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Although liquid biopsy of blood is useful for cancer diagnosis and prediction of prognosis, diagnostic and prognostic value of ctDNA in bile fluid for BTCs are not clear yet. To determine whether liquid biopsy for circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) can replace tissue biopsy when assessing somatic mutations in biliary tract cancers (BTCs). Bile samples were obtained from 42 patients with BTC. Matched formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples were obtained from 20 of these patients and matched plasma samples from 16 of them. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used for detection KRAS somatic mutation. KRAS mutations were identified in the bile ctDNA of 20 of 42 (48%) patients. Patients with mutant KRAS showed significantly worse survival than those with wild-type KRAS (2-year survival rates: 0% vs. 55.5%, respectively, p = 0.018). There was 80.0% mutational concordance between the paired bile ctDNA and FFPE samples, and 42.9% between the plasma and FFPE samples. On transcriptomic sequencing of one set of paired bile and FFPE samples, expression level of KRAS-associated signaling oncogenes in the bile and tissue samples showed a strong positive correlation (r = 0.991, p &lt, 0.001). Liquid biopsy of bile reliably detect mutational variants within the bile ctDNA of BTC patients. These results suggest that bile is an effective biopsy fluid for ctDNA analysis.

제1형 자가면역성 췌장염은 그 보고 빈도가 국내에서 점차 증가하는 추세이며 췌장에 국한된 질환이라기보다는 IgG4 연관 질환의 일환으로 이해되고 있다. IgG4 연관 질환은 췌장 외에도 담관, 침샘, 콩팥, 후복막 등의 다양한 장기를 침범할 수 있다. 저자들은 자가면역성 췌장염 환자에서 동반된 악성 위궤양 모양의 위 병변을 IgG4 연관 질환의 임상상으로 진단하고 스테로이드 치료 후 췌장과 위 병변 모두 호전된 증례를 경험하였기에 문헌고찰과 함께 보고하는 바이다.

Background/aims The onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) usually occurs at young age, and therefore, women IBD patients experience pregnancy during their disease progression. Recently, the use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (anti-TNF-α) has been rapidly increasing. The aim of this study was to evaluate pregnancy related outcomes in women with IBD who were treated with anti-TNF-α during pregnancy and immunity of their children. Methods Korean women with IBD who had been treated with anti-TNF-α during pregnancy had been enrolled. Medical records were reviewed and a survey was performed for each patient. For the patients who agreed on additional examination for their children, children's growth, medical history and antibody to hepatitis B surface antigen (anti-HBs) titer were checked. Results All 18 patients had been diagnosed with Crohn's disease. There was not any case of preterm delivery, low birth-weight infant, congenital anomaly, nor stillbirth. All 12 children had followed the regular vaccination schedule for hepatitis B and 4 of them showed negative results for anti-HBs. After the 1 booster vaccination, all children demonstrated seroconversion. Regarding live vaccines, 4 children had bacillus Calmette-Guerin and 4 had rotavirus vaccine before 6 months, without any specific side effects. Conclusions This was the first study of immunity of the children born from IBD women who had been treated with anti-TNF-α medication during their pregnancy. IBD women had comparable pregnancy outcomes with the general women population, suggesting that the disease activity rather than the administered medication would be more important in healthy pregnancy. Considering the history of vaccination and anti-HBs titers, immunity seems to be intact in the children.

Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare benign disease with a prevalence of 0.16-3.4% and is characterized by chronic nonspecific inflammation and extensive fibrosis in the adipose tissue of the mesentery although the exact pathogenesis is still elusive. A 65-year-old woman was referred with suspicion of an abdominal mass and biliary stones on abdominal ultrasonography and CT. Bile duct stones were confirmed by endoscopic ultrasonography and successfully treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with stone removal. Furthermore, a 4.7 cm conglomerated mass on small intestinal mesentery was suspected as sclerosing mesenteritis based on the features on abdominal MRI. However, because it could not be differentiated from malignancy without histologic examination, laparoscopic excisional biopsy was performed; it showed only inflammatory cells with extensive fibrosis. Therefore, the abdominal mass was confirmed as sclerosing fibrosis and the patient was followed-up without any treatments because no mass-related symptoms accompanied the findings. Six months later, abdominal CT showed no significant change in the mass. Herein, we report a rare case of incidentally found idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis.

Background Anti-spasmodic agents are commonly injected during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) to improve visualization of the gastric mucosa by inhibiting gastrointestinal (GI) peristalsis. The availability of oral anti-spasmodic agents would increase convenience. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of oral phloroglucinol (Flospan®) as a premedication for unsedated EGD. Methods A prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized controlled trial was conducted in a tertiary hospital. Individuals scheduled to undergo unsedated EGD were randomly assigned to receive either oral phloroglucinol or matching placebo 15 min before EGD. The primary outcome was the rate of complete gastric peristalsis suppression. Outcomes were assessed by independent investigators according to the classification of gastric peristalsis and ease of intragastric observation at the beginning (Period A) and end (Period B) of EGD. Results Overall, 71 phloroglucinol-treated and 71 placebo-treated participants (n = 142 total) were included. The phloroglucinol group showed significantly higher proportions of participants with complete gastric peristalsis suppression than the placebo group (22.5% vs. 9.9%, P = 0.040). The ease of intragastric observation was significantly better in the phloroglucinol group than in the placebo group at Periods A (P < 0.001) and B (P = 0.005). Patients in both groups had comparable adverse events and showed willingness to take the premedication at their next examination. Conclusions Oral phloroglucinol significantly suppressed gastrointestinal peristalsis during unsedated EGD compared with placebo (Clinical trial registration number: NCT03342118).

