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The article discusses the use of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for diagnosing subepithelial lesions (SELs) and determining the management of gastrointestinal cancer. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is commonly used to obtain tissue samples from SELs, but the diagnostic yield is lower compared to pancreatic solid tumors. The article also mentions the development of minimally invasive treatments for SELs, such as endoscopic resection (ER), but highlights the challenges associated with these treatments. The study presented in the article evaluates an application system called SELERP for determining the management of SELs, and while the diagnostic results are somewhat inferior to previous studies, the application shows promise for predicting diagnosis and ER-related outcomes. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of human training in performing EUS and making treatment decisions, despite the advancements in computer-aided diagnosis. [Extracted from the article]

Objectives: Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) for solid pancreatic lesions has high diagnostic yield. However, few prospective multicenter studies have been performed. We performed a prospective cohort study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EUS‐FNA for diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions. Methods: This prospective cohort study involved five hospitals in Japan. The primary outcome was sensitivity of EUS‐FNA for diagnosing malignant lesions. We also evaluated parameters of diagnostic sufficiency and the safety of EUS‐FNA. Results: In total, 246 patients were enrolled. The absolute values of the parameters evaluated showed no significant differences; however, the percentage changes in the white blood cell counts and C‐reactive protein levels after examination were significantly higher, and the percentage change in hemoglobin concentrations was significantly lower. The minor and major complication rates at the time of puncture, 24 h, 7 days and 28 days were 4.1%, 2.8%, 1.6%, and 0.0%, respectively. The true complication rate was 1.2%. The diagnostic sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 97.2%, 88.0%, 96.2%, 100%, and 81.4%, respectively. Conclusions: EUS‐FNA for solid pancreatic lesions has high diagnostic yield and is safe, consistent with previously studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We summarize the current status of endoscopic ultrasound ( EUS) for the upper gastrointestinal ( GI) tract solely in Asia, focusing on the staging of superficial cancers and the diagnosis of submucosal tumors ( SMT), by analysis of questionnaire responses and a literature review. EUS for assessing the depth of superficial cancers of the upper GI tract is useful; however, evidence is lacking to support that EUS is superior to other modalities. The current status of EUS varies across different Asian countries, and standardization of the methods used both during the procedure and for depth subclassification is necessary to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy. Although EUS alone is limited in the diagnosis of SMT, EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration is an effective and safe diagnostic tool. Although there is a role for EUS, there are still many limitations both technically and in terms of accessibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since it was developed in 1992, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) has been widely used and has been adapted for gastrointestinal and perigastrointestinal lesions. A medical literature review to evaluate the role of EUS-FNA for diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses showed a 78-95% sensitivity, 75-100% specificity, 98-100% positive predictive value, 46-80% negative predictive value and a 78-95% accuracy. The reported complication rates of EUS-FNA for pancreatic solid masses were 0-2%, although the criteria for complications varied among the studies. Because of its high diagnostic yield and low complication rate, EUS-FNA is cost-effective and widely applicable for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic masses, and is the best initial and the preferred secondary method compared with other biopsy techniques, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-guided biopsy, computed tomography/ultrasound-FNA and surgery. Although EUS-FNA is 'a nearly perfected procedure,' controversy remains, such as the most suitable diameter of the needle, the appropriate number of needle passes and the necessity of on-site cytopathological evaluation. Recently investigators reported that using molecular analysis of EUS-FNA samples can achieve a higher diagnostic efficacy. Further research is encouraged to optimize the EUS-FNA procedure to reach its maximum diagnostic yield for solid pancreatic masses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percentage of patients with atypical extrapulmonary forms of tuberculosis has been increasing. Among extrapulmonary tuberculosis cases, tuberculosis of the pancreas and peripancreatic lymph nodes is a rare clinical entity. Here, we present a case of peripancreatic tuberculous lymphadenitis diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) both cytologically and microbiologically. A 23-year-old man had a 1-week history of epigastralgia and low-grade fever. Subsequently, he was found to have an abnormality on abdominal ultrasound. A computed tomography scan of the abdomen showed a solitary mass consisting of multiple cystic components with rim enhancement in the peripancreatic portion contiguous to the gall bladder. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration was performed to confirm the diagnosis. The cytological examination revealed epithelioid cells with caseous necrosis, indicating tuberculosis. The aspirated fluid was positive by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Antituberculosis therapy with isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide was started based on the PCR and cytology results, and a good response to the treatment was noted. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology with PCR analysis is very useful for the diagnosis of peripancreatic tuberculosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) are potentially malignant tumors and require evidence-based surgical and/or medical treatment. Laparoscopy has similar safety and prognostic outcomes to those of laparotomy and is currently a standard procedure for localized GISTs. However, surgery for gastric GISTs less than 2 cm may be re-evaluated due to the indolent nature of the GIST and other competing risks among GIST patients. A work-up with endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography as well as endoscopic or percutaneous biopsy is important for the preoperative diagnosis of GISTs. Medical treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors is the mainstay for recurrent/metastatic GISTs. The activity of an individual drug is well correlated with gene alterations, and, in the era of precision medicine, cancer genome profiling should be considered before medical treatment. Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most frequent malignant mesenchymal tumors in the gastrointestinal tract. The clinical incidence of GISTs is estimated 10/million/year; however, the true incidence is complicated by frequent findings of tiny GISTs, of which the natural history is unknown. The initial work-up with endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography plays important roles in the differential diagnosis of GISTs. Surgery is the only modality for the permanent cure of localized GISTs. In terms of safety and prognostic outcomes, laparoscopy is similar to laparotomy for GIST treatment, including tumors larger than 5 cm. GIST progression is driven by mutations in KIT or PDGFRA or by other rare gene alterations, all of which are mutually exclusive. