Upcoming Italian clinical practice guidelines on endoscopic bariatric treatment of overweight and obesity: design and methodological aspects.

Obesity/overweight and its complications are a growing problem in many countries. Italian Society of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery for Obesity (Società Italiana di Chirurgia dell'Obesità e delle Malattie Metaboliche-SICOB) decided to develop the first Italian guidelines for the endoscopic bariatric treatment of obesity. The creation of SICOB Guidelines is based on an extended work made by a panel of 44 members and a coordinator. Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) methodology has been used to decide the aims, reference population, and target health professionals. Clinical questions have been created using the PICO (patient, intervention, comparison, outcome) conceptual framework. We will perform systematic reviews, formal meta-analyses, and network meta-analyses for each PICO and critical outcomes aimed at assessing and rating the efficacy and safety of endoscopic bariatric procedures in comparison with either no interventions, lifestyle interventions, or approved anti-obesity treatments in trials with a follow-up of at least 52 weeks. For PICO on temporary endoscopic bariatric treatments, we will also consider RCT with a minimum duration of 6 months. The panel proposed 8 questions, organized into four domains: A. Indication for endoscopic bariatric surgery; B. Revisional surgery; C. Temporary gastric and duodenal-jejunal procedures; D. Endoscopic diagnosis/treatment of bariatric and metabolic surgery complications. These guidelines will apply to patients aged ≥ 14 years) with body mass index (BMI) ≥ 27 kg/m2 and requiring endoscopic bariatric surgery or endoscopic diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures. The areas covered by the clinical questions included indications of endoscopic bariatric surgery, types of surgery, revisional surgery, and management of bariatric and metabolic surgery complications.

A prospective analysis of the postoperative and long-term functional outcomes of a novel technique to perform rectal transection during laparoscopic restorative proctectomy and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) technique is not standardized. An irregular division of the rectum could result in poor functional outcomes and residual diseased mucosa. The aim of the study was to develop a new technique for performing the rectal transection via a laparoscopic approach, and to compare the outcomes of this technique with those of the open surgery IPAA. METHODS: This prospective study included all patients who underwent restorative proctectomy (following a previous subtotal colectomy) for ulcerative colitis in October 2017-November 2020. Rectal division was performed using a 30 mm open linear stapler which was applied laparoscopically across the distal rectum. Postoperative and functional outcomes, length of anal stump and completeness of mucosal removal were compared. Only the patients who had their ileostomy reversed by 31 December 2020 and, therefore, a minimum follow-up of 6 months from the ileostomy closure, were included in the analysis of the functional outcomes and quality of life. RESULTS: There were 207 patients (161 laparoscopic, 46 open). Median age was 43 (18-77) years and 85 patients (41.1%) were male. Major complications (9.3 vs. 8.7%, p = 0.89) including anastomotic leaks (3.7 vs 4.4%, p = 0.84) were similar after laparoscopic and open IPAA. Patients reported a comparable number of bowel movements during the day (6 vs. 7, p = 0.21) and at night (2 vs. 2, p = 0.66), and a similar rate of episodes of incontinence during the previous 6 months (3.7 vs. 4.3%, p = 0.75). The mean Cleveland Global Quality of Life score was also similar (0.79 vs. 0.74, p = 0.35). CONCLUSION: Our technique is safe and reproducible, and replicates the results of the open IPAA, while maintaining the advantages of minimally invasive surgery and avoiding any kind of anal manipulation which could result in poor long-term functional outcomes.

Granular Data: A Rare Submucosal Tumor of the Colon-Case Report and Review of the Literature.

INTRODUCTION: Granular cellular tumors are unusual lesions that can occur in the gastrointestinal tract, where they localize most commonly to the esophagus followed by the colon. AREAS COVERED: We report a case of a young man with a sub-epithelial lesion of the ascending colon, removed by endoscopic submucosal dissection. Histological examination revealed a granular cellular tumor without features of malignancy. We present a systematic review of the English literature evaluating granular cellular tumors of lower gastrointestinal tract. EXPERT COMMENTARY: These tumors are usually asymptomatic and discovered incidentally during endoscopy performed for other reasons. Though their histological behavior is usually benign, 1-2% are malignant. Therefore, it is important that these lesions are excised and adequately pathologically characterized.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Stented Gastro-Gastrostomy for Strictured Vertical Banded Gastroplasty.