Background/Aims: The intensities of injection pain resulting from the use of long- and medium-chain triglyceride (LCT/MCT) propofol and conventional LCT propofol during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) have yet to be compared. We aimed to determine the pain intensity caused by different formulations of propofol and to evaluate the formulation that would be preferred by patients as a sedative agent during their next procedure. Methods: This study was a single-center, randomized, controlled, and double-blind trial. Pain intensity was estimated 30 seconds after propofol injection by an examiner who was blinded to the group assignment using a numeric (0-10) pain rating scale (NPRS). After 1 week, the patients were asked whether they could recall the pain and were willing to receive the same agent for their next EGD. Results: One hundred twenty-nine patients were randomly assigned to LCT/MCT or LCT group. Although there was no significant difference in pain incidence between the LCT/MCT and LCT groups (52.9% vs 65.6%, p=0.156), the pain intensity was significantly lower in the LCT/MCT group (NPRS median [interquartile range]; 1 (0-2) vs 2 (0-5), p=0.005). After 1 week, fewer patients in the LCT/MCT group recalled the pain (19.1% vs 63.9%, p

Background/Aims Presence of enhanced mural nodules, which can be visualized using computed tomography (CT), is one of high-risk stigmata in branch-duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (BD-IPMNs). Conversely, the absence of enhanced mural nodules on preoperative imaging does not exclude malignant risk. The present study aimed to investigate other morphological features as predictors of malignancy in "pure" BD-IPMNs without enhanced mural nodules on CT. Methods This retrospective study included 180 patients with surgically confirmed "pure" BD-IPMNs of the pancreas and no enhanced mural nodules on preoperative CT. The study was conducted at 15 tertiary referral centers throughout South Korea. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify significant predictors of malignancy. Results BD-IPMNs with low-grade (n=84) or moderate-grade (n=76) dysplasia were classified as benign; those with high-grade dysplasia (n=8) or invasive carcinoma (n=12) were classified as malignant. The multivariate analysis revealed that cyst size ≥30 mm (odds ratio, 8.6; p=0.001) and main pancreatic duct diameter ≥5 mm (odds ratio, 4.1; p=0.01) were independent risk factors for malignancy in "pure" BD-IPMNs without enhanced mural nodules on CT. Endoscopic ultrasound detected enhanced mural nodules (6/82) that had been missed on CT, and two IPMNs with enhanced mural nodules were malignant. Conclusions In patients with "pure" BD-IPMNs who have no enhanced mural nodules on CT, cyst size ≥30 mm and main pancreatic duct diameter ≥5 mm may be associated with malignancy.

Background/Aims Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been widely accepted as a method of treatment of early gastric tumor. This study aimed to identify the incidence and characteristics of multiple gastric tumors after ESD. METHODS Patients with early gastric tumors who were treated by ESD from January 2004 to June 2012 and followed up with endoscopic examination periodically for at least 1 year were enrolled. All multiple gastric lesions were subsequently treated with ESD and the medical records of the patients were retrospectively reviewed. RESULTS In total, 643 patients were included. The mean duration of endoscopic follow-up was 45.27±27.59 (range, 12-148) months. Overall, 144 patients (22.4%) showed multiple gastric tumors during the follow-up period (44 synchronous [6.8%] and 100 metachronous [15.5%]). The cumulative incidence rate steadily increased during the follow-up period. More than 50% of the tumors that developed at the same longitudinal location of the stomach were of the same macroscopic and histological type as the primary lesions. Conclusions Because synchronous and/or metachronous gastric tumors are common, considerable attention should be paid to detect multiple gastric lesions after ESD of early gastric neoplasm.

This study aimed to evaluate the association of serum procalcitonin (PCT) at hospital presentation with disease severity and clinical deterioration to septic shock in acute cholangitis. This study included consecutive patients with a diagnosis of acute cholangitis who presented to the emergency department and underwent biliary drainage. PCT and blood culture tests were conducted at the time of initial presentation. Patients were categorized into three groups based on disease severity. White blood cell count, levels of C-reactive protein and PCT were compared regarding the following: cholangitis severity, blood culture positivity, and clinical deterioration to septic shock. A total of 204 consecutive patients were enrolled, with grade I severity in 39 (19.1%), grade II in 139 (68.1%), and grade III in 26 (12.7%). The numbers of patients with blood culture positivity and clinical deterioration were 6 (15.4%) and 1 (2.6%) in grade I, 45 (32.4%) and 4 (2.9%) in grade II, and 14 (53.8%) and 1 (5.6%) in grade III cholangitis, respectively. Only PCT was significantly associated with blood culture positivity (3.25 vs 0.62 ng/mL; P = 0.001) and clinical deterioration (9.11 vs 0.89 ng/mL; P = 0.040). The cutoff value of PCT for clinical deterioration to septic shock among patients with grade I and II was 3.77 ng/mL (sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 74.0%). PCT could be a promising marker of clinical deterioration to septic shock in acute cholangitis. Therefore, PCT might be used as a decision-supporting biomarker for urgent biliary decompression.

Background/aims To assess the therapeutic outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER) of early gastric cancer (EGC) with undifferentiated-type histology. Methods Cases of ER of EGC with undifferentiated-type histology in the Korean endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) registry database were identified and reviewed. The immediate outcomes, including en bloc resection, complete resection, and curative resection rates, and long-term outcomes, including recurrence and survival rates, were extracted and analyzed. Results From 2006 to 2015, 275 EGCs with undifferentiated-type histology from 275 patients were identified. The immediate outcomes were as follows: en bloc resection rate: 92.4%; complete resection rate: 80%; and curative resection rate: 36.4%. Compared to patients with lesions that were beyond the expanded indication, those with expanded indication lesions showed better therapeutic outcomes. There was no difference in immediate outcomes between patients with poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDC) and signet ring cell carcinoma (SRC). However, compared to ER of SRC, ER of PDC had a stronger association with submucosal invasion (41.9% vs. 23.6%, p=0.003). With regard to long-term outcomes, there was no difference between lesions with curative and non-curative resections in the recurrence and mortality rates. These rates also did not differ between PDC and SRC (median follow up: 3.96 years). Conclusions ER confined to expanded indication lesions can be considered for treatment of EGC with undifferentiated-type histology.

