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Endoscopic examination of the eustachian tube: a step-by-step approach.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a step-by-step approach for endoscopic examinations of the eustachian tube on awake patients and to report anatomic and functional findings. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Convenience sample of seven individuals without a history of ear disease. INTERVENTION: Diagnostic transnasal-transpharyngeal videoendoscopy of the eustachian tube with 30- and 70-degree rigid Hopkins rod endoscopes, 2.5- and 0.8-mm, 0-degree flexible fiber endoscopes performed under local anesthesia in 12 eustachian tubes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Utility of the various endoscopes for the diagnosis in the different parts of the eustachian tube; quality of vision and the patient's comfort during the procedure. RESULTS: The 2.5-mm flexible endoscope was most useful for examination of the pharyngeal ostium and the cartilaginous lumen of the tube. The isthmus region could only be passed using an 0.8-mm fiberscope. In all cases, it was possible to insert the endoscope into the middle ear cavity. Eleven of the 12 tube examinations showed normal findings. The mobility of the tubal cartilage could be visualized with sufficient quality. In 50% of all examinations, application of local anesthesia via a tube catheter was necessary to make the procedure tolerable. CONCLUSION: The presented approach allows an assessment of both anatomic and functional changes to the eustachian tube in awake patients. The assessment of middle ear structures is limited. To ensure a comfortable and safe procedure, the use of topical anesthesia in a supine position and, in certain cases, additional anesthesia via eustachian tube catheter is recommended.

Adult↗

Nerve monitoring and stimulation during endoscopic neck surgery in the pig.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and stimulation during endoscopic neck surgery in an animal model. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, nonrandomized experimental investigation in a porcine model. METHODS: Bilateral recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and stimulation was accomplished during endoscopic neck surgery in five domestic pigs. Each pig was intubated with an electromyography endotracheal tube. Recurrent laryngeal nerve function was monitored throughout the endoscopic neck surgery with a nerve integrity monitor system. An endoscopic surgical pocket was created in the neck using blunt dissection followed by low-pressure carbon dioxide insufflation. Under direct endoscopic visualization, the trachea, thyroid gland, and associated vasculature were identified. The recurrent laryngeal nerve was identified on each side of the animal and was successfully stimulated with a monopolar stimulator probe. RESULTS: Ten of ten recurrent laryngeal nerves were successfully monitored and stimulated. No significant complications were encountered during the procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Recurrent laryngeal nerve monitoring and stimulation may be successfully accomplished during endoscopic neck surgery.

Animals↗

Endoscopic percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy: a prospective evaluation of 500 consecutive cases.

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: An evaluation of 500 adult, intubated, intensive care unit patients undergoing endoscopic percutaneous tracheotomy using the multiple and single dilator techniques was conducted to assess the feasibility and safety of the procedure as it compares with surgical tracheotomy. Endoscopy was used in all cases and evaluated as an added safety measure in reducing complications. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective evaluation of endoscopic percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy in 500 consecutive adult, intubated intensive care unit patients. METHODS: Between 1990 and 2003, endoscopically guided percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) was performed in 500 consecutive adult, intubated patients in the intensive care units (ICU) of three tertiary care adult hospitals. The first 191 patients underwent PDT using the Ciaglia Percutaneous Tracheostomy Introducer Kit (Cook Critical Care Inc., Bloomington, Indiana) and in the remaining 309 patients the Ciaglia Blue Rhino Single Dilator Kit (Cook Critical Care Inc., Bloomington, Indiana) was used. The procedure was contraindicated in the following situations: 1) children, 2) unprotected airway, 3) emergencies, 4) presence of a midline neck mass, 5) inability to palpate the cricoid cartilage, and 6) uncorrectable coagulopathy. The following parameters were recorded preoperatively: age, sex, diagnosis, American Society of Anesthesia (ASA) class, body mass index (BMI), and number of days intubated. Recorded hematologic parameters included hemoglobin (Hgb), platelets, prothrombin time (PT), partial thromboplastin time (PTT), and the international normalized ratio (INR) since it became available in 1998. All patients were ventilated on 100% oxygen and vital signs were continuously monitored. Tracheotomy was carried out under continuous endoscopic guidance using a series of graduated dilators in the first 191 cases, and a single, tapered dilator in the remaining 309 patients. The preoperative data on each patient, along with the type of dilator used, the size of the tube, the intraoperative and postoperative complications, and blood loss information were recorded prospectively and maintained in a computer spreadsheet. Univariate analyses were used in each group separately for each type of dilator to assess the risks of a complication within subgroups defined by each parameter/characteristic, and the statistical significance assessed with a chi test, or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: The total complication rate was 9.2% (13.6% in the multiple dilator group, and 6.5% in the single dilator group), with more than half of these considered minor. Overall, the two most common complications were oxygen desaturation in 14 cases and bleeding in 12 cases. The absence of serious complications such as pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum are attributable to the use of bronchoscopy. There was no significant association between the rate of complications and age, gender, ASA, weeks intubated, tracheostomy tube size, Hgb levels, platelets, PT, PTT, or INR. There was a statistically significant relationship between experience and the likelihood of complications in the multiple dilator group (P < .0001), with a higher rate of complications in the first 30 patients (40%) compared with 8.7% in the remaining 161 patients. This relationship did not exist for the first 30 patients in the single dilator group. Patients with a BMI of 30 or higher experienced a significantly greater (P < .05) number of complications (15%), compared with an 8% complication rate in patients with a BMI of less than 30. This risk was even more significant for patients with a BMI of 30 or greater who were also in ASA class 4 (11/56 or 20%) (P < .02). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic PDT is associated with a low complication rate and is at least as safe as surgical tracheotomy in the ICU setting. Bronchoscopy significantly decreases the incidence of complications and should be used routinely. While embraced by critical care physicians, endoscopic PDT has been infrequently performed by otolaryngologists. As the airway experts, otolaryngologists are in the best position to learn and teach the procedure as it should be done.

