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Abstract Genomic alterations in tumors play a pivotal role in determining their clinical trajectory and responsiveness to treatment. Targeted panel sequencing (TPS) has served as a key clinical tool over the past decade, but advancements in sequencing costs and bioinformatics have now made whole-genome sequencing (WGS) a feasible single-assay approach for almost all cancer genomes in clinical settings. This paper reports on the findings of a prospective, single-center study exploring the real-world clinical utility of WGS (tumor and matched normal tissues) and has two primary objectives: (1) assessing actionability for therapeutic options and (2) providing clarity for clinical questions. Of the 120 patients with various solid cancers who were enrolled, 95 (79%) successfully received genomic reports within a median of 11 working days from sampling to reporting. Analysis of these 95 WGS reports revealed that 72% (68/95) yielded clinically relevant insights, with 69% (55/79) pertaining to therapeutic actionability and 81% (13/16) pertaining to clinical clarity. These benefits include the selection of informed therapeutics and/or active clinical trials based on the identification of driver mutations, tumor mutational burden (TMB) and mutational signatures, pathogenic germline variants that warrant genetic counseling, and information helpful for inferring cancer origin. Our findings highlight the potential of WGS as a comprehensive tool in precision oncology and suggests that it should be integrated into routine clinical practice to provide a complete image of the genomic landscape to enable tailored cancer management.

Perforations or fistulas in the gastrointestinal tract constitute serious emergencies and are associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Such lesions, occurring in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum, may arise from noniatrogenic causes (e.g., peptic ulcers, corrosive insults, trauma, malignant tumors) and iatrogenic causes (e.g., endoscopic procedures and surgeries). A prompt diagnosis and an appropriate management strategy are crucial for early recovery before secondary complications occur that may be induced by infection and/or chemical damage from gastric acid or bile. Various endoscopy-based treatment modalities have been developed and play pivotal roles in the management of upper gastrointestinal perforations and fistulas. Through-the-scope clips, self-expanding metallic stents, over-the-scope clips, endoscopic suturing devices, and endoscopic vacuum therapy have significantly improved the success rates associated with treating these types of lesions. However, choosing the optimal modalities that lead to good patient prognoses depends on the lesion characteristics, such as its size, duration, location, and surrounding tissue condition. Thus, gastrointestinal endoscopists have to regularly master and incorporate new endoscopy-based treatment approaches for these complicated conditions.

Background/Aims: This study aimed to review the indications, methods, cooperation, complications, and outcomes of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG). Methods: Questionnaires were sent to 200 hospitals, of which 62 returned their questionnaires, with a response rate of approximately 30%. Descriptive statistics were calculated to analyze the responses to the questionnaires. Results: In 2019, a total of 1,052 PEGs were performed in 1,017 patients at 62 hospitals. The main group who underwent PEG was older adult patients with brain disease, particularly stroke. Nutritional supply was an important purpose of the PEG procedure. “The pull method” was the most commonly used for initial PEG insertion. The complications related to PEG were mostly mild, with leakage being the most common. Patients who underwent PEG procedures were primarily educated regarding the post-procedure management and complications related to PEG. Preoperative meetings were skipped at >50% of the institutions. Regarding the cooperation between the nutrition support team (NST) and the physician performing PEG, few endoscopists answered that they cooperated with NST before and after PEG. Moreover, the rate of NST certification obtained by physicians performing PEG and the frequency of attendance at NST-related conferences were relatively low. Conclusions: This study shows a similar trend to that found in the previous PEG guidelines. However, it covers new aspects, including team-based work for PEG procedure, nutrition support, and education for patients and guardians. Therefore, each medical institution needs to select an appropriate method considering the medical environment and doctor’s abilities.