Background/Aims We aim to evaluate the efficacy and safety of combination therapy in erosive reflux disease (ERD) patients by comparing endoscopic healing rates according to the Los Angeles classification for esomeprazole alone, and esomeprazole plus mosapride. Methods A total of 116 ERD patients were randomized to receive esomeprazole 40 mg once daily plus mosapride 5 mg 3 times daily (E+M group), or esomeprazole plus placebo (E only group) for 8 weeks. Patients recorded gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptom questionnaire at weeks 4 and 8. The primary endpoint was the endoscopic healing rate of ERD after 8 weeks of treatment. Results Endoscopic healing rates according to the Los Angeles classification was 32 (66.7%) in the E+M group and 26 (60.5%) in the E only group, but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups. Only at 4 weeks, the total GERD symptom score changes relative to the baseline significantly improved in the E+M group than that of the E only group (-13.4 ± 14.7 vs -8.0 ± 12.3, P = 0.041), and upper abdominal pain and belching score changes showed significantly improved in the E+M group than that of the E only group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.013, respectively). Conclusions The combination of a proton pump inhibitor with mosapride shows a tendency for upper abdominal pain, belching, and total GERD symptoms scores to improve more rapidly. This suggests that combination therapy with esomeprazole and mosapride will be useful for rapid improvement of specific GERD symptoms, such as upper abdominal pain and belching in ERD patients. (J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2017;23:218-228)

Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a potentially life-threatening hospital emergency requiring hemodynamic stabilization and resuscitation. This study is carried out to determine whether hospital volume can influence outcome in patients with NVUGIB. This is a retrospective study with a prospective cohort database (KCT 0000514. cris.nih.go.kr). Eight teaching hospitals were divided into two different groups: high-volume centers (HVC, ≥60 NVUGIB patients/year, four clinics) and low-volume centers (LVC

Background/Aims Recently, the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) proposed criteria for “difficult biliary cannulation” during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). This study aimed to investigate the clinical relevance of the ESGE criteria from the perspective of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP). Methods An ERCP database was prospectively maintained between November 2014 and December 2015 across six teaching hospitals in South Korea. The ESGE criteria (biliary cannulation time, the number of cannulation attempts, and inadvertent pancreatic duct [PD] manipulation) were recorded in this database as well as other technical factors. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for PEP. Then, the PEP prediction model was investigated using decision tree analysis. Results We analyzed 1,067 consecutive patients with naïve papilla. The overall rate of PEP was 6.6%. Multivariate analysis revealed that female sex (odds ratio [OR], 1.860; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.124 to 3.078), a selective biliary cannulation duration >5 minutes (OR, 3.282; 95% CI, 1.641 to 6.566), and inadvertent PD manipulation (OR, 2.614; 95% CI, 1.480 to 4.617) were significant factors affecting PEP. Decision tree analysis revealed that biliary cannulation time (χ2=49.857, p5 minutes, and >5 minutes with inadvertent PD manipulation, respectively. Conclusions Biliary cannulation time and inadvertent PD manipulation could be relevant indicators of PEP, and 5 minutes might be used as a cutoff value for the implementation of the rescue cannulation technique. (Gut Liver 2021;15-465)

Rationale: Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN) is a rare syndrome with characteristic endoscopic and pathologic findings. It usually results from a combination of tissue hypoperfusion, impaired local defense barriers, and massive reflux of gastric contents. We report a case of AEN after a kidney transplant. Patient concerns: A 53-year-old man with hypertension and end-stage renal disease presented with abdominal pain and a single episode of hematemesis 14 days after kidney transplantation. Diagnosis: Upper endoscopy revealed circumferential black coloration in the mid to lower esophageal mucosa. Esophageal biopsy showed ulcer, and immunostains were negative for viral etiology. Interventions: Conservative management was done with total parenteral nutrition and proton pump inhibitor. Outcomes: The patient experienced no further episodes of hematemesis or abdominal pain and follow-up endoscopy showed remarkable changes from the black mucosa to a red friable mucosa with whitish exudates. Lessons: In the case, AEN occurred in the setting of normal blood pressure after major surgery despite the absence of preceding factors such as hypotension and infections. The possibility of AEN should be considered in patients with solid organ transplantation who present with abdominal pain, dysphagia, and hematemesis.

Background and Aims Perforation is the adverse event of greatest concern during colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Accurate risk prediction of perforation may enable prevention strategies and selection of the most efficient therapeutic option. This study aimed to develop and validate a risk prediction model for ESD-induced perforation. Methods A multicenter cross-sectional study was performed on 2046 patients who underwent colorectal ESD at 9 Korean ESD Study Group–affiliated hospitals. The enrolled patients were randomly divided into either a derivation set or a validation set. In the derivation set, a prediction score was constructed to assess the risk of perforation using preoperative and procedural-related predictors selected via logistic regression. Discrimination and calibration of the prediction model was assessed using the validation set. Results An ESD-induced perforation occurred in 135 patients (6.6%). In the derivation set, multivariate logistic regression identified endoscopist experience (≥50 ESDs: odds ratio [OR] = 0.59; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-1.00), tumor size (+1-cm increments: OR = 1.39; 95% CI, 1.19-1.62), colonic location (OR = 2.20; 95% CI, 1.24-3.89), and submucosal fibrosis (OR = 2.00; 95% CI, 1.04-3.87) as predictive factors (C-statistic = 0.678; 95% CI, 0.617-0.739). In the validation set, the model showed good discrimination (C-statistic = 0.675; 95% CI, 0.615-0.735) and calibration ( P = .635). When a simplified weighted scoring system based on the OR was used, risk of perforation ranged from 4.1% (95% CI, 2.8%-5.9%) in the low-risk group (score ≤4) to 11.6% (95% CI, 8.5%-15.6%) in the high-risk group (score >4). Conclusions This study developed and internally validated a score consisting of simple clinical factors to estimate the risk of colorectal ESD-induced perforation. This score can be used to identify patients at high risk before colorectal ESD.

