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Background: Multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are important but resource-expensive components of surgical and oncologic care. This cohort study investigated the effectiveness of surgical MDT meetings by assessing the predictability of MDT meeting recommendations, the degree that patient management plans are changed by discussion, and the incidence of recommendation implementation. Methods: Multidisciplinary team meetings at The Queen Elizabeth Hospital in South Australia were audited for upper gastrointestinal (UGI) and colorectal (CR) surgical units from August 2021 to June 2022. All cases referred for MDT meeting discussion were included. Prospectively obtained pre-MDT meeting management plans were compared with formal MDT meeting recommendations to assess for concordance and degree of change. Patient records were assessed after 8 months for MDT meeting recommendation implementation. Multivariable analysis of patient factors was performed to identify associations between MDT meeting recommendation predictability and implementation. Results: In 438 patient cases, discussed during 30 MDT meetings, 317 (72.37%) were correctly predicted. Specifically, 226 (51.6%) were correct with no change, 28 (6.39%) were correct with minor changes, 40 (9.13%) were correct with moderate changes, and 23 (5.25%) were correct with major changes. The UGI and CR cohorts differed significantly in moderate changes (P = 0.0217). The female patients were 1.62 times more likely than the male patients to have pre-MDT meeting management plans predicted (P = 0.0201). Formal MDT meeting recommendations were implemented in 380 (89.62%) cases. Conclusions: The MDT meetings changed management for almost 1 in 2 patients discussed. Other than female sex, no identifiable patient factors increased the likelihood of predictability, and no factors predicted recommendation implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors comprise the largest group of surface receptors and are responsible for cellular signals. Eph/ephrin signaling has been identified to play a role in key cancer development and progression processes, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The Eph/ephrin system has been described as a tumor suppressor in duodenal cancer, while in esophageal, gastric, hepatic, and pancreatic cancer, the system has been related to tumor progression. For their significant role in developing a wide range of malignancies, Eph receptors and their ligands have proven to be an important target for new anticancer therapies. In this review, we present an overview of the literature and highlight evidence supporting the role of the Eph/ephrin system in upper digestive tract cancers. In addition, we discuss molecular findings that represent promising therapeutic targets for these cancers. Eph receptors and ephrin in upper digestive system cancers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular (Eph) receptors comprise the largest group of surface receptors and are responsible for cellular signals. Eph/ephrin signaling has been identified to play a role in key cancer development and progression processes, especially in the upper gastrointestinal tract. The Eph/ephrin system has been described as a tumor suppressor in duodenal cancer, while in esophageal, gastric, hepatic, and pancreatic cancer, the system has been related to tumor progression. For their significant role in developing a wide range of malignancies, Eph receptors and their ligands have proven to be an important target for new anticancer therapies. In this review, we present an overview of the literature and highlight evidence supporting the role of the Eph/ephrin system in upper digestive tract cancers. In addition, we discuss molecular findings that represent promising therapeutic targets for these cancers.

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are one of the most commonly encountered health problems in routine clinical practice. Dietary, environmental, geographic, and genetic factors are some of the key reasons contributing to the prevalence of these diseases. A wide spectrum of lesions is observed on histopathological examination of the upper GI tract (GIT). Aims and Objective: The study was carried out to determine the histopathological spectrum of upper GIT lesions and to compare the lesions with demographic and clinical data. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on all consecutive upper GI endoscopic biopsies received in the Department of Pathology, Narendra Modi Medical College, Ahmedabad during the period from August 2020 to October 2022. Results: Non-neoplastic lesions were observed in 91.3% of all upper GI biopsies. Among these, gastric lesions (63.3%) were the most common followed by duodenal lesions (21.3%) and esophageal lesions (6.6%). The most commonly observed non-neoplastic lesions from the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were reflux esophagitis with its consequence Barrett’s esophagus, chronic gastritis, and chronic duodenitis, respectively. Neoplastic lesions were observed in 8.7% of all upper GI biopsies; out of which 4% were esophageal, 3.3% were gastric and 1.3% were duodenal. The most commonly observed neoplastic lesions from the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, adenocarcinoma of the stomach, and adenocarcinoma of duodenum, respectively. Conclusion: Endoscopic biopsy examination followed by histopathologic assessment is a convenient procedure and current gold standard for the accurate diagnosis of patients with upper GIT lesions.

