Chris Fraser

Capsule endoscopy versus colonoscopy for the detection of polyps and cancer.

BACKGROUND An ingestible capsule consisting of an endoscope equipped with a video camera at both ends was designed to explore the colon. This study compared capsule endoscopy with optical colonoscopy for the detection of colorectal polyps and cancer. METHODS We performed a prospective, multicenter study comparing capsule endoscopy with optical colonoscopy (the standard for comparison) in a cohort of patients with known or suspected colonic disease for the detection of colorectal polyps or cancer. Patients underwent an adapted colon preparation, and colon cleanliness was graded from poor to excellent. We computed the sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for polyps, advanced adenoma, and cancer. RESULTS A total of 328 patients (mean age, 58.6 years) were included in the study. The capsule was excreted within 10 hours after ingestion and before the end of the lifetime of the battery in 92.8% of the patients. The sensitivity and specificity of capsule endoscopy for detecting polyps that were 6 mm in size or bigger were 64% (95% confidence interval [CI], 59 to 72) and 84% (95% CI, 81 to 87), respectively, and for detecting advanced adenoma, the sensitivity and specificity were 73% (95% CI, 61 to 83) and 79% (95% CI, 77 to 81), respectively. Of 19 cancers detected by colonoscopy, 14 were detected by capsule endoscopy (sensitivity, 74%; 95% CI, 52 to 88). For all lesions, the sensitivity of capsule endoscopy was higher in patients with good or excellent colon cleanliness than in those with fair or poor colon cleanliness. Mild-to-moderate adverse events were reported in 26 patients (7.9%) and were mostly related to the colon preparation. CONCLUSIONS The use of capsule endoscopy of the colon allows visualization of the colonic mucosa in most patients, but its sensitivity for detecting colonic lesions is low as compared with the use of optical colonoscopy. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00604162.)

Significant small-bowel lesions detected by alternative diagnostic modalities after negative capsule endoscopy

BACKGROUND Capsule endoscopy (CE) is considered a first-line investigation for obscure GI bleeding (OGIB) and small-bowel polyp or tumor detection. The reliability of a negative CE in excluding gross small-bowel pathology remains unclear. New imaging modalities, such as double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE), CT enterography (CTE) or magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) now provide complementary roles to CE for these indications. OBJECTIVE We describe our experience of significant small-bowel pathology missed at CE in 5 patients. The lesions were subsequently detected by DBE, CTE, or MRE. DESIGN A retrospective case series. SETTING Single-center academic endoscopy unit in a tertiary-referral hospital. PATIENTS Five patients were evaluated: 4 with a history of OGIB (transfusion dependent in 2) and 1 patient with Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) under small-bowel surveillance. INTERVENTIONS CE was performed in all patients. Further evaluation via DBE, CTE, or MRE was performed. Definitive treatment was carried out by enteroscopic polypectomy (1 patient), surgical resection (2 patients), and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure and embolization (1 patient). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS Detection of significant small-bowel pathology by using DBE, CT, or MRE after a negative capsule study. RESULTS Significant small-bowel pathology was missed at CE but was detected by alternative modalities in 5 patients. In 4 patients, the lesions were in the proximal small bowel (adenocarcinoma, malignant melanoma, varices, and stromal tumor). The fifth patient had a large PJS polyp in the proximal ileum. LIMITATIONS Retrospective case series with small numbers. CONCLUSIONS Gross pathology may be missed at CE, especially in the proximal small bowel, and a negative CE study does not exclude significant disease. Alternative imaging modalities, such as DBE, CTE, or MRE, should be considered when clinical suspicion persists.

Colon capsule endoscopy: European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline

PillCam colon capsule endoscopy (CCE) is an innovative noninvasive, and painless ingestible capsule technique that allows exploration of the colon without the need for sedation and gas insufflation. Although it is already available in European and other countries, the clinical indications for CCE as well as the reporting and work-up of detected findings have not yet been standardized. The aim of this evidence-based and consensus-based guideline, commissioned by the European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) is to furnish healthcare providers with a comprehensive framework for potential implementation of this technique in a clinical setting.

