Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Radiofrequency Ablation versus Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Widespread Superficial Esophageal Squamous Cell Neoplasia.

Background/aims: Endoscopic radiofrequency ablation (ERFA) is a treatment option for superficial esophageal squamous cell neoplasia (ESCN), with a relatively low risk of stenosis; however, the long-term outcomes remain unclear. We aimed to compare the long-term outcomes of patients with widespread superficial ESCN who underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) or ERFA.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with superficial ESCN who underwent ESD or ERFA between January 2015 and December 2021.

Status of a New Model of ERCP Training in China: A Nationwide Survey of Standardized Training for ERCP Procedure (STEP) Programs.

Aims: ERCP training should adapt to the rapid development of ERCP technology and indications. China has a large population and vast land area, but ERCP training resources are insufficient. To make effective use of scarce ERCP training resources, the Standardized Training for ERCP Procedure (STEP) program was launched as a pilot trial.

Liquid biopsy of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma: implications in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment monitoring.

Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is a common malignant tumour of the gastrointestinal tract. Early detection and access to appropriate treatment are crucial for the long-term survival of patients. However, limited diagnostic and monitoring methods are available for identifying early stage ESCC.

Risk model based on genes regulating the response of tumor cells to T-cell-mediated killing in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) represent a promising therapeutic approach for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the subpopulations of ESCC patients expected to benefit from ICIs have not been clearly defined. The anti-tumor cytotoxic activity of T cells is an important pharmacological mechanism of ICIs.

Development, quality, and influencing factors of colonoscopy in China: results from the national census in 2013 and 2020.

Background And Aim: With the increasing burden of colorectal cancer (CRC), the practice of colonoscopy is gaining attention worldwide. However, it exhibits distinct trends between developing and developed countries. This study aims to explore its development and identify influencing factors in China.

Construction and results of a comprehensive index for gastrointestinal health monitoring in China: a nationwide study.

Background: The disease burden of gastrointestinal disease (GD) in China is high, with significant variation across provinces. A comprehensive agreed set of indicators could guide rational resource allocation to support better GD outcomes.

Methods: This study collected data from multiple sources, including national surveillance, surveys, registration systems, and scientific research.

Setting 6-Minute Minimal Examination Time Improves the Detection of Focal Upper Gastrointestinal Tract Lesions During Endoscopy: A Multicenter Prospective Study.

Introduction: Positive correlation between examination time and neoplasm detection using esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) has been described by observational studies, but the effect of setting minimal examination time still requires investigation.

Methods: This prospective, 2-stage, interventional study was conducted in 7 tertiary hospitals in China, enrolling consecutive patients undergoing intravenously sedated diagnostic EGDs. In stage I, the baseline examination time was collected without informing the endoscopists.

Machine learning-based automated sponge cytology for screening of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction: a nationwide, multicohort, prospective study.

Background: Oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction have a dismal prognosis, and early detection is key to reduce mortality. However, early detection depends on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, which is not feasible to implement at a population level. We aimed to develop and validate a fully automated machine learning-based prediction tool integrating a minimally invasive sponge cytology test and epidemiological risk factors for screening of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma of the oesophagogastric junction before endoscopy.

EUS development in China: Results from national surveys in 2013 and 2020.

Background And Objectives: EUS has recently gained attraction in mainland China. This study aimed to evaluate the development of EUS from results of two national surveys.

Methods: EUS-related information, including infrastructure, personnel, volume, and quality indicator, was extracted from the Chinese Digestive Endoscopy Census.

Application of an artificial intelligence system for endoscopic diagnosis of superficial esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Background: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is critical for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) detection; however, endoscopists require long-term training to avoid missing superficial lesions.

Aim: To develop a deep learning computer-assisted diagnosis (CAD) system for endoscopic detection of superficial ESCC and investigate its application value.

Methods: We configured the CAD system for white-light and narrow-band imaging modes based on the YOLO v5 algorithm.

Identification of novel factors that affect the onset of idiopathic chronic pancreatitis: The role for microRNA-323b-5p.

