous adenoma; adenoma containing high-grade dysplasia; traditional serrated adenoma; sessile serrated lesion containing any grade of dysplasia; serrated polyp of at least 10 mm in size; and 3 to 5 (or more) sessile serrated lesions. More studies are needed to fully comprehend the patients who are most likely to benefit from surveillance colonoscopy and the ideal surveillance interval to prevent metachronous CRC.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamin D / 대한소화기학회지

Vitamin D contributes to bone metabolism and acts as an immune modulator for both innate and adaptive immunity. The serum level of vitamin D has been associated with inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In epidemiologic studies, IBD patients have been shown to have low levels of vitamin D. The suboptimal circulating levels of vitamin D in IBD patients may be caused by low exposure to sunlight, dietary malabsorption, and the impaired conversion of active metabolites (1,25[OH] 2D). Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in IBD can increase the chance of disease recurrence, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, and deterioration of quality of life. Supplementation with vitamin D is therefore thought to reduce the risk of flare-ups and the improvement of the quality of life in IBD patients. This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on the effects of vitamin D deficiency on IBD and the possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation in IBD patients.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Vitamin D / 대한소화기학회지

Vitamin D contributes to bone metabolism and acts as an immune modulator for both innate and adaptive immunity. The serum level of vitamin D has been associated with inflammatory diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In epidemiologic studies, IBD patients have been shown to have low levels of vitamin D. The suboptimal circulating levels of vitamin D in IBD patients may be caused by low exposure to sunlight, dietary malabsorption, and the impaired conversion of active metabolites (1,25[OH] 2D). Recent studies have demonstrated that vitamin D deficiency in IBD can increase the chance of disease recurrence, IBD-related hospitalization or surgery, and deterioration of quality of life. Supplementation with vitamin D is therefore thought to reduce the risk of flare-ups and the improvement of the quality of life in IBD patients. This review aims to summarize the latest knowledge on the effects of vitamin D deficiency on IBD and the possible benefits of vitamin D supplementation in IBD patients.

Gastrointestinal Fellowship Education in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

Since the residency training program in internal medicine changed from a four-year to a three-year program in 2017 in Korea, issues of an optimal training program for the gastrointestinal (GI) fellowship has arisen. Currently, the evaluation criteria for a GI fellowship in Korea include the following; 1) the total number of assigned patients during the training period, 2) the number of GI endoscopy procedures, 3) attendance at academic conferences, and 4) research presentations. However, competency-based training should be introduced in the GI fellowship training program. The current issues of GI fellowship training in Korea include the following; 1) reorganization of the GI fellowship education system and consideration of an optimal training period following the introduction of the three-year internal medicine residency training program, 2) development of a standardized, competency-based GI fellowship training program, 3) provision of a support program for instructors in GI fellowship education, 4) introduction of a mentor-mentee system, 5) introduction of an accreditation system for GI fellowship, 6) supplementation of a GI sub-specialty qualification system, and 7) provision of benefits to GI sub-specialists.

Ten-Day Concomitant, 10-Day Sequential, and 7-Day Triple Therapy as First-Line Treatment for Helicobacter pylori Infection: A Nationwide Randomized Trial in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This nationwide, multicenter prospective randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of 10-day concomitant therapy (CT) and 10-day sequential therapy (ST) with 7-day clarithromycin-containing triple therapy (TT) as first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori infection in the Korean population. METHODS: Patients with H. pylori infection were assigned randomly to 7d-TT (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, and clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days), 10d-ST (lansoprazole 30 mg and amoxicillin 1 g twice daily for the first 5 days, followed by lansoprazole 30 mg, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for the remaining 5 days), or 10d-CT (lansoprazole 30 mg, amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg twice daily for 10 days). The primary endpoint was eradication rate by intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) analyses. RESULTS: A total of 1,141 patients were included. The 10d-CT protocol achieved a markedly higher eradication rate than the 7d-TT protocol in both the ITT (81.2% vs 63.9%) and PP analyses (90.6% vs 71.4%). The eradication rate of the 10d-ST protocol was superior to that of the 7d-TT protocol (76.3% vs 63.9%, ITT analysis; 85.0% vs 71.4%, PP analysis). No significant differences in adherence or serious side effects were found among the three treatment arms. CONCLUSIONS: The 10d-CT and 10d-ST regimens were superior to the 7d-TT regimen as standard first-line treatment in Korea.

Eosinophilic Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Eosinophilic Colitis / 대한소화기학회지

No abstract available.