Background: In China, there are large differences between regions in the use of gastroscopies and public awareness of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) screening. Objective: This study investigated the current context and analyzed the barriers that influence UGI screening behavior among the general population in UGI cancer high-prevalence areas. Methods: A total of 320 participants anonymously answered an online questionnaire. The rank sum test was used to analyze the difference in the scores of the UGI screening awareness questionnaire among participants with different socio-demographic characteristics. Using the awareness level of UGI screening and gastroscopy as the dependent variable, and the socio-demographic characteristics as the independent variable, simple linear regression and binary logistic regression analysis were used to determine the factors influencing attitudes toward gastroscopy screening. We used Spearman's correlation analysis to examine the correlation between UGI screening awareness level and willingness to undergo a gastroscopy. Results: There was a correlation between the willingness to undergo gastroscopy and the awareness level of UGI screening (r = 0.243, p < 0.001). Linear regression analysis found that age, type of residence, education level, employment status, monthly income, history of gastroscopy, dietary habits, physical exercise, and convenience in obtaining information were significantly correlated with the awareness level of UGI screening (p < 0.05). Binary logistic regression analysis found that factors significantly associated with gastric cancer screening behavior include residence, monthly income, and self-perceived health status (p  < 0.05). Conclusion: It is necessary to improve education about UGI cancer and screening knowledge, with a focus on populations with lower education and income. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are one of the most commonly encountered health problems in routine clinical practice. Dietary, environmental, geographic, and genetic factors are some of the key reasons contributing to the prevalence of these diseases. A wide spectrum of lesions is observed on histopathological examination of the upper GI tract (GIT). Aims and Objective: The study was carried out to determine the histopathological spectrum of upper GIT lesions and to compare the lesions with demographic and clinical data. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on all consecutive upper GI endoscopic biopsies received in the Department of Pathology, Narendra Modi Medical College, Ahmedabad during the period from August 2020 to October 2022. Results: Non-neoplastic lesions were observed in 91.3% of all upper GI biopsies. Among these, gastric lesions (63.3%) were the most common followed by duodenal lesions (21.3%) and esophageal lesions (6.6%). The most commonly observed non-neoplastic lesions from the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were reflux esophagitis with its consequence Barrett's esophagus, chronic gastritis, and chronic duodenitis, respectively. Neoplastic lesions were observed in 8.7% of all upper GI biopsies; out of which 4% were esophageal, 3.3% were gastric and 1.3% were duodenal. The most commonly observed neoplastic lesions from the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum were squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, adenocarcinoma of the stomach, and adenocarcinoma of duodenum, respectively. Conclusion: Endoscopic biopsy examination followed by histopathologic assessment is a convenient procedure and current gold standard for the accurate diagnosis of patients with upper GIT lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is currently a lack of consensus regarding the timing of ventral hernia repair relative to bariatric surgery. To compare outcomes between patients undergoing simultaneous and selectively deferred ventral hernia repair and bariatric surgery. High volume UPPER gastrointestinal and Bariatric Unit. Sydney, Australia. A retrospective case series from a single institution's prospectively collected database (2003-21) was performed to determine the characteristics and outcomes in patients having simultaneous and deferred hernia repair relative to their bariatric surgery. In our patient cohort (N = 134), 111 patients underwent simultaneous repair and 23 had a deferred procedure. Of the simultaneous patients, 95 (85.6%) underwent resection bariatric surgery. The median operative time in the simultaneous versus deferred groups was 155 versus 287 minutes and the length of stay was 3 versus 7 days. There has been one (.9%) mesh infection requiring explant, in an open, simultaneous repair undertaken in a gastric band patient, 3 (2.8%) infected seromas, 1 (.9%) surgical site infection, and 8 (7.5%) hernia recurrences in the simultaneous group. The deferred