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Biomedical subjects

Brian P Saunders

Publications and source records attributed to Brian P Saunders.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Position changes improve visibility during colonoscope withdrawal: a randomized, blinded, crossover trial.

BACKGROUND: Adequate distension is essential to maximize neoplasia detection during colonoscope withdrawal. Position changes may improve distension but are often not performed in routine practice. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether routine position changes improve luminal distension during colonoscope withdrawal. DESIGN: Randomized, blinded, crossover trial. SETTING: Single tertiary-referral center, United Kingdom. PATIENTS: Fourteen patients attending for routine colonoscopy. INTERVENTIONS: Videotaped, back-to-back examination of colon proximal to rectosigmoid junction in left lateral position only, then with position changes: left lateral for the cecum to the hepatic flexure, supine for the transverse colon, and right lateral for the splenic flexure and the descending colon, or vice versa. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Luminal distension as scored by a blinded video reviewer. Luminal distension was scored on a scale of 1 to 5 for each colonic area: 1, complete collapse; 5, widely distended to limit of view. A score of 2 or less was considered inadequate for diagnosis. RESULTS: Scores for the 2 examinations from the blinded video reviewer were significantly higher in the transverse, the splenic flexure, and the descending colon, P = .02, .002, and <.001, respectively. Without position changes, 6 of 14 of patients (43%) would have had a nondiagnostic distension score (1 or 2) in at least 1 colonic area, P = .03. LIMITATIONS: Nonvalidated scoring system for luminal distension, however, good agreement between endoscopist and blinded reviewer, weighted kappa 0.53, 95% confidence interval 0.38-0.69. CONCLUSIONS: Position change, a cost-neutral intervention, during colonoscope withdrawal improved luminal distension between hepatic flexure and sigmoid-descending junction and has the potential to reduce adenoma and early cancer miss rates.

Colon↗

Intangible costs and benefits of ulcerative colitis surveillance: a patient survey.

PURPOSE: Colonoscopic surveillance in ulcerative colitis has costs and benefits beyond cancer prevention, which might influence program efficacy. This study assesses the more intangible aspects of surveillance. METHOD: A questionnaire was sent to all patients on the St. Mark's colitis surveillance program. Data on quality of life (Euroqol-5D and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), complications, and preferences for surveillance and information (Kranz Health Opinion Survey) were collated with demographics and surveillance history. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty-one of 329 patients (85.4 percent) responded. Median Euroqol score was 80. There were no perforations. Bleeding rate was 0.11 percent. No transfusions, endoscopic intervention, or surgeries were required. 24.0 percent were frightened before colonoscopies, correlating with anxiety (r = 0.25, P < 0.0001). 60.2 percent patients found colonoscopies comfortable; experienced colonoscopists caused less discomfort (r = 0.20, P = 0.0007). 83.8 percent patients thought they had received appropriate amounts of information. 97.8 percent patients believed surveillance important, 96.4 percent thought surveillance gave them reassurance, and 67.9 percent believed surveillance greatly reduced their cancer risk. Regarding cancer risk management, one-third of patients indicated they might not necessarily opt for surveillance in its current form. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopic surveillance is well tolerated with an extremely low complication rate. Patients have a good quality of life (although lower than the general population) and believe surveillance is important and reassuring. However, many are anxious before their colonoscopy. The majority are happy with information quantity and quality, although none thought they received too much. Not all patients would necessarily opt for surveillance in its current form, and we must be willing to individualize cancer risk management to comply with patient preferences.

Adult↗

A novel method of treating colonic angiodysplasia.

BACKGROUND: Colonic angiodysplasia is responsible for up to a third of lower-GI bleeding cases. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a recognized treatment modality, but active bleeding decreases the ablative efficacy of APC by dissipation of the energy. APC has been associated with colonic perforation. OBJECTIVES: We propose a novel and safe method for the treatment of colonic angiodysplasia by a submucosal injection of a saline epinephrine solution followed by the application of APC. PATIENTS: Three patients with a total of 10 colonic angiodysplasias were treated with this injection-APC method. INTERVENTIONS: Saline adrenaline solution (1:200,000) 2 to 3 mL was injected beneath the angiodysplasia before application of APC. APC 50 W and gas flow 2 L were applied onto the vascular lesion until the sufficient thermal effect was observed. RESULTS: There were no procedure-related complications. CONCLUSIONS: This new injection-APC method was safe for the treatment of colonic angiodysplasia. This may be useful in treating right-sided colonic lesions where the risks of perforation are greater than for the rest of the colon.

