Postcolonoscopy Diverticulitis.

Colonoscopy, generally safe but not devoid of risks, can lead to rare complications. We present 2 cases of postcolonoscopy diverticulitis (PCD). Case 1 was a 63-year-old woman, following colonoscopy, who developed acute sigmoid diverticulitis, despite a Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) score of 2, indicating extensive diverticulosis without inflammation. Conservative management with antibiotics led to recovery. Remarkably, she experienced a recurrent episode. Case 2 was a 74-year-old woman who had 2 colonoscopies, revealing pancolonic diverticulosis (DICA score: 2) without inflammation. After the second procedure, she developed severe sigmoid diverticulitis, managed conservatively with antibiotics. Discussion highlights PCD's rarity (prevalence: 0.04%-0.08%) and unclear pathogenesis. Both cases had DICA scores ≥2, suggesting a potential risk factor. Clinicians should recognize PCD, as it can mimic more common postcolonoscopy complications. Early recognition and management are vital.

Colonoscopic cancer detection rate: a new performance measure - is it FIT for purpose?

Introduction: Gastrointestinal symptoms correlate poorly with cancer diagnosis. A faecal immunochemical test (FIT) result of ≥10 µg has high sensitivity and negative predictive value for colorectal cancer (CRC) detection. An FIT-based diagnostic pathway may lead to more effective resource utilisation. We aimed to use National Endoscopy Database (NED) data to create a new colonoscopy performance measure, cancer detection rate (CDR) to assess the appropriate identification of target populations for colonoscopy; then to use CDR to assess the impact of implementing an FIT-based referral pathway locally. Methods: NED data were analysed to compare local diagnostic colonoscopic CDR in 2019 (prepathway revision) and 2021 (postpathway revision), benchmarked against overall national CDR for the same time frames. Results: 1, 123, 624 NED diagnostic colonoscopies were analysed. Locally, there was a significant increase in CDR between 2019 and 2021, from 3.01% (2.45%-3.47%) to 4.32% (3.69%-4.95%), p=0.003. The CDR increase was due to both a 10% increase in the number of CRCs detected and a 25% reduction in the number of diagnostic colonoscopies performed. Nationally, there was a smaller, but significant, increase in CDR from 2.02% (1.99%-2.07%) to 2.33% (2.29%-2.37%), p<0.001. The rate of increase in CDR% between 2019 and 2021 was significantly different locally compared with nationally. Conclusion: Our study indicates that the introduction of a robustly vetted FIT-based algorithm to determine whether diagnostic colonoscopy is required, is effective in increasing the colonoscopic CDR. Moreover, CDR appears to be a meaningful performance metric that can be automatically calculated through NED, enabling monitoring of the quality of referral and vetting pathways.

Clinical spectrum of paediatric and adult eosinophilic oesophagitis in the North East of England from 2016 to 2019.

Background and study aims: Eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE) is a common disease with a significant impact on physical health and quality of life (QoL). Outcomes and management vary widely, with no agreed UK national guideline. This paper aims to describe an up-to-date description of demographics, clinical spectrum and outcomes for paediatric and adult patients with EoE from the North East of England between 2016 and 2019. Patients and methods: Patients from two large University Hospitals and the specialist paediatric hospital for the North East of England with histologically or clinically confirmed EoE were included in this analysis. Data were collected retrospectively via electronic patient records. Remission was defined as either the resolution of symptoms or improvement on histology. Results: Data were collected on 74 paediatric and 59 adult patients. Dysphagia was the most common presenting symptom in both groups, accounting for 51%-84% of all presentations. Proton pump inhibitors and dietary manipulation were the most common therapies associated with remission in children (95% of those achieving remission), whereas the use of swallowed topical steroids was more prevalent in the treatment of adults (55% achieving remission). Conclusions: EoE is a complex disease and poses significant challenges. Outcomes vary widely and need to be tailored to individual patient groups. Dietary manipulation plays a major role in treatment for EoE, but this is likely to be challenging for patients, especially children. Future work should continue to assess the outcomes in EoE, including on QoL and potential novel targeted therapies.