group has had no mesh infections, no hernia recurrence, and 2 (9.5%) infected seromas to date. There was 1 mortality in the simultaneous cohort (simultaneous gastric bypass group), from a massive Pulmonary Embolism (<30 days postoperatively) and one in the deferred group from an interval small bowel obstruction. Simultaneous ventral hernia repair with bariatric surgery had a low rate of infection and a low mesh explant rate, even when coupled with resection bariatric surgery in this series. A combined approach may be safe, even in the clean-contaminated surgical context. • Severe obesity predisposes to ventral hernia, a common cause of morbidity. • Morbidity risks of ventral hernia are increased by weight loss. • The use of intraperitoneal mesh during bariatric surgery appears safe and effective. • Caveats against the use of mesh are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction:Upper gastrointestinal bleeding is an important emergency problem that can occur at any age in childhood and requires urgent treatment for the underlying cause. Etiological causes of gastrointestinal bleeding vary by age and geographic region. In this study; we aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics, etiological causes, endoscopic intervention results, and the relationship between analgesic/antipyretic drug use and bleeding in patients admitted to the pediatric emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding.Methods:The records of patients aged 1 month to 18 years who presented to our pediatric emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding between January 2017 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic features, complaints at admission, etiological reasons, endoscopy findings, diagnoses, and antipyretic/analgesic drug use were recorded.Results:There were 108 patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, and 53.7% of the patients were male. The mean age was 76.7±58.3 months. Hematemesis was present in 100 patients. Symptoms of the patients; vomiting was present in 82.4%, upper respiratory tract infection in 36.1%, fever in 29.6%, and abdominal pain in 25.9%. There were 52 patients with a history of antipyretic and/or analgesic drug use. An endoscopic examination was performed in 74 patients. In patients who underwent endoscopic examination; pathological changes were detected in 26 of 32 patients who used drugs and 30 of 42 patients who did not use drugs.Conclusion:In patients presenting to the pediatric emergency department with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, the bleeding is usually acute and self-limiting, but requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Approximately half of the patients in our study had a history of antipyretic/analgesic drug use in etiology. When the endoscopic findings of drug users and non-users were compared, no statistically significant difference was observed in terms of pathological findings.

Background: Due to centralization and super-specialization in medicine, hospital mergers are increasingly common. Their effect on postoperative outcomes in highly specialized surgical departments is unclear. As quality metrics often worsen after major organizational changes, preservation of quality of care during an hospital merge is of the utmost importance. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a merger of two Dutch university hospitals on quality of surgical care, volume, and timeliness of care. Methods: The upper gastro-intestinal and hepato-biliary-pancreatic sections merged on the 27th of January 2020 and the 31th of May 2021 respectively. Outcomes of all adult surgical patients were compared six months before and six months after the merger. Short-term quality metrics, volume, and timeliness of care were assessed. Results: Overall, a cohort of 631 patients were included of whom 195 were upper gastro-intestinal (97 prior to the merger, 98 after the merger) and 436 (223 prior to the merger, 213 after) hepato-biliary-pancreatic patients. There were no differences in mortality, readmission, number and severity of complications, volume, and timeliness of care six months post-merger as compared to before merger. Conclusion: This study shows that a hospital merger of two university hospitals can be performed without jeopardizing patient safety and while benefitting from centralization of highly specialized care and enhancement of medical research. Key message: This study investigated the impact of a merger of two Dutch university hospitals on quality of care, timeliness of care, and volume. It showed no deterioration in the evaluated short-term quality metrics, volume or timeliness for upper GI and HPB surgery, suggesting that a hospital merger of two university hospitals can be performed safely, while benefitting from centralization of highly specialized care and enhancement of medical research.

