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Background A significant proportion of upper gastrointestinal cancers (UGICs) remain undetected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). We investigated the characteristics and risk factors of UGICs missed during endoscopy. Methods In this nationwide registry-based study, we analyzed two large Polish datasets (National Health Fund and National Cancer Registry) to identify individuals who underwent EGD and were subsequently diagnosed with UGIC. Cancers diagnosed Results We included 4 105 399 patients (mean age 56.0 years [SD 17.4]; 57.5 % female) who underwent 5 877 674 EGDs in 2012–2018. Within this cohort, 33 241 UGICs were diagnosed, of which 1993 (6.0 %) were missed. Within esophageal neoplasms, adenocarcinomas were more frequently missed than squamous cell cancers (6.1 % vs. 4.2 %), with a relative risk of 1.4 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.1–1.8, P = 0.01). Most gastric cancers were adenocarcinomas, of which 5.7 % were classified as missed. Overall, a higher proportion of missed UGICs than prevalent cancers presented at an advanced stage (42.2 % vs. 36.2 %, P Conclusions Among UGICs, esophageal adenocarcinomas were missed most frequently. Missed cancers occur more frequently within the primary care sector and are found more often in women and individuals with multiple comorbidities.

Background: Although colonoscopy is widely used as a screening test to detect colorectal cancer, its effect on the risks of colorectal cancer and related death is unclear. Methods: We performed a pragmatic, randomized trial involving presumptively healthy men and women 55 to 64 years of age drawn from population registries in Poland, Norway, Sweden, and the Netherlands between 2009 and 2014. The participants were randomly assigned in a 1:2 ratio to either receive an invitation to undergo a single screening colonoscopy (the invited group) or to receive no invitation or screening (the usual-care group). The primary end points were the risks of colorectal cancer and related death, and the secondary end point was death from any cause. Results: Follow-up data were available for 84,585 participants in Poland, Norway, and Sweden - 28,220 in the invited group, 11,843 of whom (42.0%) underwent screening, and 56,365 in the usual-care group. A total of 15 participants had major bleeding after polyp removal. No perforations or screening-related deaths occurred within 30 days after colonoscopy. During a median follow-up of 10 years, 259 cases of colorectal cancer were diagnosed in the invited group as compared with 622 cases in the usual-care group. In intention-to-screen analyses, the risk of colorectal cancer at 10 years was 0.98% in the invited group and 1.20% in the usual-care group, a risk reduction of 18% (risk ratio, 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70 to 0.93). The risk of death from colorectal cancer was 0.28% in the invited group and 0.31% in the usual-care group (risk ratio, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.64 to 1.16). The number needed to invite to undergo screening to prevent one case of colorectal cancer was 455 (95% CI, 270 to 1429). The risk of death from any cause was 11.03% in the invited group and 11.04% in the usual-care group (risk ratio, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.04). Conclusions: In this randomized trial, the risk of colorectal cancer at 10 years was lower among participants who were invited to undergo screening colonoscopy than among those who were assigned to no screening. (Funded by the Research Council of Norway and others; NordICC ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00883792.).

In the era of populational screening programs for colorectal cancer, evaluation of their quality and efficacy becomes an important issue. One of the main criteria taken into account when assessing the quality of a screening program is related to the risk of colorectal cancer developing in the period between the screening colonoscopy and the control examination. The objective of this article consists in presenting the results of the doctoral research carried out by dr. Paulina Wieszcza, a beneficient of the Polpharma Scientific Foundation scholarship. The objective of the doctoral dissertation was to investigate and discuss the relationship between the definition of risk groups as well as the quality of the study and the risk of colorectal cancer developing after the screening colonoscopy. The risk of colorectal cancer developing following adenomas being removed during the screening colonoscopy procedure was assessed using data obtained from the Colorectal Cancer Screening Program and the National Cancer Registry databases. The quality of the study was assessed on the basis of literature evidence regarding the adenoma detection rates (ADR). A total of 236.089 patients were included in colorectal cancer risk analyses, with at least one adenoma being detected in a screening study in 17.7% of cases. Over the follow-up period (median of 7 years, maximum duration of 14 years), colorectal cancer was detected in 439 patients. It was demonstrated that when the high-risk group was defined as patients presenting with adenomas ≥ 20 mm in diameter or high grade dysplasia rather than patients with ≥ 3 adenomas or adenomas ≥10 mm in diameter with high grade dysplasia or villous component (current definition), the number of patients requiring intensive surveillance can be reduced by 74% without any impact on the risk in the low-risk group. The literature review revealed a total of three studies which clearly showed that the risk of colorectal cancer significantly decreased with the increase in the endoscopist’s ADR. Restricting the high-risk group to patients with adenomas ≥ 20 mm in diameter or high-grade dysplasia facilitates optimized care being delivered to patients with a significantly increased risk of colorectal cancer. Scientific evidence is available for the important role of endoscopist’s ADR as the key parameter of the quality of colonoscopic examination.

This paper is an update of the diagnostic and therapeutic recommendations of the National Consultant for Gastroenterology and the Polish Society of Gastroenterology from 2012. It contains 46 recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment, both pharmacological and surgical, of Crohn's disease in adults. The guidelines were developed by a group of experts appointed by the Polish Society of Gastroenterology and the National Consultant in the field of Gastroenterology. The methodology related to the GRADE methodology was used to assess the quality and strength of the available recommendations. The degree of expert support for the proposed statement, assessment of the quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendation was assessed on a 6-point Likert scale. Voting results, quality and strength ratings with comments are included with each statement.