Herein, we make a video presentation of an endoscopic reversal of a strictured vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG), carried out through an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided transluminal therapy system, in order to accurately identify the common gastric wall and to allow the application of an endoscopic stent. The operative time was 60 min, and no intraoperative complication was recorded. On postoperative day 1, an upper GI swallow showed the oral contrast easily flowing into the body of the stomach throughout the stent. A semi-solid diet was started on day 1. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged on day 2. At the 3-month follow-up visit, the patient denied further symptoms. The follow-up upper GI swallow and endoscopy showed a patent gastro-gastrostomy and no residual gastric pouch dilation or stagnation of the oral contrast, and the stent was therefore removed. Gastro-gastrostomy by endoscopic stenting appears to be an effective option to relief symptoms in strictured VBG, and EUS guidance has made access to the target structure easier and safer.

TAMIS-Flap Technique: Full-thickness Advancement Rectal Flap for High Perianal Fistulae Performed Through Transanal Minimally Invasive Surgery.

The formation of an advancement rectal flap could be technically demanding in the presence of high perianal of rectovaginal fistula, and the outcomes could be frustrated by the inadequate view, bleeding and a poor exposure through the standard transanal approach. The application of the transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) to the advancement rectal flap procedure could overcome these difficulties. In the lithotomy position, a partial fistulectomy was performed and the internal opening was closed. A full-thickness flap was mobilized initially through the classic transanal approach. Subsequently, the TAMIS port was inserted and the mobilization of the flap was carried on proximally for as long as required. The laparoscopic visualization allowed a perfect view, a proper orientation of the flap and accurate hemostasis. The TAMIS-flap procedure seems a promising technique to perform a long advancement rectal flap to treat high perianal or rectovaginal fistulae (Video, Supplemental Digital Content 1, http://links.lww.com/SLE/A208).

Prepouch Ileitis After Ileal Pouch-anal Anastomosis: Patterns of Presentation and Risk Factors for Failure of Treatment.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: There is a lack in the literature about prepouch ileitis [PI], in particular regarding risk factors associated with failure of the medical treatment. Aim of the study is to analyse the characteristics of PI patients and to compare those who required surgery with those who were successfully treated with conservative therapy. METHODS: All cases presenting a diagnosis of PI were included and analysed. Patients eventually requiring surgery were compared with those who were managed conservatively, for symptoms of presentation, endoscopic characteristics, and rate of response to medical treatment. A sub-analysis of outcomes based on the final histology was performed. RESULTS: The overall incidence of PI among 1286 patients was 4.4% [57], after a median of 6.8 years from pouch surgery. Symptoms included increased frequency [26.4%], outlet obstruction [21%], and bleeding [15.8%]. Afferent limb stenosis affected 49.1% of patients. The comparison showed that patients requiring surgery had a higher rate of Crohn's disease and indeterminate colitis [42.1 vs 0% and 15.8 vs 2.6%, p < 0.0001], outlet obstruction as main symptom [47.4 vs 7.9%, p = 0.0023], and afferent limb stenosis [73.7 vs 36.8%, p = 0.008] at endoscopy. Rate of failure of medical treatment at 5 years was 8.2% in patients with ulcerative colitis and 75% in the presence of both indeterminate colitis and Crohn's disease [p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: Crohn's disease, indeterminate colitis, and stenosis with outlet obstruction are risk factors for failure of treatment after diagnosis of PI. Early aggressive therapy and surgery should be considered in these cases.

Mucosa-associated microbiota dysbiosis in colitis associated cancer.

Gut microbiota dysbiosis has been associated with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). In colorectal cancer, the gut microbiota has also been recognized as potentially involved in aggravating or favoring the tumor development. However, very little is known on the structure and role of the microbiota in colitis associated cancer (CAC), an important complication of IBD in human. Here we analyzed the bacterial and fungal composition of the mucosa associated microbiota of patients suffering CAC, sporadic cancer (SC) and of healthy subjects (HS) by barcode sequences analysis on the following cohort: 7 CAC patients, 10 SC patients and 10 HS using 16S (MiSeq) and ITS2 (pyrosequencing) sequencing, for bacteria and fungi respectively. Mucosa-associated bacterial microbiota in CAC was significantly different from the ones in SC or in HS, while the fungal showed no differences. Comparison between mucosa-associated microbiota on the tumor site or in normal mucosa near the tumor showed very similar patterns. The global mucosa-associated bacterial microbiota in cancer patients was characterized by a restriction in biodiversity but no change for the fungal community. Compared to SC, CAC was characterized by an increase of Enterobacteriacae family and Sphingomonas genus and a decrease of Fusobacterium and Ruminococcus genus. Our study confirms the alteration of the mucosa-associated bacterial microbiota in IBD and SC. Although the cohort is limited in number, this is the first evidence of the existence of an altered bacterial microbiota in CAC clearly different from the one in SC patients.

