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Background: An accurate assessment of the evolution of GI endoscopy volumes is warranted to identify long-term trends and to help anticipate training, infrastructure and human resource needs. The main objective of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the evolution of GI endoscopy in France., Methods: This retrospective study consisted of a cross-sectional analysis repeated each year from 2008 to 2018 using data from a national health database related to hospital admissions. All day-case and hospital stays presenting at least one of the 119 GI endoscopy procedures were extracted., Results: This study showed an increase in day-case and hospital stays including a GI endoscopy procedure of 18.4 %. In addition, day-case endoscopy increased from 67.8 % to 76.9 % of hospital admissions. There was a 19.6 % increase in lower GI endoscopy, with in particular a 247 % increase in endoscopic mucosal resection. EUS and pancreaticobiliary and duodenal endoscopy have seen the most significant increases, 63 % and 70.2 % respectively; notably, therapeutic EUS increased by 476 %., Conclusion: This study shows the good dynamics of GI endoscopy in a European country with a sustained increase over 11 years in day-case and hospital stays of patients undergoing a GI endoscopy while day-case endoscopy is taking on an increasingly important role., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest related to this work., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.. All rights reserved.) more...

Background and Aims: The endoscopic workup of dysphagia can lead to the diagnosis of atypical esophagitis, with thickened esophageal mucosa, strictures, mucosal exudates, furrows, and sloughing. While these aspects suggest eosinophilic esophagitis, pathology might not report the presence of eosinophils, but rather chronic inflammation, with spongiosis, parakeratosis, and lymphocytic infiltrate. We aimed to report the management of this disease and assess the prevalence of associated dermatological conditions., Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the medical records of our patients with non-eosinophilic stricturing esophagitis for clinical, endoscopy, and pathology data. Patients were evaluated by a dermatologist. A blood immunoassay and skin biopsy were performed if needed., Results: Thirty-eight patients (twenty-six women) were included in the study. The median age at onset of symptoms was 56.5 years, with a median duration of symptoms of two years. Thirty-five patients presented with dysphagia at diagnosis and eighteen with weight loss. At endoscopy, a single esophageal stenosis was diagnosed in 19 patients, localized in the upper third in 22 patients. Thirty patients received endoscopic treatment (dilatation in 29/38 and local triamcinolone injection in 11/38 patients). In 21 patients, oral, skin or vulvo-anal lesions were found on dermatological examination. Nineteen patients received systemic treatment, including corticosteroids, immunosuppressive drugs and plasmapheresis. Five patients developed esophageal squamous cell carcinoma., Conclusion: The management of non-eosinophilic chronic stricturing esophagitis is challenging, because of a low contribution of esophageal biopsies and the refractory nature of the strictures. In our experience, a dermatological evaluation helped in 55% of cases to introduce a systemic treatment, leading to limit the use of endoscopic dilatation. Endoscopic follow-up is needed, considering the significant risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Objectives: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allow endoscopic resection of early esophageal adenocarcinoma. The choice between the two techniques takes into account the morphology of the lesion, and the experience of the endoscopist. The aim of this study was to compare EMR to ESD for the treatment of early esophageal adenocarcinoma., Methods: Patients who underwent an endoscopic resection for esophageal adenocarcinomas between March 2015 and December 2019 were included. ESD was compared to EMR in terms of clinical, procedural, histologic, and oncologic outcomes., Results: 85 patients were included: 57 ESD and 28 EMR. The median (IQR) diameter of the lesion was 20(15-25) mm in the ESD group, and 15(8-16) mm in the EMR group, p<0.01. ESD allowed en bloc resection in 100% of cases, and EMR in 39% of cases, p<0.001. The R0 and curative resection rate in the ESD group versus the EMR group were 88% and 67%, respectively, versus 21% and 11%, p<0.001. We recorded one severe adverse event, in the EMR group. After a median (IQR) follow-up of 27.5 (14.5-38.7) months, the local recurrence rate was 23% vs. 18% (p = 0.63), and the overall survival 89% vs. 86% (p = 0.72), in the ESD and EMR groups, respectively., Conclusion: ESD was as safe as EMR and allowed higher en bloc, R0 and curative resection rates. Although these results did not translate into long-term outcomes, these data prompt for a broader adoption of ESD for the resection of esophageal lesions suspected of harboring early esophageal adenocarcinoma., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Introduction: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) has become the recommended endoscopic treatment for flat dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. However, the outcomes of this treatment are variable across European countries. Our aim was to report the results of a French high-volume center, and to investigate factors associated with treatment failure., Methods: We conducted a single-center retrospective study from a prospectively collected database from 2011 to 2020, including all consecutive patients treated with RFA for flat dysplastic Barrett's esophagus. The primary endpoint was the failure rate of esophageal radiofrequency treatment, defined as either persistence of intestinal metaplasia at the end of treatment, or neoplastic progression during RFA., Results: 96 patients treated with a median of four RFA sessions for a mean C5M6 Barrett's esophagus were included in the analysis. Complete eradication of intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia were achieved in 59% and 79% of patients, respectively, resulting in a treatment failure rate of 41%. Ten patients experienced neoplastic progression during treatment. We recorded 14% of post-RFA esophageal strictures, all successfully treated by endoscopic dilatation. Univariate analysis identified the length of Barrett's esophagus and the absence of hiatal hernia as predictive factors for treatment failure, however not confirmed in multivariate analysis., Conclusion: In our experience, RFA of flat dysplastic Barrett's esophagus had a 41% treatment failure rate. The length of the Barrett's segment might be associated with treatment failure. Although our results confirm a role for RFA in the management of dysplastic Barrett's esophagus, the treatment failure rate was higher than expected. This suggest that endoscopists, even in high-volume centers, should receive specific training in RFA., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest None declared., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Background: Gastric linitis plastica (GLP) is a diffuse infiltrating type of gastric adenocarcinoma. It is associated with a poor prognosis and a five-year survival of 3-10%. The infiltrating profile of this tumor explains the low yield of the superficial mucosal biospies. The objective of this study was to investigate the role of endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle biopsy (EUS-FNB) in the diagnosis of GLP., Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis including all patients who had an EUS-FNB, at a tertiary referral center, over the last 3 years. The primary outcome was the sensitivity of EUS-FNB in patients with suspected GLP., Results: Between January 2017 and December 2020, 34 patients had an EUS-FNB for suspected GLP. Ten patients had a diagnostic of GLP. This diagnosis was obtained by EUS-FNB in 90% (9/10) of the cases. Eight patients had at least one previous esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with negative mucosal biopsies. Gastric EUS-FNB helped diagnose other serious conditions in 47% (16/34) of cases with inconclusive mucosal biopsies., Conclusion: Gastric EUS-FNB in patients with suspected GLP and normal endoscopic mucosal biopsies may lead to a positive diagnosis of GLP in 90% of cases without notable adverse events. This technique should be considered as a second step in the setting of suspicion of GLP after inconclusive mucosal biopsies., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None, (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Background and Study Aims: Large scale data on esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) in Western countries are scarce. We conducted a prospective study on the diagnostic yield of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in France., Patients and Methods: An online questionnaire was sent to all French gastroenterologists practicing endoscopy. Data from EGDs performed during one week were collected. A statistical extrapolation of the results to a whole year was performed., Results: 342 gastrointestinal endoscopists, representative of the population of French gastroenterologists, provided data on 2735 EGDs, corresponding to 1 006 316 (95%CI=937 080-1 075 552) procedures for the entire year. 1770 (64.7%) EGDs were performed under sedation or general anesthesia, and 930 (34%) were associated with a colonoscopy. 