We aimed to evaluate the survival benefits of coadministering statins and multityrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea (2010–2020) were utilized. Statin use (≥28 cumulative defined daily doses) was analyzed, with 1534 statin users matched to 6136 non-users (1:4 ratio) using propensity scores. Primary and secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Statin use significantly improved OS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.72–0.82, p < 0.001) and PFS (HR 0.78, 95% CI 0.74–0.84, p < 0.001). Continuous or post-TKI statin users had better OS, while discontinuation after TKI use led to poorer OS. Both lipophilic and hydrophilic statins improved OS and PFS, particularly with ≥730 cumulative defined daily doses. In conclusion, combining statins and TKIs in patients with advanced HCC yielded significant survival benefits, influenced by statin dosage and duration. Continuous statin administration post-TKI treatment is crucial for improving outcomes in patients with HCC.

Abstract To date, there exists no established endoscopic surveillance interval strategy after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for gastric adenoma. In this study, we suggest a risk factor-based statistical model for optimal surveillance intervals for gastric adenoma after ESD with curative resection. A cox proportional hazard model was applied to identify risk factors for recurrence after ESD. Patients (n = 698) were categorized into groups based on the identified risk factors. The cumulative density of recurrence over time was computed using a cubic splined baseline hazard function, and the customized surveillance interval was modeled for each risk group. The overall cumulative incidence of recurrence was 7.3% (n = 51). Risk factors associated with recurrence were male (hazard ratio [HR], 2.60, P = 0.030), protruded scar (HR, 3.18, P

Background/Aims A new medical fiber-guided diode laser system (FDLS) is expected to offer high-precision cutting with simultaneous hemostasis. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using the 1,940-nm FDLS to perform endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the gastrointestinal tract of an animal model. Methods In this prospective animal pilot study, gastric and colorectal ESD using the FDLS was performed in ex vivo and in vivo porcine models. The completeness of en bloc resection, the procedure time, intraprocedural bleeding, histological injuries to the muscularis propria (MP) layer, and perforation were assessed. Results The en bloc resection and perforation rates in the ex vivo study were 100% (10/10) and 10% (1/10), respectively; those in the in vivo study were 100% (4/4) and 0% for gastric ESD and 100% (4/4) and 25% (1/4) for rectal ESD, respectively. Deep MP layer injuries tended to occur more frequently in the rectal than in the gastric ESD cases, and no intraprocedural bleeding occurred in either group. Conclusions The 1,940-nm FDLS was capable of yielding high en bloc resection rates without intraprocedural bleeding during gastric and colorectal ESD in animal models.

The long-term effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on metachronous gastric neoplasm prevention after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of gastric adenoma is unclear. This study included patients with confirmed H. pylori infection after ESD with curative resection for gastric adenoma. Patients were divided based on the success of H. pylori eradication treatment into two groups: eradication and non-eradication. Patients with any newly detected lesion within 1 year after ESD and recurrence at the ESD site were excluded from the analysis. Further, 1:1 propensity score matching was also performed to eliminate baseline differences between the two groups. H. pylori eradication treatment was administered to 673 patients after ESD (163 in the successful eradication group and 510 in the non-eradication group). During the median follow-up periods of 25 and 39 months in the eradication and non-eradication groups, metachronous gastric neoplasm was identified in 6 (3.7%) and 22 patients (4.3%), respectively. Adjusted Cox analysis revealed that H. pylori eradication was not associated with increased risk of metachronous gastric neoplasm after ESD. Kaplan–Meier analysis in the matched population yielded similar findings (p = 0.546). H. pylori eradication treatment was not associated with metachronous gastric neoplasm after ESD with curative resection for gastric adenoma.

Background/Aims The negative effects on the eradication success of Helicobacter pylori infection after previous exposure to macrolides, including clarithromycin on clarithromycin-based first-line therapy have been demonstrated. However, whether this is true for metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy remains unclear. We investigated the relationship between past administration of metronidazole and the failure of metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy in patients with H. pylori infection. Methods Patients over 20 years of age who were diagnosed with H. pylori infection between January 1998 and March 2016 were enrolled in this study. The relationship between the clinical parameters and the results of a C13-urea breath test after metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy was analyzed in patients for whom clarithromycin-based triple therapy failed to eradicate H. pylori. Results The H. pylori eradication failure rate was significantly higher in patients with a history of metronidazole use than in patients without a history of metronidazole use (p = 0.011). Multivariable analysis showed that the odds ratio of previous metronidazole use for eradication failure was 3.468 (95% confidence interval, 1.391 to 8.649; p = 0.008). In the subgroup analysis of patients with a history of metronidazole use, the duration of metronidazole use and interval between its use and eradication therapy did not significantly affect H. pylori eradication failure. Conclusions Previous exposure to metronidazole was a significant risk factor for treatment failure of metronidazole-based second-line quadruple therapy; therefore, this should be considered when establishing a treatment strategy for patients with H. pylori infection.