Aged↗

Thirty-year analysis of a colonoscopic surveillance program for neoplasia in ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The value of colonoscopic surveillance for neoplasia in long-standing extensive ulcerative colitis remains controversial. This study reports on prospectively collected data from a surveillance program over a 30-year period. METHODS: Data were obtained from the prospective surveillance database, medical records, colonoscopy, and histology reports. The primary end point was defined as death, colectomy, withdrawal from surveillance, or census date (January 1, 2001). Follow-up information was obtained for patients who left the program. RESULTS: Six hundred patients underwent 2627 colonoscopies during 5932 patient-years of follow-up. The cecal intubation rate was 98.7%, with no significant complications. Seventy-four patients (12.3%) developed neoplasia, including 30 colorectal cancers (CRCs). There was no difference in median age at onset of colitis for those with or without CRC (P = .8, Mann-Whitney). The cumulative incidence of CRC by colitis duration was 2.5% at 20 years, 7.6% at 30 years, and 10.8% at 40 years. The 5-year survival rate was 73.3%. Sixteen of 30 cancers were interval cancers. CRC incidence decreased over time (r = -.40, P = .04; linear regression). CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopic surveillance is safe and allows the vast majority of patients to retain their colon. Although two thirds of patients with potentially life-threatening neoplasia benefited from surveillance, the program was not wholly effective in cancer prevention. The cancer incidence, however, was considerably lower than in the majority of other studies, and was constant for up to 40 years of colitis duration, suggesting there is no need to intensify surveillance over time.

Adenoma↗

Flat colorectal neoplasms and the impact of the revised Vienna Classification on their reporting: a case-control study in UK and Japanese patients.

OBJECTIVE: The prevalence and interpretation of flat colorectal neoplasms in the East or West remain highly variable. Several factors may contribute to this variability including differences in reporting techniques between Japanese and Western histopathologists when lesions are classified. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the frequency and characteristics of flat colorectal neoplasms in British and Japanese patients, (ii) to examine whether histopathological discrepancies exist between Western and Japanese-trained pathologists applying conventional classification methods and (iii) to determine the impact of the revised Vienna Classification on any differences observed. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred and forty-four patients in the United Kingdom with neoplastic lesions prospectively identified by a colonoscopist, fully-trained in Japan, were age and gender-matched with 144 Japanese patients with neoplastic lesions detected by the same colonoscopist. Two British and two Japanese pathologists were independently asked to assess all neoplasms using both conventional and revised Vienna Classification methods. RESULTS: No significant difference in the frequency of flat neoplasms was found between British and Japanese patients; however, flat neoplasia from Japanese patients tended to contain more advanced pathologies. Discrepancies in histological diagnoses were observed between pathologists but which were reduced with the revised Vienna Classification. Japanese pathologists tended to diagnose higher grades of dysplasia for the same lesion compared to their British counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of flat neoplasms in British and Japanese patients is similar. However, Japanese lesions, especially flat (IIb) and slightly depressed (IIc) neoplasms tend to be more biologically aggressive. The revised Vienna Classification achieves greater consensus.

Asian People↗

Prevalence and morphology of pouch and ileal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis.

PURPOSE: In familial adenomatous polyposis, the long-term risk of pouch polyposis and potential for pouch cancer are unknown. Our aim was to evaluate prospectively the prevalence, nature, and etiology of pouch ileal adenomas with that of nonpouch ileal adenomas in familial adenomatous polyposis. METHODS: Sixty patients with familial adenomatous polyposis pouch, 47 familial adenomatous polyposis patients with ileorectal anastomosis, and 20 younger patients with familial adenomatous polyposis who had prophylactic colectomy were examined with videoendoscopy. RESULTS: Adenomatous polyps were found in the pouches of 34 patients (57 percent). A total of 362 polyps were identified (range, 0-50 per patient). A logistic regression model confirmed that there was a significant association between the increasing age of the patient and the presence of pouch adenomas (P < 0.02) and the length of follow-up since pouch surgery (P < 0.05). There was no apparent relationship between the development of pouch adenomas and the severity of either colonic or duodenal polyposis and there were no clear genotype or phenotype correlations. Most polyps were tubular adenomas with mild dysplasia, but 11 patients had more advanced histology, including two patients with large villous adenomas. Nonpouch ileal mucosa was spared from visually observed adenomas, with only 1 of 48 (2 percent) patients with ileorectal anastomosis adenomas and 0 of 20 (0 percent) younger, precolectomy patients having terminal ileal adenomas. However, microadenomas were present on random biopsy in 4 percent to 5 percent of nonpouch ileum. CONCLUSION: The risk of pouch cancer in familial adenomatous polyposis is unclear, but follow-up periods since surgery remain relatively short. Long-term endoscopic surveillance of familial adenomatous polyposis pouches is thus recommended along with evaluation of potential therapeutic options for pouch adenomas.

Adenoma↗

Aids to insertion: magnetic imaging, variable stiffness, and overtubes.

