Irina Gessl

Betablockers do not increase efficacy of band ligation in primary prophylaxis but they improve survival in secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding.

Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) is used for primary (PP) and secondary prophylaxis (SP) of variceal bleeding. Current guidelines recommend combined use of non‐selective beta‐blockers (NSBBs) and EBL for SP, while in PP either NSBB or EBL should be used.

Surveillance colonoscopy in Austria: Are we following the guidelines?

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM The European guidelines for quality assurance in colorectal cancer screening and diagnosis contain postpolypectomy surveillance recommendations. They recommend follow-up intervals depending on the findings at index colonoscopy, and divide patients into a low-, intermediate- or high-risk group. The aim of this study was to assess the adherence of Austrian endoscopists to the European guidelines and to determine whether sending a reminder letter resulted in better adherence. METHODS A single reminder letter containing the guidelines was sent to all endoscopists who participated in the Certificate of Quality for Screening Colonoscopy program in Austria. Adherence was assessed before and after the letter had been sent. Factors associated with adherence were investigated. RESULTS We found poor baseline adherence to the guidelines. After the reminder letter, the adherence slightly improved in the low-risk group, but did not change in the intermediate-risk or high-risk groups. An adenoma detection rate of at least 20 % was associated with higher adherence rates. Generally, internists and hospitals showed better adherence compared with surgeons and private practices, respectively, both before and after the reminder letter. CONCLUSION A single reminder letter was not enough to improve the poor adherence to the European postpolypectomy surveillance guidelines. Thus, future studies are required to identify and eliminate all factors responsible for nonadherence to postpolypectomy guidelines in order to reach the goal of a safe, effective, and cost-effective colorectal cancer prevention tool in the near future.

Sonoanatomy: Physiological Structures (Articular and Periarticular)

The wrist and the small joints of the hand are among the most frequently involved anatomical sites in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs). Consequentially, they are also frequently evaluated by sonographers both in routine clinical practice and within the framework of clinical trials, providing an opportunity for rheumatologists performing ultrasound to gain a deeper understanding of the pathological processes involved in rheumatic diseases. We provide an extensive introduction into the sonographic examination of the structures of the hand and wrist commonly evaluated by rheumatologists.

Outcomes after placement of a SX-ELLA oesophageal stent for refractory variceal bleeding-A national multicentre study

Current guidelines favour the use of bleeding stents over balloon tamponade (BT) for refractory variceal bleeding (VB) from oesophageal varices. However, data on the efficacy and safety of self‐expandable metal SX‐ELLA Danis stents (SEMS) are limited.