Gastrointestinal endoscopy
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Gastrointest. Endosc. · Nov 2012
Clinical TrialEUS-guided celiac ganglion irradiation with iodine-125 seeds for pain control in pancreatic carcinoma: a prospective pilot study.
Celiac plexus neurolysis for the palliative reduction of pain in unresectable pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is safe but provides limited relief. In a previous study, we found that EUS-guided implantation of iodine-125 ((125)I) around the celiac ganglia is a safe procedure and can induce apoptosis of local neurons in a porcine model. ⋯ EUS-guided direct celiac ganglion irradiation with (125)I seeds can reduce the VAS score and analgesic drug consumption in patients with unresectable PC.
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Gastrointest. Endosc. · Nov 2012
Poor discriminatory function for endoscopic skills on a computer-based simulator.
Computer-based endoscopy simulators may enable trainees to learn and develop technical skills before performing on patients. Simulators require validation as adequate models of live endoscopy before being used for training or assessment purposes. ⋯ The CAE EndoscopyVR Simulator displays poor content and criterion validity and is thereby incapable of predicting skill during in vivo endoscopy.
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EUS-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) could be used as an adjunct and effective alternative mode of treatment for unresectable locally advanced and nonmetastatic pancreatic adenocarcinoma. However, its translation into clinical practice has been restricted because of limited data and high procedure-related risk. ⋯ EUS-RFA of the pancreatic body and tail was feasible, effective, and relatively safe in a porcine model. More animal studies to assess damage to adjacent organs are required before human trials can be conducted.
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Gastrointest. Endosc. · Nov 2012
Characteristics, goals, and motivations of applicants pursuing a fourth-year advanced endoscopy fellowship.
The number of applications to advanced endoscopy fellowships has increased in past years. There is limited knowledge regarding why gastroenterology fellows pursue interventional/advanced endoscopy (AE) as a career. ⋯ Although a majority of applicants decided to pursue careers in AE during the first year of gastroenterology fellowship, making the decision was difficult for half of the applicants. Motivations for choosing AE as a career differed among applicants interested in academics versus private practice.