Main RecommendationsThe following recommendations for post-polypectomy colonoscopic surveillance apply to all patients who had one or more polyps that were completely removed during a high quality baseline colonoscopy. 1 ESGE recommends that patients with complete removal of 1 – 4 Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence.If organized screening is not available, repetition of colonoscopy 10 years after the index procedure is recommended.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2 ESGE recommends surveillance colonoscopy after 3 years for patients with complete removal of at least 1 adenoma ≥ 10 mm or with high grade dysplasia, or ≥ 5 adenomas, or any serrated polyp ≥ 10 mm or with dysplasia. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3 ESGE recommends a 3 – 6-month early repeat colonoscopy following piecemeal endoscopic resection of polyps ≥ 20 mm.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. A first surveillance colonoscopy 12 months after the repeat colonoscopy is recommended to detect late recurrence.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 4 If no polyps requiring surveillance are detected at the first surveillance colonoscopy, ESGE suggests to perform a second surveillance colonoscopy after 5 years. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.After that, if no polyps requiring surveillance are detected, patients can be returned to screening. 5 ESGE suggests that, if polyps requiring surveillance are detected at first or subsequent surveillance examinations, surveillance colonoscopy may be performed at 3 years. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence.A flowchart showing the recommended surveillance intervals is provided (Fig. 1).

Current guidelines recommend a 10-year interval between screening colonoscopies, but evidence is limited.To assess the long-term risk for colorectal cancer (CRC) and death from CRC after a high- and low-quality single negative screening colonoscopy.Observational study.Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program.Average-risk individuals aged 50 to 66 years who had a single negative colonoscopy (no neoplastic findings).Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) and standardized mortality ratios (SMRs) of CRC after high- and low-quality single negative screening colonoscopy. High-quality colonoscopy included a complete examination, with adequate bowel preparation, performed by endoscopists with an adenoma detection rate of 20% or greater.Among 165 887 individuals followed for up to 17.4 years, CRC incidence (0.28 [95% CI, 0.25 to 0.30]) and mortality (0.19 [CI, 0.16 to 0.21]) were 72% and 81% lower, respectively, than in the general population. High-quality examination resulted in 2-fold lower CRC incidence (SIR, 0.16 [CI, 0.13 to 0.20]) and mortality (SMR, 0.10 [CI, 0.06 to 0.14]) than low-quality examination (SIR, 0.32 [CI, 0.29 to 0.35]; SMR, 0.22 [CI, 0.18 to 0.25]). In multivariable analysis, the hazard ratios for CRC incidence after high-quality versus low-quality colonoscopy were 0.55 (CI, 0.35 to 0.86) for 0 to 5 years, 0.54 (CI, 0.38 to 0.77) for 5.1 to 10 years, and 0.46 (CI, 0.25 to 0.86) for 10 to 17.4 years. Only after high-quality colonoscopy did the SIR and SMR for 10.1 to 17.4 years of follow-up not differ compared with earlier observation periods.The general population was used as the comparison group.A single negative screening colonoscopy was associated with reduced CRC incidence and mortality for up to 17.4 years. Only high-quality colonoscopy yielded profound and stable reductions in CRC incidence and mortality throughout the entire follow-up.Polish Ministry of Health.

Background This study evaluated the impact of power setting and proton pump inhibitor (PPI) dose on efficacy and safety of argon plasma coagulation (APC) of Barrett’s esophagus (BE) with low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Methods 71 patients were randomized to APC with power set at 90 W or 60 W followed by 120 mg or 40 mg omeprazole. The primary outcome was the rate of complete (endoscopic and histologic) ablation of BE at 6 weeks. Secondary outcomes included safety and long-term efficacy. Results Complete ablation rate in the 90 W/120 mg, 90 W/40 mg, and 60 W/120 mg groups was 78 % (18/23; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 61–95), 60 % (15/25; 95 %CI 41–79), 74 % (17/23; 95 %CI 56–92), respectively, at 6 weeks and 70 % (16/23; 95 %CI 51–88), 52 % (13/25; 95 %CI 32–72), and 65 % (15/23; 95 %CI 46–85) at 2 years post-treatment (differences not significant). Additional APC was required in 28 patients (23 residual and 5 recurrent BE). At median follow-up of 108 months, 66/71 patients (93 %; 95 %CI 87–99) maintained complete ablation. No high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma developed. Overall, adverse events (97 % mild) did not differ significantly between groups. Chest pain/discomfort was more frequent in patients receiving 90 W vs. 60 W power (P Conclusions APC power setting and PPI dose did not impact efficacy and safety of BE ablation. Complete ablation of BE with LGD was durable in > 90 % of patients, without any evidence of neoplasia progression in the long term.