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are the standard therapy for metastatic/recurrent GISTs. Molecular alterations are the most reliable biomarkers for TKIs and for other drugs, such as NTRK inhibitors. The pathological and genetic diagnosis prior to treatment has been challenging; however, a newly developed endoscopic device may be useful for diagnosis. In the era of precision medicine, cancer genome profiling by targeted gene panel analysis may enable potential targeted therapy even for GISTs without KIT or PDGFRA mutations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Noninvasive, imaging diagnosis of gastrointestinal mesenchymal tumors (GIMTs) is still difficult. This study aimed to develop a novel diagnostic method of GIMTs via endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) using circularity. Methods: In a derivation series, we retrospectively collected 50 GIMTs 2–5 cm in diameter of two institutions. After selecting one EUS still image showing the maximal area per lesion, two endoscopists who were blind to the histological diagnosis assessed circularity, a surrogate indicator of roundness (range, 0–1; 1 = a true circle), with an image-analyzing software. Median circularity of three types of GIMT was compared, and the cutoff value to differentiate a group from other groups was presented by drawing a receiver operating characteristic curve. Subsequently, we assessed the diagnostic ability of circularity in 91 GIMTs which were retrospectively collected from the other two institutions by using the optimal cutoff value presented in the derivation series. Results: The circularity in leiomyomas indicated 0.70 and was significantly lower than that of gastrointestinal stromal tumors (0.89), schwannomas (0.90), and their combined group. When leiomyomas were diagnosed as the circularity of <0.8305, which was presented as the optimal cutoff value, the diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in the validation series were 73.6%, 80.0%, and 72.4%, respectively. Conclusion: The data demonstrated that leiomyomas significantly exhibited more distortion than other GIMTs. That implies that the difference in shape, which is objectively determined as circularity, is useful to noninvasively discriminate leiomyomas from other GIMTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic resection (ER) of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is evaluated pathologically, and additional treatment is recommended for cases resulting in non-curative resection, defined as pMM with lymphovascular invasion (LVI), pSM, or positive vertical margin. This study aimed to assess long-term outcomes and risk factors for recurrence in patients with ESCC treated with non-curative ER followed by additional chemoradiotherapy (CRT). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical courses of patients who underwent non-curative ER followed by additional CRT for ESCCs between August 2007 and December 2017. Recurrence rates and risk factors for recurrence were analyzed. Among 97 patients with non-curative ER, 73 underwent additional CRT. With a median follow-up period of 71 months, recurrences were observed in 10 (14%) of 73 patients, with a median interval of 24.5 (1–59 months). The 3- and 5-year recurrence-free survival were 89 and 85%, respectively, and the 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 96 and 91%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion was an independent risk factor for recurrence in patients with non-curative ESCC receiving additional CRT. Among the 10 patients with recurrence, 4, 3, 2, and 1 underwent surgery, chemotherapy, supportive care, and CRT, respectively. Notably, all four patients who underwent surgery survived, regardless of regional and/or distant lymph node metastasis. Lymphatic invasion is an independent risk factor for the recurrence of non-curative ESCCs. Careful follow-up is required for at least 5 years after ER with additional CRT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: A computer‐aided detection (CAD) system was developed to support the detection of colorectal lesions by deep learning using video images of lesions and normal mucosa recorded during colonoscopy. The study's purpose was to evaluate the stand‐alone performance of this device under blinded conditions. Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study was conducted at four Japanese institutions. We used 326 videos of colonoscopies recorded with patient consent at institutions in which the Ethics Committees approved the study. The sensitivity of successful detection of the CAD system was calculated using the target lesions, which were detected by adjudicators from two facilities for each lesion appearance frame; inconsistencies were settled by consensus. Successful detection was defined as display of the detection flag on the lesion for more than 0.5 s within 3 s of appearance. Results: Of the 556 target lesions from 185 cases, detection success sensitivity was 97.5% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95.8–98.5%). The "successful detection sensitivity per colonoscopy" was 93% (95% CI 88.3–95.8%). For the frame‐based sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 86.6% (95% CI 84.8–88.4%), 84.7% (95% CI 83.8–85.6%), 34.9% (95% CI 32.3–37.4%), and 98.2% (95% CI 97.8–98.5%), respectively. Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN000044622). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the inadequateness of modalities for making a definite diagnosis of gastric subepithelial lesions (SEL), describing why endoscopic ultrasound-FNA (EUS-FNA) is one of the best modalities for making a definite diagnosis. It also explores the issue regarding the means by which to assess the malignant potential of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST).

Background: Accurate evaluation of tumor invasion depth is essential to determine the appropriate treatment strategy for patients with superficial esophageal cancer. The pretreatment tumor depth diagnosis currently relies on the magnifying endoscopic classification established by the Japan Esophageal Society (JES). However, the diagnostic accuracy of tumors involving the muscularis mucosa (MM) or those invading the upper third of the submucosal layer (SM1), which correspond to Type B2 vessels in the JES classification, remains insufficient. Previous retrospective studies have reported improved accuracy by considering additional findings, such as the size and macroscopic type of the Type B2 vessel area, in evaluating tumor invasion depth. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate whether incorporating the size and/or macroscopic type of the Type B2 vessel area improves the diagnostic accuracy of preoperative tumor invasion depth prediction based on the JES classification. Methods: This multicenter prospective observational study will include patients diagnosed with MM/SM1 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma based on the Type B2 vessels of the JES classification. The tumor invasion depth will be evaluated using both the standard JES classification (standard-depth evaluation) and the JES classification with additional findings (hypothetical-depth evaluation) for the same set of patients. Data from both endoscopic depth evaluations will be electronically collected and stored in a cloud-based database before endoscopic resection or esophagectomy. This study's primary endpoint is accuracy, defined as the proportion of cases in which the preoperative depth diagnosis matched the histological depth diagnosis after resection. Outcomes of standard- and hypothetical-depth evaluation will be compared. Discussion: Collecting reliable prospective data on the JES classification, explicitly concerning the B2 vessel category, has the potential to provide valuable insights. Incorporating additional findings into the in-depth evaluation process may guide clinical decision-making and promote evidence-based medicine practices in managing superficial esophageal cancer. Trial registration: This trial was registered in the Clinical Trials Registry of the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN-CTR) under the identifier UMIN000051145, registered on 23/5/2023. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Several studies have reported the metachronous gastric cancers (MGCs) with possible lymph node metastasis (LNM) after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) eradication in which a curative ESD had not been achieved. There have been no published reports of evaluations of the features of patients with MGC with possible LNM after ESD and H. pylori eradication. Methods: We identified 264 patients with 369 MGCs after H. pylori eradication among the 4354 patients with 5059 early gastric cancers (EGCs) who underwent ESD between 1999 and 2017 and divided them into two groups: patients with MGCs with possible LNM (Group I) and patients with MGCs undergone curative ESD (Group II). We retrospectively compared the features of patients with MGCs and patients with EGCs at index ESD in the two groups. Result: Group I consisted of 20 patients with 21 MGCs, and Group II consisted of 244 patients with 348 MGCs. Group I lesions were significantly more common in the posterior wall than in the lesser curvature (odds ratio [OR] = 3.97; 95% confidence intervals [CI] 1.20–13.10). Development of Group I was significantly more common in patients with a body mass index (BMI) < 19.0 kg/m2 than in patients with a BMI ≥ 19.0 kg/m2 at index ESD (OR = 4.44; 95% CI 1.30–15.20). Conclusions: During surveillance endoscopy after gastric ESD and H. pylori eradication, the posterior wall should be carefully examined to detect MGCs early. Lower BMI may be associated with the development of MGCs with possible LNM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Western studies have suggested two distinct etiologies of esophagogastric junction ( EGJ) cancer: Helicobacter pylori-associated atrophic gastritis and non-atrophic gastric mucosa resembling esophageal adenocarcinoma. The present study investigated whether endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy can distinguish between these two types of EGJ adenocarcinoma. Methods Data were collected from patients with Siewert type II, T1 EGJ adenocarcinoma who underwent endoscopic or surgical resection at eight Japanese institutions in 2010-2015. Clinicopathological characteristics of EGJ cancers with and without endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy were compared. EGJ was defined as the lower end of the palisade vein and/or the top of the gastric folds. Results Of the 229 patients identified, 161 had endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy and 68 did not. The latter group was younger (64 vs 70 years, P = 0.000); had a higher proportion of patients negative for H. pylori (90% vs 47%, P < 0.0001); and had higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (43% vs 12%, P = 0.017), mucosal breaks (25% vs 15%, P = 0.009), Barrett's esophagus ( BE, 78% vs 42%, P < 0.0001), and tumors above the EGJ (81% vs 19%, P < 0.0001) and on the upper-right side (74% vs 38%, P < 0.0001) than the former group. Multivariate analysis showed that H. pylori positivity (odds ratio [ OR] = 13.0, P < 0.001), long-segment BE ( OR = 0.025, P = 0.033), and longitudinal ( OR = 8.6, P = 0.001) and circumferential ( OR = 4.7, P = 0.006) tumor locations were independently associated with gastric mucosal atrophy. Conclusion Two distinct types of EGJ cancer were identified, with and without endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy. These types were associated with different tumor locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: Western studies have suggested two distinct etiologies of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) cancer: Helicobacter pylori-associated atrophic gastritis and nonatrophic gastric mucosa resembling esophageal adenocarcinoma. The present study investigated whether endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy can distinguish between these two types of EGJ adenocarcinoma. Methods: Data were collected from patients with Siewert type II, T1 EGJ adenocarcinoma who underwent endoscopic or surgical resection at eight Japanese institutions in 2010-2015. Clinicopathological characteristics of EGJ cancers with and without endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy were compared. EGJ was defined as the lower end of the palisade vein and/or the top of the gastric folds. Results: Of the 229 patients identified, 161 had endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy and 68 did not. The latter group was younger (64 vs 70 years, P = 0.000); had a higher proportion of patients negative for H. pylori (90% vs 47%, P < 0.0001); and had higher rates of gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (43% vs 12%, P = 0.017), mucosal breaks (25% vs 15%, P = 0.009), Barrett's esophagus (BE, 78% vs 42%, P < 0.0001), and tumors above the EGJ (81% vs 19%, P < 0.0001) and on the upper-right side (74% vs 38%, P < 0.0001) than the former group. Multivariate analysis showed that H. pylori positivity (odds ratio [OR] = 13.0, P < 0.001), long-segment BE (OR = 0.025, P = 0.033), and longitudinal (OR = 8.6, P = 0.001) and circumferential (OR = 4.7, P = 0.006) tumor locations were independently associated with gastric mucosal atrophy. Conclusion: Two distinct types of EGJ cancer were identified, with and without endoscopic gastric mucosal atrophy. These types were associated with different tumor locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endoscopic diagnosis of gastrointestinal tumors consists of the following processes: (i) detection; (ii) differential diagnosis; and (iii) quantitative diagnosis (size and depth) of a lesion. Although detection is the first step to make a diagnosis of the tumor, the lesion can be overlooked if an endoscopist has no knowledge of what an early-stage 'superficial lesion' looks like. In recent years, image-enhanced endoscopy has become common, but white-light endoscopy (WLI) is still the first step for detection and characterization of lesions in general clinical practice. Settings and practice of routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) such as use of antispasmodics, number of endoscopic images taken, and observational procedure are customarily decided in each facility in each country and are not well standardized. Therefore, in the present article, we attempted to outline currently available evidence and actual Japanese practice on gastric cancer screening using WLI, and provide tips for detecting EGC during routine EGD which could become the basis of future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim The mortality rate of gastric cancer (GC) is close to the incidence rate worldwide. However, in Korea and Japan, the mortality rate of GC is less than half of the incidence rate. We hypothesized that good-quality routine esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) contributes to a high detection rate for early GC (EGC) and improves mortality in these countries. Methods To clarify the differences in routine EGD, a questionnaire survey was conducted in 98 Japanese and 53 international institutions. Results Prevalence of screening examination among routine EGD was higher in Japanese than in international institutions. Japanese endoscopists noted that endoscopic mucosal atrophy was the most significant risk factor for GC, whereas international endoscopists paid more attention to clinical information such as age, symptoms and family history. Antispasmodics, mucolytics and defoaming agents were used more frequently in Japanese institutions. The examination time was similar (mostly 5-10 min) between Japanese and international institutions. Japanese endoscopists took more pictures (>20 in almost all institutions) than international endoscopists (≤20 in two-thirds of institutions). In Japanese institutions, biopsy specimens were more frequently taken from areas of mucosal discoloration, unevenness or spontaneous bleeding rather than from obvious endoscopic lesions such as ulceration or polyps. In most Japanese institutions, one or two biopsy specimens were taken per lesion, compared with ≥three in international institutions. Conclusion There were some discrepancies between Japanese and international institutions for routine EGD. Thus, standardization is required for adequate risk assessment, proper techniques, and knowledge of endoscopic diagnosis of EGC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Screening endoscopy improves detection and prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. However, even expert endoscopists can miss early gastric cancer under standard white light imaging. Texture and color enhancement imaging (TXI) is an image‐enhanced endoscopy that enhances brightness, surface irregularities such elevation or depression, and subtle color changes. A few image‐oriented studies have compared the gastric color differences between neoplastic and peripheral areas under both white light imaging and TXI. The results not only suggested