Utilization and reproducibility of World Endoscopy Organization post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer algorithms: retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) diagnosed following a cancer-negative colonoscopy is termed post-colonoscopy CRC (PCCRC). In addition to calculating PCCRC rates, the World Endoscopy Organization (WEO) recommends review of individual PCCRC cases, including categorization into interval/non-interval PCCRCs, and root cause analysis to determine the most plausible explanation. We aimed to test the usability, reproducibility, and outcomes of the WEO algorithms. METHODS: All CRC cases diagnosed from January 2015 to December 2016 in a single organization were cross referenced with local endoscopy and pathology databases to identify cases of PCCRC. We assessed: 1) WEO most plausible explanation for PCCRC; and 2) WEO PCCRC interval/non-interval subtype categorization. Interobserver agreement was measured using Cohen's kappa (κ). Cases with interobserver variation underwent panel discussion to reach consensus. RESULTS: Among 527 patients with CRC, 48 PCCRCs were identified. A consistent most plausible explanation was found in 97 % of cases, showing almost perfect agreement (κ = 0.94). Most PCCRCs (66 %) were attributed to "possible missed lesion, prior examination adequate." Interval/non-interval categorization was consistent in 77 %, showing substantial agreement (κ = 0.67). Following panel discussion, consensus was reached in all cases. Overall, 15 % were categorized as interval and 85 % as non-interval PCCRCs (12 % type A, 31 % type B, and 42 % type C). CONCLUSIONS: Review of PCCRC cases using WEO recommendations was performed accurately at a local level using readily available clinical information. The high number of non-interval type B PCCRCs suggests a significant proportion of PCCRCs could be avoided by better adherence to recommended surveillance intervals.

JAG/BSG national survey of UK endoscopy services: impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and early restoration of endoscopy services.

INTRODUCTION: The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected UK endoscopy workload. The Joint Advisory Group on GI endoscopy and British Society of Gastroenterology issued guidelines on endoscopy service delivery changes and restoration. We surveyed UK endoscopy clinical leads to gain insights into service restoration. METHODS: A Google Forms-designed survey, assessing endoscopy provision, Covid minimisation and referral pathways was circulated to all UK endoscopy leads. The survey was open between 19 and 24 May 2020. RESULTS: 97 endoscopy leads completed the survey, with all UK nations and regions represented. Analysis showed 20% of endoscopy services were not providing endoscopy. Workload limitations were due to enforced interprocedural downtime (92%; with some services enforcing >1-hour downtime between procedures), social distancing (88%) and working in personal protective equipment (PPE) (87%). 91% of services reported a referral backlog (urgent median 2 months, routine median 6 months). 96% of services reported no current problems accessing PPE. Level 1/2 PPE use in colonoscopy was not uniform. 63% of services routinely swab patients for COVID-19 before endoscopy, 88% of services do not routinely swab asymptomatic staff. Comments addressed reducing endoscopy demand through vetting and changing referral criteria, the mostly commonly cited strategy being increased faecal immunochemical testing in symptomatic patients (70% of services). CONCLUSION: This survey demonstrates the pandemic's profound impact on UK endoscopy. Challenges include standardising Covid-minimisation strategies and recovering staffing levels. To improve endoscopy services, there is a need to refine referral pathways, improve vetting and clarify guidance on downtime and PPE within endoscopy.

WASh multicentre randomised controlled trial: water-assisted sigmoidoscopy in English NHS bowel scope screening.

OBJECTIVES: The English Bowel Cancer Screening Programme invites 55 year olds for a sigmoidoscopy (Bowel Scope Screening (BSS)), aiming to resect premalignant polyps, thus reducing cancer incidence. A national patient survey indicated higher procedural pain than anticipated, potentially impacting on screening compliance and effectiveness. We aimed to assess whether water-assisted sigmoidoscopy (WAS), as opposed to standard CO2 technique, improved procedural pain and detection of adenomatous polyps. DESIGN: The WASh (Water-Assisted Sigmoidoscopy) trial was a multicentre, single-blind, randomised control trial for people undergoing BSS. Participants were randomised to either receive WAS or CO2 from five sites across England. The primary outcome measure was patient-reported moderate/severe pain, as assessed by patients on a standard Likert scale post procedure prior to discharge. The key secondary outcome was adenoma detection rate (ADR). The costs of each technique were also measured. RESULTS: 1123 participants (50% women, mean age 55) were randomised (561 WAS, 562 CO2). We found no difference in patient-reported moderate/severe pain between WAS and CO2 (14% in WAS, 15% in CO2; p=0.47). ADR was 15% in the CO2 arm and 11% in the WAS arm (p=0.03); however, it remained above the minimum national performance standard in both arms. There was no statistical difference in mean number of adenomas nor overall polyp detection rate. There was negligible cost difference between the two techniques. CONCLUSION: In the context of enema-prepared unsedated screening sigmoidoscopies performed by screening-accredited endoscopists, no difference in patient-reported pain was seen when using either a CO2 or WAS intubation technique. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ISRCTN81466870.