Summary Background Etrolizumab is a gut-targeted, anti-β7 integrin, monoclonal antibody. In an earlier phase 2 induction study, etrolizumab significantly improved clinical remission compared with placebo in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of etrolizumab in patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who had been previously treated with anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF) agents. Methods HICKORY was a multicentre, phase 3, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in adult (18–80 years) patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis (Mayo Clinic total score [MCS] of 6–12 with an endoscopic subscore of ≥2, a rectal bleeding subscore of ≥1, and a stool frequency subscore of ≥1) previously treated with TNF inhibitors. Patients were recruited from 184 treatment centres across 24 countries in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Oceania, and the Middle East. Patients needed to have an established diagnosis of ulcerative colitis for at least 3 months, corroborated by both clinical and endoscopic evidence, and evidence of disease extending at least 20 cm from the anal verge. In cohort 1, patients received open-label etrolizumab 105 mg every 4 weeks for a 14-week induction period. In cohort 2, patients were randomly assigned (4:1) to receive subcutaneous etrolizumab 105 mg or placebo every 4 weeks for the 14-week induction phase. Patients in either cohort achieving clinical response to etrolizumab induction were eligible for the maintenance phase, in which they were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive subcutaneous etrolizumab 105 mg or placebo every 4 weeks through to week 66. Randomisation was stratified by baseline concomitant treatment with corticosteroids, concomitant treatment with immunosuppressants (induction randomisation only), baseline disease activity, week 14 MCS remission status (maintenance randomisation only), and induction cohort (maintenance randomisation only). All patients and study site personnel were masked to treatment assignment. Primary endpoints were remission (Mayo Clinic total score [MCS] ≤2, with individual subscores of ≤1 and a rectal bleeding subscore of 0) at week 14, and remission at week 66 among patients with a clinical response (MCS with ≥3-point decrease and ≥30% reduction from baseline, plus ≥1 point decrease in rectal bleeding subscore or absolute rectal bleeding score of 0 or 1) at week 14. Efficacy was analysed using a modified intent-to-treat population. Safety analyses included all patients who received at least one dose of study drug during the induction phase. This study is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02100696 . Findings HICKORY was conducted from May 21, 2014, to April 16, 2020, during which time 1081 patients were screened, and 609 deemed eligible for inclusion. 130 patients were included in cohort 1. In cohort 2,479 patients were randomly assigned to the induction phase (etrolizumab n=384, placebo n=95). 232 patients were randomly assigned to the maintenance phase (etrolizumab to etrolizumab n=117, etrolizumab to placebo n=115). At week 14, 71 (18·5%) of 384 patients in the etrolizumab group and six (6·3%) of 95 patients in the placebo group achieved the primary induction endpoint of remission (p=0·0033). No significant difference between etrolizumab and placebo was observed for the primary maintenance endpoint of remission at week 66 among patients with a clinical response at week 14 (27 [24·1%] of 112 vs 23 [20·2%] of 114; p=0·50). Four patients in the etrolizumab group reported treatment-related adverse events leading to treatment discontinuation. The proportion of patients reporting at least adverse event was similar between treatment groups for induction (etrolizumab 253 [66%] of 384; placebo 63 [66%] of 95) and maintenance (etrolizumab to etrolizumab 98 [88%] of 112; etrolizumab to placebo 97 [85%] of 114). The most common adverse event in both groups was ulcerative colitis flare. Most adverse events were mild or moderate. During induction, the most common serious adverse event was ulcerative colitis flare (etrolizumab ten [3%] of 384; placebo: two [2%] of 95). During maintenance, the most common serious adverse event in the etrolizumab to etrolizumab group was appendicitis (two [2%] of 112) and the most common serious adverse events in the etrolizumab to placebo group were ulcerative colitis flare (two [2%] of 114) and anaemia (two [2%] of 114). Interpretation HICKORY demonstrated that a significantly higher proportion of patients with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis who had been previously treated with anti-TNF agent were able to achieve remission at week 14 when treated with etrolizumab compared with placebo; however, there was no significant difference between groups in remission at week 66 among patients with a clinical response at week 14. Funding F Hoffmann-La Roche.

ObjectiveTo investigate the predictive value of the Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment (DICA) classification and to develop and validate a combined endoscopic-clinical score predicting clinical outcomes of diverticulosis, named Combined Overview on Diverticular Assessment (CODA).DesignA multicentre, prospective, international cohort study.Setting43 gastroenterology and endoscopy centres located in Europe and South America.Participants2215 patients (2198 completing the study) at the first diagnosis of diverticulosis/diverticular disease were enrolled. Patients were scored according to DICA classifications.InterventionsA 3-year follow-up was performed.Main outcome measuresTo predict the acute diverticulitis and the surgery according to DICA classification. Survival methods for censored observation were used to develop and validate a novel combined endoscopic-clinical score for predicting diverticulitis and surgery (CODA score).ResultsThe 3-year cumulative probability of diverticulitis and surgery was of 3.3% (95% CI 2.5% to 4.5%) in DICA 1, 11.6% (95% CI 9.2% to 14.5%) in DICA 2 and 22.0% (95% CI 17.2% to 28.0%) in DICA 3 (p10% and >2.5% in CODA C, respectively. The CODA score showed optimal discrimination capacity in predicting the risk of surgery in the development (c-statistic: 0.829; 95% CI 0.811 to 0.846) and validation cohort (c-statistic: 0.943; 95% CI 0.905 to 0.981).ConclusionsDICA classification has a significant role in predicting the risk of diverticulitis and surgery in patients with diverticulosis, which is significantly enhanced by the CODA score.Trial registration numberNCT02758860.

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) remains the fifth most common cancer and the third most common cause of cancer-related death globally. In 2022, GC fell into the scope of the updated EU recommendations for targeted cancer screening. Given the growing awareness of the GC burden, we aimed to review the existing screening strategies for GC in high-risk regions and discuss potentially applicable modalities in countries with low-to-intermediate incidence. Methods: The references for this Review article were identified through searches of PubMed with the search terms “gastric cancer”, “stomach cancer”, “Helicobacter pylori”, and “screening” over the period from 1995 until August 2022. Results: As Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori)-induced gastritis is the primary step in the development of GC, the focus on GC prevention may be directed toward testing for and treating this infection. Such a strategy may be appealing in countries with low- and intermediate- GC incidence. Other biomarker-based approaches to identify at-risk individuals in such regions are being evaluated. Within high-incidence areas, both primary endoscopic screening and population-based H. pylori “test-and-treat” strategies represent cost-effective models. Conclusions: Given the significant variations in GC incidence and healthcare resources around the globe, screening strategies for GC should be adjusted to the actual conditions in each region. While several proven tools exist for accurate GC diagnosis, a universal modality for the screening of GC populations remains elusive.

Background: European Association of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, and Nutrition for 50 years provided a good, professional teaching of gastroenterology across Europe by world-known experts. Teaching tips and tricks to achieve maximum effects are summarized in this review article. Summary: The good speaker should be motivated to teach the audience at the time of lecture a topic in way that information provided is remembered. The educational aim should realistic, well selected, and precisely defined. Putting an order and clarity into information provided are crucial. Speaker should feel comfortable during lecture and enjoy it. Ways to achieve that are described in this review paper. Key Messages: Medical teaching by lectures should be simple, clear, well-structured, and enjoyable.