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Background: The best operative approach to large hiatal hernias still remains controversial between suture cruroplasty and prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy. This study aims at analysing results from a single institution in Italy in terms of subjective and objective outcomes. Methods: Retrospectively collected data of all patients that underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair since 2011 were considered. Sixty-five patients were included overall; 17 of them fit the criteria of large hiatal hernia. Follow-up (FU) was assessed by visit, questionnaires and X-ray imaging. Results: No major complications occurred in the post-operative course. No patient was lost during the FU period. Out of all the patients included, 13 agreed to have an X-ray with water-soluble contrast. The questionnaires showed a 76.5% rate of satisfaction (13 patients), and the recurrence rate demonstrated by radiology was 29.4% (five patients). There were no major mesh-related complications. Conclusion: The best operative approach for large hiatal hernias remains far from standardised: There is a lack of evidence on the use of a mesh for this kind of surgery as well as substantial controversy over the definition of what a giant hiatal hernia is. Nevertheless, the results from this study and the main studies in the literature seem to be encouraging in improving giant hiatal hernia repair outcomes.

Background: The condition known as dyspepsia, commonly referred to as indigestion, is characterized by the pain or discomfort in upper abdomen, most frequently occurring after ingestion of food or drinking. Following receiving treatment for H. pylori, many patients diagnosed have dyspepsia do show signs of improvement. Objective: To determine the histopathological frequency of Helicobacter Pylori (H pylori) in patients presenting with dyspepsia in a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in a teaching hospital, Lahore. The study duration was six months from October 2018 to April 2019. A total of 85 cases aged 18-70 years, presenting with dyspepsia and of either gender, were included. After taking written informed consent, patients underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Biopsy samples were obtained, which were sent to the pathology laboratory of the hospital to assess the presence of H. pylori. All of the information was put into a study proforma and analyzed by SPSS version 21. Results: The mean age of patients was 44.67±14.67 years. Males were 59 (69.4%) and females were 26 (30.6%). The BMI of patients was approximately 24.77±4.94kg/m². The mean duration of dyspepsia was 9.99±5.08months. There were 62 (72.9%) patients who had H. pylori, while 23 (27.1%) patients did not have H. pylori. Conclusion: As per the study conclusion, H. pylori was observed to be highly frequent among patients presenting with dyspepsia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of midgut malrotation and volvulus with “whirlpool sign” in a new-born infant. The “whirlpool sign” is an imaging characteristic of midgut volvulus and has a high predicting value for volvulus. Malrotation or malrotation with volvulus can be effectively diagnosed based on these characteristics. Ultrasound diagnosis has the advantage of no radiation exposure. Color Doppler documenting the reversal or aberrant superior mesenteric vein/superior mesenteric artery axis is not only predictive but also diagnostic of malrotation of gut. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of volvulus by ultrasound helps to establish the diagnosis of malrotation in time and thus allows for urgent surgical intervention to avoid bowel necrosis.

Background: The best operative approach to large hiatal hernias still remains controversial between suture cruroplasty and prosthetic hiatal herniorrhaphy. This study aims at analysing results from a single institution in Italy in terms of subjective and objective outcomes. Methods: Retrospectively collected data of all patients that underwent laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair since 2011 were considered. Sixty-five patients were included overall; 17 of them fit the criteria of large hiatal hernia. Follow-up (FU) was assessed by visit, questionnaires and X-ray imaging. Results: No major complications occurred in the post-operative course. No patient was lost during the FU period. Out of all the patients included, 13 agreed to have an X-ray with water-soluble contrast. The questionnaires showed a 76.5% rate of satisfaction (13 patients), and the recurrence rate demonstrated by radiology was 29.4% (five patients). There were no major mesh-related complications. Conclusion: The best operative approach for large hiatal hernias remains far from standardised: There is a lack of evidence on the use of a mesh for this kind of surgery as well as substantial