Salvage nitrous oxide cryotherapy of refractory colon neoplasia embedded within an endoclip.

 This is a case report on use of the CryoBalloon as a salvage technique for ablation of residual neoplasia at an endoscopic mucosal resection site. The site contained an embedded clip that could not be removed at two different sessions by three experienced endoscopists. On follow-up endoscopy, the clips and residual polyp no longer remained.

Incremental yield of dysplasia detection in Barrett's esophagus using volumetric laser endomicroscopy with and without laser marking compared with a standardized random biopsy protocol.

Background And Aims: Volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE) is a new wide-field advanced imaging technology for Barrett's esophagus (BE). No data exist on incremental yield of dysplasia detection. Our aim is to report the incremental yield of dysplasia detection in BE using VLE.

Downhill Esophageal Varices Associated With Central Venous Catheter-Related Thrombosis Managed With Endoscopic and Surgical Therapy.

Downhill esophageal varices are a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. We present a case of downhill variceal bleeding due to superior vena cava thrombosis resulting from a prior central venous catheter. The patient was managed with endoscopic band ligation and later with surgical axillary vein to right atrium bypass grafting.

Resident knowledge of colorectal cancer screening assessed by web-based survey.

Background: To evaluate resident knowledge of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening guidelines and to define areas requiring attention.

Methods: A survey was created using three published guidelines for CRC screening. Program directors for internal medicine residency programs were contacted within the metro New York City area to have their residents participate.

Higher Prevalence and More Severe Coronary Artery Disease in Hepatitis C Virus-infected Patients: A Case Control Study.

Background: An association of Coronary artery disease (CAD) with hepatitis C (HCV) has been suggested, but definitive data are still lacking.

Aim: Our study sought to estimate the prevalence and severity of CAD in HCV patients compared to with age-, sex-, and race-matched controls without HCV infection.

Subjects And Methods: 63 HCV-infected patients were compared with 63 age, race, and sex-matched controls without HCV infection undergoing coronary angiography for evaluation of CAD.

Recent trends for colorectal cancer screening in HIV-infected patients.

We planned to investigate the recent trends for colorectal cancer (CRC) screening in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) as compared to non-HIV by interviewing consecutive patients in outpatient clinics during September 2007. Out of a total of 300 patients interviewed, 205 met the inclusion criteria. One hundred and fourteen were HIV-infected, while 91 were non-HIV.

Efficacy and costs of a one-day hands-on EASIE endoscopy simulator train-the-trainer workshop.

Background: The efficacy of an intensive hands-on training in endoscopic hemostasis on the compactEASIE simulator has been previously demonstrated in a randomized prospective trial. In the current study, we evaluated how quickly and effectively new tutors, without simulator training experience, are able to acquire teaching skills in endoscopic hemostasis.

Methods: Five tutors with prior Erlangen Active Simulator for Interventional Endoscopy (EASIE) teaching experience instructed 7 endoscopists without prior EASIE experience on how to teach when using the model.

A randomized trial of pegylated interferon alpha-2b plus ribavirin in the retreatment of chronic hepatitis C.

Objectives: The efficacy of combination therapy with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN) alpha plus ribavirin (RBV) in the retreatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in patients who previously failed combination standard IFN plus RBV or IFN monotherapy has not been well established.

Methods: Three hundred and twenty-one CHC patients including virologic nonresponders to combination IFN plus RBV (n = 219) or IFN monotherapy (n = 47), and relapsers to combination therapy (n = 55) were randomized to receive PEG IFN alpha-2b 1.5 microg/kg per wk plus RBV 800 mg per day (Regimen A, n = 160) or PEG IFN alpha-2b 1.