that the overall color differences to be more pronounced in TXI, but also that TXI mode 1 was superior to white light imaging in the visibility of early gastric cancer. Despite the promising results in these initial studies, it is unclear whether the superiority of the image‐enhanced endoscopy will translate into an improvement in early gastric cancer detection in real practice. Therefore, large‐scale prospective studies are necessary to investigate the efficacy of this new technology in the evaluation of patients undergoing screening endoscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determination of the risk of lymph-node metastasis is crucial in making appropriate surgical or endoscopic resection therapeutic decisions. The actual number of patients with esophageal adenocarcinomas and esophagogastric junction adenocarcinomas remains relatively low in Japan; therefore, debate still exists as to whether or not intramucosal esophageal adenocarcinoma has a risk of lymph-node metastasis. We report herein a case oflymph-node metastasis in a surgical resection of an esophageal adenocarcinoma with muscularis mucosae invasion, but no lymphovascular involvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Amyloidosis most often manifests as a systemic involvement of multiple tissues and organs, and an amyloidal deposit confined to the stomach is extremely rare. It is sometimes difficult to provide a definitive diagnosis of localized gastric amyloidosis by biopsy specimen and diagnosis of amyloidosis in some cases has been finalized only after surgical resection of the stomach.Case Presentation: A 76-year-old Japanese woman with epigastric discomfort underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy procedure. The esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed gastric wall thickening, suggesting scirrhous gastric carcinoma, at the greater curvature from the upper to the lower part of the gastric corpus. A biopsy specimen revealed amyloid deposits in the submucosal layer with no malignant findings. We resected a representative portion of the lesion by endoscopic mucosal resection using the strip biopsy method to obtain sufficient tissue specimens, and then conducted a detailed histological evaluation of the samples. The resected specimens revealed deposition of amyloidal materials in the gastric mucosa and submucosa without any malignant findings. Congo red staining results were positive for amyloidal protein and exhibited green birefringence under polarized light. Congo red staining with prior potassium permanganate incubation confirmed the light chain (AL) amyloid protein type. Based on these results, gastric malignancy, systemic amyloidosis and amyloid deposits induced by inflammatory disease were excluded and this lesion was consequently diagnosed as localized gastric amyloidosis. Our patient was an older woman and there were no findings relative to an increase in gastrointestinal symptoms or anemia, so no further treatment was performed. She continued to be in good condition without any finding of disease progression six years after verification of our diagnosis.Conclusions: We report an unusual case of primary amyloidosis of the stomach resembling scirrhous gastric carcinoma. This case of localized gastric amyloidosis was differentiated from scirrhous gastric cancer after performing endoscopic mucosal resection without an invasive surgical resection, as endoscopic mucosal resection provided sufficient tissue specimens from the lesion to make an accurate histological evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Antithrombotic therapy is a well-known independent risk factor for bleeding after endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early gastric cancer (EGC). A novel method of ulcer base closure using an endoloop and endoclips has been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of endoscopic closure using an endoloop and endoclips in preventing post-ESD bleeding in patients undergoing gastric ESD on antithrombotic therapy.Methods: This was a single center, retrospective study. Patients on antithrombotic therapy who underwent gastric ESD were divided into two groups, the closure group and the non-closure group. We analyzed procedural outcomes, post-ESD bleeding rate and factors associated with post-ESD bleeding.Results: Among 400 ESDs with EGCs in 311 patients, 131 ESDs in 110 patients were in the closure group, and 269 ESDs in 217 patients were in the non-closure group (16 patients were overlapped in both groups). Post-ESD bleeding rate was 11.5% (15/131) in the closure group, and 11.9% (32/269) in the non-closure group (p = 0.89). Total sustained closure rate during second look endoscopy was 47.8% (33/69). Post-ESD bleeding rate tended to be lower in the closure group than in the non-closure group for lesions located in the greater curvature (3.6% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.11). In addition, sustained closure rate was significantly higher in the greater curvature than in the lesser curvature (72.0% vs. 34.1%, p < 0.01). Multivariate analysis revealed resection size > 40 mm and heparin bridge were the independent risk factor for post-ESD bleeding.Conclusion: Ulcer base closure using endoloop and endoclips did not prevent post-ESD bleeding in patients on antithrombotic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Head and neck cancers, especially in hypopharynx and oropharynx, are often detected at advanced stage with poor prognosis. Narrow band imaging enables detection of superficial cancers and transoral surgery is performed with curative intent. However, pathological evaluation and real‐world safety and clinical outcomes have not been clearly understood. The aim of this nationwide multicenter study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of transoral surgery for superficial head and neck cancer. We collected the patients with superficial head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who were treated by transoral surgery from 27 hospitals in Japan. Central pathology review was undertaken on all of the resected specimens. The primary objective was effectiveness of transoral surgery, and the secondary objective was safety including incidence and severity of adverse events. Among the 568 patients, a total of 662 lesions were primarily treated by 575 sessions of transoral surgery. The median tumor diameter was 12 mm (range 1–75) endoscopically. Among the lesions, 57.4% were diagnosed as squamous cell carcinoma in situ. The median procedure time was 48 minutes (range 2–357). Adverse events occurred in 12.7%. Life‐threatening complications occurred in 0.5%, but there were no treatment‐related deaths. During a median follow‐up period of 46.1 months (range 1–113), the 3‐year overall survival rate, relapse‐free survival rate, cause‐specific survival rate, and larynx‐preservation survival rate were 88.1%, 84.4%, 99.6%, and 87.5%, respectively. Transoral surgery for superficial head and neck cancer offers effective minimally invasive treatment.Clinical trials registry number: UMIN000008276. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