Background/Aims: Adequate bowel preparation is important for successful colonoscopy. We aimed to evaluate the clinical feasibility and effectiveness of abdominal vibration stimulation in bowel preparation before therapeutic colonoscopy. Methods: A single center, prospective, randomized, investigator-blinded study was performed between January 2016 and December 2016. Patients for therapeutic colonoscopy were prospectively enrolled and assigned to either the vibrator group or walking group. Patients who refused to participate in this study as part of the experimental group consented to register in the control group instead. During the preparation period, patients assigned to the walking group walked ≥3,000 steps, whereas those assigned to the vibrator group received abdominal vibrator stimulation and restricted walking. All patients received the same colon cleansing regimen: 4-L split-dose polyethylene glycol (PEG) solution. Results: Three hundred patients who received PEG solution for therapeutic colonoscopy were finally enrolled in this study (n=100 per group). Bowel cleansing with abdominal vibration stimulation showed almost similar results to that with walking exercise (Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score for the entire colon: vibrator vs walking vs control, 7.38±1.55 vs 7.39±1.55 vs 6.17±1.15, p

Many different types of endoscopy robot have been developed or are under development. Some of these innovative biotechnologies are dedicated to complex endoscopic procedures such as endoscopic submucosal dissection whereas others are purely diagnostic. In endoscopy robotics, there are still several problems that need a solution. These problems basically concern robotic locomotion and instrument control, as well as clinical application. Flexible robotic endoscopic platforms are divided into four categories as follows: robot-assisted flexible endoscopy for maneuvering, robotic flexible endoscopy with therapeutic functions, active flexible colonoscopy, and active capsule endoscope. A thorough literature analysis was performed to assess the current status of robotic flexible endoscopic platforms designed for advanced endoluminal procedures.

Background/AimsBarcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) C stage demonstrates considerable heterogeneity because it includes patients with either symptomatic tumors (performance status [PS], 1–2) or with an invasive tumoral pattern reflected by the presence of vascular invasion (VI) or extrahepatic spread (EHS). This study aimed to derive a more relevant staging system by modification of the BCLC system considering the prognostic implication of PS.Methods : A total of 7,501 subjects who were registered in the Korean multicenter hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) registry database from 2008 to 2013 were analyzed. The relative goodness-of-fit between staging systems was compared using the Akaike information criterion (AIC) and integrated area under the curve (IAUC). Three modified BCLC (m-BCLC) systems (#1, #2, and #3) were devised by reducing the role of PS.Results : As a result, the BCLC C stage, which includes patients with PS 1–2 without VI/EHS, was reassigned to stage 0, A, or B according to their tumor burden in the m-BCLC #2 model. This model was identified as the most explanatory and desirable model for HCC staging by demonstrating the smallest AIC (AIC=70,088.01) and the largest IAUC (IAUC=0.722), while the original BCLC showed the largest AIC (AIC=70,697.17) and the smallest IAUC (IAUC=0.705). The m-BCLC #2 stage C was further subclassified into C1, C2, C3, and C4 according to the Child-Pugh score, PS, presence of EHS, and tumor extent. The C1 to C4 subgroups showed significantly different overall survival distribution between groups (p

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is accepted as the standard treatment for gastric epithelial dysplasia or early gastric cancer because it enables curative en bloc resection and complete histopathological assessment of the specimen. However, occasionally, a tumorous lesion may not be detected, and histopathological discrepancies can occur after ESD. Reportedly, the prevalence of negative histopathological results after endoscopic resection is 2.0∼4.4%. Negative histopathological results after endoscopic resection are commonly attributable to complete removal of the lesion via an endoscopic forceps biopsy (EFB) at the time of the initial diagnostic endoscopic examination, an initial histopathological overestimation of the EFB specimen, and incorrect localization of the original tumor with subsequent ESD performed at a wrong site. A small tumor size and surface area are known to be significant endoscopic predictors of negative histopathological results after ESD. Therefore, clinicians should be mindful of the fact that negative histopathological findings observed after endoscopic resection warrant a comprehensive review of all pre-ESD data and an adequate follow-up to determine the cause of these findings and to detect any possibility of local recurrence.

