Category: Upper Gastrointestinal Tract

New techniques expand endoscopic options for gastric subepithelial lesion resection

Innovations in endoscopic resection now enable the safe removal of larger and deeper gastric subepithelial lesions (SELs), previously suitable only for surgical intervention. This article outlines various endoscopic modalities and provides crucial technical tips. In a case series, successful en bloc resections were achieved in all patients with no adverse events, demonstrating the effectiveness of […]

ICG Fluorescence Cuts Anastomotic Leakage Risk After Esophagectomy

Indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence significantly lowered anastomotic leakage rates after esophagectomy. In a randomized trial of 92 patients, leakage occurred in only 6.7% of those who received ICG guidance compared to 21.3% in the control group, demonstrating a clear advantage. The technology identifies well-perfused areas in the gastric conduit for safer anastomosis, while no differences […]

New scoring system accurately predicts perforation risk in gastric tumor surgeries

A novel scoring system successfully identifies high-risk patients for intraoperative perforation during endoscopic resection of gastric gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Analyzing over 1,100 patients, the system considers tumor location, size, and growth pattern, achieving strong discrimination with AUCs above 0.8. Risk stratification reveals significant variations: low-risk patients face an 8.3% perforation rate, while high-risk patients experience […]

Robotic anti-reflux surgery rapidly relieves GERD symptoms long-term.

Robotic anti-reflux surgery (ARS) delivers significant relief for both typical and atypical gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms. Within three months, 90% of patients reported major improvements in regurgitation, heartburn, and belching. Atypical symptoms, such as cough and throat clearing, improved more slowly but showed notable reductions after a year. Key factors influencing outcomes vary, underscoring […]

Probiotics may enhance recovery and reduce complications after gastric cancer surgery

Gut microbiota alterations post-gastrectomy are linked to inflammation and complication risks. A systematic review of 13 studies encompassing 937 patients revealed reduced microbial diversity after surgery, correlating with negative surgical outcomes. Notably, oral probiotics demonstrated efficacy in restoring microbiota diversity and decreasing postoperative complications. However, consensus on which specific probiotics to use remains elusive. Focus […]

Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection Offers Hope for GERD-Related Neoplasms

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) proves highly effective in treating GERD-related neoplasms, achieving a 100% en bloc resection rate and a 95.8% curative resection rate among 96 patients. Remarkably, no local recurrences or metastases were observed during follow-ups. After six months, nearly 70% of patients experienced alleviated GERD symptoms, linked to the extent of resected lumen […]

Landmark Study Maps Esophageal Cancer Survival Rates by Stage and Treatment

A comprehensive analysis of 7,855 esophageal cancer cases in Denmark reveals crucial survival outcomes based on treatment strategies. Definitive chemoradiotherapy offers lower overall survival compared to surgery, yet outperforms palliative care. Interestingly, stage IVB patients undergoing surgery showed unexpectedly favorable survival. This research leverages the Union for International Cancer Control staging system to refine prognostic […]

Nutrition Leads in Reducing Frailty Risk for Seniors

Hypothetical interventions targeting nutrition, anxiety, and family cohesion significantly lower frailty risk among older gastric cancer patients. A single focus on nutrition proved most effective, reducing risk by 21%. Joint interventions yielded even greater results, with all-factor combinations slashing risk by over 31%. These findings underscore the importance of tailored support systems in enhancing recovery […]

Endoscopic Suturing Mitigates Surgery Needs for Large Zenker’s Diverticula

Endoscopic suturing proves a game-changer for large Zenker’s diverticula, leading to enhanced outcomes. A study of 75 patients revealed that those undergoing z-poem with endoscopic suturing faced no postoperative interventions, compared to a significant portion of patients with the clip closure option. The technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 89.5%, respectively. Notably, dysphagia […]

National Barrett’s Registry Boosts Early Detection of Esophageal Cancer

A structured Barrett’s program has empowered early diagnosis and treatment of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), revealing a 4.7% incidence rate of high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and EAC among patients. Over 9,400 patients were monitored, with a median follow-up of 4.4 years. Key risk factors for progression included age, male gender, and Barrett’s length. This initiative anticipates reduced […]