896 (32.8%) EGDs were normal. Hiatal hernia and esophagitis were the most frequent esophageal diagnoses, in 496 (18.1%) and 374 (13.7%) cases, respectively. Barrett's esophagus was diagnosed in 109 (4%) patients. Among gastric lesions, endoscopic gastritis was reported in 572 (20.9%) patients; ulcer, polyps, and suspected malignancy in 78 (2.9%), 62 (2.3%), and 19 (0.7%), respectively. 1597 (58.4%) EGDs included mucosal biopsies, and 141 (5.1%) were associated with a therapeutic procedure., Conclusions: We report nationwide prospective data on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy practice in France. Our data suggest that about 300 000 normal EGDs each year in France could potentially be avoided by a diagnostic strategy relying on upper GI capsule endoscopy, providing significant relief on healthcare practitioners., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Objectives: Adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and of the gastric cardia are regarded as a same clinical entity in oncology. For endoscopic resection however, endoscopic mucosal resection is recommended for esophageal adenocarcinoma, while endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is advocated for gastric adenocarcinomas. Our aim was to compare the outcomes of ESD in both types of esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas., Methods: Between March 2015 and December 2019, we included all patients who underwent an ESD for early adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction at a French tertiary referral center. Esophageal and gastric cardia adenocarcinomas were compared in terms of clinical, procedural and histological outcomes., Results: 57 esophageal and 19 gastric cardia adenocarcinomas were included in the analysis, for a total of 76 patients. The median (IQR) size of the resections was 40 (40-57.5) and 50 (35-55)mm, p=0.96, respectively. En bloc resection was achieved in 100% and 89% for adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and the gastric cardia, p=0.06. Late adverse events occurred in 14% and 5.3%, respectively, p=0.44, with no severe adverse event. Curative resection rates were 67% and 63% for adenocarcinomas of the esophagus and the gastric cardia, respectively, p=0.89., Conclusion: ESD is a safe treatment for T1 adenocarcinomas of the esophagogastric junction, curative in two thirds of the patients, in tumors arising from the esophagus or from the stomach. ESD should be considered for the routine resection of esophageal adenocarcinomas., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Introduction: Endoscopic resection is a standard-of-care for early esophageal neoplasia. Early gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) can be safely managed by endoscopic resection, if the early SRCC is limited to the mucosa and less than 15mm, with a low lymph node metastasis rate. It is not known if esophageal signet ring cell carcinoma is amenable to endoscopic resection., Methods: We retrospectively collected demographic, procedural, oncologic and follow-up data from all patients with esophageal SRCC resected endoscopically at our institution, and compared them to those of patients with endoscopically resected poorly differentiated esophageal adenocarcinomas., Results: Between 2016 and 2018, 170 endoscopic resections were performed for esophageal neoplasms, among which 7 patients with SRCC and 6 patients with poorly differentiated early adenocarcinomas were identified. The histologically complete (R0) resection rate was 28.6% (2/7) for SRCC vs. 100% for poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas (P=0.04). The presence of lymphovascular invasion or deep submucosal invasion led to curative resection rates of 14.2% (1/7) and 66.6% (4/6) for SRCC and poorly differentiated adenocarcinomas, respectively (P=0.1)., Conclusion: Endoscopic resection of early esophageal SRCC is neither histologically complete, nor curative in the majority of cases. These data argue against upfront endoscopic resection when SRCC is evidenced on esophageal biopsies., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Introduction: Mid-esophageal and epiphrenic diverticula (MED) can be associated with esophageal motility disorders. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is an established treatment for esophageal motility disorders that has also been introduced for the treatment of MED., Methods: Data were prospectively collected from patients with MED treated with POEM at our institution. When esophageal motility disorders were present, myotomy was performed extending the myotomy to the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) to treat the motility dysfunction associated with the diverticulum. In the absence of esophageal motility disorder, POEM was performed without including the LES in the myotomy to achieve diverticulotomy., Results: Four patients were treated with POEM for MED between April 2017 and March 2018. The patients suffered from distal esophageal spasm, jackhammer esophagus or esophago-gastric junction outflow obstruction. One patient had no esophageal motility disorder. Diverticulum size was 3 cm in one case and 6 cm in the others. Preoperative Eckardt scores ranged from 6 to 8. No life-threatening complications were reported. Intraoperative pneumoperitoneum was described in two cases and one patient experienced aspiration pneumonia. The patients with motility disorders were asymptomatic at 6-8 months follow-up. The patient without documented underlying esophageal motility disorder had an Eckardt score of 3 at 9-months follow-up. Two cases of gastro-esophageal reflux were successfully managed with proton pump inhibitors., Conclusions: In the case of MED and esophageal motility disorder, POEM permitted treatment of the underlying cause of the diverticulum, achieving favorable early clinical outcomes. In the absence of motility disorder, POEM was feasible with promising early outcomes, and could be a valid alternative to surgical diverticulectomy in selected patients., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Introduction: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is advised in the workup of achalasia patients to rule out secondary achalasia or pseudoachalasia, and search for a typical esophageal wall thickening. The purpose of this study was to assess the clinical contribution of EUS findings in achalasia and other esophageal motility disorders (EMD)., Methods: We conducted a single center retrospective study at a tertiary referral centre. We included all patients with an EUS for the workup of a suspected EMD from January 2012 to December 2017., Results: Sixty-nine patients were included, 52% were men, with a median (±SD) age of 61 ± 14 years. Median (±SD) Eckardt Score was 7 ± 2. EUS was normal in 26 (38%) patients, and showed an esophageal wall thickening in 43 (62%) patients. Three cases of secondary achalasia were diagnosed at mucosal biopsies: 2 esophageal carcinomas and one eosinophilic esophagitis. Esophageal wall thickening was not significantly associated with the type of EMD or achalasia subtype and there was no statistical correlation between the presence of a wall thickening at EUS and therapeutic outcomes., Conclusion: In our work, the presence of an esophageal wall thickening was not predictive of the type of EMD nor achalasia subtype or treatment outcome. The contribution of endoscopic ultrasonography in achalasia and other EMD seems limited., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Ineffective esophageal motility is the most frequent esophageal motility disorder. It is currently defined by 50% or more ineffective esophageal contractions and a normal lower esophageal sphincter relaxation on high-resolution esophageal manometry. Although reported in patients without symptoms, it is typically associated with gastro-esophageal reflux disease, and might be a consequence of the reflux. Ineffective esophageal motility can account for a certain degree of dysphagia, and is associated with a more severe gastroesophageal reflux. Todate, no specific endoscopic or pharmacologic treatment is available, and proton pump inhibitor are advisable when gastro-esophageal reflux is associated., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