Background and aims Adherence to medication during the treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is important in terms of maintaining remission. According to studies on adherence to medication in other chronic diseases, non-adherence is associated with negative attitudes to treatment. The aims of this study were to assess adherence rates and IBD patients' beliefs and attitudes regarding medication using a questionnaire based approach. Methods Two hundred and eighty seven patients from three tertiary hospitals were enrolled and completed a questionnaire that addressed adherence (Medication Adherence Report Scale, MARS), beliefs, and attitudes to medication (Beliefs about Medications Questionnaire, BMQ). Results Using a cutoff score of 16/20 for MARS, 64 (22.3%) patients did not adhere to medication. According to attitude analysis conducted using the BMQ, 41.8% of the 287 study subjects felt high necessity but low concern for the medication ("accepting") and 34.8% felt high necessity and concern ("ambivalent"). Multivariate analysis showed significantly lower adherence to medication among younger patients, patients with experience of adverse effects to medication, patients with demanding jobs, and for those with an "indifferent" or "skeptical" attitude regarding the benefits of medication. On the other hand, IBD patients with "accepting" attitude adhered to medication. Conclusion Twenty-two percent of IBD patients were non-adherent to medical treatment, and belief of the need for medication was found to significantly enhance adherence. Interventions, such as education about the efficacy and safety of medications, should be considered to facilitate adherence to medical treatment among IBD patients.

Although the mortality rates for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) have recently decreased, it remains a significant medical problem. The main aim of this prospective multicenter database study was to construct a clinically useful predictive scoring system by using our predictors and compare its prognostic accuracy with that of the Rockall scoring system. Data were collected from consecutive patients with NVUGIB. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of 30-day mortality. Each independent predictor was assigned an integral point proportional to the odds ratio (OR) and we used the area under the curve to compare the discrimination ability between the new predictive model and the Rockall score. The independent predictors of mortality included age >65 years [OR 2.627; 95 % confidence interval (CI) 1.298–5.318], hemodynamic instability (OR 2.217; 95 % CI 1.069–4.597), serum blood urea nitrogen level >40 mg/dL (OR 1.895; 95 % CI 1.029–3.490), active bleeding at endoscopy (OR 2.434; 95 % CI 1.283–4.616), transfusions (OR 3.811; 95 % CI 1.640–8.857), comorbidities (OR 3.481; 95 % CI 1.405–8.624), and rebleeding (OR 10.581; 95 % CI 5.590–20.030). The new predictive model showed a high discrimination capability and was significantly superior to the Rockall score in predicting the risk of death (OR 0.837;95 % CI 0.818–0.855 vs. 0.761; 0.739–0.782; P = 0.0123). The new predictive score was significantly more accurate than the Rockall score in predicting death in NVUGIB patients. We need to prospectively validate the accuracy of this score for predicting mortality in NVUGIB patients.

Background/Aims: Nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (NVUGIB) is a common medical emergency that can be life threatening. This study evaluated predictive factors of 30-day mortality in patients with this condition. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted at a single hospital between April 2010 and November 2012, and 336 patients with symptoms and signs of gastrointestinal bleeding were consecutively enrolled. Clinical characteristics and endoscopic findings were reviewed to identify potential factors associated with 30-day mortality. Results: Overall, 184 patients were included in the study (men, 79.3%; mean age, 59.81 years), and 16 patients died within 30 days (8.7%). Multivariate analyses revealed that comorbidity of diabetes mellitus (DM) or metastatic malignancy, age ≥ 65 years, and hypotension (systolic pressure < 90 mmHg) during hospitalization were significant predictive factors of 30-day mortality. Conclusions: Comorbidity of DM or metastatic malignancy, age ≥ 65 years, and hemodynamic instability during hospitalization were predictors of 30-day mortality in patients with NVUGIB. These results will help guide the management of patients with this condition.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has become a standard procedure for the treatment of many pancreatobiliary diseases, even though magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) and endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) have widely replaced the diagnostic aspect of ERCP. However, even in experienced hands, ERCP could be challenging and procedure-related complications might be provoked such as pancreatitis, bleeding, infection and duodenal perforation. Among those complications, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is one of the most problematic complications. Then, many procedure-related or pharmacological interventions have been proposed to reduce the PEP. However, several pharmacologic agents which have been proposed so far, such as corticosteroid, gabexate mesylate, nafamostat mesylate, octreotide, and somatostatin, have turned out to be non-effective or equivocal except for rectal non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Since rectal NSAID has not been available in South Korea Prevention of Post-endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis: An Endoscopic Perspective

Duodenal perforation can occur due to complications caused by ulcers, other inflammation or by the instrument used during the procedure such as endoscopy, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP); however, its incidence is not high. Most cases of perforation of the lateral wall of the duodenum are acute and require immediate surgical or endoscopic treatment. Cases of chronic duodenal perforation are rarely reported. This report presents the case of a previous perforation that was discovered unexpectedly during ERCP in a patient with cholangitis due to common bile duct stones. The time of occurrence of the perforation was unknown. After medical treatment, the patient was able to return to daily life. We have reported this case along with a literature review.

Article: Low Rates of Malignancy and Mortality in Asymptomatic Patients with Suspected Neoplastic Pancreatic Cysts Beyond 5 Years of Surveillance (Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2016;14:865-871)

When a gastric spindle cell tumor is observed, the possibility of synovial carcinoma, besides common mesenchymal tumor, should also be considered.The patient is a 51-year-old American woman who underwent medical check-up at a general hospital. Upper endoscopy showed a 2-cm sized mass covered with intact mucosa, and a central depression located on the posterior wall of the mid body. Biopsy of the mass showed focal atypical cells proliferation in mucosa on hematoxylineosin (HE) staining. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a 17-mm homogenously hypoechoic mass within the submucosal layer.After diagnostic endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed, HE and immunohistochemical staining showed synovial sarcoma (SS). To confirm the diagnosis, reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed, revealing a chimeric transcript of the SYT-SSX1 fusion gene. The diagnosis of primary gastric SS was confirmed because no evidence of possible primary lesions or metastatic lesions was observed. Therefore, the patient underwent distal gastrectomy.After surgery, the surgical specimen demonstrated no residual tumor cells. The patient received no adjuvant therapy, and there has been no evidence of local recurrence or distant metastasis for 2 months after the operation.When gastric subepithelial tumor is suspicious, we should also consider gastric SS.

