Publications by authors named "Wasseem Skef"
Background: Transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF) is safe and effective in select patients with hiatal hernias ≤ 2 cm with refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). For patients with hiatal hernias > 2 cm, concomitant hiatal hernia (HH) repair with TIF (cTIF) is offered as an alternative to conventional anti-reflux surgery (ARS). Yet, data on this approach is limited.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground: Gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a common complication after placement of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD). Some institutions attempt to mitigate post-LVAD GIB using preoperative endoscopy. Our study evaluated whether preoperative endoscopy was associated with a lower risk of post-LVAD GIB.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground And Aims: The application of endoscopic suturing has revolutionized defect closures. Conventional over-the-scope suturing necessitates removal of the scope, placement of the device, and reinsertion. A single channel, single sequence, through-the-scope suturing device has been developed to improve this process.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFVideo 1Use of endoscopic morcellator to assist in removal of stent.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBackground/aims: We aimed to study the effects of sedation on endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective study evaluating the role of sedation in endoscopic ultrasound-guided tissue acquisition by comparing two groups: anesthesia care provider (ACP) sedation and endoscopist-directed conscious sedation (CS).
Results: Technical success was achieved in 219/233 (94.
Article Synopsis
- The study developed a new DNA/RNA next-generation sequencing platform called PancreaSeq Genomic Classifier to enhance the evaluation of pancreatic cysts, particularly in identifying cystic precursor neoplasms and advanced neoplasia.
- This platform features a 74-gene targeted NGS panel that assesses various genomic alterations, and it was validated in separate cohorts, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing pancreatic conditions.
- The results show that PancreaSeq significantly increased the sensitivity of traditional pancreatic cyst guidelines by over 10% while maintaining high specificity, indicating its potential to improve clinical decision-making.
Article Synopsis
- This study aimed to prospectively evaluate the effectiveness of next-generation sequencing (NGS) on pancreatic cyst fluid in a multi-institutional setting, as previous research had mainly been retrospective or focused on single hospitals.
- In total, 1933 pancreatic cyst specimens were tested, with 98% being satisfactory for NGS analysis, and findings were correlated with current guidelines and surgical outcomes.
- Results indicated that mutations such as GNAS had high sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing mucinous cysts and that combining genomic alterations with cytopathologic evaluation significantly improved diagnostic accuracy compared to existing guidelines.
Article Synopsis
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, gastroenterologists were required to wear N95 masks while performing procedures, prompting a study on the physiological effects of this protective gear.
- In the study, many gastroenterologists experienced negative symptoms like difficulty breathing, fatigue, and headaches while using N95 masks, with a significant number showing elevated heart rates.
- The research concluded that wearing N95 respirators leads to acute physiological changes and discomfort among healthcare providers, while alternative powered air-purifying respirators were better tolerated but still caused some issues.
Background: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a chronic, debilitating disorder associated with multiple complications, frequently necessitating hospitalization. The aim of this study was to investigate the longitudinal trends for hospitalization, mean length of stay (LOS), and cost associated with inpatient admissions for CP across the United States.
Methods: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample, all hospitalizations between 1997 and 2014 were analyzed.
Behçet's disease (BD) is an idiopathic, chronic, relapsing, multi-systemic vasculitis characterized by recurrent oral and genital aphthous ulcers, ocular disease and skin lesions. Prevalence of BD is highest in countries along the ancient silk road from the Mediterranean basin to East Asia. By comparison, the prevalence in North American and Northern European countries is low.
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