Total Lymphadenectomy and Nodes-Based Prognostic Factors in Surgical Intervention for Esophageal Adenocarcinoma.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate prognostic factors based on the number of resected lymph nodes, we considered 202 patients who underwent radical resection and "total lymphadenectomy" for esophageal adenocarcinoma according to a prospective protocol. METHODS: Fifty-eight tumors surrounded by Barrett's epithelium underwent esophagectomy and esophagogastrostomy, and 144 tumors without Barrett's epithelium underwent esophageal resection at the azygos vein level, total gastrectomy, and Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy. All nodes and fat tissue were resected at the following stations: chest 4L and R3, R4, R7, R8, and R9 (TNM seventh edition) and abdomen 1-12 according to the Japanese Classification of Gastric Carcinoma (1998). The nodes were counted, excluding fragments. The correlations between the number of nodes yielded and the ratio of the metastatic lymph nodes/lymph nodes yielded with pT stage, grading measurements, and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 6,270 nodes were yielded (interquartile range per patient, 22-38; minimum, 4 nodes; maximum, 61 nodes). In 3 of 21 (14%) stage pT1 cases, less than 10 nodes were counted, in 2 of 27 (8%) stage pT2 cases, less than 20 were counted, and in 73 of 154 (47%) stage pT3-4 cases, less than 30 nodes were counted. The lymph node yield (LNY) and T stage were not correlated (r = 0 .048; p = 0.5). The metastatic lymph nodes to lymph nodes yielded ratio was correlated with pT stage (r = 0.272; p = 0.0001), and G (r = 0.385; p = 0.0001). CSS positively correlated with pT stage (p = 0.02), G (p = 0.001), and metastatic lymph nodes/lymph nodes yielded ratio (p = 0.01) (multivariate analysis). CONCLUSIONS: The total number of lymph nodes to be removed in total and within each T stage indicated as thresholds could not be reached in up to 38.6% of patients. The metastatic lymph nodes/lymph nodes yield ratio not the total LNY, did correlate with cancer-specific survival.

Results of left thoracoscopic Collis gastroplasty with laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for the surgical treatment of true short oesophagus in gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and Type III-IV hiatal hernia.

OBJECTIVES: Controversy exists regarding surgery for true short oesophagus (TSOE). We compared the results of thoracoscopic Collis gastroplasty-laparoscopic Nissen procedure for the treatment of TSOE with the results of standard laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. METHODS: Between 1995 and 2013, the Collis-Nissen procedure was performed in 65 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery when the length of the abdominal oesophagus, measured intraoperatively after maximal oesophageal mediastinal mobilization, was ≤1.5 cm. The results of the Collis-Nissen procedure were frequency-matched according to age, sex and period of surgical treatment with those of 65 standard Nissen fundoplication procedures in patients with a length of the abdominal oesophagus >1.5 cm. Postoperative mortality and morbidity were evaluated according to the Accordion classification. The patients underwent a timed clinical-instrumental follow-up that included symptoms assessment, barium swallow and endoscopy. Symptoms, oesophagitis and global results were graded according to semi-quantitative scales. The results were considered to be excellent in the absence of symptoms and oesophagitis, good if symptoms occurred two to four times a month in the absence of oesophagitis, fair if symptoms occurred two to four times a week in the presence of hyperaemia, oedema and/or microscopic oesophagitis and poor if symptoms occurred on a daily basis in the presence of any grade of endoscopic oesophagitis, hiatal hernia of any size or type, or the need for antireflux medical therapy. The follow-up time was calculated from the time of surgery to the last complete follow-up. RESULTS: The postoperative mortality rate was 1.5% for the Collis-Nissen and 0 for the Nissen procedure. The postoperative complication rate was 24% for the Collis-Nissen and 7% for Nissen (P = 0.001) procedure. The complication rate for the Collis-Nissen procedure was 43% in the first 32 cases and 6% in the last 33 cases (P < 0.0001). The median follow-up period was 96 months. The results were: excellent in 27% of Collis-Nissen and 29% of Nissen; good in 64% of Collis-Nissen and 55% of Nissen; fair in 3% of Collis-Nissen and 11% of Nissen and poor in 6% of Collis-Nissen and 5% of Nissen (P = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS: In patients affected by a TSOE, the Collis-Nissen procedure may achieve equally satisfactory results as the standard Nissen procedure in uncomplicated patients. CLINICAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT02288988.

