Endoscopy
-
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) within the peritoneal cavity is rapidly evolving, using transgastric, transcolonic, or transvaginal access. There is little experience with transesophageal NOTES access to the mediastinum. This prospective long-term animal survival study was performed to explore the feasibility and safety of transesophageal intrathoracic procedures including minor surgery. ⋯ Transmural esophageal incision and endoscopic partial mediastinoscopy including therapeutic procedures on the heart or mediastinum proved feasible in long-term survival animal studies. Clip closure of the defect was effective, but did not close the esophageal muscle layer. Other means such as endoscopic suturing appear to be preferable.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A randomized controlled trial on use of propofol alone versus propofol with midazolam, ketamine, and pentazocine "sedato-analgesic cocktail" for sedation during ERCP.
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) requires adequate patient sedation in order to carry out the procedure successfully. Propofol sedation is being increasingly used during ERCP. There are limited data to evaluate the efficacy of synergistic agents with propofol for sedation during ERCP. The aims of the current study were: (i) to compare patient sedation and tolerance during ERCP using either propofol alone or a "sedato-analgesic cocktail" for induction, along with propofol for maintenance, and (ii) to prospectively compare complications related to both sedation regimens. ⋯ During ERCP, propofol with a sedato-analgesic cocktail for induction results in improved patient tolerance compared with propofol alone, particularly in younger patients. Generalizations from this study to the Western world and to different cultural groups require further study.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial
Impact of an information video before colonoscopy on patient satisfaction and anxiety - a randomized trial.
Anxiety before colonoscopy may have adverse consequences and increase requirements for sedation and analgesics. We aimed to examine the effects of adding an information video to our usual preprocedural information. ⋯ An information video shown to patients preparing for colonoscopy had no impact on tolerability or anxiety. Colonoscopy is less tolerable and more painful for women and this is probably related to a higher degree of anxiety. Endoscopy personnel should be aware of these gender differences and adjust information and medication accordingly.
-
Comparative Study
Reprocessing flexible gastrointestinal endoscopes after a period of disuse: is it necessary?
Gastrointestinal endoscopy is an integral tool in the evaluation and management of many gastrointestinal and hepatobiliary conditions. Although rare, media reports of infectious complications following gastrointestinal endoscopy persist in this new millennium. With only limited data available, society guidelines continue to suggest that endoscopes undergo a reprocessing cycle before the first patient of the day. This preliminary study aimed to assess the microbiological stability of gastrointestinal endoscopes after high-level disinfection. ⋯ With proper disinfection and storage, it appears that reprocessing of gastrointestinal endoscopes is unnecessary after periods of disuse of at least 7 days and possibly up to 2 weeks. Despite recent media reports of infectious complications, society guidelines that recommend more frequent reprocessing seem to lack scientific merit and need to be revisited.