Evaluation of the learning curve for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: bilateral ovariectomy in dogs.

Objective: Study the learning curve for canine Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES) ovariectomy by evaluating operative times and complications.

Study Design: Preclinical research study.

Animals: Adult female dogs (n=20).

Comparison of pain and postoperative stress in dogs undergoing natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic, and open oophorectomy.

Background: Few studies are available to compare the potential benefits of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) approaches to traditional surgery.

Objective: To compare complications, surgical stress, and postoperative pain.

Design: Prospective study in dogs.

Oophorectomy by natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery: feasibility study in dogs.

Background: Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) represents a potentially less-invasive alternative to conventional or laparoscopic surgery.

Objective: Our purpose was to develop a canine oophorectomy model for prospective evaluation of intraoperative complications, surgical stress, and postoperative pain and recovery with NOTES.

Design: Feasibility study.

Cecal insertion and withdrawal times with wide-angle versus standard colonoscopes: a randomized controlled trial.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to see if a 170 degrees angle of view (wide angle [WA]) colonoscope allowed faster withdrawal without decreasing adenoma detection.

Methods: Eight colonoscopists at 2 institutions participated in the study. Patients were randomized so that each colonoscopist performed 50% of the exams with a 160 series (140 degrees angle of view; standard [ST]) colonoscope and 50% with a prototype 160 series colonoscope with a 170 degrees angle of view (WA instrument).

Diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma by serum proteomic pattern.

Background: Currently, endoscopic biopsy is the only method used to diagnose esophageal adenocarcinoma. Using surface-enhanced laser desorption/ionization (SELDI) ProteinChip technology, we sought to identify a potentially diagnostic serum protein pattern that can serve as a reliable blood test for the diagnosis of esophageal adenocarcinoma. In addition, we sought to identify potential biomarkers for esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Screening for Barrett's esophagus in colonoscopy patients with and without heartburn.

Background & Aims: The population prevalence of Barrett's esophagus (BE) is uncertain. Our aim was to describe the prevalence of BE in a volunteer population.

Methods: Upper endoscopy (EGD) was performed in 961 persons with no prior history of EGD who were scheduled for colonoscopy.

Safety of propofol administered by registered nurses with gastroenterologist supervision in 2000 endoscopic cases.

Objectives: Propofol has certain advantages over benzodiazepines plus narcotics as sedation for endoscopy. In a few centers, propofol has reportedly been used in endoscopic procedures and administered by nurses supervised by gastroenterologists without attendance by anesthesiologists or nurse anesthetists.

Methods: As part of our continuous quality improvement program, we prospectively recorded the doses of propofol and adverse reactions to the drug in our initial 2000 cases.

Efficacy and complications of argon plasma coagulation for hematochezia related to radiation proctopathy.

Background: Endoscopic treatments effectively control bleeding caused by radiation proctopathy. The aims of this study were to determine the efficacy and side effects of argon plasma coagulation in the treatment of this type of bleeding.

Methods: Records of 21 consecutive patients in whom argon plasma coagulation was used to treat hemorrhagic radiation proctopathy were reviewed.