En bloc resection is essential for accurate pathological evaluation in patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SESCC). This retrospective study aimed to clarify optimal treatment selection of endoscopic resection according to lesion size. A total of 760 patients underwent endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) between January 2011 and December 2015. Among them, this retrospective study included 196 solitary index SESCC lesions ≤ 20 mm, with the deepest invasion to the mucosa or superficial submucosa endoscopically. The lesions were classified according to size measured via endoscopy as follows; group A: lesions ≤ 10 mm, group B: lesions ≥11 mm but ≤ 15 mm, and group C: lesions ≥16 mm but ≤ 20 mm. The short- and long-term outcomes were investigated for EMR and ESD subgroups. In patients undergoing EMR and ESD, en bloc resection rates for group A and B were not different (98.8 vs. 100%, 93.3 vs. 100%, respectively). However, the en bloc resection rate was significantly lower in EMR than that in ESD for group C (64.3 vs. 100%, P  < 0.001). Furthermore, the use of adjunctive ablative therapy rate was significantly higher in EMR than that in ESD in group C (35.7 vs. 0%, P  < 0.001). The 5-year cumulative local recurrence rate of group C was significantly higher than that of group A + B after EMR (P  < 0.01). EMR was an adequate treatment for SESCC lesions ≤15 mm. On the other hand, ESD could be necessary to achieve en bloc resection for lesions ≥16 mm to avoid local recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Salvage endoscopic resection (ER) has been reported to be effective for patients with local failure of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT). This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of salvage ER for patients with local failure of ESCC and to identify risk factors associated with disease recurrence after salvage ER. Methods: This study included 45 patients undergoing salvage ER after dCRT during 2000 to 2017. After ER, all patients were required to undergo surveillance esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) once or twice every year, and a computed tomography (CT) examination was repeated every 3 to 6 months. We assessed short-term outcomes and long-term outcomes. Results: Of the 45 patients in this study, the baseline clinical T stage before dCRT was T1 in 80%, 66% of the patients did not have nodal metastasis. The median time from CRT to the detection of local failure was 11 months (range 2–130 months). The en-bloc resection rate was 46%, and the R0 resection rate was 38%, respectively. Stricture occurred after salvage ER for one case, while adverse events such as bleeding or perforation and ER-related death did not occur. After a median observation period of 57 months, recurrence free survival at 3 years was 58%, overall survival was 72%, and disease specific survival was 81%. In multivariate analysis, clinical N stage before CRT was the only independent risk factor of recurrence after salvage ER (p = 0.04). Conclusions: Salvage ER might be effective local treatment in patients with local failure after dCRT. For the patients with clinical N stage, frequent surveillance should be performed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society developed the Guideline for Endoscopic Diagnosis of Early Gastric Cancer based on scientific methods. Endoscopy for the diagnosis of early gastric cancer has been acknowledged as a useful and highly precise examination, and its use has become increasingly more common in recent years. However, the level of evidence in this field is low, and it is often necessary to determine recommendations based on expert consensus only. This clinical practice guideline consists of the following sections to provide the current guideline: [I] Risk stratification of gastric cancer before endoscopic examination, [II] Detection of early gastric cancer, [III] Qualitative diagnosis of early gastric cancer, [IV] Diagnosis to choose the therapeutic strategy for gastric cancer, [V] Risk stratification after endoscopic examination, and [VI] Surveillance of early gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Japan Gastroenterological Endoscopy Society has developed endoscopic submucosal dissection/endoscopic mucosal resection guidelines. These guidelines present recommendations in response to 18 clinical questions concerning the preoperative diagnosis, indications, resection methods, curability assessment, and surveillance of patients undergoing endoscopic resection for esophageal cancers based on a systematic review of the scientific literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Little is known about the clinicopathological characteristics of superficial spreading-type esophageal carcinoma extending ≥5 cm along the long axis of the esophagus. This study was aimed at investigating the frequency of lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with superficial spreading-type esophageal carcinoma. Methods: We reviewed the data of 320 patients with superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who had undergone esophagectomy with lymph node dissection at our hospital between 1986 and 2010. The incidence of LNM was compared between the spreading (≥5 cm) and nonspreading (< 5 cm) types. Results: The multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in the likelihood of LNM depending on the lymphovascular invasion, the infiltrative growth pattern (INF)-c, and the depth. There was no difference in the LNM frequency between nonspreading and spreading type in the patients with epithelium (EP)-lamina propria, muscularis mucosa (MM)-submucosa (SM)1 and SM2/3 lesions. The frequencies of LNMs (nonspreading-type vs. spreading-type tumors) in the patients with MM-SM1 lesions were 7/47 (14.9%) versus 4/25 (16%) and those in the patients with SM2/3 lesions were 22/58 (37.9%) versus 4/14 (28.9%), when the lesions did not have lymphovascular invasion and INF-c. Conclusions: Endoscopic resection can be selected for -EP-SM1 lesions, regardless of whether the lesions are of the spreading type or nonspreading type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (nCT) followed by surgery is one of the standard treatments for resectable esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, endoscopic evaluation of a primary lesion is not recommended during nCT because of reduced objectivity. This study aimed to develop and validate endoscopic evaluation criteria for nCT. Methods: This study retrospectively investigated patients with T2/3 ESCC who underwent nCT followed by radical esophagectomy across two institutions (test and validation sets). We retrospectively estimated the therapeutic effect by classifying patients according to degree of tumor shrinkage (evaluated with endoscopy) as follows: marked reduction (MR), half reduction (HR), insufficient reduction (IR), and progressive disease (PD). Three endoscopists evaluated patients in the test set. Another three endoscopists evaluated patients in the validation set. We analyzed recurrence‐free survival (RFS) 3 years after surgery. Results: Of 129 patients in the test set, 44 had MR, 35 had HR, 44 had IR, and six had PD. The 3‐year RFS rates were 55% (overall), 79% (MR), 54% (HR), 35% (IR), and 33% (PD). Of 91 patients in the validation set, 22 had MR, 49 had HR, 18 had IR, and two had PD. The 3‐year RFS rates were 54% (overall), 77% (MR), 55% (HR), 22% (IR), and 50% (PD). Conclusions: Our endoscopic criteria for nCT predicted prognosis; however, future studies are needed to further investigate our criteria before general application in the clinical setting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives. To compare the use of an antireflux metal stent (ARMS) with that of a conventional covered self-expandable metal stent (c-CSEMS) for initial stenting of malignant distal biliary obstruction (MDBO). Materials and Methods. We retrospectively investigated 59 consecutive patients with unresectable MDBO undergoing initial endoscopic biliary drainage. ARMS was used in 32 patients and c-CSEMS in 27. Technical success, functional success, complications, causes of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO), time to RBO (TRBO), and reintervention were compared between the groups. Results. Stent placement was technically successful in all patients. There were no significant intergroup differences in functional success (ARMS [96.9%] versus c-CSEMS [96.2%]), complications (6.2 versus 7.4%), and RBO (48.4 versus 42.3%). Food impaction was significantly less frequent for ARMS than for c-CSEMS (P=0.037), but TRBO did not differ significantly between the groups (log-rank test, P=0.967). The median TRBO was 180.0 [interquartile range (IQR), 114.0–349.0] days for ARMS and 137.0 [IQR, 87.0–442.0] days for c-CSEMS. In both groups, reintervention for RBO was successfully completed in all patients thus treated. Conclusion. ARMS offers no advantage for initial stent placement, but food impaction is significantly prevented by the antireflux valve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