Effective dilation of small-bowel strictures by double-balloon enteroscopy in patients with symptomatic Crohn's disease (with video)

BACKGROUND Crohns disease (CD)-related small-bowel strictures remain a major cause of morbidity, frequently requiring surgery. OBJECTIVE Assessment of the feasibility and effectiveness of CD small-bowel stricture dilation by DBE. DESIGN Prospective case series. SETTINGS Single, tertiary referral center. METHODS Outcome data on cases of DBE-assisted CD small-bowel stricture dilation were prospectively collected from 2005. Dilation was performed by using controlled radial expansion balloon dilators. A 10-cm visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess obstructive symptoms and dietary restriction before DBE stricture dilation and at follow-up. RESULTS A total of 13 DBEs were performed in 11 consecutive patients (mean +/- SD age 46.4 +/- 7.8 years). Eighteen small-bowel stricture dilations were performed in 9 of 11 patients. The mean dilation diameter was 15.4 mm (range 12-20 mm). In 2 cases, stricture dilation was not performed because adhesions made reaching the strictures impossible. One case was complicated by a delayed perforation. In the other 8 patients, stricture dilation was successful; VAS scores improved dramatically and none of the patients has required surgery (mean follow-up 20.5 months; range 2-41 months). During follow-up, 2 patients required repeated dilation (at 6.5 and 13 months, respectively) because of symptom recurrence. Clinical improvements in before and after VAS scores were significant (mean 8.8 vs 1.8, respectively; P < .001). LIMITATIONS Small case series; single tertiary referral center. CONCLUSION DBE-assisted small-bowel stricture dilation for selected patients with CD is potentially of significant benefit and should be considered as a useful and effective alternative to surgery. Larger studies are required to confirm this benefit.

Endoscopic mucosal resection of 161 cases of large sessile or flat colorectal polyps

Objective. Large sessile or flat colorectal polyps, which are traditionally treated surgically, may be amenable to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), often using a piecemeal method. Appropriate selection of lesions and a careful technique may enhance the efficacy of EMR for polyps ≥20 mm in diameter without compromising safety. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that may be predictive of the risk of polyp recurrence. Material and methods. A retrospective analysis was conducted on the outcome of 161 polyps ≥20 mm in diameter, treated by piecemeal EMR at a single centre using the “lift and cut” technique. All records were reviewed for polyp size, site, morphology and histology. Polypectomy technique, patient follow-up, polyp recurrence and surgical interventions were also recorded. Results. Over an 8-year period, 161 colonic polyps measuring ≥20 mm were removed by EMR. Follow-up data were available for 149 cases (93%) with a mean polyp diameter of 32.5 mm; the total success rate of endoscopic polyp removal was 95.4%. The number of cases requiring 1, 2, 3, 4 and 6 attempts at EMR was 89 (60%), 36 (24%), 14 (9%), 2 (1.3%) and 1 (0.7%), respectively. Recurrence was significantly related to polyp size (p<0.001). There was no statistically significant relationship between site and recurrence. Seven patients (4.6%) underwent surgical intervention after EMR because of failed clearance. There were no post-EMR perforations and significant bleeding was reported in only two patients (1.7%). Conclusions. With careful attention to technique, piecemeal EMR is a safe option for the resection of most sessile and flat colorectal polyps ≥20 mm in size. A stricter follow-up may be required for larger lesions because of a higher risk of recurrence.

Safety, Reliability and Limitations of the Given Patency Capsule in Patients at Risk of Capsule Retention: A 3-Year Technical Review

Introduction The patency capsule may prevent capsule retention in high-risk patients. However data on its use in routine clinical practice is limited. Methods Patients referred to our institution between Feb-04 and Jan-07 were reviewed. The following data was collected: presenting symptoms; medical/surgical history; medication; radiology; patency/video capsule result; subsequent investigations; clinical outcomes. Results 373 patients were referred. In 315 (84%) ‘low-risk’ patients (no patency capsule): delayed transit occurred in three, with no cases of capsule retention. In 58 (16%) ‘high risk’ patients (patency capsule): asymptomatic retention occurred in eight, all with pathology despite normal prior barium studies in six; in four cases patency location was incorrectly assessed radiologically, leading to video capsule retention and surgery in one. Discussion Most patients can safely undergo capsule endoscopy without a patency capsule. The patency capsule appears safe and is indicative of pathology when retained. Assessment of patency capsule location post ingestion can be difficult, and if barium radiology is equivocal a limited abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan is suggested.

Factors associated with failed polyp retrieval at screening colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND Colonoscopy reduces colorectal cancer mortality and morbidity principally by the detection and removal of colon polyps. It is important to retrieve resected polyps to be able to ascertain their histologic characteristics. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to evaluate the cause of polyp retrieval failure. DESIGN Bowel cancer screening colonoscopy data were collected prospectively. SETTING The Bowel Cancer Screening Program in the National Health Service. PATIENTS Screening participants were referred to our screening center after a positive fecal occult blood test result. INTERVENTION A total of 4383 polyps were endoscopically removed from 1495 patients from October 2006 to February 2011. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS The number, size, shape, and location of polyps; polyp removal method; quality of bowel preparation; total examination time; and insertion and withdrawal times in collected data were examined retrospectively. RESULTS The polyp retrieval rate was 93.9%, and the failure rate was 6.1%, thus 267 polyps were not retrieved. In univariate analysis, factors affecting polyp retrieval failure were small polyp size, sessile polyps, and cold snare polypectomy (P < .001). Polyp retrieval was less successful in the proximal colon (P = .002). In multivariate analysis, polyp size and method of removal were independent risk factors for polyp retrieval failure (P < .001). LIMITATIONS Retrospective study. CONCLUSION Small polyp size and cold snare removal were found to be significantly associated with polyp retrieval failure. It was difficult to retrieve small, sessile, and proximal colon polyps. Optical diagnosis could be an efficacious option as a surrogate for histologic diagnosis for these lesions in the near future.