The quality of life (QOL) of patients who survive early gastric cancer (EGC) is an area of increasing interest.To compare the QOL and degree of worry of cancer recurrence in EGC patients who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or surgery.Cross-sectional study.A tertiary referral center.A total of 565 patients with EGC who received ESD or surgery.Questionnaires.QOL was evaluated using the Short-form Health Survey and the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer QOL questionnaires (QLQ-C30 and EORTC-QLQ-STO22). Mood disorders and the worry of cancer recurrence were estimated using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Worry of Cancer Scale, respectively.Questionnaires were completed by 55.7% of the ESD (137/246) and 58.9% of the surgery (188/319) patients. The surgery group had more QOL-related symptomatic and functional problems, including fatigue (P=.044), nausea/vomiting (P=.032), appetite loss (P=.023), diarrhea (P.001), pain (P=.013), reflux symptoms (P=.005), eating restrictions (P.001), anxiety (P=.015), taste impairment (P=.011), and poor body image (P.001). The ESD group had significantly higher worry of cancer recurrence scores after adjusting for covariates, especially when visiting their physicians. The HADS results did not differ between the groups.Cross-sectional design.Endoscopic treatment for EGC provides a better QOL, but stomach preservation might provoke cancer recurrence worries. Endoscopists should address this issue for relieving a patient's concern of cancer recurrence during follow-up period after ESD. (WHO ICTRP KCT0000791.).

Background and Aims This study aimed to validate the equivalence of first-line concomitant and hybrid regimens for Helicobacter pylori infection in an era of increasing antibiotic resistance. The study also aimed to assess regimen compliance. Methods H. pylori-infected patients from six hospitals in Korea were randomly assigned to either concomitant or hybrid regimens. The concomitant regimen consisted of 20 mg of esomeprazole, 1 g of amoxicillin, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 500 mg metronidazole, twice daily for 10 days. The hybrid regimen consisted of a 5-day dual therapy (20 mg of esomeprazole and 1 g of amoxicillin, twice daily) followed by a 5-day quadruple therapy (20 mg of esomeprazole, 1 g of amoxicillin, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 500 mg of metronidazole, twice daily). Results Eradication rates for concomitant and hybrid therapy were 78.6% (187/238) and 78.8% (190/241) in the intention-to-treat analysis, and 89.8% (176/196) and 89.6% (181/202) in the per protocol analysis. For both analyses, 95% confidence intervals fell within the ± 8% equivalence margin. Adherence was better in the hybrid group (95.0%) than in the concomitant group (90.1%), a difference that was borderline significant (P = 0.051). Adverse event rates were higher in the concomitant group than in the hybrid group for nausea (15.8% vs 8.8%; P = 0.028) and regurgitation (17.6% vs 10.7%; P = 0.040). Conclusion As compared with concomitant therapy, hybrid therapy offered similar efficacy, better compliance, and fewer adverse events. Hybrid therapy could be a reasonable first-line treatment option for H. pylori in areas with high antibiotics resistance.

Background/Objectives Prediction of malignancy in patients with BD-IPMNs is critical for the management. The aim of this study was to elucidate predictors of malignancy in patients with ‘pure' BD-IPMNs who had a main pancreatic duct (MPD) diameter of ≤5 mm according to the most recent international consensus criteria and in whom MPD involvement was excluded on postoperative histology. Methods We identified 177 patients with ‘pure' BD-IPMNs based on preoperative imaging and postoperative histology from 15 tertiary referral centers in Korea. BD-IPMNs with low-grade ( n = 72) and moderate-grade ( n = 66) dysplasia were grouped as benign and BD-IPMNs with high-grade dysplasia ( n = 10) and invasive carcinoma ( n = 29) were grouped as malignancy. Results On univariate analysis, particular symptoms (jaundice and clinical pancreatitis), CT findings (cyst size > 3 cm, the presence of enhancing mural nodules) and EUS features (the presence of mural nodules, the mural nodule size > 5 mm) were significant risk factors predicting malignant BD-IPMNs. Multivariate analysis revealed that the cyst size > 3 cm (odds ratio = 9.9), the presence of enhancing mural nodules on CT (odds ratio = 19.3) and the mural nodule size > 5 mm on EUS (odds ratio = 14.9) were the independent risk factors for the presence of malignancy in BD-IPMNs ( p Conclusions The cyst size > 3 cm, the presence of enhancing mural nodules on CT, the mural nodule size > 5 mm on EUS are three independent predictors of malignancy in patients with ‘pure' BD-IPMNs.

‡§ § § � � � ¶ ¶ † ‡ § � ¶ Background/Aims: Advances in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) techniques have led to the development of expanded criteria for endoscopic resection of early gastric cancer (EGC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the short- and long-term outcomes for ESD using indication criteria. Methods: A total of 1,105 patients underwent ESD for EGC at six medical centers. The patients were classified into the following two groups based on the lesion size, presence of ulceration and pathological review: an absolute criteria group (n=517) and an expanded criteria group (n=588). Results: The curative resection rates (91.1% vs 91.3%, p=0.896) were similar in the absolute criteria group and the expanded criteria group. The en bloc resection rates (93.4% and 92.3%, respectively; p=0.488) and complete resection rates (98.3% and 97.4%, respectively; p=0.357) did not differ between the groups. The cumulative disease-free survival rates and the overall survival rates were similar between the groups (p=0.778 and p=0.654, respectively). Independent factors for the curative resection of EGC included tumor location (upper vs middle and lower, 2.632 [1.128-6.144] vs 3.497 [1.560-7.842], respectively) and en bloc resection rate 12.576 [7.442-21.250]. Conclusions: The expanded criteria for ESD in cases of EGC is comparable with the widely accepted pre-existing criteria. (Gut Liver, 2015;9:181-187)

Background/aims Inflammatory bowel disease is commonly accompanied by colonic dysmotility and causes changes in intestinal smooth muscle contractility. In this study, colonic smooth muscle contractility in a chronic inflammatory condition was investigated using smooth muscle tissues prepared from interleukin-10 knockout (IL-10(-/-)) mice. Methods Prepared smooth muscle sections were placed in an organ bath system. Cholinergic and nitrergic neuronal responses were observed using carbachol and electrical field stimulation with L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME). The expression of interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) networks, muscarinic receptors, neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) was observed via immunofluorescent staining. Results The spontaneous contractility and expression of ICC networks in the proximal and distal colon was significantly decreased in IL-10(-/-) mice compared to IL-10(+/+) mice. The contractility in response to carbachol was significantly decreased in the proximal colon of IL-10(-/-) mice compared to IL-10(+/+) mice, but no significant difference was found in the distal colon. In addition, the expression of muscarinic receptor type 2 was reduced in the proximal colon of IL-10(-/-) mice. The nictric oxide-mediated relaxation after electrical field stimulation was significantly decreased in the proximal and distal colon of IL-10(-/-) mice. In inflamed colon, the expression of nNOS decreased, whereas the expression of iNOS increased. Conclusions These results suggest that damage to the ICC network and NOS system in the proximal and distal colon, as well as damage to the smooth muscle cholinergic receptor in the proximal colon may play an important role in the dysmotility of the inflamed colon.