Predictors of Malignancies in Patients with Inconclusive or Negative Results of Endoscopic Ultrasound-guided Fine-needle Aspiration for Solid Pancreatic Masses / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study analyzed the diagnostic accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for pancreatic solid masses in patients with or without chronic pancreatitis as well as the clinical parameters relevant to a malignancy when EUS-FNA was negative or inconclusive. METHODS: A total of 97 patients, who underwent EUS-FNA for solid pancreatic masses over 2 years at a single institution, were evaluated. All patients underwent EUS-FNA for 3-5 passes with 22 or 25 G needles without an on-site cytopathologist. The final diagnosis was obtained by surgery or compatible clinical outcomes for a more than 12 month follow-up. The diagnostic yields in the patients with or without chronic pancreatitis were compared and the histories and laboratory data relevant to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) or pseudo-tumor were analyzed. RESULTS: The final diagnoses were adenocarcinoma in 88 patients (90.7%) and inflammatory pseudo-tumor in 9 (9.3%). The results of EUS-FNA were adenocarcinoma (74), suspicious (7), atypical (5), negative (10), and inadequate specimen (1). The diagnostic accuracies were 76.9% and 91.6% in patients with or without chronic pancreatitis, respectively. Among the 23 cases with non-diagnostic results of EUS-FNA, PDAC was finally diagnosed in 5 out of 7 suspicious, 3 out of 5 atypical, and 5 out of 10 negative cytology cases. The clinical parameters related to a pseudo-tumor were a history of alcohol consumption and pancreatitis, and normal alkaline phosphatase levels. CONCLUSIONS: The diagnostic accuracy of pancreatic masses in the background of chronic pancreatitis was low. When EUS-FNA produced inconclusive results, the histories of alcohol consumption, pancreatitis, and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase are useful for making a final diagnosis.

Comparison of liquid-based cytology (CellPrepPlus) and conventional smears in pancreaticobiliary disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and brushing cytology are used worldwide to diagnose pancreatic and biliary malignant tumors. Liquid-based cytology (LBC) has been developed and it is currently used to overcome the limitations of conventional smears (CS). In this study, the authors aimed to compare the diagnostic value of the CellPrepPlus (CP; Biodyne) LBC method with CS in samples obtained using EUS-FNA and brushing cytology. METHODS: This study prospectively enrolled 75 patients with pancreatic or biliary lesions from June 2012 to October 2013. For cytological analyses, including inadequate specimens, benign and atypical were further classified into benign, and suspicious and malignant were subcategorized as malignant. Sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, and positive predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) were evaluated. RESULTS: In the EUS-FNA based cytological analysis of pancreatic specimens, CP had a sensitivity of 60.7%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 77.1%; PPV, 100%; and NPV, 64.5%. CS had a sensitivity of 85.7%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 91.7%; PPV, 100%; and NPV, 83.3%. In the brushing cytology based analysis of biliary specimens, CP had sensitivity of 53.1%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 54.5%; PPV, 100%; and NPV, 6.3%. CS had a sensitivity of 78.1%; specificity, 100%; accuracy, 78.8%; PPV, 100%; and NPV, 12.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study found that CP had a lower sensitivity because of low cellularity compared with CS. Therefore, CP (LBC) has a lower diagnostic accuracy for pancreatic EUS-FNA based and biliary brush cytology based analyses compared with CS.

Revision of Quality Indicators for the Endoscopy Quality Improvement Program of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are widely used for the early diagnosis of stomach and colorectal cancer. The present revision integrates recent data regarding previous quality indicators and novel indicators suggested for gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures for the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea. The new indicators, developed by the Quality Improvement Committee of the Korean Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, vary in the level of supporting evidence, and most are based solely on expert opinion. Updated indicators validated by clinical research were prioritized, but were chosen by expert consensus when such studies were absent. The resultant quality indicators were graded according to the levels of consensus and recommendations. The updated indicators will provide a relevant guideline for high-quality endoscopy. The future direction of quality indicator development should include relevant outcome measures and an evidence-based approach to support proposed performance targets.

Revision of Quality Indicators for the Endoscopy Quality Improvement Program of the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea / 대한소화기학회지

Gastroscopy and colonoscopy are widely used for the early diagnosis of stomach and colorectal cancer. The present revision integrates recent data regarding previous quality indicators and novel indicators suggested for gastroscopy and colonoscopy procedures for the National Cancer Screening Program in Korea. The new indicators, developed by the Quality Improvement Committee of the Korean Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, vary in the level of supporting evidence, and most are based solely on expert opinion. Updated indicators validated by clinical research were prioritized, but were chosen by expert consensus when such studies were absent. The resultant quality indicators were graded according to the levels of consensus and recommendations. The updated indicators will provide a relevant guideline for high-quality endoscopy. The future direction of quality indicator development should include relevant outcome measures and an evidence-based approach to support proposed performance targets.