controversy over the definition of what a giant hiatal hernia is. Nevertheless, the results from this study and the main studies in the literature seem to be encouraging in improving giant hiatal hernia repair outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and study aim Liver cirrhosis causes portal hypertension that leads to dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract, which may result in complications including upper gastrointestinal (UGI) bleeding. This study sought to determine the prevalence and the clinical correlates of these UGI abnormalities in patients with liver cirrhosis receiving care at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana. Patients and methods One hundred and forty-five participants with liver cirrhosis were consecutively sampled and clinically evaluated for symptoms and signs of liver cirrhosis and then underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD). Results The mean age of the respondents was 46.50 ± 12.14 years, with the majority being males (106, 73.10%) and in Child-Pugh class C (111, 76.55%). Fatigue (128, 88.28%) and ascites (127, 87.59%) were the most common symptoms and signs, respectively. Fatigue, itch, and ascites were significantly correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis, with an adjusted odd ratio (AOR) (confidence interval (CI)) of 3.56 (1.11-11.47), p-value of 0.03, 4.35 (1.34-14.18), p-value of 0.02 and 22.50 (4.88-103.77), p-value < 0.01, respectively. Esophageal varices were the most common UGI endoscopic findings, occurring in 102 (70.34%) patients, and correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis, AOR (CI) of 5.19 (1.70-15.87), p-value of 0.01. Other common findings included gastritis in 71 (48.97%), portal hypertensive gastropathy in 67 (46.2%), duodenitis in 49 (33.79%), and peptic ulcer in 46 (31.72%). Conclusions Fatigue, ascites, and esophageal varices were the most common symptoms, signs, and EGD findings, respectively. Fatigue, itch, ascites, esophageal varices, duodenitis, and gastric antral vascular ectasia correlate with the severity of liver cirrhosis., Competing Interests: Human subjects: Consent was obtained or waived by all participants in this study. Committee of Human Research Publication and Ethics (CHRPE) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital issued approval CHRPE/AP/045/19. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Committee of Human Research Publication and Ethics (CHRPE) of Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (CHRPE/AP/045/19). The principles of informed consent and confidentiality were ensured throughout the study. Animal subjects: All authors have confirmed that this study did not involve animal subjects or tissue. Conflicts of interest: In compliance with the ICMJE uniform disclosure form, all authors declare the following: Payment/services info: All authors have declared that no financial support was received from any organization for the submitted work. Financial relationships: All authors have declared that they have no financial relationships at present or within the previous three years with any organizations that might have an interest in the submitted work. Other relationships: All authors have declared that there are no other relationships or activities that could appear to have influenced the submitted work., (Copyright © 2024, Oppong et al.)

Fistulas in the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract are complex conditions associated with elevated morbidity and mortality. They may arise as a result of inflammatory or malignant processes or following medical procedures, including endoscopic and surgical interventions. The management of upper GI is often challenging and requires a multidisciplinary approach. Accurate diagnosis, including endoscopic and radiological evaluations, is crucial to build a proper and personalized therapeutic plan, that should take into account patient's clinical conditions, time of onset, size, and anatomical characteristics of the defect. In recent years, several endoscopic techniques have been introduced for the minimally invasive management of upper GI fistulas, including through-the-scope and over-the-scope clips, stents, endoscopic suturing, endoluminal vacuum therapy (EVT), tissue adhesives, endoscopic internal drainage. This review aims to discuss and detail the current available endoscopic techniques for the treatment of upper GI fistulas., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest Ivo Boskoski is a consultant for Apollo Endosurgery, Boston Scientific, Nitinotes, Pentax, Cook Medical, Microtech, ERBE, and Endo Tools Therapeutics S.A. Federico Barbaro is consultant for Olympus. Cristiano Spada is a consultant for Medtronic and AnX Robotics and received speaker's fees from Olympus and Pentax. All the other authors have nothing to declare., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.)