B Video 1 b Demonstration of guidewire-assisted technique for standard gastroscope insertion through Zenker's diverticulum for esophageal endoscopic submucosal dissection. The standard gastroscope passed the stricture of the diverticulum through the guidewire, but the gastroscope was not able to pass through even with an endoscopic cap. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Clinical outcomes of early gastric cancer (EGC) patients after noncurative endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) have not been fully elucidated; we therefore aimed to clarify these outcomes. Methods: A total of 3058 consecutive patients with 3474 clinically diagnosed EGCs at initial onset underwent ESD with curative intent at our hospital between 1999 and 2010. We retrospectively assessed the following clinical outcomes of noncurative gastric ESD patients with a possible risk of lymph node (LN) metastasis by dividing patients into two groups with different treatment strategies (additional gastrectomy and simple follow-up): presence of LN metastasis at the time of gastrectomy, incidence of LN and distant metastases during the follow-up period, clinicopathological factors associated with metastasis, and 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS). Results: After exclusion of 75 noncurative ESD patients with only a positive horizontal margin, 569 noncurative ESD patients with a possible risk of LN metastasis were identified. Among the 356 patients undergoing additional gastrectomy, LN metastasis was identified in 18 patients. A positive vertical margin with submucosal invasion (odds ratio 3.6) and lymphovascular invasion (odds ratio 3.5) were significantly associated with LN metastasis. The 5-year DSS rate was 98.8 %. Among the 212 patients who underwent simple follow-up, LN and/or distant metastases were found in eight patients. In this group, lymphovascular invasion (hazard ratio 6.6) was significantly associated with metastasis with a 5-year DSS rate of 96.8 %. Conclusions: Additional gastrectomy should be performed particularly in noncurative gastric ESD patients with lymphovascular invasion or a positive vertical margin with submucosal invasion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimal selection of endoscopic resection in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: endoscopic mucosal resection versus endoscopic submucosal dissection according to lesion size. Precut EMR-C was effective in our patient to achieve R0 resection with minimal lateral margin, hence avoiding extensive resection with potential post-procedure stricture. This procedure allowed for en bloc resection of both lesions while preserving non-neoplastic mucosa between the two (Fig. [Extracted from the article]

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been used to treat patients with early gastric cancers (EGCs), including large and ulcerative lesions. Few published data exist on the long-term outcomes of this treatment with median follow-up periods of over 5 years; we therefore aimed to assess the long-term outcomes of EGC patients undergoing ESD. Methods: A total of 1,956 consecutive patients with 2,210 EGC lesions at initial onset underwent ESD with curative intent at our hospital from 1999 to 2006. We performed a retrospective analysis of the 5-year survival of EGC patients undergoing curative ESD for absolute indications or for expanded indications. Results: For the pathological curability, curative ESD for absolute indications, curative ESD for expanded indications of differentiated-type EGC, and curative ESD for undifferentiated-type EGC were achieved in 781, 713, and 43 patients, respectively. The median follow-up period was 83.3 months. Among the 1,537 patients, there were only two patients with recurrence, including one who developed a regional lymph node (LN) metastasis and one who developed a distant LN metastasis with local recurrence resulting in gastric cancer-related death. Seven died from metachronous gastric cancers. The 5-year rates of overall survival, disease-specific survival, and relative survival were 92.6, 99.9, and 105.0 %, respectively. Conclusions: Based on the high rate of 5-year survival among EGC patients undergoing curative ESD for absolute indications or for expanded indications in the largest patient series with a median follow-up period of over 5 years, ESD could be employed as a standard treatment for EGC lesions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Study Aims: As more early gastric cancer (EGC) patients are being treated with endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), it is important to understand the outcomes of patients who develop metachronous gastric cancer (MGC). The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term surveillance and treatment outcomes of MGC after curative gastric ESD.Patients and Methods: The study included 1526 consecutive patients who underwent curative ESD resection of EGC. They were generally followed by annual or biannual esophagogastroduodenoscopy. The risk factors and treatment outcomes for MGC were assessed along with the 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year cumulative incidence functions of MGC and disease-specific survival (DSS).Results: During a median follow-up period of 82.2 months, 238 patients developed MGC post-ESD resection of EGC. The 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year cumulative incidence functions of MGC were 9.5%, 13.1% and 22.7%, respectively. Male sex and multiple initial EGCs were independent risk factors for MGC in the Cox proportional hazard model. Of the 238 patients with MGC, 215 were treated with endoscopic resection, of which 183 achieved curative resection, although one patient later died of his initial EGC. A further 14 patients were treated surgically, three had metastatic disease and received palliative chemotherapy, and the remaining six were observed without any intervention. A total of seven patients died of MGC, five at least 5 years after their index ESD. The 5-year, 7-year, and 10-year DSSs were 99.2%, 98.6%, and 92.5%, respectively.Conclusions: The incidence of MGC increases with time after curative gastric ESD, therefore surveillance endoscopy should be continued indefinitely. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim Endoscopic submucosal dissection ( ESD) becomes more difficult with an increased risk of complications if patient sedation is insufficient. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of propofol-based monitored anesthesia care ( MAC) without intubation during ESD for early esophageal cancer ( EEC) or early gastric cancer ( EGC) in the endoscopy room. Methods We investigated 1013 consecutive patients with 1126 lesions who underwent ESD for EGC/ EEC with either MAC or regular sedation by endoscopists (control group) between July 2010 and March 2013. Patient characteristics, endoscopic findings, technical results, body movement, oxygen saturation ( SpO2), and drug dosages were then examined. Results MAC was carried out in 137 EGC (16%) and 82 EEC patients (57%), whereas regular sedation was used in 731 EGC (84%) and 63 EEC patients (43%). MAC was conducted in 21% of all ESD procedures. In the MAC and control groups, body movement requiring a third person for control occurred in 30 (22%) and 533 (72%) cases during gastric ESD ( P < 0.0001) and in 36 (44%) and 53 (84%) cases during esophageal ESD ( P < 0.0001), respectively. The median minimum SpO2 was significantly lower in the MAC group than in the control group during both gastric and esophageal ESD (96% vs 98%, P < 0.0001; 96% vs 98%, P < 0.0004, respectively). MAC did not cause any adverse effects requiring prolongation of hospitalization. Conclusions Propofol-based MAC without intubation provided a safer treatment environment by significantly reduced body movement and was very effective for difficult cases requiring longer procedure times or more powerful sedation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently in Japan, differentiated-type gastric submucosal invasive cancers <500 μm with negative lymphovascular involvement are included in expanded pathological criteria for curative endoscopic treatment. This categorization is based on a retrospective examination of surgical resection cases in which patients suitable for such expanded criteria were determined to have a negligible risk of lymph node metastasis. We performed endoscopic submucosal dissection on a 66-year-old man with early gastric cancer in June 2004, and pathology revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, 16 × 8 mm in size, minute submucosal invasion depth (100 μm), and negative lymphovascular invasion or ulceration as well as tumor-free margins, so the case was diagnosed as a curative resection. In this case, however, local recurrence and distant metastasis resulted in August 2011. The patient received systemic chemotherapy but died