The proportion of colonoscopies with at least one adenoma (adenoma detection rate [ADR]) is inversely associated with colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and death. The aim of this study was to examine whether such associations exist for colonoscopy quality measures other than ADR.We used data from the Polish Colorectal Cancer Screening Program collected in 2000-2011. For all endoscopists who performed ≥100 colonoscopies we calculated detection rates of adenomas (ADR), polyps (PDR), and advanced adenomas (≥10 mm/villous component/high-grade dysplasia [AADR]); and number of adenomas per colonoscopy (APC) and per colonoscopy with ≥1 adenoma (APPC). We followed patients until CRC diagnosed before recommended surveillance, death, or December 31, 2019. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using Cox proportional-hazard models. We used Harrell's C statistic to compare the predictive power of the quality measures.Data on 173,287 patients (median age, 56 years; 37.8% male) and 262 endoscopists were used. During a median follow-up of 10 years and 1,490,683 person-years, we identified 395 CRCs. All quality measures were significantly associated with CRC risk and death. The relative reductions in CRC risk were as follows: for ADR ≥24.9% (reference12.1%; HR, 0.41; 95% CI, 0.25-0.66), PDR ≥42.7% (reference19.9%; HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.24-0.51), AADR ≥9.1% (reference4.1%; HR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49-0.96), APC ≥0.37 (reference0.15; HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.21-0.58), and APPC ≥1.54 (reference1.19; HR, 0.54; 95% CI, 0.35-0.83). AADR was the only quality measure with significantly lower predictive power than ADR (Harrell's C, 59.7 vs 63.4; P = .001). Similar relative reductions were observed for CRC death.This large observational study confirmed the inverse association between ADR and CRC risk and death. The PDR and APC quality measures appear to be comparable with ADR.

BACKGROUND The use of proton pump inhibitors (PPI) is common worldwide, with reports suggesting that they may be overused. Several studies have found that PPI may affect colorectal cancer (CRC) risk. AIM To summarize current knowledge on the relationship between PPI and CRC from basic research, epidemiological and clinical studies. METHODS This systematic review was based on the patients, interventions, comparisons, outcome models and performed according to PRISMA guidelines. MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were searched from inception until May 17, 2021. The initial search returned 2591 articles, of which, 28 studies met the inclusion criteria for this review. The studies were categorized as basic research studies (n = 12), epidemiological studies (n = 11), and CRC treatment studies (n = 5). The quality of the included studies was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool depending on the study design. RESULTS Data from basic research indicates that PPI do not stimulate CRC development via the trophic effect of gastrin but instead may paradoxically inhibit it. These studies also suggest that PPI may have properties beneficial for CRC treatment. PPI appear to have anti-tumor properties (omeprazole, pantoprazole), and are potential T lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase inhibitors (pantoprazole, ilaprazole), and chemosensitizing agents (pantoprazole). However, these mechanisms have not been confirmed in human trials. Current epidemiological studies suggest that there is no causal association between PPI use and increased CRC risk. Treatment studies show that concomitant PPI and capecitabine use may reduce the efficacy of chemotherapy resulting in poorer oncological outcomes, while also suggesting that pantoprazole may have a chemosensitizing effect with the fluorouracil, leucovorin, oxaliplatin (FOLFOX) regimen. CONCLUSION An unexpected inhibitory effect of PPI on CRC carcinogenesis by way of several potential mechanisms is noted. This review identifies that different PPI agents may have differential effects on CRC treatment, with practical implications. Prospective studies are warranted to delineate this relationship and assess the role of individual PPI agents.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a known risk factor of colorectal cancer (CRC). However, precise interconnections between excessive body fat and CRC are still vague. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess whether stage of CRC detected in overweight and obese individuals differs from individuals with normal body mass index (BMI). A secondary aim of this study was to elucidate whether overweight and obesity influence the overall survival in CRC. METHODS: This study was a cross-sectional analysis of 163,129 individuals who underwent screening colonoscopy performed on data from a prospectively maintained database of the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program. RESULTS: Overweight and obese individuals present with a less advanced CRC in screening setting (p = 0.014). This trend is the most pronounced in males (p = 0.001). Univariable and multivariable analyses revealed that obesity was a negative predictor of detection of advanced CRC with odds ratio 0.72 (95% confidence interval 0.52–1.00; p = 0.047). Furthermore, overweight and obesity were not statistically significant predictors of risk of death (p = 0.614 and p = 0.446, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Obese screenees present with a less advanced disease in comparison to non-obese. Moreover, survival stratified by clinical stage seems to not be influenced by BMI category. Therefore, a higher proportion of early diagnosed cancers can potentially create a survival benefit in this group.

Background and study aims European guidelines (ESGE) recommend measuring patient experience and 30-day complication rate after colonoscopy. We compared digital and paper-based feedback on patients’ experience and 30-day complications after screening colonoscopy. Patients and methods Screenees attending for primary screening colonoscopies in two centers from September 2015 to December 2016 were randomized (1:1) to an intervention arm (choice of feedback method) or control arm (routine paper-based feedback). Participants in the intervention arm could choose preferred feedback method (paper-based, automated telephone or online survey) and were contacted by automated telephone 30 days after colonoscopy to assess complications. Control group participants self-reported complications. Primary and secondary endpoints were response rates to feedback and complications questionnaire, respectively. Results There were 1,281 and 1,260 participants in the intervention and control arms, respectively. There was no significant difference in response rate between study groups (64.8 % vs 61.5 %; P = 0.08). Free choice of feedback improved response for participants identified as poor responders: younger than 60 years (60.8 % vs 54.7 %; P = 0.031), male (64.0 % vs 58.6 %; P = 0.045) and in small non-public center (56.2 % vs 42.5 %; P = 0.043).In the intervention arm, 1,168 participants (91.2 %) answered the phone call concerning complications. A total of 79 participants (6.2 %) reported complications, of which two (0.2 %) were verified by telephone as clinically relevant. No complications were self-reported in the control group. Conclusion The overall response rate was not significantly improved with digital feedback, yet the technology yielded significant improvement in participants defined as poor responders. Our study demonstrated feasibility and efficacy of digital patient feedback about complications after colonoscopy.