Fungal Dysbiosis in Mucosa-associated Microbiota of Crohn's Disease Patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gut microbiota is involved in many physiological functions and its imbalance is associated with several diseases, particularly with inflammatory bowel diseases. Mucosa-associated microbiota could have a key role in induction of host immunity and in inflammatory process. Although the role of fungi has been suggested in inflammatory disease pathogenesis, the fungal microbiota has not yet been deeply explored. Here we analysed the bacterial and fungal composition of the mucosa-associated microbiota of Crohn's disease patients and healthy subjects. METHODS: Our prospective, observational study evaluated bacterial and fungal composition of mucosa-associated microbiota of 23 Crohn's disease patients [16 in flare, 7 in remission] and 10 healthy subjects, using 16S [MiSeq] and ITS2 [pyrosequencing] sequencing, respectively. Global fungal load was assessed by real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Bacterial microbiota in Crohn's disease patients was characterised by a restriction in biodiversity. with an increase of Proteobacteria and Fusobacteria. Global fungus load was significantly increased in Crohn's disease flare compared with healthy subjects [p < 0.05]. In both groups, the colonic mucosa-associated fungal microbiota was dominated by Basidiomycota and Ascomycota phyla. Cystofilobasidiaceae family and Candida glabrata species were overrepresented in Crohn's disease. Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Filobasidium uniguttulatum species were associated with non-inflamed mucosa, whereas Xylariales order was associated with inflamed mucosa. CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the alteration of the bacterial microbiota and is the first demonstration of the existence of an altered fungal microbiota in Crohn's disease patients, suggesting that fungi may play a role in pathogenesis.

Surgery for Type III-IV hiatal hernia: anatomical recurrence and global results after elective treatment of short oesophagus with open and minimally invasive surgery.

OBJECTIVES: Type III-IV hiatal hernia (HH) is associated with a true short oesophagus in more than 50% of cases; dedicated treatment of this condition might be appropriate to reduce the recurrence rate after surgery. A case series of patients receiving surgery for Type III-IV hernia was examined for short oesophagus, and the results were analysed. METHODS: From 1980 to 1994, 60 patients underwent an open surgical approach, and the position of the oesophago-gastric junction was visually localized; from 1995 to 2013, 48 patients underwent a minimally invasive approach, and the oesophago-gastric junction was objectively localized using a laparoscopic-endoscopic method. The patients underwent a timed clinical-instrumental follow-up that included symptoms assessment, barium swallow and endoscopy. The results were considered to be excellent in the absence of symptoms and oesophagitis; good, if symptoms occurred two to four times a month in the absence of oesophagitis; fair, if symptoms occurred two to four times a week in the presence of hyperaemia, oedema and/or microscopic oesophagitis; and poor, if symptoms occurred on a daily basis in the presence of any grade of endoscopic oesophagitis, HH of any size or type, or the need for antireflux medical therapy. The follow-up time was calculated from the time of surgery to the last complete follow-up. RESULTS: Among the open surgery patients, 78% underwent abdominal fundoplication, 10% the Belsey Mark IV procedure, 8% laparotomic Collis-Nissen fundoplication and 3% the Pearson operation. Among the minimally invasive surgery patients, 44% underwent a laparoscopic floppy Nissen procedure and 56% a left thoracoscopic Collis-laparoscopic Nissen procedure. The postoperative mortality and complication rates were 1.6% (1/60) and 15% for open surgery and 4.1% (2/48) and 12.5% for minimally invasive surgery. A total of 105 patients were followed up for a median period of 96 months. Five relapses occurred after open surgery (5/59, 8%) and two after minimally invasive surgery (2/46, 4%). Among the 105 patients, excellent, good, fair and poor outcomes were observed in 38%, 44%, 9% and 9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggested that the selective treatment of short oesophagus in association with a Type III-IV hernia reduced the anatomical recurrence rate and achieved satisfactory outcomes. CLINICALTRIALSGOV ID: NCT01606449.