Adult↗

Outcomes for endoscopic resection of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVES: Preliminary data suggest efficacy for the endoscopic approach for sinonasal malignancy. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of the endoscopic approach for the resection of sinonasal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endoscopic resection of sinonasal SCC from August 1996 to May 2004. METHODS: Eleven patients were treated with curative intent. Demographic data, histopathology, extent of tumor involvement, and need for adjunctive radiation or chemotherapy were determined. Local recurrence (LR), distant metastasis, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS) rates were calculated. RESULTS: The mean age for the patient population was 62.5 (52-85) years with a male:female ratio of 8:3. Multimodality therapy including radiation or chemotherapy was used in 8 of 11 (73%) patients. Seven patients were resected using strictly an endoscopic approach, whereas four required combined endoscopic and neurosurgical resection. LR and distant metastatic rates were 20% and 0%, respectively. OS and DFS were both 91%, with mean follow-up of 31.5 (range 6-88) months. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection in combination with multimodality therapy is an effective method for curative resection of sinonasal SCC. In this preliminary study, it facilitated complete resection with acceptable LR and DFS rates.

Aged↗

Endoscopic laryngotracheal cleft repair without tracheotomy or intubation.

OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to present the technique and results of endoscopic repair of laryngotracheoesophageal clefts (LTEC) extending caudally to the cricoid plate into the cervical trachea and to revisit the classification of LTEC. METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective case analysis consisting of four infants with complete laryngeal clefts (extending through the cricoid plate in three cases and down into the cervical trachea in one case) treated endoscopically by CO2 laser incision of the mucosa and two-layer endoscopic closure of the cleft without postoperative intubation or tracheotomy. RESULTS: All four infants resumed spontaneous respiration without support after a mean postoperative period of 3 days with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). They accepted oral feeding within 5 postoperative days (range, 3-11 days). No breakdown of endoscopic repair was encountered. After a mean follow up of 48 months (range, 3 mos to 7 y), all children have a good voice, have no sign of residual aspiration, but experience a slight exertional dyspnea. CONCLUSION: This limited experience on the endoscopic repair of extrathoracic LTEC shows that a minimally invasive approach sparing the need for postoperative intubation or tracheotomy is feasible and safe if modern technology (ultrapulse CO2 laser, endoscopic suturing, and postoperative use of CPAP in the intensive care unit) is available.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗

Endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy in a porcine model.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of endoscopic sentinel lymph node biopsy in a porcine model. METHODS: One hundred microcuries of technetium-labeled sulfa colloid (Tc-SC) was injected into the right and left ventrolateral surfaces of the oral tongue of six adult Yorkshire pigs. A handheld gamma probe was used to locate the region of focal radioactivity on the neck that corresponded to the sentinel lymph node (SLN). Next, 0.25 mL of isosulfan blue dye was injected into the Tc-SC injection sites on the tongue. Endoscopic SLN dissection was then performed using a combination of balloon dissection and CO2 insufflation. The operative time, blood loss, and radioactivity of the SLN were measured for each animal. RESULTS: The SLN was detected transcutaneously with the gamma probe, and endoscopic SLN excision was successful. Endoscopic visualization and an endoscopic gamma probe confirmed the presence of both isosulfan blue dye and radiopositivity in the SLN in each pig. The procedure lasted 22 to 61 minutes (median duration, 35 minutes). There was no measurable blood loss in any of the animals. Mean radioactivity measured 14,466 counts/second per lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic SLN biopsy for oral tongue lesions is feasible and warrants further study.

Animals↗

Carcinoma arising in a pharyngeal pouch previously treated by endoscopic stapling.

OBJECTIVES: A case is described in which squamous cell carcinoma was found during surgery for a recurrent pharyngeal pouch previously treated by endoscopic stapling. A search of the English language literature suggests this is the first reported case of a carcinoma developing in a pharyngeal pouch previously treated by endoscopic stapling. STUDY DESIGN: Case report and literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The records of a patient who presented with a recurrent pharyngeal pouch after a previous endoscopic stapling procedure were reviewed. The presentation, imaging, and histopathologic findings are presented and the implications of these discussed. RESULTS: Imaging confirmed a recurrent pharyngeal diverticulum. An endoscopic assessment revealed the presence of tumor in the recurrent pouch that histopathologic evaluation confirmed to be squamous cell carcinoma. The patient underwent an external excision of this diverticulum followed by a course of external beam radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of a carcinoma developing in a recurrent pharyngeal diverticulum previously treated by endoscopic stapling and brings to light a rare risk of endoscopic stapling procedures for the treatment of pharyngeal diverticula.

Aged↗

Endoscopic techniques in resection of anterior skull base/paranasal sinus malignancies.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the role of endoscopic approaches to the resection of anterior skull base and paranasal sinus malignancies at one tertiary care medical center. STUDY DESIGN: The authors conducted a retrospective chart review over a period of 17 years. METHODS: Patients undergoing anterior skull base resections for malignancies over a 17-year period were reviewed. Data were collected on each patient with respect to the pathology of the tumor and approach used as well as demographic and follow-up information. RESULTS: A total of 78 patients were treated at a tertiary care medical center for malignancies of the paranasal sinuses and anterior skull base. The most common diagnosis was squamous cell carcinoma occurring in 33% of the cases. The remaining pathologies included esthesioneuroblastoma (23%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (15%), melanoma (3%), sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma (3%), lymphoma (5%), nasopharyngeal carcinoma (4%), and other tumor types (14%). Endoscopic techniques were used extensively in this population of patients. Combined approaches using a sublabial/transmaxillary approach and coronal approaches were used when indicated and complemented the endoscopic approach. A majority of patients were without evidence of disease at the end of this review. Using endoscopic techniques allowed for acceptable cosmetic results and facial incisions were used minimally. CONCLUSION: With complete endoscopic surgical resection followed by radiation therapy, local recurrence, morbidity, and cosmetic deformity have been minimized. The microscopic view provided by endoscopic techniques, with or without complementary approaches, allows for complete tumor removal.

Carcinoma↗

Endoscopic management of inverted papilloma.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Inverted papillomas are uncommon benign tumors that may occur in the sinonasal tract. Because of their tendency towards recurrence and their potential for malignant transformation, complete en bloc resection has been the standard treatment modality. With the application of minimally invasive surgical techniques in the management of sinonasal disease processes, transnasal endoscopic removal of inverted papillomas is gaining in acceptance. The following represents a review of the current literature regarding sinonasal inverted papilloma and its clinical management. RECENT FINDINGS: The recent literature has further refined the technique of endoscopic resection of inverted papillomas by delineating essential principles and applying new technologies, such as image guidance and angled endoscopic drills. Modified approaches and methodology have been described to address tumors originating in particular anatomic locations. At the same time, new information relevant to the diagnosis and surveillance of inverted papillomas has been published, regarding the role of imaging, serum tumor markers, and human papillomavirus. SUMMARY: Growth in experience with the endoscopic management of inverted papillomas has led to evolving technical improvements and innovations. In most tumor locations, the completeness of resection achieved by a skilled endoscopic surgeon is equivalent, if not superior, to that attained with an open approach. In some instances, an endoscopic exploration with tumor resection may help define the site of tumor attachment and direct adjunctive open procedures when indicated. Long-term outcomes studies with sizeable patient cohorts will be needed to define the role of various surgical strategies in the optimal management of inverted papilloma.