of gastric cancer 23 months after recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 6th Diagnostic Pathology Summer Fest, held in Tokyo on August 25-26, 2012, opened its gates for everyone in the medical profession. Basic pathology training can contribute to the improvement of algorithms for diagnosis and treatment. The 6th Summer Fest with the theme 'Pathology and Clinical Treatment of Gastrointestinal Diseases' was held at the Ito International Research Center, The University of Tokyo. On August 25, 'Treatment of Early Gastrointestinal Cancer and New Guidelines' was discussed in the first session, followed by 'Biopsy Diagnosis of Digestive Tract: Key Points of Pathological Diagnosis for Inflammation and Their Clinical Significance' in the second session. On August 26, cases were discussed in the third session, and issues on pathological diagnosis and classification of neuroendorcrine tumor in the fourth session. The summaries of speeches and discussions are introduced along with the statements of each speaker. This meeting was not a formal evidence-based consensus conference, and 20 experts gave talks on their areas of specialty. Discussion was focused on how the management strategy should be standardized on the algorithm of patient care. © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Lymphatic and venous involvement is a critical factor in the curability assessment of endoscopically resected gastric cancers; however, the risk factors for lymphatic and venous involvement in endoscopically resected gastric cancers remain unknown. Methods: To identify risk factors for lymphatic and venous involvement in endoscopically resected gastric cancers, we retrospectively reviewed a consecutive series of 1229 endoscopically resected gastric cancers in 1083 patients treated between January 2009 and December 2011. Results: Lymphatic and venous involvement was detected in 57 (4.6 %) and 32 (2.6 %) lesions, respectively. A multivariate analysis identified a larger tumor size, deeper invasion (submucosal invasion or deeper), and the presence of a papillary or an undifferentiated-type adenocarcinoma component as independent risk factors for lymphatic involvement. As for venous involvement, deeper invasion (≥500 μm submucosal invasion), a macroscopically elevated type, and the presence of an undifferentiated-type adenocarcinoma component were identified as independent risk factors. Conclusions: The present study identified the independent risk factors for lymphatic and venous involvement in endoscopically resected gastric cancers. The recognition of these risk factors would help in the selection of lesions that may require a particularly careful histological evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aim: There have been few previous reports on endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) learning curve for early gastric cancer (EGC) so we retrospectively assessed this subject based on experience of our trainees. Methods: Trainees in our center start performing ESDs for lesions in lower third of stomach with hands-on support by experts during first 10 cases and then perform ESDs by themselves primarily with verbal guidance from experts. They are gradually assigned to perform ESDs in middle and upper thirds of stomach. From January 1999 to December 2008, 464 EGC patients, who underwent ESD performed by 13 trainees, were assessed by dividing ESD cases into five training periods (A, 1-10; B, 11-20; C, 21-30; D, 31-40; and E, 41-50). We compared data from B to C, D and E. Results: Lesions in lower third were A/59%, B/57%, C/55%, D/36% and E/40% with B significantly higher than D (p<0.01) and E (p<0.05). Mean tumor sizes were A/13.9±7.5mm, B/18.3±11.4mm, C/19.0±12.5mm, D/19.3±11.7mm and E/16.8±10.3mm. En-bloc resection rate was 100% in every period. Delayed bleeding / perforation rates were A/0%/1.8%, B/2.8%/1.9%, C/1.9%/2.9%, D/1.1%/0% and E/2.1%/2.1%, respectively. Lower third procedure times were A/76±39, B/90±61, C/70±48, D/60±50 and E/55±26 minutes with B significantly longer than D and E (p<0.05). Middle and upper third procedure times were A/104±80, B/115±68, C/106±67, D/134±86 and E/96±55 minutes. Conclusion: Step-by-step training was highly effective with 100% en-bloc resection rate and few complications. Learning curve point for our trainees to acquire performing ESD in lower third of stomach was 30 cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently in Japan, differentiated gastric submucosal invasive cancers <500 μm (SM1) with negative lymphovascular involvement are included in expanded pathological criteria for curative endoscopic treatment. This is based on a retrospective examination of surgical resection cases in which patients suitable for such expanded criteria were determined to have a negligible risk of lymph node metastasis. We performed endoscopic submucosal dissection on a 65-year-old male with early gastric cancer in April 2005, and pathology revealed a well-differentiated adenocarcinoma, 21 × 10 mm in size, SM1 invasion depth and negative lymphovascular invasion as well as tumor-free margins, so the case was diagnosed as a curative resection. This case, however, resulted in lymph node metastasis that was diagnosed by endoscopic ultrasonography with fine-needle aspiration biopsy in May 2009. Distal gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection was then performed, confirming lymph node metastasis from the original gastric cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although correlations between endoscopic macroscopic type and tumor depth have been reported for superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma and early gastric and early colorectal adenocarcinomas, there is no published study investigating the correlation between endoscopic macroscopic type and invasion depth for mucosal (M) and submucosal (SM) adenocarcinomas located at the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). We decided to analyze, therefore, the relationship between endoscopic macroscopic type and tumor depth for such cancers. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 73 early EGJ adenocarcinomas (M/SM = 33/40; differentiated/undifferentiated type = 70/3) in 73 consecutive patients treated endoscopically and/or surgically between January 2000 and December 2008. The mean age of the patients was 63.9 years (range 37-85 years) and the male/female ratio was 62:11. EGJ adenocarcinoma was defined as junctional carcinoma (type II) according to the Siewert classification. Results: We found polypoid type lesions (0-I) in 14 patients, non-polypoid type without mixed type (0-IIa, 0-IIb, or 0-IIc) in 39, and mixed type (0-IIa + IIc or 0-IIc + IIa) in 20 patients. Non-polypoid type without mixed type (31%; 12/39) lesions had a significantly lower risk for SM invasion compared to polypoid type (79%; 11/14; p < 0.01) and mixed type (85%; 17/20; p < 0.01) lesions. In polypoid type lesions, the risk of SM invasion was significantly lower for the pedunculated subtype (0-Ip) than for the sessile subtype (0-Is) lesions (0%; 0/2 vs. 92%; 11/12; p < 0.05). M lesions (mean size 14.5 ± 7.5 mm) were significantly smaller than SM lesions (24.5 ± 7.7 mm; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Determination of endoscopic macroscopic type may be useful in accurately diagnosing early EGJ adenocarcinoma invasion depth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technique developed to enable the endoscopic resection (ER) of large and ulcerative neoplastic lesions that were previously unresectable using conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). We investigated the clinical outcomes of ER of early gastric cancer (EGC) before and after the introduction of ESD, with particular attention to surgery and its potential consequences. Methods: We reviewed 2,785 consecutive surgical patients with EGC and 2,469 consecutive lesions treated by ER with curative intent between 1990 and 2005. The study was divided into an EMR period (1990-1999) and an ESD period (2000-2005). We analyzed the clinical outcomes of endoscopic and surgical resections and defined 'potentially avoidable surgery' as cases of surgery performed for lesions curable by ER. Results: The rate of potentially avoidable surgery was 3.8% (52/1,369) in the EMR period and 0.2% (3/1,416) in the ESD period ( P < 0.001). For ER patients, the rate of