Digestive diseases and sciences
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Administrative procedure code data can estimate colonoscopy utilization; however, determining colonoscopy indication is more difficult as procedure codes do not inherently reflect the purpose (screening, surveillance, diagnosis) of the colonoscopy. ⋯ VHA procedure codes are very accurate for colonoscopy utilization; however, algorithms to ascertain indication have only moderate accuracy.
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Ingestion of a foreign body (FB) is a common occurrence; however, few studies have reported its characteristics and endoscopic management in South China. The aim of this study is to investigate the clinical features of FB ingestion in South China and report its management through endoscopy. ⋯ In South China, fish bone is the most common FB found in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic management is a safe and effective approach in managing FBs. A new technique with reworked transparent cap is useful and promising, but further study is needed for confirmation.
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The objective of this study is to evaluate the utility of gastric electrical stimulation (GES) in the subgroup of patients with refractory nausea and vomiting in the presence of normal gastric emptying. Eighteen patients (15 females) underwent GES implantation for dyspeptic symptoms in the presence of normal gastric emptying. Upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptom score, health-related quality of life (HR-QOL), nutritional status and weight, and medication use (prokinetics and antiemetics) were assessed at baseline and at 1 year after GES placement. ⋯ Gastric emptying actually became slower in 29% of those who repeated the test after 1 year. No adverse events related to GES placement were recorded. Results of our study suggest that GES improves dyspeptic symptoms in patients with medically refractory nausea and vomiting independent of its effect on gastric emptying and could be considered as a potential therapy in this clinical setting.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
Efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in patients with chronic constipation.
The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of lubiprostone in adults with chronic constipation. ⋯ In patients with chronic constipation, lubiprostone produced a bowel movement in the majority of individuals within 24 h of initial dosing, with sustained improvement in frequency as well as other constipation symptoms over 4 weeks of treatment.