Antigens, Neoplasm↗

Endoscopic forehead lift: review of technique, cases, and complications.

Endoscopy has provided a significant improvement in the surgical rejuvenation of the upper face. It offers a minimally invasive alternative that avoids many of the undesirable effects associated with the coronal approach. The standard minimal access forehead endoscopic procedure consists of a subperiosteal undermining through three small triangular prehairline incisions. To successfully elevate the eyebrows, it is essential to release the periosteum at the level of the supraorbital rims and ablate the brow depressor muscles of the glabella. Until the periosteum reattaches itself, elevation is maintained by a temporary suspension suture between staples at the incision sites and 5 cm posterior to the hairline. The transverse closure of the triangular skin incisions achieves some additional elevation. The biplanar approach adds a partial subcutaneous undermining of the forehead to the endoscopic technique and allows plication of the frontalis muscle and excision of excess forehead skin. It is offered to patients with very ptotic eyebrows, deep transverse wrinkles, or a high forehead. The prehairline incision is a disadvantage but is tolerated quite well in older patients. The medical records of 393 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic forehead lift from 1994 to 2000 were reviewed. Because seven patients had the endoscopic forehead lift repeated, the number of forehead endoscopies totaled 400. The complication rate was quite acceptable and did not markedly increase when a forehead lift was performed in combination with other facial procedures. The endoscopic forehead lift consistently attenuated the transverse forehead wrinkles, reduced the glabellar frown lines, and raised the eyebrows. It provided an appearance that was less tired and angry in addition to opening the area around the eyes. Long-term follow-up has shown that the endoscopic forehead lift produces lasting and predictable results.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopic carpal tunnel release: a review of 753 cases in 486 patients.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic carpal tunnel release is gaining increasing acceptance relative to the standard open carpal tunnel release for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. Concerns about endoscopic carpal tunnel release include effectiveness of therapy and complication rates. This study attempted to evaluate outcomes of endoscopic carpal tunnel release in a large patient cohort. METHODS: Four hundred eighty-six patients (753 hands) with carpal tunnel syndrome who underwent endoscopic carpal tunnel release by a single surgeon were reviewed retrospectively. Data included demographics, subjective complaints, prior interventions, preoperative examination findings, and postoperative follow-up. All follow-up data were obtained from a single, independent, occupational therapy clinic. RESULTS: Median patient age was 48 years. Three hundred seventy-seven patients were gainfully employed at presentation, and 206 filed a worker's compensation claim. Median symptom duration was 2 years. Nonoperative therapy was ineffective in 151 patients. Preoperative nerve conduction studies were consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome in 472 patients (97 percent); all patients had either physical examination findings or nerve conduction studies consistent with carpal tunnel syndrome. Four hundred eighty-six patients (100 percent) obtained symptom relief. Complications included one transient median nerve neurapraxia, six complaints of residual pain, and one complaint of hypersensitivity. Worker's compensation patients and non-worker's compensation patients returned to work full-duty at similar times postoperatively. Ninety percent of employed patients returned to their original occupation. CONCLUSIONS: The authors' data indicate that an endoscopic approach for the treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome is safe and effective. Patients demonstrated a high return-to-work rate and an extremely low complication rate. The data challenge the belief that endoscopic carpal tunnel release results in higher complication rates.

Adult↗

Double endoscopic intraluminal operation for upper digestive tract diseases: proposal of a novel procedure.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic treatment of digestive tract diseases, such as early esophageal and gastric neoplasia, has become increasingly popular in recent years as an alternative to surgical procedures in the hope of providing an improved quality of life for these patients. However, one of the limitations of a conventional endoscopic mucosal resection, such as an aspiration mucosectomy and a strip biopsy, has been the size of the lesions to be resected. Both an aspiration mucosectomy and strip biopsy are useful variants for removing flat lesions measuring less than 20 mm in maximal diameter. To overcome such limitations, we devised a double endoscopic intraluminal operation (DEILO), which enables us to resect mucosal lesions by using 2 fine endoscopes and monopolar shears. METHODS: DEILO was performed on patients with esophageal and gastric lesions measuring up to 40 mm in diameter. This novel technique is characterized by the use of 2 endoscopes (one for lifting the lesion and the other for cutting the lesions) inserted into the esophagus or stomach through an overtube. A mucosal resection is then performed by dissecting the mucosal margin with newly developed monopolar shears, thereby separating the mucosa from the submucosa. RESULTS: A total of 25 lesions in the esophagus (8 lesions) and stomach (17 lesions) were resected by DEILO. The sizes of the esophageal lesions ranged from 8 to 40 mm in diameter (mean, 21.1 mm) whereas gastric lesions ranged from 8 to 30 mm (mean, 13.3 mm) in diameter, and histopathologic examinations revealed the resection margin to be clear and without any tumor. No complications or instances of recurrence were observed in this series. CONCLUSIONS: DEILO is considered to be feasible for the mucosal resection of esophageal and gastric lesions measuring more than 10 mm in diameter without submucosal invasion, whereas conventional endoscopic mucosal resection is indicated for such lesions measuring less than 10 mm in size.