Background/Aims Despite the rising incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Asian populations, data regarding clinical characteristics of patients in Asia based on age at diagnosis are relatively sparse. The aim of this study was to compare clinical characteristics based on the age at diagnosis according to the Montreal Classification in Korean IBD patients. Methods We recruited consecutive patients with IBD at two tertiary hospitals and retrospectively reviewed their medical information. Patients were divided into three groups according to their age at diagnosis: youth (40 years). The main clinical characteristics for comparison were the achievement of a remission state at the last follow-up visit, cumulative rate of surgery, and cumulative use of immunomodulators and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) blockers during the follow-up period. Results In total, 346 IBD patients were included (Crohn's disease [CD] 146 and ulcerative colitis 200; 36 youth, 202 young adult, and 113 middle-old). The middle-old group with CD was characterized by a predominance of uncomplicated behavior (P=0.013) and a lower frequency of perianal disease (P=0.009). The middle-old group was associated more with a less aggressive disease course than the younger group, as shown by more frequent remission (P=0.004), being less likely to undergo surgery (P

Background Endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is reported to be a relatively safe and reliable procedure for complete resection of ampullary neoplasms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic outcomes and complications of EP for ampullary neoplasms. Methods A retrospective multicenter study was conducted with 5 participating centers from January 2007 to July 2014. A total of 104 patients who underwent EP for ampullary neoplasms were reviewed retrospectively. EP was performed by snare resection with or without submucosal lifting of the lesion. Results The mean age of patients was 60.5 ± 12.1 years, and the male-to-female ratio was 2.0:1. En bloc resection was possible in 94 patients (90.3%). A biliary and a pancreatic stent were placed after EP in 42 patients and in 60 patients, respectively. A pathologically incomplete resection was noted in 11 cases (10.6%), and 5 of these patients were treated with additional endoscopic procedure. Histology of resected specimens was as follows: low grade adenoma (43.2%), high grade adenoma (14.4%), adenocarcinoma (16.3%), hyperplastic polyp (7.7%), and others (18.4%). Of the 75 cases with low grade adenoma on biopsy specimen, 21.3% turned out to have high grade adenoma (12%) or adenocarcinoma (9.3%). Procedure-related complications occurred in 33 patients (31.7%); bleeding (18 cases, 17.3%), pancreatitis (16 cases, 15.4%), and perforation (8 cases, 7.7%). Pre-EP ERCP, saline lifting, sphincterotomy, biliary stenting, pancreatic stenting, specimen size, and cauterization were not related to post EP complications. Surgery was performed in 6 cases with pathological incomplete resection and 2 cases with complications after EP, and there were 2 cases of mortality due to complications. During follow-up endoscopy after initial success of EP, remnant tumors were found in 7 patients, one of whom underwent surgery and the others were treated endoscopically. Consequently, the overall endoscopic success rate of EP was 89.4%. Conclusions Endoscopic papillectomy appears to be an effective treatment for ampullary neoplasms, and can be considered as an alternative to surgery. However, relatively high risk of procedure related complications is a problem that must be considered.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text, Background: This phase III trial compared the efficacy and safety of gemcitabine plus capecitabine (GemCap) versus single-agent gemcitabine (Gem) in advanced pancreatic cancer as first-line chemotherapy. Methods: A total of 214 advanced pancreatic cancer patients were enrolled from 16 hospitals in South Korea between 2007 and 2011. Patients were randomly assigned to receive GemCap (oral capecitabine 1660 mg/m2 plus Gem 1000 mg/m2 by 30-minute intravenous infusion weekly for 3 weeks followed by a 1-week break every 4 weeks) or Gem (by 30-minute intravenous infusion weekly for 3 weeks every 4 weeks). Results: Median overall survival (OS) time, the primary end point, was 10.3 and 7.5 months in the GemCap and Gem arms, respectively (P = 0.06). Progression-free survival was 6.2 and 5.3 months in the GemCap and Gem arms, respectively (P = 0.08). GemCap significantly improved overall response rate compared with Gem alone (43.7% vs 17.6%; P = 0.001). Overall frequency of grade 3 or 4 toxicities was similar in each group. Neutropenia was the most frequent grade 3 or 4 toxicity in both groups. Conclusion: GemCap failed to improve OS at a statistically significant level compared to Gem treatment. This study showed a trend toward improved OS compared to Gem alone. GemCap and Gem both exhibited similar safety profiles.

Only a few studies have evaluated the population-adjusted prevalence of gallbladder polyps (GBP). This study aimed to evaluate the changes in GBP prevalence and risk factors at a single health screening center in Korea from 2002 to 2012. Of 48,591 adults who underwent health screening between 2002 and 2012, 14,250 age- and gender-matched subjects were randomly selected to evaluate prevalence. Risk factors were analyzed between the GBP-positive and GBP-negative groups during 2002-2004 (Period A) and 2010-2012 (Period B). The annual prevalence of GBP over the 11-yr period was 5.4%. Annual prevalence increased from 3.8% in Period A to 7.1% in Period B. Male gender and obesity were independent risk factors for GBP in both periods. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) positivity was a risk factor for GBP in Period A but not in Period B. The risk factors for GBP changed from HBsAg positivity to lipid profile abnormalities. Other variables including age, hypertension, diabetes, impaired fasting glucose, chronic hepatitis C virus infection, and liver function tests did not correlate with GBP. In conclusion, GBP prevalence is increasing and risk factors for GBP have changed in Korea. More attention should be paid to this issue in the future.

