Factors Affecting Low Health-Related Quality of Life and Health Issues in Gastric Cancer Survivors: A Propensity Score-Matched, Nationwide Study.

Background And Aim: This study evaluated the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of Korean gastric cancer survivors (GCSs) aged ≥ 19 years using preference-based measurements with a converted health utility index.

Methods: Data from the fourth to eighth cycles of the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES) from 2007 to 2020 were analyzed. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to mitigate baseline covariate imbalances between the GCS group and the non-GCS group.

Ergonomic impact of an automated device for endoscopic tool insertion and transfer (with video).

Background And Aims: Endoscopists frequently experience musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the distal upper extremities, that are caused by substantial forces, awkward postures, and repetitive movements during procedures. A significant but underexplored risk factor is the repetitive exchange of endoscopic instruments. This study aimed to develop and evaluate an automatic endoscopic instrument insertion and transfer device (INSERTrument; EndoRobotics, Seoul, Republic of Korea) to reduce ergonomic strain and assess its impact on wrist movements and postures.

Application of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery with ENDOCRAB system for stomach perforation model: ex vivo porcine study.

Iatrogenic stomach perforation is a detrimental, irreversible, and fatal condition. Traditional surgery and endoscopic suturing clips and devices have been introduced to seal holes and prevent sepsis and disease progression. However, the development of endoscopic devices for perforations remains challenging, with no standard device available.

Efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine in previously untreated patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma having high serum eotaxin levels (KG4/2015): an open-label, randomised, Phase 3 trial.

Background: The TeloVac study indicated GV1001 did not improve the survival of advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the cytokine examinations suggested that high serum eotaxin levels may predict responses to GV1001. This Phase III trial assessed the efficacy of GV1001 with gemcitabine/capecitabine for eotaxin-high patients with untreated advanced PDAC.

Assessment of efficacy and safety of advanced endoscopic irreversible electroporation catheter in the esophagus.

Nonthermal irreversible electroporation (NTIRE) is emerging as a promising tissue ablation technique. However, maintaining irreversible electroporation (IRE) electrodes against displacement during strong esophageal spasms remains an obstacle. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of newly designed balloon-type endoscopic IRE catheters.

Propensity score-matched analysis of physician-controlled wire-guided cannulation as an effective technique against difficult cannulation in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A retrospective study.

Background: Advanced endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cannulation strategies for difficult cases could replace conventional techniques, in which assistants control guidewires. We aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of a new salvage cannulation strategy, physician-controlled wire-guided cannulation (PCWGC), with those of a conventional strategy.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients with naïve papillae who underwent ERCP between January 2018 and December 2020.

Observation for the feasibility of a bile duct biopsy technique using a loop-tip guidewire during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Endoscopists frequently have difficulty approaching biliary lesions using biopsy forceps. The aim of this study was not only to describe an easy technique for biliary biopsy assisted by a looped guidewire but also to present preliminary results regarding its safety and feasibility. A preliminary proof-of-concept study was performed at a single tertiary medical center.

Bowel Preparation Efficacy and Safety of 1 L vs 2 L Polyethylene Glycol With Ascorbic Acid for Colonoscopy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction: Polyethylene glycol with ascorbic acid (PEG/Asc) is a well-established bowel preparation solution with guaranteed effectiveness and safety. A new low-volume agent, 1 L-PEG/Asc, has recently been released. This study aimed to compare the bowel cleansing efficacy and safety of 1 L-PEG/Asc and 2 L-PEG/Asc administered to adult outpatients in a split-dose manner.

Revised Clinical Practice Guidelines of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association for Acute Pancreatitis.

Acute pancreatitis can range from a mild, self-limiting disease requiring no more than supportive care, to severe disease with life-threatening complications. With the goal of providing a recommendation framework for clinicians to manage acute pancreatitis, and to contribute to improvements in national health care, the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) established the Korean guidelines for acute pancreatitis management in 2013. However, many challenging issues exist which often lead to differences in clinical practices.

Minimally invasive treatment of duodenal obstruction with acute pancreatitis caused by two large bezoars.

Bezoar without gastrointestinal surgical history occurring simultaneously in the gastric and duodenal lumen is very rare. We report a case of acute pancreatitis due to duodenal obstruction caused by two large bezoars. Two large bezoars were detected in the gastric and duodenal lumen, respectively, on abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan and oesophagogastroduodenoscopy images.