Adult↗

Endoscopic complete removal of the histologically unconfirmed gastric cancer with massive invasion as a giant biopsy.

A 68-year-old man underwent upper GI endoscopy in a mass screening, which showed a suspicious tumor in the antral region of stomach. However, histologic examination of repeated endoscopic biopsy samples (15 samples) revealed no neoplastic change. Although all the examinations including endoscopy, endosonography, and barium study pointed to the diagnosis of gastric cancer, we did not have histologic evidence of malignancy. Hence, complete endoscopic removal of the lesion using a new method of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) was performed as a giant biopsy. Histologic assessment of the endoscopically resected specimen confirmed invasive adenocarcinoma of the stomach. He then underwent distal gastrectomy with regional lymphadenectomy. Endoscopic resection of the tumor in the digestive tract is also a very useful diagnostic modality of the lesion when malignancy cannot be revealed by endoscopic biopsy.

Adenocarcinoma↗

Endoscopic CSF leak repair.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The purpose of this review is to discuss endoscopic management of cerebrospinal fluid leaks and to highlight recent advances in both outcomes and technique. RECENT FINDINGS: Endoscopic techniques targeting the repair of skull-base defects have evolved as instrumentation for intranasal use has developed. The principles of endoscopic repair mirror those of open repair, with emphasis placed on site identification, site preparation, accurate graft placement and postoperative management. Several patient factors will affect the surgical and medical care of patients with cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea, including location, cause and overall medical condition. Numerous techniques have been described and large series attest to high success rates. The use of radiographic image-guidance systems promises to advance localization of the leak site. Endoscopic repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks remains an accurate and complete method for the repair of cerebrospinal fluid leaks with decreased operative morbidity. SUMMARY: Endoscopic repair of anterior skull-base defects has a high success rate and markedly decreased morbidity as compared with traditional intracranial approaches. The endoscopic approach should be considered the technique of choice for repair of most cerebrospinal fluid fistulae and skull-base defects.

Cerebrospinal Fluid Rhinorrhea↗

The pneumatic tourniquet technique for endoscopic radial artery harvest.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic vessel harvest is viewed as a safe, reliable, and cost-effective method for greater saphenous vein removal. As the radial artery has more recently become a popular conduit choice in coronary artery revascularization, we describe herein an endoscopic technique for radial artery harvest in our first 50 patients as an alternative to the more traditional open technique. METHODS: From November 2001 to July 2002, 54 radial arteries were harvested endoscopically in 50 patients utilizing the VasoView Endoscopic Vessel Harvesting System, an Esmark bandage, and a pneumatic cuff tourniquet. RESULTS: No patients experienced symptoms of vascular compromise, or signs of infection in the donor arm. No adjunctive procedures were required during the vessel harvest, i.e., conversion to open technique. All radial arteries were successfully removed with endoscopic technique and 53 of the 54 radial arteries were successfully used as bypass conduits. Although the quality of the radial artery harvested remains subjective, we found less vasospasm than in our experience with the open technique. Thirty-day follow-up revealed no readmissions, no cardiac ischemic complications, no significant complications with the donor arm, and an excellent cosmetic result. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic harvest of the radial artery with the tourniquet technique may offer advantages over the more traditional open technique.

Adult↗

Review article: approaches to the long-term management of adults with GERD-proton pump inhibitor therapy, laparoscopic fundoplication or endoscopic therapy?

