Toward Automatic Detection of Gastric Lesion for Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy with Neural Network

In this paper, we compared the performance of several neural networks in the classification of early gastric cancer (EGC) images and proposed a method of converting the output value of the network into a calorific value to locate the lesion. The algorithm was improved using transfer learning and fine-tuning principles. The test set accuracy rate reached 0.72, sensitivity reached 0.67, specificity reached 0.77, and precision rate reached 0.78. The experimental results show the potential to meet clinical demands for automatic detection of gastric lesion.

Special Issue “The Next Generation of Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy”

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is now widely used as a first-line procedure to investigate upper gastrointestinal symptoms in most countries around the world [...]

Helicobacter pylori eradication in renal transplant candidates

Introduction: Treatment for Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is recommended in transplant candidates due to the association between this infection and gastrointestinal disorders, which could significantly increase morbidity after renal transplantation with the use of immunosuppression. The objective of this study was to analyze the rate of eradication of H. pylori after antimicrobial treatment in chronic kidney disease patients who are candidates for kidney transplantation. Methods: A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted. All adult chronic kidney disease patients seen at our institution were included. In the pre-transplantation evaluation, 83 patients underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with 2 diagnostic methods to detect H. pylori: histology and the rapid urease test. In total, 33 patients with H. pylori infection received treatment with 20 mg omeprazole, 500 mg amoxicillin, and 500 mg clarithromycin once daily for 14 days. Another upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed 8 to 12 weeks after the end of treatment to check for healing. Results: The study showed a prevalence of H. pylori in 51 (61.4%) patients. Histology was positive in 50 (98%) patients and the rapid urease test was positive in 31 (60.8%). The infection eradication rate was 48.5% (16 patients). Conclusions: There was a high prevalence rate of H. pylori and a low eradication rate after the long-term antimicrobial triple scheme used. The association of the rapid urease test with gastric mucosa histology did not increase the detection rate of H. pylori.

High Flow Nasal Oxygen versus Conventional Oxygen Therapy in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy with Conscious Sedation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Review question / Objective: To compare the efficacy of high flow nasal oxygen with conventional oxygen therapy to prevent hypoxemia in gastrointestinal endoscopy with conscious sedation. Condition being studied: High flow nasal oxygen, a novel technique, may be an alternative to conventional oxygen therapy. High flow nasal oxygen can deliver heated and humidified oxygen via special nasal cannula with high flow (up to 70 L/min). It has been applied to improve oxygenation in clinical entities, favored by increasing evidence supporting its efficacy. Recently, the use of high flow nasal oxygen has spreaded to gastrointestinal endoscopy. However, the efficacy of high flow nasal oxygen in gastrointestinal endoscopy has not yet been well evaluated due to small sample size of the individual study and conflicting results.

Effects of basic endoscopic handling and care training on gastrointestinal endoscopy logistics

Background and study aims The current practice of endoscopists is undergoing a dramatic revolution due to emerging endoscopy practices. Increasing use of gastrointestinal endoscopy has led to hospital budgets setting aside funds specifically related to damage to endoscopic instruments. Therefore, training in understanding endoscopic equipment, handling techniques, and equipment care can be helpful in addressing this issue. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of educational courses and training about basic endoscopic handling and care in gastrointestinal endoscopic care and services. Methods A number of new endoscopists, nurses, and nurse assistants were enrolled in a course for training in basic endoscopic handling and care. Data on the type of damage, cause, cost, and timing of endoscopic repair were prospectively collected. Data from the post-training period then were compared with retrospective data from the pre-training period. Results This study demonstrated that after training, there was less damage to endoscopes, lower costs associated with it, and repair times were shorter for endoscopes than before the training course. Post-training results indicated savings of a total of $ 40,617.21 or £ 29,539.78 and 102.6 days per damaged endoscope. Conclusions Basic endoscopic handling and care training plays an important role for both endoscopists and nurses, as well as in endoscopy facilities, specifically in avoiding the nuisance of unwanted and broken endoscopes. This could be beneficial for both hospital finances and endoscopic services.