Background: The c.194+2 T>C variant of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) is a known genetic risk factor found in Chinese patients with idiopathic chronic pancreatitis (ICP), but the early-onset mechanisms of ICP are still unclear.

Methods: Complementary experimental approaches were used to pursue other potential pathologies in the present study.

Four-Hour Fasting for Semifluids and 2-Hour Fasting for Water Improves the Patient Experience of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background/aims: We aimed to investigate the comfort, safety, and endoscopic visibility during esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) afforded by a modified 4-hour semifluid and 2-hour water ("4+2") fasting protocol.

Methods: In this parallel group, endoscopist-blinded, randomized controlled trial, outpatients undergoing unsedated diagnostic EGD from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM were randomly assigned to either a "4+2" protocol group or a conventional fasting group. The participants' comfort during the fasting period and procedure was measured using the visual analog scale, and mucosal visibility was measured by endoscopists using the total visibility score.

Changhai advanced endoscopy courses for ERCP (CHANCE) training program: A short-term training model in China.

Background: There is huge shortage of ERCP practitioners (ERCPists) in China, and ERCP training is urgently needed. ChangHai Advanced eNdoscopy Courses for ERCP (CHANCE) is a 4-month program for ERCP training since 2004. This study evaluated the efficiency of this short-term training model, and reported on the ERCP careers of the trainees following completion of the CHANCE program.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for proximal duodenal subepithelial lesions: a retrospective cohort study.

Background And Aim: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has been used to remove subepithelial lesions (SELs) in recent years; however, duodenal ESD is associated with high rates of immediate or delayed bleeding and perforation. Whether ESD can be recommended for the treatment of duodenal SELs remains controversial. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of ESD for duodenal SELs.

Rectal indometacin to prevent pancreatitis after extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (RIPEP): a single-centre, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Pancreatitis is the most common complication of pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL). There has been little research into effective prevention of post-ESWL pancreatitis. Therefore, we aimed to assess the efficacy of prophylactic rectal indometacin in preventing post-ESWL pancreatitis.

Feasibility and Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Sponge Cytology for Community-Based Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma Screening in China.

Introduction: Screening is the pivotal strategy to relieve the burden of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in high-risk areas. The cost, invasiveness, and accessibility of esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) necessitate the development of preliminary screening methods.

Methods: Residents aged 40-85 years were recruited in a high-risk area of ESCC.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection versus esophagectomy for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma with tumor invasion to different depths.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive alternative to esophagectomy for early esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (EESCC). The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of ESD and esophagectomy in EESCC with different depth of invasion. The data of EESCC patients who received ESD or esophagectomy between Jan 2011 to Dec 2018 at our center were retrospectively analyzed.

Radiofrequency ablation is safe and effective in the treatment of Chinese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease: A single-center prospective study.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and efficiency of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in Chinese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

Methods: This was a single-center, prospective study including 27 Chinese patients with GERD. The outcomes in all patients were evaluated before and at 3, 6, and 12 months after RFA, including their GERD health-related quality of life (GERD-HRQL) score, esophageal acid exposure, DeMeester score, lower esophageal sphincter (LES) resting pressure, and patient's satisfaction with symptom control.

Establishing a model to measure and predict the quality of gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Background: Tens of millions of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures are performed every year in China, but the quality varies significantly and related factors are complex. Individual endoscopist- and endoscopy division-related factors may be useful to establish a model to measure and predict the quality of endoscopy.

Aim: To establish a model to measure and predict the quality of gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures in mainland China.

Prediction and Management for Relapse of Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis After Initial Steroid Treatment: A Long-Term Follow-up From China.

Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the frequency, predictors, and management of relapse of type 1 autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) after steroid treatment.

Methods: One hundred one patients with type 1 AIP receiving steroid as initial treatment were enrolled. Predictors were identified by multivariate analysis using Cox proportional hazards model.

Rectally administered indomethacin to prevent post-ESWL-pancreatitis (RIPEP): study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Background: Pancreatic extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (P-ESWL) is the first-line therapy for large pancreatic duct stones. Although it is a highly effective and safe procedure for the fragmentation of pancreatic stones, it is still not complication-free. Just like endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), pancreatitis is the most common complication.