Significance of Endoscopic Redness of Duodenum in Health Checkup.

Background And Aim: It is important for endoscopist to diagnose the lesion redness. In this study, we focused on the redness of duodenal bulb. We objectively analyzed the changes in redness of the duodenal bulb using linked color imaging (LCI) with chromatic indicators.

Effectiveness of a novel traction device (TRACMOTION) for endoscopic submucosal dissection using a scissor-type knife: An animal pilot study and clinical experiences.

A newly developed articulated through-the-scope traction device, TRACMOTION, has been used clinically for endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). However, there are few reports on the characteristics of this device and the lesion types for which it is most effective. Therefore, we evaluated its optimal use, efficacy, and safety clinically in animals.

Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on short-term postoperative outcomes for colorectal perforation: A nationwide study in Japan based on the National Clinical Database.

Aim: Possible negative effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on short-term postoperative outcomes for colorectal perforation in Japan were examined in this study.

Methods: The National Clinical Database (NCD) is a large-scale database including more than 95% of surgical cases in Japan. We analyzed 13 107 cases of colorectal perforation from 2019 to 2021.

Cost-effectiveness analysis of the artificial intelligence diagnosis support system for early gastric cancers.

Objectives: The introduction of artificial intelligence into the medical field has improved the diagnostic capabilities of physicians. However, few studies have analyzed the economic impact of employing artificial intelligence technologies in the clinical environment. This study evaluated the cost-effectiveness of a computer-assisted diagnosis (CADx) system designed to support clinicians in differentiating early gastric cancers from non-cancerous lesions in Japan, where the universal health insurance system was introduced.

A multicenter cohort study on mapping of lymph node metastasis for splenic flexural colon cancer.

Aim: There have been no reports of searching for metastases to lymph nodes along the accessory middle colic artery (aMCA). The aim of this study was to investigate the metastasis rate of the aMCA for splenic flexural colon cancer.

Methods: Patients with histologically proven colon carcinoma located in the splenic flexure, clinically diagnosed as stage I-III were eligible for this study.

Japanese rapid/living recommendations on drug management for COVID-19: updated guidelines (July 2022).

Background: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), an infectious disease caused by the novel coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has spread worldwide since early 2020, and there are still no signs of resolution. The Japanese Clinical Practice Guidelines for the Management of Sepsis and Septic Shock (J-SSCG) 2020 Special Committee created the Japanese Rapid/Living recommendations on drug management for COVID-19 using the experience of creating the J-SSCG.

Methods: The Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to determine the certainty of the evidence and strength of recommendations.

Early versus delayed interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives: Interventions for necrotizing pancreatitis are generally postponed until 4 weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis, but there remains controversy about whether we should always wait >4 weeks or can intervene early when necessary. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate treatment outcomes of necrotizing pancreatitis according to the cut-off defined in the revised Atlanta classification (≤4 vs. >4 weeks).

Increased risk of biliary infection after biliary stent placement in users of proton pump inhibitors.

Objectives: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely prescribed medications for gastric acid-induced diseases. Despite the effectiveness of PPIs, recent evidence suggested an increased risk of various bacterial infections in PPI users. The current study was conducted to evaluate the risk of biliary infection after endoscopic biliary stent placement in regular users of PPIs.

Implementation of artificial intelligence in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.

The application of artificial intelligence (AI) using deep learning has significantly expanded in the field of esophagogastric endoscopy. Recent studies have shown promising results in detecting and differentiating early gastric cancer using AI tools built using white light, magnified, or image-enhanced endoscopic images. Some studies have reported the use of AI tools to predict the depth of early gastric cancer based on endoscopic images.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided tissue acquisition for small solid pancreatic lesions: Does the size matter?

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is now an established technique to obtain the pathological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions (SPLs), but the diagnosis of small SPLS by EUS-TA can still be difficult. We conducted a literature review and a meta-analysis on the diagnostic yield of EUS-TA according to the tumor size. In a meta-analysis of 33 studies with 6883 cases, a pooled odds ratio (OR) of sensitivity was significantly higher in SPLs of >20 mm (OR 1.

The natural history of sporadic non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors: Can we wait and see?

Objectives: The natural history of sporadic non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the history of SNADETs in patients where immediate resection could not be performed.

Methods: This is a single-center retrospective study of 86 consecutive cases of SNADETs who did not undergo immediate resection and were followed-up with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for more than 6 months.

The biological role of metabolic reprogramming in pancreatic cancer.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a lethal disease and highly resistant to all forms of therapy. PDAC cells reprogram their metabolism extensively to promote their survival and growth. Reflecting the vital role of altered metabolism, experimental and clinical trials targeting the rewired metabolism are currently underway.

Association between the chronic use of gastric acid suppressants and high-risk colorectal polyps.

Background And Aim: Although gastric acid suppressants such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are considered safe, the consequences of hypochlorhydria and hypergastrinemia caused by chronic use are unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between the chronic use of gastric acid suppressants and high-risk colorectal polyps, focusing on polyp size.

Methods: A population-based, nested case-control study was conducted using data from the Japanese Diagnosis Procedure Combination database between 2014 and 2019.

eradication improved the Kyoto classification score on endoscopy.

Background And Aim: Endoscopy-based Kyoto classification predicts the risk of infection and gastric cancer; however, the change in score following eradication remains unknown. We retrospectively compared the Kyoto score before and after eradication.

Methods: positive patients who underwent baseline esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), successful eradication, and surveillance EGD were enrolled.

Stratification of gastric cancer risk using a deep neural network.

Background And Aim: Stratifying gastric cancer (GC) risk and endoscopy findings in high-risk individuals may provide effective surveillance for GC. We developed a computerized image- analysis system for endoscopic images to stratify the risk of GC.

Methods: The system was trained using images taken during endoscopic examinations with non-magnified white-light imaging.

Colonoscopy using back brace support belt: A randomized, prospective trial.

Background And Aim: Looping is a major problem in colonoscopy, and it prolongs procedure time. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an external abdominal compression device (back brace support belt; Maxbelt) with respect to cecal insertion time and other outcomes.

Methods: We performed a prospective study on outpatients undergoing elective colonoscopy in Toyoshima Endoscopy Clinic.

Surgical outcomes of gastroenterological surgery in Japan: Report of the National Clinical Database 2011-2017.

Background: The Japanese National Clinical Database (NCD) is a large-scale, nationwide, web-based data entry system that is linked to the surgical board certification system and covers almost all surgical cases carried out in Japan.

Aim: To evaluate outcomes according to the gastroenterological section of the NCD.

Methods: The 115 surgical procedures stipulated by the "Training Curriculum for Board-Certified Surgeons in Gastroenterology" were registered from 2011 to 2017.