Although regular endoscopic screening may help in early detection of gastric cancer, interval cancer remains a problem in the screening program. This study evaluated the association between regular endoscopic screening and interval cancer detection in the Korean National Cancer Screening Program (KNCSP). We defined three groups (regularly, irregularly, and not screened) according to the screening interval, and the trends in the interval cancer rate (ICR) between the groups were tested using the Cochran–Armitage test. The influence of regular endoscopic screening on the risk of interval cancer was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression. Among the 11,642,410 participants who underwent endoscopy, the overall ICR was 0.36 per 1000 negative screenings. The ICR of the not screened group (0.41) was the highest among the three groups and the risk of interval cancer in this group was 1.68 times higher (p < 0.001) than that in the regularly screened group. Women in their 40s who had regular screening with no history of intestinal metaplasia and gastric polyps would have the lowest probability of having interval cancer (0.005%). Regular participation in endoscopic screening programs for reducing the risk of interval cancer may help to improve the quality of screening programs.

Detection rates of pancreatic cystic lesions (PCLs) have increased, resulting in greater requirements for regular monitoring using imaging modalities. We aimed to evaluate the capability of ultrasonography (US) for morphological characterization of PCLs as a reference standard using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). A retrospective analysis was conducted of 102 PCLs from 92 patients who underwent US immediately prior to EUS between January 2014 and May 2017. The intermodality reliability and agreement of the PCL morphologic findings of the two techniques were analyzed and compared using the intraclass correlation coefficient and κ values. The success rates of US for delineating PCLs in the head, body, and tail of the pancreas were 77.8%, 91.8%, and 70.6%, respectively. The intraclass correlation coefficient for US and the corresponding EUS lesion size showed very good reliability (0.978; p < 0.001). The κ value between modalities was 0.882 for pancreatic duct dilation, indicating good agreement. The κ values for solid components and cystic wall and septal thickening were 0.481 and 0.395, respectively, indicating moderate agreement. US may be useful for monitoring PCL growth and changes in pancreatic duct dilation, but it has limited use in the diagnosis and surveillance of mural nodules or cystic wall thickness changes.

