Endoscopist-directed administration of propofol: a worldwide safety experience.

Background & Aims: Endoscopist-directed propofol sedation (EDP) remains controversial. We sought to update the safety experience of EDP and estimate the cost of using anesthesia specialists for endoscopic sedation.

Methods: We reviewed all published work using EDP.

Does obesity confer an increased risk and/or more severe course of post-ERCP pancreatitis?: a retrospective, multicenter study.

Background: Pancreatitis is the most common major complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Recent studies have suggested that obesity may serve as a prognostic indicator of poor outcome in non-ERCP-induced acute pancreatitis. However, to our knowledge, no one has ever investigated the potential association of obesity and ERCP-induced pancreatitis.

Colorectal cancer screening: a guide to the guidelines.

The best known guidelines for colorectal cancer screening in the United States are those of the US Multisociety Task Force on Colorectal Cancer, the American Cancer Society, the United States Preventive Services Task Force, the American College of Gastroenterology, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Screening is currently endorsed for both average-risk and high-risk persons by all guideline groups. Some guidelines offer a menu of options for average-risk persons, from which patients and physicians can select according to their perceptions and values regarding effectiveness, risk, and upfront costs.

Colon polyp retrieval after cold snaring.

Background: The removal of small colon polyps by cold snare transection without electrocautery effectively eliminates polyps, and anecdotal reports indicate a low risk of bleeding and perforation. Concerns about using cold snaring have centered on the risk of immediate bleeding and the difficulty in retrieving the polyp. The objective was to determine the retrieval rates of polyps after cold snaring after two different methods of resection and retrieval.

170 degrees wide-angle colonoscope: effect on efficiency and miss rates.

Background: Small polyps are routinely missed during colonoscopy even with careful examination.

Aim: To determine and compare endoscopic efficiency and polyp miss rate between a prototype 170 degrees wide-angle (WA) colonoscope and a standard (S) colonoscope.

Methods: Two consecutive same-day colonoscopies were performed in 50 patients with intact colons.

Fecal-based DNA assays: a new, noninvasive approach to colorectal cancer screening.

Stool-based DNA testing is a new, noninvasive method of colorectal cancer screening. Because it is easier to use and more sensitive than fecal occult blood testing, physicians may be more likely to recommend it, and patients may be more apt to comply. Although it is expensive, initial assessments show it to be cost-effective.