15-Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase as a marker in colon carcinogenesis: analysis of the prostaglandin pathway in human colonic tissue

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), and microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGEs-1) regulate prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) expression and are involved in colon carcinogenesis. We investigated the expression of PGE₂ and its regulating genes in sporadic human colon tumors and matched normal tissues. METHODS: Twenty colonic adenomas and 27 colonic adenocarcinomas were evaluated. COX-2 and 15-PGDH expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The expression of PGE₂ and mPGEs-1 was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: The expression of COX-2, mPGEs-1, and PGE₂ did not differ between the adenomas and matched distant normal tissues. 15-PGDH expression was lower in adenomas than in the matched normal colonic tissues (P<0.001). In adenocarcinomas, mPGEs-1 and PGE₂ expression was significantly higher (P<0.001 and P=0.020, respectively), and COX-2 expression did not differ from that in normal tissues (P=0.207). 15-PGDH expression was significantly lower in the normal colonic mucosa from adenocarcinoma patients than in the normal mucosa from adenoma patients (P=0.018). CONCLUSIONS: Early inactivation of 15-PGDH, followed by activation of COX-2 and mPGEs-1, contributes to PGE₂ production, leading to colon carcinogenesis. 15-PGDH might be a novel candidate marker for early detection of field defects in colon carcinogenesis.

Patients' Preferences for Primary Colorectal Cancer Screening: A Survey of the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The adoption of colonoscopy as a primary colorectal cancer (CRC) screening technique has been argued for in Korea, without evidence of patient preferences. This study aimed to investigate patients’ preferences for the primary CRC screening test for the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP). METHODS: Between June and August 2016, 414 individuals aged ≥50 years who participated in the NCSP were prospectively invited to complete a questionnaire regarding their preferences for the primary CRC screening test and the reasons for their selection. RESULTS: Among the 396 respondents who completed the questionnaire, 124 individuals (31.3%) preferred the fecal immunochemical test (FIT), whereas 272 individuals (68.7%) preferred colonoscopy. Elderly participants preferred the FIT (p < 0.001), whereas participants with a higher education level (p=0.030), a higher income level (p=0.009), or individuals with a family member (p=0.028) or acquaintance (p=0.013) with a history of CRC preferred colonoscopy. Only 12.9% of participants had a bad experience with a previous FIT; however, 39.3% of participants had a bad experience with a previous colonoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopy was preferred to FIT in a 2.2:1 ratio as the primary CRC screening test for the NCSP. Patients’ preference for colonoscopy should be considered for the NCSP in Korea.

Diagnostic and prognostic value of preoperative ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography for colorectal cancer: comparison with conventional computed tomography

BACKGROUND/AIMS: ¹⁸F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has been used for preoperative staging of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the diagnostic accuracy of FDG-PET/CT for detection of lymph node or distant metastasis and its prognostic role have not been well established. We therefore evaluated the diagnostic and prognostic value of FDG-PET/CT in comparison with conventional CT for CRC. METHODS: We investigated 220 patients who underwent preoperative FDG-PET/CT and CT, followed by curative surgery for CRC. The sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of FDG-PET/CT and CT for detection of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were evaluated. In addition, we assessed the findings of FDG-PET/CT and CT according to outcomes, including cancer recurrence and cancer-related death, for evaluation of prognostic value. RESULTS: For detection of lymph node metastasis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 44%, a specificity of 84%, and an accuracy of 67%, compared with 59%, 65%, and 62%, respectively, for CT (P=0.029, P=0.000, and P=0.022). For distant metastasis, FDG-PET/CT had a sensitivity of 79%, a specificity of 94%, and an accuracy of 93%, compared with 79%, 87%, and 86%, respectively, for CT (P=1.000, P=0.004, and P=0.037). In addition, positive findings of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis on FDG-PET/CT were associated significantly with cancer recurrence or cancer-related death (P=0.009, P=0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative FDG-PET/CT had a higher specificity and accuracy compared to CT for detection of lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis of CRC. In addition, FDG-PET/CT could be a valuable prognostic tool for CRC.

Clinical features of gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy

PURPOSE: Gastric emptying may influence the quality of life of patients who undergo distal gastrectomy. Little is known, however, about gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy. The aim of our study was to investigate gastric emptying patterns after distal gastrectomy. METHODS: This gastric-emptying study investigated patients who underwent distal gastrectomy in the 6 months or more before May 2008 to July 2013 at Chungbuk National University Hospital with a study sample of 205 patients. We analyzed patterns of gastric emptying. RESULTS: Delayed gastric emptying was found in 109 of the 205 patients (53.2%). Food stasis was more frequent in a group with delayed gastric emptying. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for gastroparesis were laparoscopic operation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.731; P = 0.008) and duration of less than 24 months after distal gastrectomy (HR, 2.795; P = 0.001). Delayed gastric emptying tended to decrease with duration of the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Delayed gastric emptying is common in distal gastrectomy, and is related to laparoscopic operation and duration of the postoperative period. Food stasis was more frequent in a group with delayed gastric emptying.