About 5% of colorectal cancer (CRC) cases occurred in the context of an underlying hereditary predisposition syndrome. Lynch syndrome is the main causes of hereditary CRC but is also associated with a higher risk of other cancers (such as endometrial cancer and ovarian cancer). It is the consequence of constitutional mutation in a MisMatch Repair (MMR) gene, involved in DNA repair: MLH1, MSH2, MSH6 or PMS2; or of the EPCAM gene (MSH2 promotor). If a mutation predisposing to Lynch Syndrome is identified in an individual, special monitoring should be initiated, adapted to estimated cancer risk. Clinical criteria (Amsterdam II and Bethesda) have been validated to identify the patients who should be referred for genetic counseling in order to initiate constitutional DNA testing. Furthermore, the French National Cancer Institute (INCa) systematically recommend tumoral testing looking for MMR system failure in case of CRC diagnosed under 60, endometrial cancer diagnosed under 50 or whatever the age in patients diagnosed with CRC or endometrial cancer harbouring personal or familal history of Lunch Syndrome cancers. In this review, we will discuss how to detect Lynch syndrome (identification of the index case and family screening) and how to monitor it in 2019., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are among the most prescribed drugs in the world. While their efficacy in acute management is indisputable, it has long been suggested that PPI therapy is safe in the long term. In recent years, there has been growing and justified concern about the long-term risks of PPIs. The majority of reported side effects are based on observational studies with a low level of evidence. Concerning digestive risks, PPIs seem to increase the risk of Salmonella and Campylobacter infections. However, the link between PPIs and Clostridium difficile infection is not established. Long-term PPIs may be responsible for an increased risk of gastric cancer according to several recent studies. With regard to extra-digestive risks, PPIs are associated with a moderate increase in the risk of chronic renal failure via an interstitial nephritis mechanism. PPIs also provide martial deficiency and may be associated with vitamin B12 and magnesium deficiency in some patients. Other adverse reactions have been suggested without any causal relationship being established (i.e., dementia or bone fractures, cardiovascular risk). In this review we will discuss the different long-term adverse effects of PPIs and their level of evidence., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Aim: Small bowel capsule endoscopy (CE) is a non-invasive and validated technique allowing the visualization of the small intestine mucosa. It generated more than 40,000 images per examination and induced a long median time of medical reading that may exceed 1 hour. In a transfer of skills' program, the CE reading might be transferred to nurses. We herein evaluate and present a feasibility study of the CE to nurses., Methods: Nurses experienced in endoscopy were trained for small bowel CE reading, selection and interpretation of pathological images. Two strategies were experienced: a partial delegation to nurses, restricted to the selection of picture and an interpretation of the selected pictures by experts in CE (strategy A) or a total delegation including the selection of pictures, their interpretation, and the realization of a report (strategy B). Nurses were volunteers to participate to the study. Strategies were compared to the reference procedure (control) and a blinded analysis of the CE by experts was performed. Selection of pictures and their interpretation were timely evaluated in all strategies. The stomach and small intestine transit times and the reading time were recorded. The accuracy of the whole CE interpretation was compared. Experts reviewed all discordant interpretations., Results: The extent of transit time in the stomach and the small intestine, and the identification of a normal endoscopic examination were not statistically different between strategy A and control (P=0.71). The accuracy of reports from strategy A and control was 95% (P=0.9). In one case, a nurse has not selected the pathological image, corresponding to a duodenal ulcer. The median medical time for reading was significantly shorter in strategy A than in control (9.2min [range: 4-20] vs 34.0min [range: 10-60]; P<0.01). The accuracy of reports performed by nurses in strategy B was 80% (P=0.11). In 4 cases, the medical interpretation in strategy B was discordant. The discrepancy was due to a lack of pathological images' selection of the selected pictures for the final report (n=1) and a lack of interpretation (n=3). The median time for analysis was not significantly different between strategy B and control (34.7 [range: 10-75] versus 34.0min [range: 15-60]; P=0.53)., Conclusion: In small bowel CE, a pre-selection of pathological images by a trained nurse could be integrated in a transfer of skills' program and appeared feasible. The gain of time for the gastroenterologists is significant and reduced the medical time for reading from 34 to 9minutes per examination. Meantime, an overall delegation of small bowel CE to nurses suffered for a lack of efficacy. Our study paved the way for a nurse' training program in the pre-selection and identification of CE images., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.) more...