There have been an evolutionary development with respect to the resection modality for the treatment of the gastric neoplasms such as gastric subepithelial tumors (SETs) or early gastric cancers (EGCs). Hybrid natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (hybrid NOTES) played a central role in the process of development. In the earlier period, the non-exposure type hybrid NOTES such as laparoscopy and endoscopy cooperative surgery (LECS), endoscope-assisted wedge resection (EAWR), and laparoscopy-assisted endoscopic full-thickness resection (LAEFTR) has been introduced by several investigators. However, a concern about a spillage of gastric content including the tumor cells has been continuously raised among the clinicians. Accordingly, the non-exposure type hybrid NOTES such as combination of laparoscopic and endoscopic approaches to neoplasia with a non-exposure technique (CLEAN-NET), non-exposed endoscopic wall-inversion surgery (NEWS), and hybrid neo-endoscopic full-thickness resection (hybrid neo-EFTR) have been developed to the clinicians. Although most of studies about hybrid NOTES for the treatment of the gastric neoplasms have a small number of patients and require further validations, those are enough to receive our attention. Here, we describe and summarize the development process of the innovative resection methods for gastric neoplasms using hybrid NOTES approach.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are well known to be associated with serious upper gastrointestinal complications, such as peptic ulcer, bleeding, perforation, and obstruction. Recently, attention has been mainly focused on the small bowel injuries caused by NSAIDs, and new endoscopic techniques such as capsule endoscopy and double balloon endoscopy can help in detecting such injuries. This article reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of small bowel injuries caused by NSAIDs. Small bowel injures by NSAIDs might occur with a similar frequency and extent as those observed in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The pathogenesis of NSAID-induced enteropathy is complex and not clearly understood. The various lesions observed in the small bowel, including petechiae, reddened folds, loss of villi, erosions, and ulcers can be detected by capsule endoscopy. A drug that could prevent or treat NSAID-induced enteropathy has not yet been developed. Therefore, further investigations should be performed to elucidate the pathogenesis of such enteropathy and develop suitable preventive and treatment strategies.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients who have undergone a Billroth II gastrectomy is a major challenge. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of the road-map technique for duodenal intubation using a side-viewing duodenoscope for ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients with naïve papilla, and to analyze the formation and release patterns of common bowel loops that occur when the duodenoscope navigates the afferent limb. The duodenoscopy approach success rate was 85.8% (97/113). In successful duodenoscopy approach patients, there were five bowel looping patterns that occurred when the preceding catheter-connected duodenoscope was advanced into the duodenum: (1) reverse ɣ-loop (29.9%), (2) fixed reverse ɣ-loop (5.2%), (3) simple U-loop (22.7%), (4) N-loop (28.9%), and (5) reverse alpha loop (13.4%). The duodenoscopy cannulation and duodenoscopy therapeutic success rates were 81.4% (92/113) and 80.5% (91/113), respectively, while the overall cannulation and therapeutic success rates were 92.0% (104/113) and 87.6% (99/113), respectively. Bowel perforation occurred in three patients (2.7%). The road-map technique may benefit duodenoscope-based ERCP in Billroth II gastrectomy patients by minimizing the tangential axis alignment between the duodenoscopic tip and driving of the afferent limb, and by predicting and counteracting bowel loops that occur when the duodenoscope navigates the afferent limb.

Background/AimsTo determine the efficacies of entecavir (ETV) in nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA)-naïve chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and in those with prior lamivudine (LAM) use who did not develop resistance.MethodsWe retrospectively enrolled 337 patients with CHB who were treated with ETV (0.5 mg daily) for at least 30 months. The study included 270 (80.1%) NA-naïve patients and 67 (19.9%) LAM-use patients. Ten of the LAM-use patients were refractory to LAM therapy without developing resistance.ResultsGenotypic resistance to ETV developed more frequently in the LAM-use group (13.1%) than in the NA-naïve group (2.6%) at 60 months (P=0.009). In subgroup analysis, after excluding the 10 patients who were refractory to LAM therapy, the cumulative probability of ETV resistance did not differ significantly between the two groups (P=0.149). Prior LAM refractoriness and a higher hepatitis B virus DNA level at month 12 were independent predictive factors for the development of ETV resistance.ConclusionsETV resistance developed more frequently in LAM-use patients with CHB. However, prior LAM use without refractoriness did not affect the development of ETV resistance. The serum hepatitis B virus DNA level at month 12 was a major predictor for the development of ETV resistance.

Patients who should be treated with both warfarin and a statin are frequently seen in vascular clinics. The risk for bleeding and potential drug interactions should be considered when prescribing both medications together. This study aimed to compare the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding among different statin exposures with concomitant administration of warfarin.This is a single-hospital retrospective cohort study. We included patients who were concomitantly exposed to one of four statins (pravastatin, simvastatin, atorvastatin, and rosuvastatin) and warfarin for up to 2 years (730 days). The observation period ended when a gastrointestinal bleeding event occurred or the observation was censored. Within-class comparisons were used, and 1:1 matching using a propensity score was performed for comparisons between each statin and all of the other statins. Kaplan-Meier analyses with log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazard regression analyses were conducted to determine associations with the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding.Data were analyzed for 1,686 patients who were concomitantly administered a statin and warfarin. Log-rank tests for the gastrointestinal bleeding-free survival rate showed that the risk for gastrointestinal bleeding was significantly lower in the pravastatin group (p = 0.0499) and higher in the rosuvastatin group (p = 0.009). In the Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, the hazard ratio of 5.394 for gastrointestinal bleeding based on statin exposure in the rosuvastatin group was significant (95% confidence interval, 1.168-24.916).There was a relatively high risk of gastrointestinal bleeding with rosuvastatin when administered concomitantly with warfarin.