Collis-Nissen gastroplasty for short oesophagus.

The Collis-Nissen procedure is performed for the surgical treatment of 'true short oesophagus'. When this condition is strongly suspected radiologically, the patient is placed in the 45° left lateral position on the operating table with the left chest and arm lifted to perform a thoracostomy in the V-VI space, posterior to the axillary line. The hiatus is opened and the distal oesophagus is widely mobilized. With intraoperative endoscopy, the position of the oesophago-gastric junction in relationship to the hiatus is determined and the measurement of the length of the intra-abdominal oesophagus is performed to decide either to carry out a standard anti-reflux procedure or to lengthen the oesophagus. If the oesophagus is irreversibly short ('true short oesophagus'), the short gastric vessels are divided and the gastric fundus is mobilized. An endostapler is introduced into the left chest. The left thoracoscopic approach is suitable to control effectively the otherwise blind passage of the endostapler into the mediastinum and upper abdomen (if a second optic is not used). The tip of the stapler is clearly visible while 'walking' on the left diaphragm. The Collis gastroplasty is performed over a 46 Maloney bougie. A floppy Nissen fundoplication and the hiatoplasty complete the procedure.

Esophagogastric metaplasia relates to nodal metastases in adenocarcinoma of esophagus and cardia.

BACKGROUND: Immunohistochemical profiles of esophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma differ according to the presence or absence of Barrett's epithelium (BIM) and gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) in the fundus and antrum. Different lymphatic spreading has been demonstrated in esophageal adenocarcinoma. We investigated the correlation among the presence or absence of intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus and stomach and lymphatic metastases in patients who underwent radical surgery for esophageal and cardia adenocarcinoma. METHODS: The mucosa surrounding the adenocarcinoma and the gastric mucosa were analyzed. The BIM+ patients underwent subtotal esophagectomy and gastric pull up, and the BIM- patients underwent esophagectomy at the azygos vein, total gastrectomy, and esophagojejunostomy. The radical thoracic (station numbers 2, 3, 4R, 7, 8, and 9) and abdominal (station numbers 15 through 20) lymphadenectomy was identical in both procedures except for the greater curvature. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-four consecutive patients were collected in three major groups: BIM+/GIM-, 52 patients (26.8%); BIM-/GIM-, 90 patients (46.4%); BIM-/GIM+, 50 patients (25.8%). Two patients (1%) were BIM+/GIM+. A total of 6,010 lymph nodes were resected: 1,515 were recovered in BIM+, 1,587 in BIM-/GIM+, and 2,908 in BIM-/GIM- patients. The percentage of patients with pN+ stations 8 and 9 was higher in BIM+ (p=0.001), and the percentage of patients with pN+ perigastric stations was higher in BIM- (p=0.001). The BIM-/GIM- patients had a number of abdominal metastatic lymph nodes higher than did the BIM-/GIM+ patients (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: According to the presence or absence of BIM and GIM in the esophagus and cardia, adenocarcinoma correspond to three different patterns of lymphatic metastasization, which may reflect different biologic and carcinogenetic pathways.

Unexpected changes in the gastric remnant in asymptomatic patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on vertical banded gastroplasty.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study are to evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic changes in the remnant stomach at mid-term follow-up of patients who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass on vertical banded gastroplasty (RYGB-on-VBG). The stomach could be reached through a 1.1-cm gastro-gastrostomy with an endoscope of standard size. METHODS: From January 2009 to July 2010, 51 asymptomatic patients at 4 and 5 years follow-up after RYGB-on-VBG submitted to upper endoscopy. All of them were examined with standard endoscopy with collection of biopsies in gastric fundus, body, and antrum. The macroscopic and microscopic findings were analyzed according to Sydney Classification. RESULTS: The endoscopy of the remnant stomach was technically easy and already showed on macroscopic examination 90 % cases of gastritis (41.2 % mild, 49 % severe) with tendency of severity in the distal stomach part. Histological analysis detected 39.2 % of active gastritis, 50.6 % of quiescent gastritis, 7.8 % of intestinal metaplasia, and 3.9 % of lymphoma-like gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: The results surprised us. We found a very high rate of mucosa abnormalities after RYGB-on-VBG. All of the patients have to be regularly controlled in follow-up and treatment has to be introduced when needed. Again, we would like to ask the question: what is happening with the remnant stomach after standard RYGB, banded gastric bapass, or minigastric bypass? Did we reach the time to answer the question?