Clinical features of gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy

PURPOSE: Gastric emptying may influence the quality of life of patients who undergo distal gastrectomy. Little is known, however, about gastric emptying after distal gastrectomy. The aim of our study was to investigate gastric emptying patterns after distal gastrectomy. METHODS: This gastric-emptying study investigated patients who underwent distal gastrectomy in the 6 months or more before May 2008 to July 2013 at Chungbuk National University Hospital with a study sample of 205 patients. We analyzed patterns of gastric emptying. RESULTS: Delayed gastric emptying was found in 109 of the 205 patients (53.2%). Food stasis was more frequent in a group with delayed gastric emptying. In multivariate analysis, risk factors for gastroparesis were laparoscopic operation (hazard ratio [HR], 2.731; P = 0.008) and duration of less than 24 months after distal gastrectomy (HR, 2.795; P = 0.001). Delayed gastric emptying tended to decrease with duration of the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Delayed gastric emptying is common in distal gastrectomy, and is related to laparoscopic operation and duration of the postoperative period. Food stasis was more frequent in a group with delayed gastric emptying.

Asymptomatic multiple cystic lesions filled with gas in the colon

No abstract available.

Patient Monitoring and Associated Devices during Endoscopic Sedation / 대한소화기학회지

Sedation is an essential component for gastrointestinal endoscopy. It allows patients to tolerate unpleasant endoscopic procedures by relieving anxiety, discomfort, or pain. It also reduces patient's risk of physical injury during endoscopic procedures, while providing the endoscopist with an adequate setting for a detailed examination. For the safety during endoscopic sedation, patient monitoring is crucial. Minimal monitoring requirements during endoscopic sedation are periodic assessment of blood pressure and application of continuous pulse oximetry. Continuous electrocardiography is recommended in selected patients with high risk for sedation or have cardiopulmonary diseases. Continuous supplemental oxygen is also recommended for endoscopic sedation. This study describes detailed monitoring and associated devices based on the current guidelines and recommendations from gastrointestinal society of America, Europe, and Korea.

A Rare Case of Pancreas Divisum Accompanied by Acute Pancreatitis Following Endoscopic Hemostasis for Duodenal Ulcer Bleeding / 대한소화기학회지

Peptic ulcer bleeding is treated using endoscopic hemostasis using clips or bands. Pancreas divisum (PD), a congenital anomaly of the pancreas, usually has no clinical symptoms; however, pancreatitis may occur if there are disturbances in the drainage of pancreatic secretions. We report an unusual case of PD accompanied by acute pancreatitis, following endoscopic band ligation for duodenal ulcer bleeding. A 48-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital due to melena. An upper endoscopy revealed a small ulcer with oozing adjacent minor papilla. An endoscopic band ligation was performed on this lesion. Acute pancreatitis developed suddenly 6 hours after the band ligation and improved dramatically after removal of the band. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography was performed, revealing complete PD. Endoscopic band ligation is known as the effective method for peptic ulcer bleeding; however, it should be used carefully in duodenal ulcer bleeding near the minor duodenal papilla due to the possibility of PD.

Factors Contributing to the Preference of Korean Patients with Crohn's Disease When Selecting an Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor Agent (CHOICE Study)

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Two comparable anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents with different routes of administration (intravenous [iv] infliximab [IFX] vs subcutaneous [sc] adalimumab [ADA]) are available for patients with Crohn's disease (CD) in Korea. This study aimed to identify the preferences of Korean CD patients for a specific anti-TNF agent and the factors contributing to the decision. METHODS: A prospective survey was performed among anti-TNF-naive CD patients in 10 tertiary referral hospitals. A 16-item questionnaire addressed patient preferences and the factors contributing to the decision in favor of a particular anti-TNF agent. A logistic regression was conducted to assess predictive factors for ADA preference. RESULTS: Overall, 189 patients (139 males; mean age, 32.47±11.71 years) completed the questionnaire. IFX and ADA were preferred by 63.5% (120/189) and 36.5% (69/189) of patients, respectively. The most influential reason for choosing IFX was ‘doctor's presence' (68.3%, 82/120), and ADA was “easy to use” (34.8%, 24/69). Amid various clinicodemographic data, having a >60-minute travel time to the hospital was a significant independent predictive factor for ADA preference. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of anti-TNF-naive Korean patients with CD preferred anti-TNFs with an iv route of administration. The reassuring effect of a doctor's presence might be the main contributing factor for this decision.