Introduction Symptomatic uncomplicated diverticular disease (SUDD) is the most common manifestation of diverticulosis. Data concerning the optimal treatment after SUDD exacerbation are inconsistent. Aim To assess the effectiveness and necessity of cyclic rifaximin treatment for recurrent SUDD symptoms and for preventing exacerbations in patients who responded to the initial treatment. Material and methods A retrospective observational study was performed in 2017. Physicians responded to a survey on patients with recurrent SUDD during the observation period, who were cyclically treated with rifaximin 400 mg b.i.d. for 7 days per month. The patients' SUDD history, diagnostic methods, treatment, and results were evaluated. Results In total 294 patients were included in this study (67% women, median age: 65 years (26-87)). The mean duration of diverticular disease (DD) was 4.5 years (1-20), and 88% had at least one repeated episode of SUDD exacerbation before rifaximin. A total of 267 patients were treated with rifaximin. Changes in the severity of pain, abdominal tenderness, diarrhoea, constipation, and bloating were assessed every 2 months. After 6 months of rifaximin treatment there was a statistically significant reduction in the total severity score (median from 1.8 (max. 3 points) to 0.2; p < 0.0001; sum from 9.37 (max. 18 points) to 1.35; p < 0.0001) and an improvement in individual symptom score. Conclusions Cyclical rifaximin is effective in treating exacerbation of SUDD. This regimen leads to a gradual cessation of symptoms over a 6-month period. In patients who responded to the initial treatment, cyclic rifaximin therapy is needed to maintain remission.

Background The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of low-volume vs. standard-volume bowel preparation on participation in screening colonoscopy, bowel preparation quality, and lesion detection rates. Methods This was a multicenter, randomized, health services study within the population-based primary colonoscopy screening program in Poland. Individuals aged 55 – 62 years were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to bowel preparation with a low-volume (0.3 L sodium picosulfate with magnesium citrate) or standard-volume (4 L polyethylene glycol) regimen and then invited to participate in screening colonoscopy. The primary outcome measure was the rate of participation in screening colonoscopy. Compliance with the assigned bowel preparation, bowel preparation quality, and lesion detection rates were also evaluated. Results A total of 13 621 individuals were randomized and 13 497 were analyzed (6752 in the low-volume group and 6745 in the standard-volume group). The participation rate (16.6 % vs. 15.5 %; P = 0.08) and compliance rate (93.3 % vs. 94.1 %; P = 0.39) did not differ significantly between the groups. In the low-volume group, fewer participants had adequate bowel preparation compared with the standard-volume group (whole colon 79.0 % vs. 86.4 %, P Conclusion When compared with a standard-volume bowel preparation with polyethylene glycol, low-volume bowel preparation with sodium picosulfate/magnesium citrate did not improve participation rate or lesion detection rates, and negatively affected bowel preparation quality.

Introduction Because individuals with serrated polyps and adenomas are at increased risk of developing new polyps and colorectal cancer (CRC), surveillance after resection is justified. After adenoma resection, most international guidelines are consistent, but recommendations for surveillance after serrated polyp resection vary. The United States Multi-Society Taskforce on CRC (US-MSTF) base surveillance intervals on serrated polyp subtype (traditional serrated adenoma, sessile serrated polyp, hyperplastic polyps), while the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) guidelines do not take serrated polyp subtype into account. We evaluated the implications of this difference in a primary colonoscopy screening cohort. Methods We included participants from a large colonoscopy screening trial. In a post-hoc simulation, assuming full protocol adherence, we determined the surveillance interval for each subject based on their polyp burden, using the most recent US-MSTF and ESGE guidelines. Results We included 5323 participants, of whom 1228 had one or more serrated polyps. In 5201 of all participants (98 %; Cohen’s kappa 0.90) and in 1106 of those with serrated polyps (90 %; Cohen’s kappa 0.80), both guidelines recommended identical surveillance intervals. Recommendations for a 3-year surveillance interval were identical between the two guidelines. All 122 subjects with discordant recommendations would receive a follow-up colonoscopy after 10 years using ESGE guidance and after 5 years using US-MSTF guidance. Conclusion Despite the different criteria used to determine surveillance after serrated polyp resection, most individuals are recommended identical colonoscopy surveillance intervals whether following the ESGE or US-MSTF guidelines. This suggests that surveillance recommendations do not need to consider the serrated polyp subtype.

Introduction Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious health problem, and various screening programs to reduce CRC have been introduced worldwide. However, the cost‑effectiveness of a program based on once‑in‑a‑lifetime colonoscopy in Poland is unknown. Objectives The main aim of this study was to assess the cost‑effectiveness of Polish Colonoscopy Screening Platform (PCSP), the colonoscopy screening program in Poland. Patients and methods A Markov model was constructed to compare the strategy of colonoscopy screening as compared with no screening in 100 000 subjects. The model was based on data collected from the nationwide Polish CRC screening program whenever possible. The incremental cost‑effectiveness ratio (ICER) was calculated and compared with the willingness‑to‑pay thresholds. A sensitivity analysis was also performed using the Monte Carlo simulation. Results Colonoscopy screening within PCSP resulted in a 18.9% reduction in CRC incidence and 19.8% reduction in CRC mortality. The strategy allowed a gain of 2317 life‑years saved (1959 after discount‑ ing). The cost of colonoscopy screening per participant examined was estimated at 267.70 USD (95% CI, 263.08-272.32 USD). The ICER was less than 6500 USD, which was much lower than the accepted willingness‑to‑pay thresholds, indicating that the screening was cost‑effective. Conclusions Colonoscopy screening within the PCSP is cost‑effective and may have a substantial impact on the Polish society due to life‑years saved. The results have good informative value not only for health policy makers and medical practitioners, but also for health technology assessment.

Background: Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an emerging technique in the treatment of Zenker&rsquo, s diverticulum (ZD). This study aimed to analyze the feasibility of Zenker&rsquo, s POEM (Z-POEM) in a multicenter setting and assess its performance using a validated Kothari-Haber Scoring System newly developed for symptom measurement in ZD. Materials and methods: This was a multicenter retrospective study involving three Polish tertiary referral endoscopic units. The data of consecutive patients with symptomatic ZD treated with Z-POEM in Poland between May 2019 and August 2020 were retrieved and analyzed. Primary outcome measures were technical success and clinical success rate (&lt, 3 points in Kothari-Haber Score at 2&ndash, 3 months follow-up). Secondary outcome measures included procedures&rsquo, duration, length of hospital stay, and adverse events. Results: 22 patients with symptomatic ZD were included. The mean age was 67.6 (&plusmn, 10.7) years, and 14 (63.6%) were male. All but two patients were treatment na&iuml, ve. The average size of the ZD was 30 mm (IQR, 24&ndash, 40 mm). Technical success was achieved in all patients (100%), whereas clinical success was 90.9%. The average Kothari-Haber Score was 6.35 before treatment and has dropped to 0.65 after the treatment (p &lt, 0.0001). The mean procedure time was 48.8 (&plusmn, 19.3) minutes, and the median length of hospital stay was 2 days (IQR, 2&ndash, 3). Three patients (13.6%) had post-procedural emphysema, of which two were mild and self-resolving (9.1%), and one was moderate (4.5%) and complicated with laryngeal edema and prolonged intubation. Conclusions: This feasibility study suggests that Z-POEM is a highly effective and safe treatment for ZD, particularly among treatment-na&iuml, ve patients. Comparative studies with other treatment modalities over longer follow-up are warranted.