Background: The role of changes in gut microflora on upper gastrointestinal (UGI) perforations is not known. We conducted a retrospective case-control study to examine the relationship between antibiotic exposure-a proxy for microbiome modulation-and UGI perforations in a national sample.Methods: We queried a 5% random sample of Medicare (2009-2013) to identify patients ≥ 65 years old hospitalized with UGI (stomach or small intestine) perforations using International Classification of Diseases diagnosis codes. Cases with UGI perforations were matched with 4 controls, each based on age and sex. Exposure to outpatient antibiotics (0-30, 31-60, 61-90 days) prior to case patients' index hospitalization admission data was determined with Part D claims. Univariate and multivariable regression analyses were performed to evaluate the effect of antibiotic exposure on UGI perforation.Results: Overall, 504 cases and 2016 matched controls were identified. Compared to controls, more cases had antibiotic exposure 0-30 days (19% vs. 3%, p < 0.001) and 31-60 days (5% vs. 2%, p < 0.001) prior to admission. In adjusted analyses, antibiotic exposure 0-30 days prior to admission was associated with 6.8 increased odds of an UGI perforation (95% CI 4.8, 9.8); 31-60 days was associated with 1.9 increased odds (95% CI 1.1, 3.3); and 61-90 days was associated with 3.7 increased odds (95% CI 2.0, 6.9).Conclusions: Recent outpatient antibiotic use, in particular in the preceding 30 days, is associated with UGI perforation among Medicare beneficiaries. Exposure to antibiotics, one of the most modifiable determinants of the microbiome, should be minimized in the outpatient setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare case of midgut malrotation and volvulus with "whirlpool sign" in a new-born infant. The "whirlpool sign" is an imaging characteristic of midgut volvulus and has a high predicting value for volvulus. Malrotation or malrotation with volvulus can be effectively diagnosed based on these characteristics. Ultrasound diagnosis has the advantage of no radiation exposure. Color Doppler documenting the reversal or aberrant superior mesenteric vein/superior mesenteric artery axis is not only predictive but also diagnostic of malrotation of gut. The rapid and accurate diagnosis of volvulus by ultrasound helps to establish the diagnosis of malrotation in time and thus allows for urgent surgical intervention to avoid bowel necrosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/AimsIn recent years, endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection (ESTD) has gained popularity worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of ESTD in treating upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors (SMTs) in a large-volume endoscopic center.Methods : Patients with SMTs were enrolled in this study between January 2012 and January 2015. Demographic data, clinical data, and treatment outcome were collected and analyzed.Results : Seventy SMTs originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer were identified in 69 patients. All patients successfully underwent the ESTD procedure. The mean procedure time was 49.0±29.5 minutes, and the mean tumor size was 18.7±7.2 mm. Among all lesions, the majority (70.0%) were located in the esophagus, 12.9% in the cardia, and 17.1% in the stomach. Complete resection was achieved in 67 lesions (95.7%). Perforation occurred in three patients (4.3%), who were treated by endoclips. Pneumothorax occurred in two patients (2.9%) and was successfully managed by thoracic drainage. During a median follow-up of 18.1 months, patients were free of local recurrence or distant metastasis.Conclusion : sOur results demonstrated the feasibility and safety of ESTD in treating upper gastrointestinal SMTs originating from the MP layer. Large-scale comparative studies with other treatment methods should be conducted in the future.

INTRODUCTION: Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are among the commonest complaints for which patients seek medical attention. Characteristics of patients undergoing UGI endoscopy (UGIE) at the district hospital in Ghana are largely unknown. This study was to document the demographic characteristics, indications and endoscopic findings of patients undergoing UGIE at the district hospital in Ghana. METHODS: this study used a cross-sectional design to consecutively recruit 371 patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit of the St. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia for UGIE. Demographic data and indications for the UGIE were recorded. Endoscopic findings per each participant were recorded. Helicobacter pylori (H.pylori) infection was confirmed by rapid-urease examination of gastric antral and body biopsies at endoscopy. RESULTS: there were 159 (42.9%) males out of the 371 patients. The age ranged from 4 to 94 years with a median age of 46 years. Dyspepsia was the commonest indication occurring in 282(76.0%) patients. The commonest endoscopic diagnosis was gastritis which occurred in 261(70.4%) patients. The prevalence of H. pylori obtained by immediate rapid-urease-campylobacter like- organism (CLO) test was 44.9%. CONCLUSION: the main indication for UGIE in the studied patients was dyspepsia and most of these patients had gastritis on endoscopy. Only few patients had normal findings. The prevalence of H. pylori in this population was low compared with most of the previous studies done in the country. There is the need to establish more endoscopy centres within the district hospitals in the country and more health professionals trained to perform them.