Background: Biopsy needles have recently been developed to obtain both cytological and histological specimens during endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). We conducted this study to compare 22-gauge (G) fine needle aspiration (FNA) needles, which have been the most frequently used, and new 25G fine needle biopsy (FNB) needles for EUS-guided sampling of solid pancreatic masses.Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all EUS-guided sampling performed between June 2010 and October 2013. During the study period, 76 patients with pancreatic masses underwent EUS-guided sampling with a 22G FNA needle (n = 38) or a 25G FNB needle (n = 38) for diagnosis. An on-site cytopathologist was not present during the procedure. Technical success, the number of needle passes, cytological diagnostic accuracy, cytological sample quality (conventional smear and liquid-based preparation), histological diagnostic accuracy, and complications were reviewed and compared.Results: There were no significant differences in technical success (100% for both), the mean number of needle passes (5.05 vs. 5.55, P = 0.132), or complications (0% for both) between the 22G FNA group and the 25G FNB group. The 22G FNA and 25G FNB groups exhibited comparable outcomes with respect to cytological diagnostic accuracy (97.4% vs. 89.5%, P = 0.358) and histological diagnostic accuracy (34.2% vs. 52.6%, P = 0.105). In the cytological sample quality analysis, the 25G FNB group exhibited higher scores for the amount of diagnostic cellular material present (22G FNA: 0.92 vs. 25G FNB: 1.32, P = 0.030) and the retention of appropriate architecture (22G FNA: 0.97 vs. 25G FNB: 1.42, P = 0.010) in the liquid-based preparation. The 25G FNB group showed a better histological diagnostic yield for specific tumor discrimination compared with the 22G FNA group (60 % vs. 32.4%, P = 0.018).Conclusions: Use of the 25G FNB needle was technically feasible, safe, efficient, and comparable to use of the standard 22G FNA needle in patients with solid pancreatic masses in the absence of an on-site cytopathologist. The cytological sample quality in the liquid-based preparation and the histological diagnostic yield for specific tumor discrimination of EUS-guided sampling using a 25G FNB needle were significantly higher than those using a 22G FNA needle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aims: Endoscopists sometimes face paradoxical cases in which the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) specimen reveals a non-neoplastic pathology result. The aims of the study were to determine the reasons for such results, and to compare the endoscopic characteristics of non-neoplastic and conventional neoplastic pathology groups after ESD. Patients and methods: A total of 1186 gastric ESDs performed between February 2005 and December 2011 were retrospectively reviewed. The ESD specimens included 52 (4.4 %) that were confirmed as negative or indefinite for neoplasia. Patient characteristics and endoscopic and pathological data were reviewed and compared. Results: Non-neoplastic pathology after ESD was due to complete removal of the lesion at biopsy in 45 cases (86.5 %), pathology overestimation in 5 (9.6 %), and incorrect localization of the original tumor with subsequent ESD performed at the wrong site in 2 (3.8 %). The mean length and surface area of the non-neoplastic lesions were 9.2±2.6mm and 49.6±23.6mm2, respectively. Mean sampling ratios were 3.0±1.5mm/fragment and 16.3±10.0mm2/fragment. Compared with 1134 cases confirmed as neoplastic on the final ESD specimen, non-neoplastic cases showed a significantly smaller tumor size and surface area, and lower sampling ratios in a logistic regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders (P<0.001 for all). Conclusions: Complete lesion removal by biopsy, pathology overestimation, and incorrect localization of the original tumor with subsequent ESD at the wrong site were the main reasons for nonneoplastic results after ESD. Small tumor size and surface area, and low sampling ratios were associated with non-neoplastic pathology results after ESD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background A conformable self-expandable metallic stent was developed to overcome the limitation of previous self-expandable metallic stents. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes after placement of conformable covered and uncovered self-expandable metallic stents for palliation of malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. Methods A single-blind, randomized, parallel-group, prospective study were conducted in 4 medical centres between March 2009 and July 2012. 