The WASh Trial: water-assisted sigmoidoscopy in the English Bowel Scope Screening Programme: study protocol for a randomized multicenter trial.

Background and study aims The English National Bowel Scope Screening Programme (BSSP) invites 55-year-olds for a one-off, unsedated flexible sigmoidoscopy (FSIG). Data from BSSP participant-reported experience studies shows 1 in 3 participants report moderate or severe discomfort. Water-assisted colonoscopy (WAS) may improve participants' comfort. The primary objective of this study is to ascertain if post-procedural participant-assessed pain is reduced in WAS compared with carbon dioxide (CO 2 ) insufflation, in invitees undergoing FSIG in BSSP. Patients and methods This is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, two-arm, single-blinded trial designed to evaluate the performance of WAS versus CO 2 insufflation in BSSP. Participants will be randomized to either CO 2 or WAS and will be asked to rate pain post-procedure. Key procedure-related data will be analyzed, including adenoma detection rates (ADR) and degree of sigmoid looping. A cost-effectiveness analysis of WAS versus CO 2 and a discrete choice experiment exploring preferences of participants for attributes of sigmoidoscopy will also be performed. Discussion This is the first trial in the United Kingdom (UK) to investigate the effects of WAS in a screening setting. If the trial shows WAS either reduces pain or increases ADR, this may result in a practice change to implement WAS in screening and non-screening endoscopic practice directly impacting on 256,000 people a year who will undergo BSSP FSIG by 2020. Trial funding came from National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Research for Patient Benefit (RfPB) supported by the NIHR Clinical Research Network. The trial is actively recruiting. ID: 35866 ISRCTN: 81466870.

My approach to water-assisted colonoscopy.

The goal of diagnostic colonoscopy is to achieve procedural completion while maximising effectiveness, patient acceptance and safety. In recent years, international interest in water-assisted colonoscopy (WAC) has been steadily gathering pace. A plethora of high-quality randomised controlled trials and meta-analyses now offer incontrovertible evidence into the benefits of WAC, both for the endoscopist and the patient. Despite this, uptake of WAC within the UK has been limited, with the lack of educational resources representing a significant barrier. This practical step-by-step guide is aimed at both existing practitioners and trainees, with a view to promoting familiarity with WAC and potentially for incorporation into daily practice which may ultimately have a positive effect on quality of colonoscopy and patient experience.

World Endoscopy Organization Consensus Statements on Post-Colonoscopy and Post-Imaging Colorectal Cancer.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Colonoscopy examination does not always detect colorectal cancer (CRC)- some patients develop CRC after negative findings from an examination. When this occurs before the next recommended examination, it is called interval cancer. From a colonoscopy quality assurance perspective, that term is too restrictive, so the term post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC) was created in 2010. However, PCCRC definitions and methods for calculating rates vary among studies, making it impossible to compare results. We aimed to standardize the terminology, identification, analysis, and reporting of PCCRCs and CRCs detected after other whole-colon imaging evaluations (post-imaging colorectal cancers [PICRCs]). METHODS: A 20-member international team of gastroenterologists, pathologists, and epidemiologists; a radiologist; and a non-medical professional met to formulate a series of recommendations, standardize definitions and categories (to align with interval cancer terminology), develop an algorithm to determine most-plausible etiologies, and develop standardized methodology to calculate rates of PCCRC and PICRC. The team followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation II tool. A literature review provided 401 articles to support proposed statements; evidence was rated using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system. The statements were voted on anonymously by team members, using a modified Delphi approach. RESULTS: The team produced 21 statements that provide comprehensive guidance on PCCRCs and PICRCs. The statements present standardized definitions and terms, as well as methods for qualitative review, determination of etiology, calculation of PCCRC rates, and non-colonoscopic imaging of the colon. CONCLUSIONS: A 20-member international team has provided standardized methods for analysis of etiologies of PCCRCs and PICRCs and defines its use as a quality indicator. The team provides recommendations for clinicians, organizations, researchers, policy makers, and patients.