Enteral Access by Double-Balloon Enteroscopy: An Alternative Method of Direct Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy Placement

BackgroundAlthough direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunal feeding tube placement is an increasingly accepted method of providing small-bowel access for long-term enteral nutrition, it is reliant on push enteroscopy and remains a technically challenging procedure with significant failure rates. Double-balloon enteroscopy, with its ability to provide controlled small-bowel intubation may facilitate direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunal tube placement.Aims and MethodsWe report a prospective series of ten consecutive cases of double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunal placement, accompanied by a step-by-step illustrated overview of the technique.ResultsDirect percutaneous endoscopic jejunal tube placement by double-balloon enteroscopy was successful in nine of the ten attempted cases. In the first case, direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunal placement was abandoned due to inadequate transillumination; there were no procedure-related complications in any of our patients.ConclusionsThis first reported prospective case series of double-balloon enteroscopy-assisted direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunal placement shows a promisingly high success rate; larger comparative studies are required to clearly establish any advantages over the originally described push enteroscopy method.

Capsule endoscopy for the small bowel in juvenile polyposis syndrome: a case series.

Juvenile polyposis syndrome is one of the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes and demonstrates phenotypic heterogeneity. All patients with juvenile polyposis develop colorectal polyps and are at risk of colorectal cancer. Small-bowel involvement is variably described. Small-intestinal cancer is reported but is rare and there is no evidence-based protocol for small-intestinal surveillance. This case series reports the small-bowel capsule endoscopy findings and genetic mutational analyses of ten adults (7-male; median age 39.2 years, interquartile range 37.4 - 42.0 years) with documented juvenile polyposis syndrome. Two patients had small-bowel polyps beyond the range of standard gastroscopy identified at capsule endoscopy: a 6-mm ileal polyp in one, and 10-mm and 6-mm ileal polyps in the second (histology unknown). Duodenal polyps were detected in a third patient at capsule endoscopy. Three further patients had previously documented duodenal polyps at surveillance gastroscopy. A SMAD4 mutation was identified in seven patients but there was no obvious association with gastric/small-bowel polyp burden. In conclusion, capsule endoscopy provided information additional to conventional endoscopy in patients with juvenile polyposis syndrome and was well tolerated. However, no lesions requiring clinical intervention were identified and polyp numbers were small. Capsule endoscopy may appropriately be used as a baseline investigation for the identification of patients with large or dense small-bowel polyps for whom ongoing small-bowel investigation would be recommended. Patients in whom polyps are confined to the colon are unlikely to require ongoing small-bowel review.

Flat colorectal neoplasms and the impact of the revised Vienna Classification on their reporting: a case-control study in UK and Japanese patients.

Objective. The prevalence and interpretation of flat colorectal neoplasms in the East or West remain highly variable. Several factors may contribute to this variability including differences in reporting techniques between Japanese and Western histopathologists when lesions are classified. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the frequency and characteristics of flat colorectal neoplasms in British and Japanese patients, (ii) to examine whether histopathological discrepancies exist between Western and Japanese-trained pathologists applying conventional classification methods and (iii) to determine the impact of the revised Vienna Classification on any differences observed. Material and methods. One hundred and forty-four patients in the United Kingdom with neoplastic lesions prospectively identified by a colonoscopist, fully-trained in Japan, were age and gender-matched with 144 Japanese patients with neoplastic lesions detected by the same colonoscopist. Two British and two Japanese pathologists were independently asked to assess all neoplasms using both conventional and revised Vienna Classification methods. Results. No significant difference in the frequency of flat neoplasms was found between British and Japanese patients; however, flat neoplasia from Japanese patients tended to contain more advanced pathologies. Discrepancies in histological diagnoses were observed between pathologists but which were reduced with the revised Vienna Classification. Japanese pathologists tended to diagnose higher grades of dysplasia for the same lesion compared to their British counterparts. Conclusions. The frequency of flat neoplasms in British and Japanese patients is similar. However Japanese lesions, especially flat (IIb) and slightly depressed (IIc) neoplasms tend to be more biologically aggressive. The revised Vienna Classification achieves greater consensus.