Acute severe colitis is a potentially life-threatening medical and surgical emergency requiring hospitalization and intensive monitoring. The diagnosis of severe acute colitis is based on clinical and biological criteria. Colectomy should be discussed at each stage of management and is indicated immediately in case of complications. Thromboembolic prevention with low molecular weight heparin is essential in any patient with severe acute colitis. The first-line medical treatment is intravenous corticosteroid at a dose of 0.8mg/kg/day of prednisone equivalent. In case of failure, a second line of medical treatment can be attempted in the absence of complications. The two possible treatments are infliximab and ciclosporin., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

The pathophysiology of achalasia is largely unknown, and involves the destruction of ganglion cell in the esophageal myenteric plexus. High-resolution esophageal manometry is the key investigation. Endoscopic pneumodilatation and laparoscopic Heller myotomy have comparable short-term success rates, around 90%. The main complication after pneumodilatation is esophageal perforation, occurring in about 1% of cases. Peroral endoscopic myotomy is a promising treatment modality, however with frequent post-procedural gastroesophageal reflux., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

In France, upper gastrointestinal haemorrhages have an estimated annual incidence of 143 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. Classically, two types of digestive hemorrhage are described: acute and chronic digestive hemorrhages. Upper endoscopy is carried out in case of hematemesis or melena. It requires that the patient has been fasting for at least 6hours for solids and 3hours for liquids. The main etiologies of hemorrhagic hemorrhage of the origin are the vascular abnormalities, inflammatory or drug-induced ulcerations, intestinal tumors, Meckel's diverticulum, and Dieulafoy ulcer. The modalities of exploration of the small intestine before digestive hemorrhage are the wireless capsule, a reference examination for the exploration of the small intestine, enteroscopy, therapeutic examination, entero-CT or MRI, and 99mTc-labeled red blood cell scintigraphy. In this review, we will discuss the different etiologies of the digestive haemorrhage of intestinal origin and propose a management algorithm., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Acute diverticulitis is a common disease with increasing incidence. In most of cases, diagnosis is made at an uncomplicated stage offering a curative attempt under medical treatment and use of antibiotics. There is a risk of diverticulitis recurrence. Uncomplicated diverticulitis is opposed to complicated forms (perforation, abscess or fistula). Recent insights in the pathophysiology of diverticulitis, the natural history, and treatments have permitted to identify new treatment strategies. For example, the use of antibiotics tends to decrease; surgery is now less invasive, percutaneous drainage is preferred, peritoneal lavage is encouraged. Treatments of the diverticulitis are constantly evolving. In this review, we remind the pathophysiology and natural history, and summarize new recommendations for the medical and surgical treatment of acute diverticulitis., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disease that affects the entire digestive tract, from the mouth to the anus. The inflammatory disease is transmural and may be complicated by abscesses, fistulas, strictures. Budesonide is used as first-line treatment for a first episode of ileitis. Thiopurines and methotrexate are used as immunosuppressive maintenance therapy. Anti-tumour necrosis factors (TNF) alpha therapy is used as induction and maintenance therapy in case of severe flares or corticodependence. Combination of immunosuppressive therapy and anti-TNF-alpha (combotherapy) prevents the appearance of specific anti drug antibodies. Combotherapy is used in case of severe disease. The goal of the treatment is to achieve clinical remission, endoscopic mucosal healing, and to prevent the occurrence of complications such as strictures, fistulas or abscesses. Anoperineal lesions are found in 10% of the patients at diagnosis. Surgical treatment is indicated for severe medical treatment-resistant patients or complications such as symptomatic stenosis, fistula or abscess unresponsive to medical treatment or immediately complicated., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease limited to the mucosa and affecting the rectum and the colon continuously. Salicylates are the first line treatment for moderate forms. Corticosteroids are used to induce remission, but are not given as maintenance therapy. Thiopurines are indicated as maintenance therapy in case of failure of salicylates or cortico-dependence. Anti TNF alpha are indicated in cortico-resistant severe flares or if cortico- dependence. Vedolizumab (anti-integrin) is the first non anti-TNF alpha biotherapy available for the treatment of UC. Severe acute colitis is a medical emergency; diagnosis is based on Lichtiger score. An emergency colectomy for severe acute colitis is indicated in cases of surgical complication or resistance to medical therapy. UC patients with extension beyond splenic flexure are at risk of colorectal cancer, increasing with the duration of the disease, severity of mucosal inflammation, family history of colorectal cancer, and the existence of sclerosing cholangitis. Annual surveillance colonoscopy is required in patients with sclerosing cholangitis regardless of the extension of their UC., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Gastric signet ring cell carcinoma (GSRC) is a distinct entity. Their incidence is increasing. The pathologist plays a central role in the identification of this entity. Diagnosis is based on an adenocarcinoma containing a majority of signet ring cells (above 50 %). The prognosis of GSRC is the same as gastric adenocarcinoma while GSRC appeared more aggressive. Signet ring cells present a low sensitivity to chemotherapy. This review aimed to discuss the histological, the prognostic and the therapeutic aspect of this entity., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

The neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors are rare tumors, but their incidence is constantly rising. Even if the management of these tumors has to be surgical as soon as possible, the disease is most often metastatic at the stage of the diagnostic. The prognostic and the therapeutic options differ from pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Available treatments have evolved over the last years with recent publications of studies that bring to light the benefits of targeted therapies in this pathology. This has resulted in modifications of both practices and either French and international guidelines. Therefore, we focus on the management of the grade 1 and grade 2 well-differentiated neuroendocrine pancreatic tumors as classified in new WHO classification of neuroendocrine neoplasms published in 2010., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.) more...

Pneumatic dilation of achalasia has a same medium-term efficacy than surgery and is commonly proposed as the first-line treatment. Intra-sphincteric injection of botulinum toxin is reserved for elderly patients with serious comorbidities. Per-endoscopic myotomy is possible but needs to be evaluated by further studies. Laparoscopic Heller's myotomy in first intension is reserved for young patients less than 40 years. Results of Heller's myotomy are not modified by prior endoscopic treatment or by mega-esophagus. Better surgery results are shown in recent and severe achalasia., (Copyright © 2012. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.) more...

Being the second cancer for men and the third cancer for women in France, colorectal cancer represents a serious public health issue. Its incidence has increased these last years and despite new therapeutics being developed, it still has a bad prognostic. Thanks in part to Hemoccult national mass screening program, its diagnosis is made possible at an earlier stage, which makes a surgical curative resection and the carrying out of adjuvant chemotherapy possible. For stage III colic cancer that has been surgically removed, adjuvant chemotherapy by FOLFOX 4 has to be offered. Nevertheless, because of its toxicities, the patient's high age, important comorbidities or post-surgical complications, this chemotherapy occasionally cannot be done. What are the colorectal cancer prognostic factors which would guide the chemotherapy? TNM classification, number of examined lymph nodes, MSI status, and presence or not of a perforation or a perinervous, lymphatic or venous invasion is recognized prognostic factors. Also, what are the alternatives of FOLFOX 4 regimen as colorectal cancer adjuvant treatment?, (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Screening for complications of neoplastic Barrett's oesophagus requires a tedious blind standardized protocol biopsies quadrant every 1 to 2cm depending on the morphology of the Barrett's epithelium (Protocol of Seattle). To achieve that biopsies targeted to areas suspicious of dysplasia, a method of high sensitivity is required. Chromoendoscopy has been developed in this direction. Acetic acid combined with high resolution endoscopy and zooming represents an aid in the preparation of the oesophageal mucosa for visualization of suspicious anomalies. It is safe, cheap and easy to use. Acetic acid has proven its value in improving the visibility of the pit pattern. Several vital dyes have been tested, including methylene blue, indigo carmine and crystal violet, with mixed results. The FICE(®) and NBI(®), immediate, reversible and attractive virtual chromoendoscopy techniques represent interesting tools for improving sensitivity in screening for Barrett's oesophagus and its complications. Confocal endomicroscopy, which is similar as a "per-endoscopic real time histological examination", seems to be equally a promising technique in detection of Barrett's oesophagus associated neoplasia. But these tools which are capable of improvement so far, have not proved their use on a large population. For this, the systematic biopsy protocol Seattle remains the "gold standard" in monitoring the Barrett's oesophagus., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

Conventional optical colonoscopy is the reference examination for exploration of the colon. Its morbidity and its poor acceptability have led to the development of alternative techniques. Considerable work has gone into colon imaging, in particular computed tomography (colo-TC). According to the meta-analysis by Mulhall et al, its sensitivity is 85% and its specificity 97% for the detection of polyps>9 mm. A colo-TC is the alternative examination with the best recognized performance. Among the examinations described below, it is the only examination that can be proposed in the case of the failure of or contraindication to optical colonoscopy. Because of the irradiating nature of this technique, magnetic resonance imaging would be preferable if feasible. This technique has appeared more recently, and work on the topic is less abundant. Capsule endoscopy (the Pill-cam) for the small intestine has been adapted to study of the colon. Results of colon capsule endoscopy studies are promising. A European multicenter study of 320 patients found a sensitivity of 64%, specificity of 84%, positive predictive value (PPV) of 60% and negative predictive value (NPV) of 86% for the detection of polyps>6mm. No severe complication was observed. Finally, improvements have been sought for standard colonoscopy: the Aer-O-Scope, Invendoscope, CathCam colonoscopy - all of these alternative colonoscopies are only in their infancy. The characteristics of these methods for exploring the colon vary substantially between techniques, and their respective roles and indications remain to be defined., ((c) 2009 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.) more...