Impact of a new distal attachment on colonoscopy performance in an academic screening center.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Distal attachments placed on the colonoscope tip may positively affect performance by assisting insertion and polyp detection. The original Endocuff (ARC Medical Design, Leeds, United Kingdom) appears to improve adenoma detection rate (ADR), but no data assess the performance of the second-generation Endocuff Vision. METHODS: A pilot service evaluation study (April 2013 to September 2014) was conducted on patients with positive fecal occult blood tests within the National Bowel Cancer Programme during 3 consecutive periods: precuff/no device used, during-cuff/device used, and postcuff/no device used. During the middle period the use of the Endocuff Vision by the 4 screening-accredited colonoscopists was discretional (nonrandomized design). Data were analyzed using pairwise comparisons during the 3 designated periods to examine key performance indicators: adenoma detection, procedural time, sedation requirements, and patient comfort. RESULTS: Four hundred ten complete colonoscopies were performed (137 precuff, 136 cuff, and 137 postcuff period). Overall, there was a notable increase in the mean ADR of 16% (P < .03) and in the mean number adenoma per procedure (MAP) of 83% (P = .007) from precuff to cuff period. The mean cecal intubation time was statistically lower during the cuff period (7 minutes) in relation to the precuff period (8 minutes; reduction of 12.5%, P = .002) and the postcuff period (9 minutes; increase of 28.6%, P = .002). The mean negative colonoscopy withdrawal time was also significantly lower during the cuff period (8 minutes, 30 seconds) when compared with the precuff (12 minutes) or postcuff period (9 minutes, 45 seconds; P ≤ .001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the use of the Endocuff Vision was not associated with sedation requirements or patient discomfort scores. No adverse events were reported from the use of the Endocuff Vision, although it was electively removed in 6 patients where severe sigmoid colon diverticulosis was encountered and 2 patients because of discomfort during anal insertion. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot service evaluation study, the use of the Endocuff Vision appears to be associated with an improvement in overall colonoscopy operator performance. We found increased ADR and MAP as well as decreased time for colonoscope insertion and withdrawal time with no increase in sedation requirements or patient discomfort.

Recent advances in colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy is an important and frequently performed procedure. It is effective in the prevention of colorectal cancer and is an important test in the investigation of many gastrointestinal symptoms. This review focuses on developments over the last 5 years that have led to changes in aspects of colonoscopy, including patient preparation, technical factors, therapeutic procedures, safety, and quality.

Diagnostic yield of scope retroflexion in the right colon: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Techniques have been implemented to improve colonoscopy adenoma detection rate (ADR) in the right colon. AIMS & METHODS: We prospectively examined the additional diagnostic yield of right colon examination with colonoscope retroflexion in consecutive, symptomatic and screening-surveillance patients. Right colon was examined in forward-view first and thereafter, retroflexion was performed to re-inspect it. RESULTS: Right colon examination in retroflexion was achieved in 620 (92%) patients. Increased inserted scope length to the cecum (OR: 0.48 [95% CI: 0.27-0.84]) and elderly status (OR: 0.53 [95% CI: 0.430-0.94]) predicted retrofexion failure. Forward-view colonoscopy detected 134 polyps and 112 adenomas in 105 and 85 patients, respectively. Scope retroflexion revealed 7 missed (6 adenomas--2 advanced) polyps in 7 patients; indicating 4.96 (95% CI: 1.37-8.55) % and 5.1 (95% CI: 1.12-9.05) % per-polyp and per-adenoma miss rates, respectively. In ITT analysis, per-patient polyp and adenoma miss rates were 1.041% and 0.89%, respectively. Among screening-surveillance patients, retroflexion detected 3 missed adenomas (2 advanced) in 3 patients, resulting in changed surveillance schedule in 2 of them (5.12 per 1000 screening-surveillance patients). Early study termination was favored by low right colon ADR improvement and lacking substantial surveillance interval change. CONCLUSION: The additional diagnostic yield of scope retroflexion in the right colon is questionable.

Advanced imaging in colonoscopy: contemporary approach to dysplasia surveillance in inflammatory bowel disease.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) (ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD)) is a chronic relapsing/remitting condition characterised by intestinal inflammation. One of the main concerns in patients with longstanding ulcerative and Crohn's colitis is development of colonic dysplasia and colorectal cancer (CRC), a risk higher than that of the general population. Colonoscopy surveillance programmes have been developed by major societies worldwide to improve early dysplasia detection and treatment, thus preventing progression to colorectal cancer. Colonoscopy is an imperfect tool as lesions can be missed, an issue even more relevant to colitic patients, where mucosal inspection and lesion recognition may prove challenging. Extensive research has been undertaken on performance improvement in this area while technical advances in optical imaging, such as high-definition, have made their way into modern endoscopy units. Techniques and technologies available to enhance optical diagnosis of dysplasia in inflammatory bowel disease are reviewed in this paper, focusing on those that are realistic, widely available and feasible for everyday practice.