The frequency of true short oesophagus in type II-IV hiatal hernia.

OBJECTIVES: The misdiagnosis of short oesophagus may occur on recurrence of the hernia after surgery for type II-IV hiatal hernia (HH). The frequency of short oesophagus in type II-IV hernia is undefined. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of true short oesophagus in patients undergoing surgery for type II-IV hernia. METHODS: Thirty-four patients with type II-IV hernia underwent minimally invasive surgery. After full isolation of the oesophago-gastric junction, the position of the gastric folds was localized endoscopically and two clips were applied in correspondence. The distance between the clips and the diaphragm (intra-abdominal oesophageal length) was measured. When the intra-abdominal oesophagus was <1.5 cm after oesophageal mobilization, the Collis procedure was performed. After surgery, patients underwent a follow-up, comprehensive of barium swallow and endoscopy. RESULTS: After mediastinal mobilization (median 10 cm), the intra-abdominal oesophageal length was >1.5 cm in 17 patients (4 type II, 11 type III and 2 type IV) and ≤ 1.5 cm in 17 patients (13 type III and 4 type IV hernia). No statistically significant differences were found between patients with intra-abdominal oesophageal length > or ≤ 1.5 cm with respect to symptoms duration and severity. Global results (median follow-up 48 months) were excellent in 44% of patients, good in 50%, fair in 3% and poor in 3%. HH relapse occurred in 3%. CONCLUSIONS: True short oesophagus is present in 57% of type III-IV and in none of type II HHs. The intraoperative measurement of the submerged intra-abdominal oesophagus is an objective method for recognizing these patients.

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding: single centre experience of capsule endoscopy.

The advent of capsule endoscopy (CE) has resulted in a paradigm shift in the approach to the diagnosis and management of patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB). With increasing global availability of this diagnostic tool, it has now become an integral part of the diagnostic algorithm for OGIB in most parts of the world. However, there is scant data on optimum timing of CE for maximizing diagnostic yield. OGIB continues to be a challenge because of delay in diagnosis and consequent morbidity and mortality. We evaluated the diagnostic yield of CE in identifying the source of bleeding in patients with OGIB. We identified patients who underwent CE at our institution from May 2006 to May 2011. The patients' medical records were reviewed to determine the type of OGIB (occult, overt), CE results and complications, and timing of CE with respect to onset of bleeding. Out of 346 patients investigated for OGIB, 246 (71.1%) had some lesion detected by CE. In 206 patients (59.5%), definite lesions were detected that could unequivocally explain the OGIB. Small bowel angiodysplasia, ulcer/erosions secondary to Crohn's disease, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent use, and neoplasms were the commonest lesions detected. Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 311 (89.9%) of cases. Capsule retention was noted in five patients (1.4%). In this study, CE was proven to be a safe, comfortable, and effective, with a high rate of accuracy for diagnosing OGIB.

Barrier effect of Esoxx(®) on esophageal mucosal damage: experimental study on ex-vivo swine model.

The aim of the present study was to assess the potential barrier effect of Esoxx(®), a new nonprescription medication under development for the relief of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Esoxx is based on a mixture of hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate in a bioadhesive suspension of Lutrol(®) F 127 polymer (poloxamer 407) which facilitates the product adhesion on the esophageal mucosa. The mucosal damage was induced by 15 to 90 minutes of perfusion with an acidic solution (HCl, pH 1.47) with or without pepsin (2000 U/mL, acidified to pH 2; Sigma-Aldrich). Mucosal esophageal specimens were histologically evaluated and Evans blue dye solution was used to assess the permeability of the swine mucosa after the chemical injury. The results show that: (1) esophageal mucosal damage is related to the perfusion time and to the presence of pepsin, (2) mucosal damage is associated with an increased permeability, documented by an evident Evans blue staining, (3) perfusion with Esoxx is able to reduce the permeability of the injured mucosa, even after saline washing of the swine esophagus. These preliminary results support further clinical studies of Esoxx in the topical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux symptoms.

