A multicenter survey on endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography during the COVID-19 pandemic in northern and central Italy.

COVID-19 has dramatically impacted endoscopy practice because upper endoscopy procedures can be aerosol-generating. Most elective procedures have been rescheduled. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is frequently performed in emergency or urgent settings in which rescheduling is not possible.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in COVID-19 inpatients: Incidence and management in a multicenter experience from Northern Italy.

Background: COVID-19 patients have an increased susceptibility to develop thrombotic complications, thus thromboprophylaxis is warranted which may increase risk of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB). Our aim was to evaluate incidence of UGIB and use of upper GI endoscopy in COVID-19 inpatients.

Methods: The medical and endoscopic management of UGIB in non-ICU COVID-19 patients has been retrospectively evaluated.

Endoscopic Findings in Patients Infected With 2019 Novel Coronavirus in Lombardy, Italy.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a major worldwide threat caused by a novel coronavirus, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), rapidly spreading to a global pandemic. As of May 11, 2020, 4,176,346 cases have been reported worldwide, 219,814 in Italy, and of them, 81,871 occurred in the Lombardy region. Although the respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 have been widely described, the impact on the gastrointestinal (GI) system remains less clear.

Circulating IGF-I and IGFBP3 Levels Control Human Colonic Stem Cell Function and Are Disrupted in Diabetic Enteropathy.

The role of circulating factors in regulating colonic stem cells (CoSCs) and colonic epithelial homeostasis is unclear. Individuals with long-standing type 1 diabetes (T1D) frequently have intestinal symptoms, termed diabetic enteropathy (DE), though its etiology is unknown. Here, we report that T1D patients with DE exhibit abnormalities in their intestinal mucosa and CoSCs, which fail to generate in vitro mini-guts.

Fully covered, self-expandable metal stents for first-step endoscopic treatment of biliary leaks secondary to hepato-biliary surgery: a retrospective study.

Background: Fully covered self-expanding metal stents are now being used to treat benign biliary diseases.

Aims: To assess the outcomes of these stents as first-step therapy in patients with biliary leaks secondary to hepato-biliary surgery.

Methods: Thirty patients (56.

A prospective evaluation of short-term and long-term results from colonic stenting for palliation or as a bridge to elective operation versus immediate surgery for large-bowel obstruction.

Background: The efficacy and safety of self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) placement as a bridge to elective surgery or definitive palliation versus emergency operation to treat colorectal obstruction is debated. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of patients with colorectal obstruction treated using different strategies.

Methods: Subjects admitted to the authors' department with colorectal obstruction (n = 134) were studied prospectively.

Is esophageal pH monitoring used appropriately in an open-access system? A prospective multicenter study.

Objectives: To evaluate the referral patterns and indications for esophageal pH monitoring in an open-access system and to determine whether these indications conform to practice guidelines of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA).

Methods: A total of 851 consecutive patients referred for ambulatory pH monitoring to nine open-access gastrointestinal units over a 12-month period received a structured interview. The indication for the examination was decided by the physician performing the procedure, on the basis of the patient's clinical history and main complaint.

Distal ulcerative colitis refractory to rectal mesalamine: role of transdermal nicotine versus oral mesalamine.

Background: Distal ulcerative colitis usually responds to treatment with rectal mesalamine, but the management of refractory cases is poorly defined.

Aim: To evaluate the possible therapeutic benefit of transdermal nicotine versus oral mesalamine.

Patients And Methods: Thirty patients with left-sided ulcerative colitis unresponsive to treatment with a mesalamine 4 g enema at bedtime were randomly allocated to additional therapy with either transdermal nicotine 15 mg daily or oral mesalamine 800 mg tid for four weeks.