overall non-curative ER was 36.9% (154/417) in the EMR group and 17.0% (348/2,052) in the ESD group ( P < 0.001). The rate of non-curative ER for lesions defined as having 'positive or difficult to estimate horizontal margins only' decreased significantly, from 26.1% (109/417) in the EMR group to 1.4% (29/2,052) in the ESD group ( P < 0.001). Conversely, the rate of non-curative ER for lesions defined as having 'possible lymph node metastasis' significantly increased in the ESD group (15.5%; 319/2,052) compared to that in the EMR group (10.8%; 45/417) ( P < 0.01). Conclusions: The application of a pathway involving ESD resulted in a significant decrease in the rate of potentially avoidable surgery, highlighting the advantages associated with performing ESD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mainstream therapy for early gastric cancer in Japan has now shifted from endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) to endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Although bacteremia is reported as being infrequent and transient in gastric EMR, there are no reports of it being investigated in gastric ESD. This study aimed to determine the frequency of bacteremia in gastric ESD. A prospective study, in 46 consecutive patients who underwent gastric ESD, investigated the frequency of bacteremia before and after the procedure. The median time for the total ESD procedure was 105 min (range 30-400). The median volume of the submucosal injection was 80 ml (range 20-260). The mean size of the resected specimen was 40 ± 9.7 mm. Blood cultures obtained before ESD were positive in 4.4% (2/45) of cases. Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus spp. were the isolated microorganisms. Blood cultures obtained 10 min after ESD were positive in 4.3% (2/46) of cases; with the same microorganisms being isolated. Blood cultures obtained 3 h after ESD were all negative. No signs of sepsis were seen in the two patients with a positive blood culture 10 min after ESD. The frequency of bacteremia after gastric ESD was low and transient. ESD for gastric lesions is thought to have a low risk of infectious complications; therefore, prophylactic administration of antibiotics may not be warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to assess and compare effectiveness of Autofluorescence imaging (AFI) in diagnosis of early gastric cancer (EGC) between experienced and less experienced endoscopists. Fifty selected images (20 neoplastic lesions and 30 benign lesions/areas) of both white light endoscopy (WLE) and AFI were blindly reviewed by two groups; first consisted of five experienced endoscopists and second included five less experienced endoscopists. Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 70%, 78%, and 75%, respectively, for AFI and 81%, 76%, and 78%, respectively, for WLE in the experienced group. In the less experienced group, sensitivity, specificity and accuracy were 80%, 81% and 80%, respectively, for AFI and 65%, 77%, and 72%, respectively, for WLE. Interobserver variability for the less experienced group was better with AFI than WLE. AFI improved sensitivity of endoscopic diagnosis of neoplastic lesions by less experienced endoscopists, and its use could beneficially enhance the clinical effectiveness of EGC screening. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impairment of gastric emptying is well recognized in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM), especially long-standing insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the cause of delayed gastric emptying in DM patients. In 16 controls, 16 non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) patients and 23 IDDM patients, gastric emptying was studied using the 13C octanoic acid breath test. Breath samples were taken before a test meal labeled with 100 mg of 13C octanoic acid, and at 15-min intervals over a 300-min period postprandially. In all DM patients, the gastric emptying coefficient was lower than that in the controls ( P < 0.05), and lag time and half-emptying time were significantly longer ( P < 0.05). Both NIDDM and IDDM patients showed delayed 13CO2 excretion compared with the controls, but IDDM patients showed more delayed gastric emptying than NIDDM patients ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in sex, HbA1c level, or the rate of neuropathy between the two groups. IDDM patients showed delayed gastric emptying compared with NIDDM patients, and the 13C octanoic acid breath test is useful for evaluating DM patients with delayed gastric emptying. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article was updated to correct the ordering of the data in Table 6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background introduction: Definitive chemoradiotherapy (dCRT) is a treatment option for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Salvage endoscopic resection (ER) has a potential of cure for patients with local recurrence or residual tumor after dCRT, which is less invasive compared with salvage esophagectomy. Aim: To evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with recurrence ESCC undergoing salvage ER and to identify risk factors associated with disease recurrence after salvage ER. Methods Retrospective analysis of 42 patients with ESCC treated with salvage ER for either local failure or recurrent disease after dCRT between January 2000 and December 2017. Salvage ER was indicated for clinically diagnosed T1N0M0 post dCRT in our hospital. Cox hazard model analysis was used to identify risk factors for recurrence after post-salvage ER. Results A total of 42 patients (35 males, 5 females), mean age 65 years (39–85), TNM stage before dCRT (I, II, III) 22/13/6, complete response (35 [85%]) were evaluated. The median time to salvage ER from the initiation of dCRT was 18.3months (2–130). ESD, EMR-C, and SB were performed for 4, 26, 11 patients. En-bloc resection rates were 100% (4/4), 61% (16/26) and 18% (2/11) for ESD, EMR-C, SB, respectively. There were no severe adverse event. Histological findings in the ER specimen was as follows; depth of invasion: T1a/T1b = 27/14(65/35%), lymphovascular invasion +/− = 7/34 (17/83%), vertical margin: 0/1/X = 34/4/3, and horizontal margin: 0/1/X = 25/5/11. A total of 19 patients (46%) developed recurrence after salvage ER. Recurrence sites were local/lymph node/local + lymph node/lymph nodes + distant metastasis in 9/8/2. For recurrent disease after ER, esophagectomy, lymphadenectomy and chemotherapy and best supportive care were performed for 8, 2, 4, 4 and 2, respectively, resulting in 6 death from ESCC. Three-year recurrence free survival rate, overall survival rate, and disease specific survival rate were 53.9%, 84.2%, and 88.4%, respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that lymphovascular invasion was independent predictor of disease recurrence after salvage ER (HR = 2.96, 95%C. I 1.05–8.38, P  = 0.04). Conclusion Salvage ER is clinically safe and effective in patients with local recurrence of ESCC after dCRT. Careful follow-up might be recommended for the patients with lymphovascular invasion. Disclosure All authors have declared no conflicts of interest. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In view of the rarity of vaginal agenesis, malignancy arising in the neovagina is extremely rare. Case presentation: Here, we report a 76-year-old female with an adenocarcinoma arising in the sigmoid colon neovagina which was constructed 53 years ago for congenital vaginal agenesis. Vaginal endoscopy to examine vaginal bleeding revealed a protruding lesion occupying three quarters of the lumen in the vicinity of anastomosis of the residual vagina and sigmoid colon. Transvaginal ultrasonography revealed the muscularis propria layer (hypoechoic fourth layer) to be interrupted. CT revealed no distant metastasis. Total pelvic exenteration was performed based on the diagnosis of neovaginal cancer at the anastomosis site. The 45-mm tumor showed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma with a mucinous adenocarcinoma component. Immunohistochemistry showed no p16-overexpressing tumor cells, suggesting the lack of human papilloma virus infection. Conclusions: Although rare, clinicians should be aware of cancer that arises in the ectopic intestine when anastomosed with other organs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]