Improving the surgery for sigmoid achalasia: long-term results of a technical detail.

OBJECTIVE: Heller myotomy results for the treatment of sigmoid achalasia are worse than those achieved for fusiform achalasia. We retrospectively examined two groups of sigmoid achalasia patients, in which we performed (1) the standard Heller-Dor procedure (no pull-down) and (2) the Heller-Dor plus a technique apt to obtain the verticality of the oesophageal axis (pull-down). We verified whether the latter technique improved long-term results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We considered 33 patients affected by primitive oesophageal sigmoid achalasia operated upon consecutively (1979-2005). Diagnosis was based on symptoms, manometry, radiology and endoscopy. After 1987, we routinely isolated 360 degrees of the gastro-oesophageal junction and the lower oesophagus and applied U stitches at the right side of the lower oesophagus to pull down and rotate the gastro-oesophageal junction toward the right. Fifteen patients underwent the no pull-down and 18 patients underwent the pull-down technique. Postoperative follow-up included objective clinical and instrumental evaluation (questionnaire filled by a surgeon including the assessment of symptoms and endoscopic reflux oesophagitis according to a semi-quantitative scale) and subjective evaluation (self-evaluation SF-36 questionnaire). RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 89 months (range 12-261 months). The postoperative dysphagia score was significantly improved in the entire group. Excellent results were present in 12 patients (36.4%), good in 11 (33.3%), fair in 3 (9.1%) and insufficient in 7 patients (21.2%). No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups with regard to the postoperative symptoms and oesophagitis. Postoperative radiological measurements of oesophageal diameter and residual barium column were significantly improved in the whole group and within each group with respect to the radiological variables measured preoperatively (p=0.000). In the comparison of the two groups, statistically significant differences were observed with regard to mean oesophageal diameter (p=0.030) (pull-down, 4+/-0.9 cm; no pull-down, 4.7+/-0.6 cm) and residual barium column (p=0.048) (pull-down, 6.2+/-3.4 cm; no pull-down, 9.6+/-5.8 cm). CONCLUSIONS: The Heller-Dor operation is effective in the presence of sigmoid achalasia. The clinical objective and subjective evaluations show a trend toward the improvement of results with the pull-down technique. Stronger statistical significance would probably be obtained from a larger case series.

Immunopathological patterns of the stomach in adenocarcinoma of the esophagus, cardia, and gastric antrum: gastric profiles in Siewert type I and II tumors.

BACKGROUND: The morphologic and immunohistochemical profiles of gastric mucosa and of the tumor were assessed in Siewert type I, type II, and gastric antrum adenocarcinomas. METHODS: Sixty-two patients, prospectively operated upon, were included in the study: 37 type II, 15 type I, and 10 antrum adenocarcinoma. Samples of the tumor, the surrounding area, and the gastric corpus and antrum were analyzed histologically, and immunostained for cytokeratins (CK)7/20 (staining positive for cells labeled > or = 50%). RESULTS: Among the 37 type II adenocarcinomas were the following: (1) 13 of 37 (35%) had intestinal metaplasia (IM) in the stomach; (2) 24 of 37 (65%) did not show IM at any level; (3) 34 of 37 (92%) had Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection; (4) 13 of 37(35%) had CK7/20 expression of "Barrett's type" (CK7+/20-); 24 of 37 (65%) had a "no Barrett's type" profile (10 of 37 with CK7-/CK20+ and 14 of 37 with CK7+/CK20+); (5) 100% showed the same CK immunoprofile, both in IM and adenocarcinoma (measure of agreement k = 1, p = 0.000). Type I adenocarcinomas showed the following: (1) 87.5% CK Barrett's type, both in the tumor, and in the surrounding IM; (2) 100% gastric samples devoid of both IM and HP infection. Comparison between CK immunoprofiles in type I and type II tumors showed a difference within the two groups (p = 0.002). One hundred percent of antrum adenocarcinomas showed a no Barrett's type CK profile, both in the tumor and in the IM of the entire stomach. CONCLUSIONS: Data suggest that type II adenocarcinoma cannot be always considered a gastroesophageal reflux disease-related tumor; other pathogenetic pathways should be taken into consideration.