Temporary endoscopic metallic stent for idiopathic esophageal achalasia.

Idiopathic achalasia is a motor disorder of the esophagus of unknown etiology caused by loss of motor neurons determining an altered motility. It may determine severe symptoms such as progressive dysphagia, regurgitations, and pulmonary aspirations. Many therapeutic options may be offered to patients with achalasia, from surgery to endoscopic treatments such as pneumatic dilation, botulinum injection, peroral endoscopic myotomy, or endoscopic stenting.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with post-liver transplant biliary complications: results of a cohort study with long-term follow-up.

Background/aims: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the standard approach for the management of biliary complications in liver transplant patients; however, its safety and efficacy have not been established in this setting. This study was performed to evaluate the safety and long-term efficacy of ERCP in transplant patients.

Methods: The case reports of 1,500 liver transplant patients were reviewed.

Enteroscope without overtube for cecal intubation after an incomplete colonoscopy.

Background: Cecal intubation is one of the targets of colon endoscopic evaluation, however even under experienced hands 5-10% of colonoscopies are incomplete.

Aims: The aim of the study is to evaluate the usefulness of single balloon enteroscope (SBE) without employing overtube-balloon equipment in patients with incomplete colonoscopy.

Methods: Between January 2009 and July 2010, patients with an incomplete standard colonscopy were prospectively enrolled to perform a colonoscopy with a single balloon enteroscope.

Endoscopic treatment of postgastrectomy duodenal fistula with an over-the-scope clip.

Bleeding peptic ulcer is a life threatening condition with high mortality rate but often treatable by endoscopy. Surgical indications in case of gastroduodenal ulcers are confined to endoscopic and radiological failures in bleeding control. Duodenal fistula (DF) is a rare complication of gastric resection and even if a rare event it may be a life threatening condition.

Comparing attendance and detection rate of colonoscopy with sigmoidoscopy and FIT for colorectal cancer screening.

Background & Aims: We conducted a study to estimate population coverage and detection rate (DR) achievable through different strategies of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening.

Methods: A population-based multicenter randomized trial comparing 3 strategies was used: (1) biennial immunologic fecal occult blood test (FIT), (2) "once only" sigmoidoscopy (FS), and (3) "once only" colonoscopy (TC). A random sample of men and women, aged 55 to 64 years, was drawn from general practitioners' (GP) rosters.

Randomized trial of different screening strategies for colorectal cancer: patient response and detection rates.

Background: Although there is general consensus concerning the efficacy of colorectal cancer screening, there is a lack of agreement about which routine screening strategy should be adopted. We compared the participation and detection rates achievable through different strategies of colorectal cancer screening.

Methods: From November 1999 through June 2001 we conducted a multicenter, randomized trial in Italy among a sample of 55-64 year olds in the general population who had an average risk of colorectal cancer.