5-fluorouracil, (5-FU) is an antimetabolite used in many types of cancers. It has a narrow therapeutic index. More than 80% of administered 5-FU is detoxified in 5-fluoro-5,6-dihydrouracil (5-FUH2) by an enzyme: dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD). Half life increased with DPD deficiency. Thus, patients presenting a partial or profound DPD deficiency have an increased risk of severe or lethal toxicity. DPD deficiency was estimated between 3 to 5% in the normal population. Different approaches have been developed: Pharmacogenetic on the DPD gene or pharmacologic measuring DPD activity. More than 30 mutations have been reported on this gene. The more common mutation is the slice-site mutation IVS14+1G>A. Analysis of the various mutations allowed to identify a population at risk with a DPD deficiency. DPD activity is determined in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. This assay offers the capability of identifying individuals who are completely deficient in DPD activity and those who are partially deficient. Assays to detect DPD deficiency are not used as a screening test to prevent 5-FU toxicity. more...

Long-term studies of NSAIDs have demonstrated cardiovascular toxicity which poses a general problem of the benefit risk between the relief of the patient's symptoms and the risk of digestive and cardiovascular toxicity. The digestive complications and the risk factors associated with the ingestion of NSAIDs have been defined by numerous studies but the prevention of this digestive toxicity can be attempted. The benefit-risk ratio caused by the digestive and cardiovascular toxicities of the NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors must be evaluated for each individual before starting a treatment. For a treatment of short duration in patients with a low risk of digestive and cardiovascular complications, the risk of digestive toxicity must be taken into consideration first and the COX-2 inhibitors are favoured. For a treatment of long duration the risk must be evaluated with the greatest care. In the case of cardiovascular risk factors, the cardiovascular risk must be evaluated and the treatment must be prescribed at the lowest dose for the shortest duration. In patients with very high risk of digestive and cardiovascular complications, since the digestive and cardiovascular extra-mortality associated with the ingestion of NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors is high, it is advised to abandon this type of long-term treatment. more...

Long-term studies of NSAIDs have demonstrated cardiovascular toxicity which poses a general problem of the benefit risk between the relief of the patient's symptoms and the risk of digestive and cardiovascular toxicity. The digestive complications and the risk factors associated with the ingestion of NSAIDs have been defined by numerous studies but the prevention of this digestive toxicity can be attempted. The benefit-risk ratio caused by the digestive and cardiovascular toxicities of the NSAIDs and COX-2 inhibitors must be evaluated for each individual before starting a treatment. For a treatment of short duration in patients with a low risk of digestive and cardiovascular complications, the risk of digestive toxicity must be taken into consideration first and the COX-2 inhibitors are favoured. For a treatment of long duration the risk must be evaluated with the greatest care. In the case of cardiovascular risk factors, the cardiovascular risk must be evaluated and the treatment must be prescribed at the lowest dose for the shortest duration. In patients with very high risk of digestive and cardiovascular complications, since the digestive and cardiovascular extra-mortality associated with the ingestion of NSAIDs or COX-2 inhibitors is high, it is advised to abandon this type of long-term treatment. more...

Objectives: To evaluate prescription practices and response to infliximab treatment for Crohn's disease (CD)., Patients and Methods: The files of CD patients treated with at least one infusion of infliximab treated in gastroenterology units belonging to university teaching hospitals of the Parisian hospitals group (Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP) during the year 2000 were analyzed retrospectively., Results: One hundred and thirty-seven patients (36.0 +/- 12.7 years, 92 females) from 12 centers were studied. Indication for treatment was fistulae or perianal disease in 39% of patients, active Crohn's disease in 45% and mixed conditions in 16%. Mean follow-up was 15.2 +/- 7.2 months. The overall response rate was 85%. No predictive factor of sustained remission could be identified. The mean time to relapse was to 3.9 +/- 3.1 months. Thirty-eight patients were on maintenance therapy at the end of the follow up; 37% exhibiting progressive lost of response to treatment. Immunosuppressive therapy was added to infliximab in 78% of cases but response to infliximab was not modified by addition of immunosuppressive drugs. Adverse events, most frequently minor, were noted in 23% of the patients., Conclusion: This retrospective study confirms the efficacy and safety of infliximab in CD. more...

Aims of the Study: To evaluate the diagnosis, treatment and outcome of patients with pancreatic metastases., Patients and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of patients with pancreatic metastasis managed in the Paris area between 1990 and 2000., Results: The series analyzed included 22 patients, 10 men and 12 women, mean age 61 years (range: 35-76). The primary tumors were renal-cell carcinoma (N=10), colorectal cancer (N=4), lung cancer (N=4), breast cancer (N=2), cutaneous melanoma (N=1) and ileal carcinoid (N=1). The mean interval between primary treatment and presentation was 73.5 months (range: 2-151). Diagnosis was established because of clinical symptoms (N=15) or during surveillance (N=7). Computed tomography (N=19) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) (N=18) mainly showed solitary and hypodense/or hypoechoic masses. Histological diagnosis was obtained before surgery by EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (N=6), ultrasound-guided biopsy (N=3) or duodenoscopy (N=3). Among 10 patients with primary renal-cell carcinoma, 7 were treated by surgery. Median global survival was 33 months. Median survival was 61 months in the event of surgical treatment and 20 months in the other patients (ns). Mean survival depended on the type of primary tumor, 61 months for renal-cell carcinoma and 33 for colorectal cancer (P=0.06)., Conclusions: Most pancreatic metastases develop from renal-cell carcinoma and can occur several years after nephrectomy. Histological diagnosis is often obtained before surgery. Surgical resection must be discussed as it can allow long-term survival. more...