There have been substantial differences in pathologic results between forceps biopsies (FB) and resection specimen (RS) of the colorectal neoplasm. The aim of this study was to investigate predictive factors of the underestimated pathology in FB compared with RS.Data from 248 consecutive patients with colorectal intraepithelial neoplasm ≥10 mm, which was removed by endoscopic mucosal resection or endoscopic submucosal dissection, were reviewed retrospectively. We excluded patients with no FB on the neoplasm before the resection. Demographic data and tumor characteristics including size, locations, surface appearances, and the number of FB fragments were evaluated as potential factors associated with the discrepancies by logistic regression analysis.Overall, 179 lesions from 171 patients were included in the study (size, 28.37 ± 12.00 mm; range 10-80 mm). The overall number of discrepancy cases was 103 (57.5%), where 90 (50.3%) were underestimated in FB and 13 (7.2%) downgraded in their RS. In the multivariate analysis, round [odds ratio (OR) 4.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.76-11.30, p = 0.002], depressed (OR 3.23, 95% CI 1.11-9.39, p = 0.031), and mixed type of surface appearance (OR 5.47, 95% CI 2.38-12.60, p0.001), and tumor size ≥30 mm (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.12-4.10, p = 0.021) were significant predictive factors for underestimated pathology in FB.Underestimation in FB is remarkable in colorectal tumors ≥10 mm in size. This discrepancy is associated with the tumor characteristics, such as surface appearance and size. Endoscopic characteristics of tumor should be carefully examined for an adequate management strategy of colorectal epithelial neoplasm.

Emerging data show that serum trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) alone and combined with the serum pepsinogen (PG) test can increase the diagnostic yield of gastric cancer. We aimed to evaluate the diagnostic value of serum TFF3 for the screening of gastric cancer in Korean patients, especially for the screening of the diffuse type of gastric cancer, and compared TFF3 to the serum PG test. We enrolled 25 healthy controls and 79 subjects with gastric cancer who underwent endoscopic resection or surgery from June 2006 to June 2015. Data about age, sex, histological type according to the Lauren classification, stage of gastric cancer, and status of H. pylori were collected. Serum levels of PG I and PG II were measured by the latex-enhanced turbidimetric immunoassay, and serum TFF3 levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The optimal cutoff value of serum TFF3 was ≥8.9 ng/mL to diagnose gastric cancer, with 73.4 % sensitivity and 92.0 % specificity, which were higher than those of the serum PG I/II ratio, with 69.6 % sensitivity and 68.0 % specificity. The optimal sensitivity and specificity of serum TFF3 for the diagnosis of diffuse-type gastric cancer were 68.0 and 92.0 %, respectively, which were lower than those for the diagnosis of intestinal-type gastric cancer (75.6 and 100 %, respectively). Serum TFF3 is a more stable and useful marker than the serum PG test for the screening of gastric cancer in Korean patients. Serum TFF3 showed good diagnostic power in detecting both intestinal- and diffuse-type gastric cancer although it showed decreased power in diffuse type.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related perforation is classified into three or four types based on anatomical location and the mechanism of injury. Although ampullary injury, among them, may be managed nonsurgically, surgical management is required in cases of perforation with retroperitoneal fluid collection and severe condition. Here, a patient with ERCP-related severe ampullary perforation with retroperitoneal fluid collection that was treated nonsurgically with a covered stent is presented.

Background/Aims: The treatment for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is removal of the virus in order to prevent progression to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Few data have been presented regarding the clinical significance of changes in the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level in this context. We analyzed the patterns of changes in ALT level and investigated the relationship between the rapid normalization of ALT and sustained virologic response (SVR) after combined treatment with peginterferon and ribavirin. Methods: CHC patients (n=370) were classified into four groups according to the initial ALT level and subsequent changes: (1) initially abnormal ALT level and sustained abnormal ALT level during treatment, (2) initially abnormal ALT level but achievement of ALT normalization, (3) initially normal ALT level and variable ALT abnormality during treatment, and (4) initially normal ALT level and sustained normalization of ALT level during treatment. We subdivided groups 1 and 2 into those with patterns of decreased and normalization of ALT, with or without rapid normalization. We checked the end-treatment response (ETR) and SVR rates in each group and the factors associated with SVR, including patterns of changes in ALT level. Results: A total of 168 patients completed the therapy (age=54.34±10.64 years [mean±SD], 95 males [56.5%], genotype 1:82 [48.8%]). SVR was achieved in 115 (68.45%) of the completely treated patients. The SVR rate was significantly lower in group 1 than in group 2 (37.8 vs. 81.6%, P

AIM: To investigate factors related to recurrence following en bloc resection using endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in patients with early gastric cancer (EGC). METHODS: A total of 1121 patients (1215 lesions) who had undergone ESD for gastric neoplasia between April 2003 and May 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Data from 401 patients (415 lesions) were analyzed, following the exclusion of those who underwent piecemeal resection, with deep resection margin invasion or lateral margin infiltration, and diagnosed with benign lesions. RESULTS: Local recurrence after en bloc ESD was found in 36 cases (8.7%). Unclear resection margins, long procedure times, and narrow safety margins were identified as risk factors for recurrence. Lesions located in the upper third of the stomach showed a higher rate of recurrence than those located in the lower third of the stomach (OR = 2.9, P = 0.03). The probability of no recurrence for up to 24 mo was 79.9% in those with a safety resection margin ≤ 1 mm and 89.5% in those with a margin > 1 mm (log-rank test, P = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Even in cases in which en bloc ESD is performed for EGC, local recurrence still occurs. To reduce local recurrences, more careful assessment will be needed prior to the implementation of ESD in cases in which the tumor is located in the upper third of the stomach. In addition, clear identification of tumor boundaries as well as the securing of sufficient safety resection margins will be important.

