Evaluation of the circumferential location of mild reflux esophagitis (Grade A and B) in the lower esophagus.

Background And Aim: Discrepancies have been reported in the circumferential locations of mild mucosal breaks. We investigated their locations using a new method.

Methods: This is a retrospective study.

Definition of Mucosal Breaks in the Era of Magnifying Endoscopy with Narrow-Band Imaging.

Background: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is diagnosed endoscopically based on the presence of mucosal breaks. However, mucosal breaks can be judged differently depending on the endoscopist, even in the same image. We investigated how narrow-band imaging (NBI) and magnified endoscopy affect the judgment of mucosal breaks.

Effect of tip insertion depth and irradiation parameters on the efficacy of cleaning calcium hydroxide from simulated lateral canals using Er:YAG laser- or ultrasonic-activated irrigation.

Background/purpose: Laser-activated root canal irrigation (LAI) with an Er:YAG laser is considered more effective than other irrigation methods, whereas the effectiveness of LAI in cleaning lateral canals far from the laser tip remains unclear. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of removing calcium hydroxide [Ca(OH)] paste from lateral canals using LAI or ultrasonic-activated irrigation (UAI), and to examine the effect of tip insertion depth and laser irradiation parameters on cleaning efficacy.

Materials And Methods: Radiopaque Ca(OH) paste (Calcipex II) was injected into lateral canals 6 mm from the root apex in 192 J-shaped simulated root canal models.

Efficacy of Vonoprazan for Refractory Reflux Esophagitis after Esophagectomy.

Background: Refractory reflux esophagitis (RRE), unresponsive to conventional proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs), is a complication in esophagectomy with gastric pull-up. Vonoprazan (VPZ), a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, has been available in Japan since 2015. Here, we investigated the efficacy of VPZ on PPI-resistant RRE after esophagectomy with gastric pull-up.

Columnar epithelium morphology after esophagectomy: clinical insight into the development of Barrett's esophagus.

Background: The presence of Barrett's mucosa in the esophageal remnant is a result of post-esophagectomy anastomotic site exposure to gastric acid and is regarded as a human model of Barrett's esophagus onset. Here, we attempted to clarify the relationship between duodenogastric reflux and formation of columnar epithelium by following the changes over time after esophagectomy.

Methods: A total of 96 patients underwent esophagectomy due to superficial cancer from April 2000 to March 2018 were included in this study.