International multidisciplinary survey on the initial management of acute pancreatitis: Perspective of point-of-care specialists focused on daily practice.

Background: The initial management of patients with acute pancreatitis impacts both morbidity and mortality. Point-of-care decisions have been reported to differ from clinical guideline recommendations.

Methods: An online anonymous questionnaire was distributed through scientific associations and social media using REDCap.

Clinical outcomes of endoscopic papillectomy of ampullary adenoma: A multi-center study.

Background: Ampullary adenoma is a rare premalignant lesion, but its incidence is increasing. Endoscopic papillectomy has become the first treatment of choice for ampullary adenomas due to its safety and effectiveness, thereby replacing surgical resection. However, recurrence rates and adverse events after endoscopic papillectomy were reported in up to 30% of cases.

Efficacy and safety of a thermosensitive hydrogel for endoscopic submucosal dissection: An in vivo swine study.

Injectable thermo-sensitive chitosan hydrogels have recently been developed for the use of submucosal fluids in endoscopic submucosal dissections (ESD). This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of chitosan hydrogels during ESD. Submucosal fluids were administered as follows: 0.

Effect of histological examination on the diagnosis of pancreatic mass using endoscopic ultrasound fine-needle aspiration.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is a well-established method for the diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions. However, the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA for pancreatic lesions varies at around 70-90%. Samples from EUS-FNA consist of cells and tissues that can be analyzed separately, and the results can be combined for a final diagnosis.

Analysis on Microbial Profiles & Components of Bile in Patients with Recurrent CBD Stones after Endoscopic CBD Stone Removal: A Preliminary Study.

Background/aim: Common bile duct (CBD) stone recurrence after endoscopic treatment is a major concern as a late complication. Biliary bacterial factors and biochemical factors determine the path of gallstone formation. The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the microbial profile and components of bile in patients with and without recurrent CBD stones after endoscopic CBD stone removal.

Feasibility and effectiveness of endoscopic irreversible electroporation for the upper gastrointestinal tract: an experimental animal study.

Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is a local non-thermal ablative technique currently used to treat solid tumors. Here, we investigated the clinical potency and safety of IRE with an endoscope in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Pigs were electroporated with recently designed endoscopic IRE catheters in the esophagus, stomach, and duodenum.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection using a detachable assistant robot: a comparative in vivo feasibility study (with video).

Background: Appropriate tissue tension and clear visibility of the dissection area using traction are essential for effective and safe endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). We developed a robotic assistive traction device for flexible endoscopy and compared its safety and efficiency in ESD between experienced and novice endoscopists.

Methods: Robotic ESD was performed by experienced and novice endoscopist groups (n = 2, each).

Artificial intelligence-assisted analysis of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography image for identifying ampulla and difficulty of selective cannulation.

The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) has facilitated its application in medical fields. However, there has been little research for AI-assisted endoscopy, despite the clinical significance of the efficiency and safety of cannulation in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). In this study, we aim to assist endoscopists performing ERCP through automatic detection of the ampulla and the identification of cannulation difficulty.

Feasibility of Wearable Display Glasses for Medical Students in the Endoscopy Room.

Background/aims: Several attempts have been made to incorporate smart glasses in the medical field. We applied wearable display glasses to show the position of an observer during endoscopy and compared students' responses between the conventional and new methods.

Methods: We surveyed 28 medical students regarding the use of wearable display devices.

Continuing medical education during pandemic waves of COVID-19: Consensus from medical faculties in Asia, Australia and Europe.

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. Medical faculties have the responsibility to train tomorrow's doctors and in a crisis face the challenge of delivering students into the workforce promptly and safely.

Albumin inhibits the nuclear translocation of Smad3 via interleukin-1beta signaling in hepatic stellate cells.

Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) to myofibroblasts plays a key role in liver fibrosis. We had previously shown that albumin and its derivative, R-III (a retinol-binding protein-albumin domain III fusion protein), inhibited HSC activation by sequestering retinoic acid (RA) and that R-III administration reduced carbon tetrachloride (CCl)-induced liver fibrosis. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanism of action of albumin downstream of RA sequestration.

Higher risk of tuberculosis in combination therapy for inflammatory bowel disease: A nationwide population-based cohort study in South Korea.

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in Asia has become increasingly prevalent. As a treatment of IBD, many immunomodulators and biological agents were introduced and shown to be effective in inducing and maintaining remission. However, many cases with treatment failure were reported.