Propofol has been used in the past for sedation in upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopic procedures. This study aimed to measure the incidence of propofol injection pain and evaluate the effect of lidocaine on pain caused during sedative upper GI endoscopic examinations. Subjects scheduled to undergo sedative diagnostic upper GI endoscopy were randomly assigned to lidocaine and placebo groups. Pretreatment with a bolus of 1% lidocaine 2 ml or normal saline 2 ml into the largest dorsal vein of the non-dominant hand was followed by propofol administration. Pain intensity was estimated by an examiner blinded to the group assignment using a four-point verbal rating scale. A score of 1–3 was regarded as pain. A total of 121 patients (males, 69; age, 58.6 ± 12.1 years) completed the study; 61 and 60 subjects were randomly assigned to the lidocaine and placebo groups, respectively. The incidence of pain during upper GI endoscopy was 60%. The lidocaine group showed a lower incidence of pain than the placebo group (37.7% vs. 60.0%, P = 0.018). The lidocaine group perceived significantly less pain than the placebo group (median pain score, 0 vs. 1, P = 0.008). Only lidocaine pretreatment was an independently associated factor against pain perception (OR, 0.380; 95% CI, 0.177–0.815; P = 0.013). Pretreatment using lidocaine was found to be effective in reducing propofol injection-induced pain. However, its usefulness for GI endoscopic procedures in daily clinical practice needs further evaluation because of the low intensity of pain.

Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2012; 35: 56–65 Summary Background The eradication rates following standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection are declining worldwide. Recent studies have shown that sequential therapy for H. pylori infection yields high cure rates. Aim To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a sequential regimen as first-line treatment of H. pylori infection with a standard triple regimen. Methods A total of 348 naive H. pylori-infected patients from six hospitals in Korea were assigned randomly to standard triple or sequential therapy groups. Standard triple therapy consisted of 20 mg of rabeprazole, 1 g of amoxicillin and 500 mg of clarithromycin, twice daily for 7 days. Sequential therapy consisted of a 5-day dual therapy (20 mg of rabeprazole and 1 g of amoxicillin, twice daily) followed by a 5-day triple therapy (20 mg of rabeprazole, 500 mg of clarithromycin, and 500 mg of metronidazole, twice daily). Results The intention-to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 62.2% (95% CI 54.8–69.6%) and 76.0% (95% CI 68.5–83.5%) in the standard triple group, and 77.8% (95% CI 71.4–84.2%) and 87.9% (95% CI 82.3–93.5%) in the sequential group, respectively. The eradication rate was significantly higher in the sequential group compared with the standard triple group in both the ITT and PP populations (P = 0.002 and P = 0.013 respectively), whereas the incidence of adverse events was similar. Conclusions Ten-day sequential therapy is more effective and equally tolerated for eradication of H. pylori infection compared with standard triple therapy. Sequential therapy may have a role as first-line treatment for H. pylori infection.

∥¶ † ‡ § ∥ ¶ Background/Aims: The diagnostic proton pump inhibitor test (PPI test) is a method used in diagnosing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). This study aimed to determine the appropriate dose of lansoprazole for use in the diagnostic test for GERD. Methods: This study was a randomized, controlled, multicenter trial in the Daegu-Gyeongbuk area. Patients with typical refl ux symptoms such as regurgitation and heartburn for at least three months were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into two groups, the erosive refl ux disease (ERD) group and the non-erosive refl ux disease (NERD) group, and randomized to 14 days of treatment with lansoprazole at a dose of 15 mg, 30 mg or 60 mg once daily. The PPI test was considered positive if the patient’s symptoms improved by more than 50%. Results: A total of 218 patients were enrolled, and analysis was performed on the 188 patients who completed the study. The PPI test was positive in 93.2% of the ERD group and 87.2% of the NERD group. A positive PPI test was observed in 91.7%, 89.4%, and 87.2% of the 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg groups, respectively. Signifi cant symptom score changes were observed starting on day 8 for the 15 mg, 30 mg, and 60 mg groups. Conclusions: In this multicenter, randomized study of Korean patients, the standard dose of lansoprazole was as effective as a high dose of lansoprazole in relieving the symptoms of GERD, regardless of the presence of ERD, by day 14 of treatment. (Gut Liver 2011;5:302-307)

BACKGROUND/AIMS The relationship between colorectal neoplasia and cervical cancer has not been evaluated. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of colorectal adenoma in patients with cervical cancer and compare it with that of control subjects. METHODOLOGY Between January 2005 and December 2009, the medical records of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer were retrospectively reviewed. Patients undergoing sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy for the preoperative evaluation of the colon were enrolled in this study. Age-matched female healthy subjects who underwent colonoscopy for screening purposes were included as control subjects. We compared demographic and clinicopathological characteristics between the groups. RESULTS Overall, 285 patients with cervical cancer and 284 healthy subjects were included (age, 56.93±11.92 vs. 56.10±9.31 years). The mean body weight, body mass index (BMI), the incidence of diabetes mellitus and impaired fasting glucose were not statistically different between the 2 groups. The prevalence of colorectal adenoma was not different between the patient and control groups, regardless of examination extent. Multivariate analysis showed that age and BMI were significant independent risk factors for colorectal adenomatous polyps (age, p

Little is known about the feasibility of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) or liver cirrhosis (LC). This study aimed to assess the safety, efficacy, and clinical outcomes of EMR or ESD in patients with CRF or LC compared to those in patients without. Between February 2003 and November 2009, a total of 1016 gastric neoplastic lesions in 928 patients were treated by using EMR or ESD. Among them, 18 patients had LC and 17 patients had CRF. Their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. En bloc resection rate, histological complete resection rate, operation time, and complications were compared between patients with CRF or LC and those without (control group). Baseline characteristics were not significantly different between the CRF, LC, and control groups except for a high rate of comorbidities in the CRF group and prolonged prothrombin time in the LC group. Operation time and therapeutic outcomes such as en bloc and complete resection rates did not differ significantly between the groups. Immediate bleeding tended to occur more frequently in the CRF + LC group than in controls (47.5 vs. 33.9%, p = 0.077). There was no significant difference in the incidence of perforation between the CRF, LC, and control groups. The hospital stay was longer in the CRF + LC group than in the control group (6.4 ± 3.53 vs. 4.9 ± 3.15 days, p = 0.012). EMR and ESD for the treatment of early gastric neoplasia may be equally effective and tolerable in the CRF or the LC group compared to the control group, although patients with CRF or LC might need the longer admission period than the control group.