Use of low-dose aspirin is associated with an increased risk of gastroduodenal ulcers and upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The risk is increased by the old age and by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases of the patients receiving low-dose aspirin. Combination with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids or anticoagulant increases the risk of complications and should be avoided. Proton-pump inhibitor and eradication of Helicobacter pylori are not efficient in primary prevention of ulcer complications related to low-dose aspirin use. Patients at high risk of gastroduodenal complications due to age, morbidity or concomitant use of gastrotoxic therapy should be given prophylactic treatment. Assessment of what constitutes the most effective therapy (misoprostol, proton-pump inhibitor) should be defined in controlled trials. Among patients with Helicobacter pylori infection and a history of upper gastrointestinal bleeding who are taking low-dose aspirin, the eradication of Helicobacter pylori is equivalent to treatment with proton-pump inhibitor in preventing recurrent bleeding. Long term treatment with proton-pump inhibitor in addition to the eradication of Helicobacter pylori should be considered in patients who had ulcer complications related to the use of low-dose aspirin. more...

TWO CO-FACTORS: Helicobacter pylori (Hp) infection and ingestion of NSAIDs are two factors which play a major role in the occurrence of gastric and duodenal ulcers, simple or complicated by perforation and GI bleeding. Hp increases the risk of ulcer in patients receiving an NSAID and the effects of Hp and NSAIDs are additive. Following GI bleeding in a patient receiving a conventional NSAID, the eradication of Hp does not make it possible to protect the patient from another episode of GI bleeding and proves to be a much less effective therapy than continuous therapy with proton pump inhibitors. ROLE OF COX-2 INHIBITORS: COX-2 inhibitors (celecoxib, rofecoxib) are associated with a major decrease in the number of symptomatic and/or complicated ulcers compared to a conventional NSAID. Two randomized studies using doses four times higher than those recommended, have demonstrated that serious GI complications associated with NSAIDs (perforation, GI bleeding) were decreased by half compared to those by use of a conventional NSAID at the usual therapeutic dosage. Considering the patient's previous history of GI disorders prior to initiation of treatment and Hp(+) serology, it appears that decreasing risk of symptomatic or complicated gastro-duodenal ulcer was higher in treatment with Rofexocib in patients who did not have a previous history of ulcer, whatever their Hp status. On the other hand, in the group with a history of GI disorders, the decrease in the risk of ulcer was lower than in patients who were Hp(+). ROLE OF ASPIRIN: The causal relationship between intake of aspirin and Hp appear to be more complex. Thus, it appears that eradication of Hp in patients who presented with GI bleeding and scheduled to resume low-dose aspirin had the same efficacy as a daily dose of 20 mg of omeprazole for a 6-month period. more...

The prevalence of dyspepsia is high in the general population. Its incidence varies depending on the study and the definition chosen for dyspepsia. Treatment with NSAIDs increases the risk of dyspepsia. The absence of dyspepsia does not eliminate a potential serious GI event during treatment with an NSAID, and patients with dyspepsia do not have an increased risk of GI complications. What about gastro-oesophageal reflux? Symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux are frequent during treatment with an NSAID, but the NSAID-related gastro-oesophageal reflux-inducing effect has not been demonstrated. On the contrary, this causal relationship has been established in the occurrence and worsening of lesions of oesophagitis. From the standpoint of management, the existence of dyspepsia or gastro-oesophageal reflux before prescription of an NSAID should be treated and investigated if necessary (patient older than 50). In the event of chronic gastro-oesophageal reflux, endoscopy is necessary to screen for and treat oesophagitis before initiating treatment with NSAID. In case of dyspepsia or gastro-oesophageal reflux developing during treatment with an NSAID, endoscopy is not a systematic procedure to be performed in a first phase. It is indicated in case of non-response to a symptomatic therapy and in case of a GI lesion risk (patient older than 50). more...

Unlabelled: AN ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN RISK: The non-selective non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increase the risk of gastro-duodenal ulcer by 3 to 5 and the incidence of the symptomatic ulcers is 1 per 100 patients treated per year History before anti Cox-2. HISTORY BEFORE ANTI COX-2: The past history of ulcer increases the risk of relapse by 14 to 17 with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake compared to patients without previous ulcer. The severity of the ulcers induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs increases with the age. The ulcer risk is constant with the time and thus the prevalence increases with the duration of the treatment. The concomitant treatments by anticoagulants or aspirin increase the risk of digestive events by 2 to 3. A heavy consumption of alcohol is a factor of risk. Smoking is a minor factor. WITH ANTI COX-2: The incidence of the symptomatic ulcers is reduced by 60% among patients treated by Cox-2 specific antagonists. This reduction is identical that the patients have or not risk factors, and thus, the digestive complications are not suppressed when giving non-specific antagonists to the patients with risk factors. Their incidence cannot be negligible among patients cumulating at least two factors and treated by Cox-2 specific antagonists (from 5 to 16% per year). The benefit related to the, In Summary: Cox-2 specific antagonists seems dramatically reduced by the concomitant aspirin intake. Among the patients who have a symptomatic ulcer induced by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, 81% did not have previous symptoms or risk factors. more...

A HIGH RISK: Conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) produce, by a factor of about 4, a major increase of the secondary GI adverse effect risk (ulcer and bleeding). According to published data, the number of patients to be treated with an NSAID for a duration of more than 2 months, a duration which can result in death, is 1220 (909 to 2500). A LONG TERM RISK: The GI risk induced by an NSAID appears constant over time. Upon discontinuation of treatment with an NSAID, an elevated risk is observed during the first 3 months following the end of treatment. more...