Background Colon cancer (CC) is the third most common cancer worldwide, highlighting the importance of developing effective prevention strategies. Accumulating evidence supports that aspirin use reduces CC incidence. We reported previously that aspirin suppresses age-associated and CC-relevant DNA methylation (DNAm) in healthy colon. Here we addressed the aspirin’s effectiveness in longitudinal cohort. Methods We measured genome-wide DNAm in 124 healthy normal mucosa samples taken at baseline (time point 1, t1) and after 10-years follow-up (time point 2, t2) from a longitudinal female screening cohort. We investigated the time-dependent methylation drift in aspirin users and nonusers using multivariable regression and related the modulatory effect of aspirin to colonic epigenome-aging and CC. Results Over time, compared to nonusers, long-term (≥ 2 years) aspirin users showed less hypermethylated CpGs (proximal: 17% vs. 87%; distal: 16% vs. 70%) and more hypomethylated CpGs (proximal: 83% vs. 13%; distal: 84% vs. 30%). Overall, users showed 2% (P = 0.02) less mean methylation levels than nonusers in proximal colon and displayed repressed methylation age (mAge). Methylation loss in users occurred at several CC-specific tumor suppressors that gained methylation in nonusers. Methylation loss in users effected genes involved in immune system and inflammation, while methylation gain in nonusers effected genes involved in metabolism. Conclusions This is the first longitudinal study demonstrating effectiveness of aspirin-use in suppression of age-related and CC-relevant hypermethylation in the normal colon. These findings provide a rationale for future studies to evaluate loci that may serve as markers to identify individuals that will benefit most from aspirin and hence increase its efficiency in CC prevention and therapy.

Primary colonoscopy and fecal immunochemical testing (FIT) are considered first-tier tests for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Although colonoscopy is considered the most efficacious test, FIT might achieve higher participation rates. It is uncertain what the best strategy is for offering population-wide CRC screening.This was a multicenter randomized health services study performed within the framework of the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program between January 2019 and March 2020 on screening-naïve individuals. Eligible candidates were randomly assigned in a 1:1:1 ratio to participate in 1 of 3 competing invitation strategies: control (invitation to screening colonoscopy only); sequential (invitation to primary colonoscopy and invitation for FIT for initial nonresponders); or choice (invitation offering a choice of colonoscopy or FIT). The primary outcome was participation in CRC screening within 18 weeks after enrollment into the study. The secondary outcome was diagnostic yield for advanced neoplasia.Overall, 12,485 individuals were randomized into the 3 study groups. The participation rate in the control group (17.5%) was significantly lower compared with the sequential (25.8%) and choice strategy (26.5%) groups (P.001 for both comparisons). The colonoscopy rates for participants with positive FITs were 70.0% for the sequential group and 73.3% for the choice group, despite active call-recall efforts. In the intention-to-screen analysis, advanced neoplasia detection rates were comparable among the control (1.1%), sequential (1.0%), and choice groups (1.1%).Offering a combination of FIT and colonoscopy as a sequential or active choice strategy increases participation in CRC screening. Increased participation in strategies with FIT do not translate into higher detection of advanced neoplasia. ClinicalTrials.gov, Number NCT03790475.

Background Diverticulosis of the colon is the most frequent anatomical alteration detected during colonoscopy. The endoscopic classification “DICA”(Diverticular Inflammation and Complication Assessment) has been recently developed in order to have an objective endoscopic description of the colon harbouring diverticula. Aim of this multicentre, international, prospective study was to assess the predictive value of this classification in term of acute diverticulitis and surgery occurrence on a 2-year observational follow-up period. Methods 2215 prospective patients at the first diagnosis of diverticular disease were enrolled after exclusion of radiological signs of acute diverticulitis; inflammatory bowel diseases; ischemic colitis; prior colonic resection; patients with severe liver failure (Child-Pugh C) or severe kidney failure; pregnant women; patients who are currently using or who have received any laxative agents or mesalazine or probiotics or antibiotics < 2 weeks prior to the enrollment; inability to comply with study protocol; patients with or history of cancer, of any origin, within 5 years before enrollment; history of alcohol, drug, or chemical abuse. Results 1377(62.15%) patients were classified as DICA 1, 599(27,04%) as DICA 2 and 239(10.80%) as DICA 3. The risk of acute diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence, as well as the risk of surgery, were significantly linked to the severity of DICA score at entry. Overall, acute diverticulitis occurred in 123 (5,5%) patients: it occurred in 32 (2,3%) DICA 1, 53 (8,9%) DICA 2 and 32 (16.4%) DICA 3 patients respectively (p Conclusions The 2-year results of this prospective study seems to confirm that DICA endoscopic classification has a significant prognostic role on the risk of acute diverticulitis occurrence/recurrence and surgery in these patients. Key messages DICA is the first endoscopic classification of diverticular disease. The risk of occurrence/recurrence of acute diverticulitis and the risk of surgery are strictly linked to the severity of DICA score.