Introduction: upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms are among the commonest complaints for which patients seek medical attention. Characteristics of patients undergoing UGI endoscopy (UGIE) at the district hospital in Ghana are largely unknown. This study was to document the demographic characteristics, indications and endoscopic findings of patients undergoing UGIE at the district hospital in Ghana. Methods: this study used a cross-sectional design to consecutively recruit 371 patients referred to the Endoscopy Unit of the St. Dominic Hospital, Akwatia for UGIE. Demographic data and indications for the UGIE were recorded. Endoscopic findings per each participant were recorded. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection was confirmed by rapid-urease examination of gastric antral and body biopsies at endoscopy. Results: there were 159(42.9%) males out of the 371 patients. The age ranged from 4 to 94 years with a median age of 46 years. Dyspepsia was the commonest indication occurring in 282(76.0%) patients. The commonest endoscopic diagnosis was gastritis which occurred in 261(70.4%) patients. The prevalence of H. pylori obtained by immediate rapid-urease-campylobacter like- organism (CLO) test was 44.9%. Conclusion: the main indication for UGIE in the studied patients was dyspepsia and most of these patients had gastritis on endoscopy. Only few patients had normal findings. The prevalence of H. pylori in this population was low compared with most of the previous studies done in the country. There is the need to establish more endoscopy centres within the district hospitals in the country and more health professionals trained to perform them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Necessity for surgery in the treatment Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding (AUGIB) is gradually decreasing. In spite of the decrease in the need for surgery, there is no decrease in rates of mortality and complication following surgery. The aim of this study is to present outcomes of the patients operated on AUGIB. Files of the patients operated on AUGIB, from 1 January 2010 to 2020, were examined. Age, gender and diagnosis of the patients, conservative treatment methods prior to surgery, surgery, duration of hospital stay, rates of mortality and complications were retrospective analyzed. 15 patients with UGH diagnosis were involved in the study. Out of 15, 12 male and 3 female, and their mean age was 61.26 (22-88). All the patients received endoscopic examination before the surgery. 2 patients received total gastrectomy, 1 distal gastrectomy, 3 gastrostomy and haemorrhage control, 6 HM pyloroplasty and bilateral truncal vagatomy, 2 HM pyloroplasty + gastrojejunostomy and bilateral truncal vagatomy, and 1 Whipple surgery. Average hospital stay was 10.53 (1-19) days. Mortality rate was 33%, complication was 26%. Surgical need for AUGIB was decreased by 2% over the years. Despite decrease in the need of surgery, rates of mortality and complication were 30% and 55% respectively. Mortality is generally caused by co-morbid disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is a potentially life threatening abdominal emergency that remains a common cause of hospitalization. Bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract is approximately five times more common than from the lower gastrointestinal tract bleeding and seems to be more common in men and the elderly. Aim: Identify various cause and outcomes of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding patients in Aswan University Hospital by follow-up the patients and their different fates on the numerous lines of treatment. Methodology: This study included 100 patients who were complaining of upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding and selected from patients in Aswan University Hospitals. Results: The results of the current study showed that the most common causes of upper GIT bleeding are the variceal causes representing 57% of causes of GIT bleeding, followed by non-variceal causes representing 43% of causes of GIT bleeding. The most common cause of the variceal bleeding is the esophageal varices alone representing (40%) of the causes of variceal bleeding followed by combined esophageal and gastric varices representing (12%) and the gastric varices alone representing (5%) of the causes of upper GIT bleeding. Conclusion: The endoscopic therapy was successful in most cases. The recurrence rate of bleeding was significantly high among patients with variceal bleeding. The patients with variceal bleeding have fewer treatment-related complications and better survival rates when they are treated by band ligation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The use of gastroprotective agents has allowed significant progress in the prevention of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) associated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antiplatelet agents. Nevertheless, some concerns remain regarding the gastroprotective dosage and treatment duration. Our aim was to study the effect of gastroprotective agents in UGIB induced by NSAIDs and single- or dual-antiplatelet therapy.Methods: A multicenter case-control study was conducted including 577 cases diagnosed with UGIB and 1343 sex-, age-, and hospital-matched controls. To estimate exposure to NSAIDs and gastroprotective agents, consumption was calculated for the 4 weeks prior to hospital admission in terms of defined daily doses (DDDs). Risk groups for UGIB induced by NSAIDs and single- or dual-antiplatelet therapy were defined as a function of each drug dose, use of gastrointestine-damaging drugs, and risk factors for UGIB. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were adjusted for single- (model 1) and dual- (model 2) antiplatelet therapy.Results: Full adherence (> 0.80DDD) to proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) was the only gastroprotective therapy that significantly reduced the risk of UGIB, considering NSAID risk (OR: 0.53; 95% CI: 0.30-0.95) and dose (OR: 0.48; 95% CI: 0.27-0.87) with ORs adjusted for single-antiplatelet therapy (model 1) and NSAID risk (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31-0.98) and dose (OR: 0.49; 95% CI: 0.28-0.89) with ORs adjusted for dual-antiplatelet therapy (model 2).Conclusions: These results reinforce the recommendation of adding a PPI at effective doses (full adherence) to prevent UGIB induced by NSAIDs, or single- or dual-antiplatelet therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fast track surgery has been implemented in colorectal procedures during the last decade and is accompanied by significant improvement in patient outcomes during the early postoperative period. However, to date, its adoption in upper gastrointestinal surgery remains a matter of debate. In this context, we aimed to summarize the existing evidence in the international literature.Materials and Methods: We searched Medline, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov and Cochrane Central Register databases for published randomized controlled trials. The meta-analysis was performed with the RevMan 5.3.5 software.Main Findings: Thirty studies were finally included in the present meta-analysis. The post-operative morbidity was not influenced by the implementation of fast track surgery (FTS) (OR 0.84, 95% CI 0.64-1.09). However, in cases treated with laparoscopic surgery fast track surgery seemed to reduce morbidity by 50% (p = .006). The overall mortality of patients was low in the majority of included studies and was not influenced by fast track surgery (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.50-2.52). The duration of postoperative hospitalization was significantly reduced with the adoption of FTS (MD -2.24, 95% CI -2.63 to -1.85 days). Concurrently, the overall cost was significantly reduced in cases treated with FTS (MD -982.30, 95% CI -1367.68 to -596.91 U.S dollars).Conclusion: According to the findings of our meta-analysis suggest that FTS seems to be safe in patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal surgery and reduce both the days of postoperative hospitalization and the overall cost. This observation should be taken into account in future recommendations to enhance the implementation of FTS protocols in current clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To clarify the situation of the detection of upper gastrointestinal cancer and precancerous lesions in the Feicheng city and discuss the possible influencing factors. Methods A cluster sampling method was used to determine the participants. A unified questionnaire was used to investigate the basic information including histoiy of alcohol intake, smoking and Chinese tea, as well as other eating habits, medical history of digestive tract and cancer. Endoscopy was used to to screen the patients with upper gastrointestinal cancer and precancerous lesions. Influential factors were explored by non-conditional logistic regression model. Results 911 of 7 291 participants were positive, and the total detection rate was 12.49%. The total positive detection rate of male and female was 17.94% and 8.71%, respectively (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the sex (OR = 0.527,95%CI:0.440-0.631), age (OR = 2.037,95%CI: 1.849-2.245), smoking (OR= 1.240,95%CI: 1.014-1.516) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.232,95%CI: 1.012-1.500), meat and protein intake (OR = 0.794,95%CI:0.638-0.987) and drink tea (OR = 1.233,95% CI: 1.056-1.440) may be influencing factors of the total detection rate of upper gastrointestinal cancer and precancerosis. Conclusions In Feicheng city, intake of meat and protein is the protective factor of the upper gastrointestinal cancer and precancerous lesions. Men, aged, smoking, drinking and tea will increase the risk of upper gastrointestinal cancer and precancerous lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]