134 patients with unresectable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction were assigned to a covered double-layered (n=66) or uncovered unfixed-cell braided (n=68) stent placement group. Primary analysis was performed to compare re-intervention rates between two groups. Results 120 patients were analysed (59 in the covered group and 61 in the uncovered group). Overall rates of re-intervention were not significantly different between the two groups: 13/59 (22.0%) in the covered group vs. 13/61 (21.3%) in the uncovered group, p=0.999. Stent migration was more frequent in the covered group than in the uncovered group (p=0.003). The tumour ingrowth rate was higher in the uncovered group than in the covered group (p=0.016). Conclusions The rates of re-intervention did not significantly differ between the two stents. Conformable covered double-layered and uncovered unfixed-cell braided stents were associated with different patterns of stent malfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: In patients with occlusive colorectal cancers, a complete preoperative evaluation of the colon proximal to the obstruction is often impossible. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of preoperative colonoscopy after stent placement and to determine whether the success rate of colonoscopy differs between covered and uncovered stents. Methods: Seventy-three patients with malignant colorectal obstruction were enrolled prospectively. In patients with a resectable cancer, a preoperative colonoscopy was performed after insertion of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS). The success rate of complete preoperative colonoscopy was compared between covered and uncovered stents. Results: Forty-five of 73 patients who underwent stent placement had a resectable cancer (61.6%). A complete preoperative colonoscopy was possible in 40 of 45 patients (88.9%). The success rate of complete preoperative colonoscopy was significantly lower in the covered-stent group when the obstructing mass lesion was located in the sigmoid colon (p=0.024). Synchronous cancer was detected in one patient (2.2%). Stent migration was observed in four patients with a covered stent. Conclusions: A preoperative complete colonoscopy after SEMS placement was feasible and safe in most patients with malignant colorectal obstruction. Uncovered stents seem to have more advantages than covered stents in preoperative colonoscopy proximal to the obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) combined with large-balloon dilation (LBD) has been proposed as an alternative to manage large bile duct stones. However, recent reports indicate that LBD without EST may be safe and effective in this setting. Methods: One hundred thirty-one patients with large common bile duct (CBD) stones 12 mm in size or larger underwent LBD alone (n = 62) or EST plus LBD (n = 69) for lithotripsy. The therapeutic outcome and complications were reviewed and compared. Results: There were no differences between the two groups with regard to age, size and number of stones, or bile duct diameter. The LBD alone group (mean age, 70.4 years) and the EST plus LBD group (mean age, 68.2 years) had similar outcomes in terms of overall successful stone removal (96.8% vs. 95.7%, P = 0.738) and complete stone removal without the need for mechanical lithotripsy (80.6% vs. 73.9%, P = 0.360). Complications in the LBD alone and EST plus LBD groups were as follows: pancreatitis (6.5% vs. 4.3%, P = 0.593), impaction of basket and stone (0% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.341), and perforation (0% vs. 1.4%, P = 0.341). Conclusions: LBD alone may be a simple, safe, and effective alternative to EST plus LBD in relatively aged patients with large CBD stones, and it can simplify the procedure compared with EST plus LBD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Guanine nucleotide binding protein (G-protein) beta polypeptide 3 (GNB3) C825T polymorphism alters intracellular signal transduction, which may lead to motor or sensory abnormalities of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the association of the GNB3 C825T polymorphism with susceptibility to overlap syndrome of functional dyspepsia (FD) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in a Korean population. Methods One hundred sixty-seven patients with FD alone, 60 patients with IBS alone, 85 patients with the overlap of FD and IBS, and 434 asymptomatic healthy subjects participated in the study. Genotyping for GNB3 C825T polymorphism was performed using their blood samples. Results No association of GNB3 genotypes in patients with FD alone, IBS alone or overlap phenotype, when compared to genotypes in controls, was detected. The frequency of CT and TT genotypes relative to the CC genotype for the phenotypes of FD alone, IBS alone and the coexistence of FD and IBS did not significantly differ. Comparison of the TT genotype with the CC/CT genotype showed no significant association for each phenotype group. Conclusions There is no apparent association of the GNB3 C825T polymorphism with the susceptibility to FD, IBS or the overlap of FD and IBS. Larger-scale studies and further investigation on other candidate genes are required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric adenoma with low-grade dysplasia (LGD) is a less progressive disease than with high-grade dysplasia; nevertheless, a certain portion of lesions can progress. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of argon plasma coagulation (APC) with submucosa saline injections (APC-SSI) for gastric adenoma with LGD on an outpatient department (OPD) basis. We included 57 patients with 64 lesions of gastric adenoma with LGD. Endoscopic type was flat elevated in 58 lesions and central depressed in 6 lesions. Normal saline was injected into the submucosa under the lesion before APC. APC was performed to the lesion and its surrounding mucosa. After treatment, patients underwent regular endoscopy follow-ups. One case each of pneumoperitoneum and Mallory-Weiss tearing occurred and could be managed with conservative care. One case of overt bleeding occurred after 2 weeks and was treated with APC. After 19.5 months of follow-up, four residual adenomas (6.3%) were found and treated with additional APC-SSI. Fourteen metachronous lesions were noted in eight patients (14.0%). Twelve lesions were adenoma with LGD and two lesions were intramucosal adenocarcinoma. APC-SSI is an effective and safe treatment modality for gastric adenoma with LGD on an OPD basis and it is recommended for patients with risk factors of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). After treatment of gastric adenoma, meticulous follow-up endoscopy is recommended for detection of metachronous lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims Although the long-term administration of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has been proven to induce the changes of gut microbiota, study about the short-term effect of PPIs is lacking. We aimed to verify the influence of 8 weeks of PPI treatment on the gut microbiome. Methods Patients who were given 8 weeks of Ilaprazole (20 mg, once daily PO) in the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux diseases were prospectively enrolled in our study. Enrolled subjects were educated to avoid changes in eating habits and other medications. The fecal samples were collected for microbiome analysis before and right after PPI administration. The microbial 16S rDNA of the fecal sample was collected, amplified and analyzed by the polymerase chain reaction method and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq® System. Microbial information was obtained using the NCBI 16S database and we analyzed the variety of species and the variation of the microbiota. Results Nine patients were finally analyzed in our study. There was no significant change in species diversity when compared before and after PPI administration. The results of classifying gut microbiota in the colony as genus showed increases in Streptococcus, Agathobaculum, and Murimonas. As for species, eight species were significantly increased (such as Streptococcus), and one species, Sutterella wadsworthensis was decreased after PPI administration. When gut microbiota was classified as genus and species, 12 genus and 28 species showed statistical differences in their composition fraction. Conclusions The short-term (8 weeks) administration of Ilaprazole were found to affect the abundance and composition ratio of gut microbiome at the level of a strain, although there was no significant change in the cluster diversity of gut microbiome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims There are no standard guidelines regarding the time interval from the diagnosis of gastric neoplasms to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This study was aimed to evaluate the association between the time interval from the diagnosis to ESD and success of complete resection for high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and early gastric cancers (EGCs). Methods A total of 1,728 patients who underwent ESD for HGD or EGC from January 2005 to March 2019 were enrolled. The time intervals from the diagnosis to ESD were analyzed as continuous variables. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the influence of the time interval on success of complete resection. Results Of the 1,728 enrolled patients, 568 (32.9%) and 1,160 (67.1%) patients were diagnosed with HGD and EGC, respectively. The complete resection rate is 91.1% (1,572 patients) and the mean time interval for all patients was 36.30 (±19.17) days. There was significant difference in the mean waiting time between two groups divided by referral center (our center vs other center: 29.4±14.5 vs 40.4±20.4, p<0.001). However, the success rate of complete resection was not different between two groups (p>0.05). The time interval does not significantly influence the incidence of complete resection (adjusted odds ratio, 0.995; 95% confidence interval, 0.985 to 1.004; p=0.326). Conclusions A longer time interval from the diagnosis to ESD was not associated with incomplete resection. These results could help establish endoscopic treatment guidelines for gastric neoplasms and aid both patients and endoscopists. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]