Colonoscopy surveillance after adenoma removal is an increasing burden in many countries. Surveillance recommendations consider characteristics of removed adenomas, but not colonoscopist performance. We investigated the impact of colonoscopist performance on colorectal cancer risk after adenoma removal.We compared colorectal cancer risk after removal of high-risk adenomas, low-risk adenomas, and after negative colonoscopy for all colonoscopies performed by colonoscopists with low vs high performance quality (adenoma detection rate20% vs ≥20%) in the Polish screening program between 2000 and 2011, with follow-up until 2017. Findings were validated in the Austrian colonoscopy screening program.A total of 173,288 Polish colonoscopies were included in the study. Of 262 colonoscopists, 160 (61.1%) were low performers, and 102 (38.9%) were high performers; 11.1% of individuals had low-risk and 6.6% had high-risk adenomas removed at screening; 82.2% had no adenomas. During 10 years of follow-up, 443 colorectal cancers were diagnosed. For low-risk adenoma individuals, colorectal cancer incidence was 0.55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.40-0.75) with low-performing colonoscopists vs 0.22% (95% CI 0.14-0.34) with high-performing colonoscopists (hazard ratio [HR] 2.35; 95% CI 1.31-4.21; P = .004). For individuals with high-risk adenomas, colorectal cancer incidence was 1.14% (95% CI 0.87-1.48) with low-performing colonoscopists vs 0.43% (95% CI 0.27-0.69) with high-performing colonoscopists (HR 2.69; 95% CI 1.62-4.47; P.001). After negative colonoscopy, colorectal cancer incidence was 0.30% (95% CI 0.27-0.34) for individuals examined by low-performing colonoscopists, vs 0.15% (95% CI 0.11-0.20) for high-performing (HR 2.10; 95% CI 1.52-2.91; P.001). The observed trends were reproduced in the Austrian validation cohort.Our results suggest that endoscopist performance may be an important contributor in addition to polyp characteristics in determining colorectal cancer risk after colonoscopy screening.

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has become a serious medical and epidemiological problem, especially in well developed countries. There has been evident increase in incidence and severity of CDI. Prevention, proper diagnosis and effective treatment are necessary to reduce the risk for the patients, deplete the spreading of infection and diminish the probability of recurrent infection. Antibiotics are the fundamental treatment of CDI. In patients who had recurrent CDI fecal microbiota transplantation seems to be promising and efficient strategy. These guidelines systematize existing data and include recent changes implemented in the management of CDI.

Background and study aims Oral sulphate solution (OSS) is a sulphate-based, low-volume bowel cleansing preparation taken in two doses of 500 mL, each followed by 1000mL of water or clear liquid. The primary objective of this observational study was to document compliance with the recommended hydration guidelines in a representative sample of the European population. Patients and methods Prospective, non-interventional, multicentre study (NCT02630680, EUPAS9361) in patients prescribed OSS for colonoscopy preparation in routine clinical practice in Europe. Patients were included according to pre-agreed consecutive enrolment rules. Patients recorded the volume of OSS and water or clear liquid intake, and occurrence of adverse events (AEs). Compliance with hydration was calculated as a ratio of actual volume of water/clear liquid taken versus prescribed 2,000 mL, and non-compliance defined as Results Between October 2015 and January 2017, 1,281 patients were recruited in 16 centres in four European countries (safety population n = 1,206; registry population n = 1,177). Of patients, 94.5 % were ≥ 75 % and 86.8 % 100 % compliant with hydration guidelines. Patients took an average of 96.8 % of the recommended OSS volume; 46 patients (3.9 %) were non-compliant. Colon cleansing levels were good-to-excellent in 87.6 % of patients. Three hundred and twenty-nine patients (27.3 %) experienced 758 treatment-related AEs, mostly gastrointestinal (82.9 %), all were mild-to-moderate. Non-compliant patients had no AEs suggestive of dehydration. Conclusion In this non-interventional study in a real-life setting, treatment compliance with hydration guidelines was good-to-excellent in 94.5 % of patients receiving OSS. The safety profile of OSS was similar to the prescribing information. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Observational study EUPAS9361 at www.encepp.eu

Additional file 1. Figure S1. a) Overlap of all significant differentially methylated CpGs found in aspirin users and nonusers. The non-overlapping CpGs were then defined as aspirin user specific differentially methylated CpGs (U-dmCpGs) or nonuser specific differentially methylated CpGs (Nu-dmCpGs). b) Overlap of genes affected by Nu-dmCpGs and U-dmCpGs with known differential expressed colon cancer specific tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) and oncogenes. Shown are separate overlaps for proximal and distal colon.

In memory of Professor Witold Bartnik These guidelines constitute an update of the previous „Recommendations on the management of irritable bowel syndrome” issued in 2008. They have been developed by a Task Force organized by the Governing Board of the Polish Society of Gastroenterology. They discuss, with particular emphasis on new scientific data covering papers published since 2008: the etiology, epidemiology, clinical presentation, diagnostic principles and criteria for the diagnosis, and recommendations for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The English-language acronym for the syndrome (IBS) has become popular in medical and popular scientific language, it is also widely recognized by patients who identify with this diagnosis. Therefore, in the discussed guidelines, this is what we will use.

Background & Aims The quality of endoscopists' colonoscopy performance is measured by adenoma detection rate (ADR). Although ADR is associated inversely with interval colorectal cancer and colorectal cancer death, the effects of an increasing ADR have not been shown. We investigated whether increasing ADRs from individual endoscopists is associated with reduced risks of interval colorectal cancer and subsequent death. Methods We performed a prospective cohort study of individuals who underwent a screening colonoscopy within the National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program in Poland, from January 1, 2004, through December 31, 2008. We collected data from 146,860 colonoscopies performed by 294 endoscopists, with each endoscopist having participated at least twice in annual editions of primary colonoscopy screening. We used annual feedback and quality benchmark indicators to improve colonoscopy performance. We used ADR quintiles in the whole data set to categorize the annual ADRs for each endoscopist. An increased ADR was defined as an increase by at least 1 quintile category, or the maintenance of the highest category in subsequent screening years. Multivariate frailty models were used to evaluate the effects of increased ADR on the risk of interval colorectal cancer and death. Results Throughout the enrollment period, 219 endoscopists (74.5%) increased their annual ADR category. During 895,916 person-years of follow-up evaluation through the National Cancer Registry, we identified 168 interval colorectal cancers and 44 interval cancer deaths. An increased ADR was associated with an adjusted hazard ratio for interval colorectal cancer of 0.63 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45–0.88; P = .006), and for cancer death of 0.50 (95% CI, 0.27–0.95; P = .035). Compared with no increase in ADR, reaching or maintaining the highest quintile ADR category (such as an ADR > 24.56%) decreased the adjusted hazard ratios for interval colorectal cancer to 0.27 (95% CI, 0.12–0.63; P = .003), and 0.18 (95% CI, 0.06–0.56; P = .003), respectively. Conclusions In a prospective study of individuals who underwent screening colonoscopy within a National Colorectal Cancer Screening Program, we associated increased ADR with a reduced risk of interval colorectal cancer and death.

