Strongyloides stercoralis Infection in Immunocompromised Host.

is a soil-dwelling roundworm that causes an intestinal infection, Strongyloidiasis. In the United States, this helminth generally causes chronic asymptomatic infection, and severe symptomatic infections are reported in immunocompromised hosts like patients undergoing chemotherapy, receiving long-term corticosteroids, transplant patients, or patients with HIV. The clinicians should have a high index of suspicion to diagnose this infection, as the exposure is usually remote and symptoms are non-specific.

The Effect of Obesity on the Quality of Bowel Preparation for Colonoscopy: Results From a Large Observational Study.

Background: Obesity has been linked to suboptimal bowel preparation but this association has not been conclusively investigated in prospective studies.

Goals: Our objective was to determine whether any relationship exists between obesity as measured by body mass index (BMI) and quality of bowel preparation.

Study: Adult patients who presented for outpatient colonoscopy at a single urban ambulatory surgery center within a 6-month period and fulfilled inclusion criteria were prospectively enrolled for the study.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Nonagenarian Patients: Is It Really Safe?

Background/aims: Literature on the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly patients is divided. Based on this we decided to examine the safety of ERCP in nonagenarian patients.

Methods: A total of 1,389 patients, with a mean age of 63.

Safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes in Centenarian Patients.

Background/aims: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a relatively safe procedure; however, no study has evaluated the safety of PEG tube placement in patients over the age of 100 years.

Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of patient records for patients who underwent PEG tube placement. Thirty patients aged 100 years and older were identified and a random sample of 275 patients was selected for comparison.

Percutaneous endoscopic sigmoidopexy using T-fasteners for management of sigmoid volvulus.

Background: Sigmoid volvulus (SV) is the third leading cause of large bowel obstruction after colonic neoplasms and diverticular disease. SV has traditionally been managed via endoscopic detorsion and decompression followed by non-emergent surgical resection owing to the high risk of recurrence. Most cases of SV occur in elderly debilitated patients with multiple comorbidities and may not be candidates for surgical resection.

Aortic and splanchnic artery aneurysms: Unusual causes of biliary obstruction - A retrospective cohort from literature.

Mechanical obstruction of the biliary tree and resultant stasis are the cornerstone of a spectrum of diseases ranging from biliary colic to fulminant cholangitis. Infrequently acquired abnormalities of the abdominal vasculature can lead to biliary obstruction. In 2010, we reported a case of acute cholangitis resulting from compression of extra hepatic bile duct by an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Does Alkaline Colonic pH Predispose to Clostridium difficile Infection?

Objectives: Clostridium difficile caused nearly 500,000 infections and was associated with approximately 29,000 deaths in 2011, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. C. difficile is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and, often, severe illness in healthcare facilities, as well as the community.