Improved bowel preparation increases polyp detection and unmasks significant polyp miss rate.

AIM: To retrospectively compare previous-day vs split-dose preparation in terms of bowel cleanliness and polyp detection in patients referred for polypectomy. METHODS: Fifty patients underwent two colonoscopies: one diagnostic in a private clinic and a second for polypectomy in a University Hospital. The latter procedures were performed within 12 wk of the index ones. Examinations were accomplished by two experienced endoscopists, different in each facility. Twenty-seven patients underwent screening/surveillance colonoscopy, while the rest were symptomatic. Previous day bowel preparation was utilized initially and split-dose for polypectomy. Colon cleansing was evaluated using the Aronchick scale. We measured the number of detected polyps, and the polyp miss rates per-polyp. RESULTS: Excellent/good preparation was reported in 38 cases with previous-day preparation (76%) vs 46 with split-dose (92%), respectively (P = 0.03). One hundred and twenty-six polyps were detected initially and 169 subsequently (P < 0.0001); 88 vs 126 polyps were diminutive (P < 0.0001), 25 vs 29 small (P = 0.048) and 13 vs 14 equal or larger than 10 mm. The miss rates for total, diminutive, small and large polyps were 25.4%, 30.1%, 13.7% and 6.6%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that split-dose preparation was significantly associated (OR, P) with increased number of polyps detected overall (0.869, P < 0.001), in the right (0.418, P = 0.008) and in the left colon (0.452, P = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Split-dose preparation improved colon cleansing, enhanced polyp detection and unmasked significant polyp miss rates.

Is there a role for colon capsule endoscopy beyond colorectal cancer screening? A literature review.

Colon capsule endoscopy is recommended in Europe alternatively to colonoscopy for colorectal cancer screening in average risk individuals. The procedure has also been proposed to complete colon examination in cases of incomplete colonoscopy or when colonoscopy is contraindicated or refused by the patient. As tissue samples cannot be obtained with the current capsule device, colon capsule endoscopy has no place in diagnosing ulcerative colitis or in dysplasia surveillance. Nevertheless, data are accumulating regarding its feasibility to examine ulcerative colitis disease extent and to monitor disease activity and mucosal healing, even though reported results on the capsule's performance in this field vary greatly. In this review we present the currently available evidence for the use of colon capsule endoscopy to complement colonoscopy failure to reach the cecum and its use to evaluate ulcerative colitis disease activity and extent. Moreover, we provide an outlook on issues requiring further investigation before the capsule becomes a mainstream alternative to colonoscopy in such cases.

Partially hydrolyzed guar gum accelerates colonic transit time and improves symptoms in adults with chronic constipation.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Partially hydrolyzed guar gum (PHGG) is a water-soluble, non-gelling dietary fiber with a wide range of uses in clinical nutrition. The aim of this prospective study was to investigate the effect of guar gum on colonic transit time (CTT) and symptoms of chronic constipation. METHODS: We enrolled patients fulfilling Rome III criteria for chronic constipation. CTT was measured before and at the end of treatment. After a 2-week run-in period, patients received 5 mg PHGG daily for 4 weeks. During study period, patients kept daily symptoms, stool and laxative usage diaries. They also recorded their symptom-related satisfaction weekly and treatment adverse events. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients received treatment; 39 (80 %) completed the study. Treatment significantly reduced colon transit time, from 57.28 ± 39.25 to 45.63 ± 37.27 h (p = 0.026), a reduction more prominent in slow transit patients (from 85.50 ± 27.75 to 63.65 ± 38.11 h, p = 0.016). Overall, the weekly number of complete spontaneous and spontaneous bowel movements increased significantly (p < 0.001); the latter correlated significantly with the acceleration of CTT in the overall population and in slow transit patients (B = 0.382; p = 0.016 and B = 0.483; p = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the number of bowel movements with straining decreased (p < 0.001) and stool form improved (p < 0.001), while days with laxative intake and days with abdominal pain decreased (p = 0.001 and p = 0.027, respectively). CONCLUSION: Four-week PHGG use accelerates colon transit time in patients with chronic constipation, especially in those with slow transit, and improves many of their symptoms including frequency of bowel movements.