Unlabelled: Criteria for appropriateness of colonoscopy have been elaborated by an European Panel (EPAGE)., Objectives: 1) To assess the feasibility of EPAGE criteria in clinical practice, 2) to assess colonoscopy appropriateness using EPAGE criteria, 3) to compare colonoscopy appropriateness and findings., Patients and Methods: Four hundred and six consecutive examinations were included. The referral indication was judged using a scoring system on the basis of the EPAGE criteria., Results: Appropriateness could be assessed in 94% of the colonoscopies. Fifty-four percent were appropriate, 40% equivocal, and 6% inappropriate. Rate of abnormal colonoscopy was not different between the 3 groups, however endoscopic findings were more severe when the indication was appropriate. In the appropriate group, adenomatous polyps were more frequent (24%) than in the two other groups (13% and 12%; P<0.05) and tended to be larger in size. In the inappropriate group, patients were significantly younger, and no cancer was found. There were 5 colonic cancers in the inappropriate group and 12 in the appropriate group., Conclusion: Colonoscopy is generally not overused according to EPAGE guidelines. However, on an individual basis it could be rather difficult to determine colonoscopy appropriateness using a scoring system. Indeed, a third of the indications was judged equivocal and the endoscopic findings were no different whether indication was appropriate or equivocal. more...

Unlabelled: The attention given by the physician and the quality of the patient-physician relationship mainly determine the outcome of a consultation. Care seeking is a main characteristic of patients with functional bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), while patients with suspected organic disease (Org) would rather expect a precise answer about their condition. The aim of this study was thus to evaluate the outcome of the consultation with a gastroenterologist in IBS patients, as compared to a group of patients with suspected organic disease., Patients and Methods: A prospective multicenter cross-sectional study "one given week" included 158 patients consulting for the first time 18 gastroenterologists. Patients were consulting for abdominal pain and were classified as IBS or Org on the basis of the physician's clinical impression. Questionnaires including 27 common questions were distributed to the patients and the physicians at the end of the consultation and filled separately., Results: The diagnosis of IBS was done in 110 patients and that of Org in 48. Groups were comparable for the characteristics, the intensity and the frequency of attacks of abdominal pain. The index of satisfaction of the patients was not different between groups (IBS: 8.7 +/- 1.4; Org: 9.1 +/- 1.4; P=0.16). The intensity of abdominal pain was reported in the same range by the patient (IBS: 5.1 +/- 2.9; Org: 4.5 +/- 2.8) and the physician (IBS: 4.6 +/- 2.3; Org: 4.8 +/- 2.6) in both groups. Digestive and extra-digestive symptoms were quoted equally by physicians, whatever the group the patient belonged to. Information given by the physician on diagnosis and therapy were equally well perceived by patients of both groups. However, the physician tended to evaluate the efficacy of the prescribed therapy to be lower in IBS (7.1 +/- 2.0) than in Org patients (8.0 +/- 1.7; P<0.01)., Conclusion: In this study, the consultation with a gastroenterologist is equally well perceived by IBS and Org patients and it seems to meet the expectancy of the patient in most cases. However, the physician appeared less confident in the efficacy of the therapy proposed to IBS patients. more...

Purpose: To assess the results and indications of conservative management of esophageal perforation following pneumatic dilatation for achalasia., Patients and Methods: Thirteen esophageal perforations complicating 524 dilatations in 412 patients (3%) were diagnosed by esophagogram. Medical treatment consisted of nasogastric succion, antibiotics and pleural drainage, if necessary. Conservative surgical treatment included left thoracophrenotomy, perforation closure, controlateral myotomy and anterior fundoplication. Surgical decision was based upon clinical and radiological parameters. Functional outcome was assessed by the means of the Eckardt's grading score., Results: Six patients were successfully managed by medical treatment. Seven patients underwent conservative surgery, three of whom after failure of medical treatment. The presence of a pneumomediastinum at initial presentation led to immediate (n=2) or delayed (n=2) surgery in all instances. No patients died. In the surgical group, morbidity consisted of one wound infection, one pleural effusion and one venous thrombosis. One severe chest infection occurred in the medical group. Oral feeding was reintroduced after a median of 10 and 11 days in the surgical and medical groups, respectively. Functional results were satisfactory and similar in both groups., Conclusion: Conservative medical or surgical management of oesophageal perforation following pneumatic dilatation is safe, if the diagnosis is done early. Pneumomediastinum at initial presentation seems to predict failure of conservative medical treatment. more...

Introduction: Adenomas are considered as precursors of colorectal adenocarcinomas. After polypectomy, surveillance depends on the histological analysis of the excised polyps. The aim of the study was to evaluate the reproducibility of the histological diagnosis performed by pathologists from participating centers in the APACC study. Their interpretations were compared to those of the study's consensual diagnosis performed by two reference pathologists., Methods: The agreement proportion and the concordance coefficient (kappa) were estimated for 326 polyps obtained from the first 148 patients included., Results: A concordant diagnosis for the adenomatous nature was shown for 246 of the 255 adenomas (96%). The diagnosis of both the histological type and the degree of dysplasia was concordant for only 92 of the 255 adenomas (36%). Kappa values were 0.67 for the adenomatous nature, 0.46 for the histological types, and 0.26 for the degree of dysplasia., Conclusion: A high degree of agreement was obtained for the diagnosis of the adenomatous nature. By contrast, high variations were observed for the interpretations of the histological type and the degree of dysplasia. more...