The goals of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) treatment are to control symptoms, heal the injured oesophageal mucosa, and prevent complications. Pharmacological therapy is effective in producing acute symptom relief and mucosal healing, as well as the long-term maintenance of remission. Proton pump inhibitors are the mainstay of GERD therapy. However, the need for daily administration, failure to provide complete symptom relief and costs of these agents may limit their use in some patients, prompting a consideration of alternative treatment strategies. Laparoscopic fundoplication may achieve symptom relief and healing of the oesophagitis in these individuals, but its invasiveness, cost and inherent surgical risks have created an interest in endoscopic therapies for GERD, with several emerging during the past few years. These interventions may either be viewed as an alternative therapy or as 'bridge' therapy, with patients still choosing to be treated with acid anti-secretory drugs or fundoplication if the endoscopic procedure fails to provide adequate symptom relief or if symptoms recur. Patient selection is critical for the success of fundoplication as well as endoscopic procedures, with ideal candidates being those with well-established endoscopically documented GERD, abnormal pH monitoring, normal oesophageal motility studies, and who have experienced at least partial symptom relief with proton pump inhibitor therapy. Hiatal hernia is not a contra-indication to fundoplication, while endoscopic intervention is best suited for those with a hiatal hernia of less than 3 cm in length. The long-term efficacy, cost-effectiveness, and impact of endoscopic procedures on extra-oesophageal manifestations of GERD and risk for GERD-related complications has not been determined.

Adult↗

Review article: towards consistency in the endoscopic diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus and columnar metaplasia.

Barrett's oesophagus is associated with severe reflux disease and is a risk factor for oesophageal adenocarcinoma. However, there is a lack of consensus on how to assess the presence and extent of Barrett's oesophagus in clinical practice. A diagnosis of Barrett's oesophagus is currently based on the recognition of an abnormal oesophageal mucosa at endoscopy. However, a diagnosis cannot be made solely on this basis, and a true diagnosis requires the identification of an area suspicious for columnar metaplasia at endoscopy, followed by histological confirmation. Currently, difficulties in the assessment of Barrett's oesophagus include a lack of consistent definitions of endoscopic landmarks (such as the gastro-oesophageal and squamo-columnar junctions), a lack of standardization of descriptions of the extent of Barrett's oesophagus, and limited communication between the endoscopist and the pathologist, which hampers accurate histological confirmation. It is therefore important to develop an endoscopic description of Barrett's oesophagus, with a clear definition of endoscopic landmarks, to determine, amongst other things, whether anti-reflux therapy produces regression or a reduction in the length of Barrett's oesophagus. With this background, a subgroup of the International Working Group on the Classification of Oesophagitis was charged with developing a simple, practicable classification system, suitable for use with standard endoscopes, which would be easy to apply in clinical practice and in large clinical studies. Described in this review are a series of propositions and an overview of the 'CM classification', developed by the International Working Group on the Classification of Oesophagitis, to facilitate the endoscopic description of Barrett's oesophagus. It is hoped that these propositions will be the first step in the development of standard endoscopic diagnostic criteria for Barrett's oesophagus, relevant to clinical practice and clinical research.

Barrett Esophagus↗

Omeprazole may be superior to famotidine in the management of iatrogenic ulcer after endoscopic mucosal resection: a prospective randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Acid suppressing agents are widely used to treat the iatrogenic ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection for gastric neoplasms. However, the relative merits of proton pump inhibitor or histamine(2)-receptor antagonist for endoscopic mucosal resection-induced ulcers are not known. AIM: To prospectively compare omeprazole and famotidine for the healing of endoscopic mucosal resection-induced ulcers and for bleeding control. METHODS: After endoscopic mucosal resection, patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole (20 mg/day) or to famotidine (40 mg/day) group for a 28-day treatment period. The ulcer sizes and stages, bleeding rates and ulcer-related symptoms were compared. RESULTS: A total of 100 patients were randomized equally to each group. Forty-one patients in each group were finally compared. The two groups were comparable in terms of baseline characteristics. Twenty-eight days after treatment, the two groups were not different with respect to ulcer stage (P = 0.137) or ulcer reduction ratio (P = 0.380). No difference was observed with respect to ulcer-related symptoms (P = 0.437) and no bleeding episode occurred in any of the 82 patients. In subgroup that underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection, fewer patients in the omeprazole group showed active ulcers than those in the famotidine group (P = 0.035). CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrate that omeprazole may be superior to famotidine for iatrogenic ulcers following endoscopic mucosal resection, especially for large ulcers.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