Background The European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) has published guidelines on key performance measures for colonoscopy. We analyzed whether those standards were met in the Polish Colonoscopy Screening Program (PCSP) and whether the monitoring was feasible. Methods We analyzed database records for 43 277 PCSP participants (25 PCSP centers) for the years 2014 – 2015. We used the guideline definitions to calculate values for all key performance measures and compared these with the proposed standards at individual, center, and program level. All data were acquired from the PCSP database, apart from complication data which was assessed from external registries. Results At the program level, four of five minimum standards and one of two target standards (no set minimum standard) were met. Adequate bowel preparation rate was 91.3 % for the whole program (range among individual centers 79.2 % – 99.2 %). Cecal intubation rate was 97.4 % (93.4 % – 99.4 %). Adenoma detection rate was 29.8 % (19.1 % – 39.1 %). An appropriate polypectomy technique was applied in 62.7 % of cases (0.4 % – 97.8 %). Regarding complications, 7-day hospitalization rate after screening colonoscopy was 0.3 % (n = 127), and 30-day all-cause mortality was 0.02 % (n = 9). Patient feedback was assessed in 66.2 % of colonoscopies (7.6 % – 81.8 %). Appropriate post-polypectomy surveillance was proposed in 95.4 % of cases (range 84.9 % – -99.7 %). It was easy to monitor 6 of 7 key performance measures within the PCSP database, but monitoring complications required the additional effort of data extraction from external registries. Conclusions The PCSP meets most proposed minimum standards at program level. Some centers need additional interventions to meet the complete set of quality standards. Use of ESGE performance measures for monitoring colonoscopy is generally feasible in the setting of the colonoscopy screening program.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The diagnosis of gastric premalignant conditions (GPCs) relies on endoscopy with mucosal sampling. We hypothesized that the endoscopist biopsy rate (EBR) might constitute a quality indicator for EGD, and we have analyzed its association with GPC detection and the rate of missed gastric cancers (GCs). METHODS: We analyzed EGD databases from 2 high-volume outpatient units. EBR values, defined as the proportion of EGDs with ≥1 biopsy to all examinations were calculated for each endoscopist in Unit A (derivation cohort) and divided by the quartile values into 4 groups. Detection of GPC was calculated for each group and compared using multivariate clustered logistic regression models. Unit B database was used for validation. All patients were followed in the Cancer Registry for missed GCs diagnosed between 1 month and 3 years after EGDs with negative results. RESULTS: Sixteen endoscopists in Unit A performed 17,490 EGDs of which 15,340 (87.7%) were analyzed. EBR quartile values were 22.4% to 36.7% (low EBR), 36.8% to 43.7% (moderate), 43.8% to 51.6% (high), and 51.7% and 65.8% (very-high); median value 43.8%. The odds ratios for the moderate, high, and very-high EBR groups of detecting GPC were 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.3-1.9), 2.0 (95% CI, 1.7-2.4), and 2.5 (95% CI, 2.1-2.9), respectively, compared with the low EBR group (P < .001). This association was confirmed with the same thresholds in the validation cohort. Endoscopists with higher EBR (≥43.8%) had a lower risk of missed cancer compared with those in the lower EBR group (odds ratio, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.20-1.00; P = .049). CONCLUSIONS: The EBR parameter is highly variable among endoscopists and is associated with efficacy in GPC detection and the rate of missed GCs.

Background Outcomes of endoscopic surveillance following surgery for colorectal cancer (CRC) vary with the incidence and timing of CRC detection, at anastomosis or elsewhere in the colorectum. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the incidence of CRCs identified during surveillance colonoscopies of patients with previous CRC surgery. Methods We searched PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane Central Register through January 1, 2018, to identify studies investigating rates of CRCs at anastomoses or other colorectal locations after curative surgery for primary CRC. We collected data from randomized controlled, prospective, and retrospective cohort studies. Data were analyzed by multivariate meta-analytic models. Results From 2,373 citations, we selected 27 studies with 15,803 index CRCs (89% stage I-III CRCs). Overall, 296 CRCs at non-anastomotic locations were reported over time periods of more than 16 years (cumulative incidence, 2.2% of CRCs; 95% CI, 1.8%-2.9%). The risk of non-anastomotic CRC is shown in figure A (figure 1A) and significantly decreased after 36 months or more from resection, compared with that before this time point (odds ratio for non-anastomotic CRCs at 36–48 months vs 6–12 months after surgery, 0.61; 95% CI, 0.37–0.98; P=.031); 53.7% of all non-anastomotic CRCs were detected within 36 months from surgery. One hundred fifty-eight anastomotic CRCs were detected over more than 16-years follow-up (cumulative incidence of 2.7%; 95% CI, 1.9%-3.9%). The risk of anastomotic CRCs is shown in figure B (figure 1B), and was significantly lower after 24 months or more from resection than before (odds ratio for CRCs at anastomoses at 25–36 months after surgery vs. 6–12 months, 0.56; 95% CI, 0.32–0.98; P=.036); 90.8% of anastomotic CRCs were detected within 36 months from surgery. Conclusions After surgery for CRC, the highest risk of anastomotic and non-anastomotic CRCs is highest during 36 months after surgery - risk decreases thereafter. Patients who have undergone CRC resection should be evaluated by colonoscopy more closely during this time period. Longer intervals may be considered thereafter.