Inserting the colonoscope quickly and safely without undue patient discomfort is the primary aim of the colonoscopist. The inherently mobile, flexible and unpredictable nature of the colon means that looping occurs frequently during insertion and the colonoscopist must constantly strive to keep the instrument straight whilst at the same time advancing the tip towards the caecum. Colonoscopists have struggled with insertion for many years but recent developments described in this chapter have the potential to make insertion easier and more predictable.

Catheterization↗

Advances in colonic imaging: technical improvements in colonoscopy.

Colonoscopy has been available since the early 1970s and has become critical to the diagnosis and management of colorectal disorders. Features of the modern colonoscope and its variants are discussed, including the role of paediatric and variable stiffness colonoscopes for difficult insertion. The place of magnetic endoscope imaging systems and simulators in routine colonoscopy and training are examined. Finally, several recent innovations are used to illustrate how colonoscopy may evolve in the future, including new takes on the current instrument as well as potentially revolutionary pain-free, technically-easy, robotic devices for examination of the bowel.

Child↗

Colorectal stenting for malignant and benign disease: outcomes in colorectal stenting.

INTRODUCTION: Self-expanding metal stents are now an established treatment for malignant colonic obstruction. Favorable outcomes have been reported both for cancer palliation and treatment of acute obstruction as a "bridge" to surgery. However, little data exists regarding the use of stents for benign colonic obstruction. METHODS: All cases of colonic stent insertion occurring between December 1996 to October 2002 were reviewed. During the study period, 36 patients with malignant obstruction and 6 patients with benign obstructive disease underwent placement of self-expandable stents using a combined endoscopic and fluoroscopic technique. RESULTS: Stent placement was successful in 36 of 42 patients (86 percent). Complications occurred in 16 of 36 patients (44 percent): migration (n = 7), reobstruction (n = 5), perforation (n = 2), fistula formation (n = 1), and stent fracture (n = 1). Stent placement was successful in 100 percent of patients with benign strictures but poststent migration was frequent (2/6). CONCLUSIONS: Stent insertion provided an effective outcome in patients with malignant colonic obstruction as a palliative and preoperative therapy. Although a relatively high migration rate was observed in patients with benign strictures, stenting was still effective in providing luminal patency (median follow-up, 7.5 months). Stenting should be considered as a first-line treatment for malignant strictures and as a potential therapy for selected benign strictures.

Adult↗

Large villous adenomas arising in ileal pouches in familial adenomatous polyposis: report of two cases.

A restorative proctocolectomy or ileal pouch procedure is one of the main surgical options for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. The main premise underlying the recommendation of a pouch procedure rather than an ileorectal anastomosis is that it minimizes the risk of rectal cancer. Several studies have evaluated the risk of developing pouch adenomas. There also have been reports of pouch cancers, although the long-term risk of malignancy cannot yet be quantified. Most pouch polyps reported have been small tubular adenomas with mild dysplasia. A 19-year-old female with familial adenomatous polyposis had a colectomy and ileorectal anastomosis. Progressive rectal polyposis led to a restorative proctocolectomy at aged 38 years. Four years later, a large, 3-cm x 2-cm, villous adenoma was identified in the mid pouch, which was resected endoscopically. A 32-year-old male with familial adenomatous polyposis had a restorative proctocolectomy. Ten years after surgery, pouch endoscopy revealed several large, villous adenomas arising from the pouch mucosa. These advanced polyps may present a significant risk for cancer development and require close endoscopic surveillance. These findings strengthen the recommendation for careful regular endoscopic surveillance of familial adenomatous polyposis pouches and the evaluation of management and treatment strategies for pouch adenomas.

Adenoma, Villous↗

Most dysplasia in ulcerative colitis is visible at colonoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Patients with long-standing extensive ulcerative colitis are at increased risk for colorectal carcinoma. Because most dysplasia is believed to be macroscopically invisible, recommended surveillance protocols include multiple non-targeted colonic biopsies. It was hypothesized by us that most dysplasia is actually colonoscopically visible. This study assessed the proportion of dysplasia that has been detected macroscopically in patients who underwent colonoscopy surveillance at our center. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of colonoscopically detected neoplasia (dysplasia or cancer) in patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent surveillance from 1988 through 2002. An established surveillance protocol was used in all cases that included random segmental biopsies every 10 cm throughout the length of the colon, in addition to targeted biopsies of macroscopic lesions. Neoplasia detection was categorized as resulting from either targeted or non-targeted ("random") biopsies. Follow-up information was obtained to the study end. RESULTS: A total of 525 patients underwent 2204 surveillance colonoscopies. A total of 110 neoplastic areas were detected in 56 patients: 85 (77.3%) were macroscopically visible at colonoscopy, and 25 (22.7%) were macroscopically invisible. Fifty patients (89.3%) had macroscopically detectable neoplasia, and 6 (10.7%) had macroscopically invisible lesions. The frequency of cancer in patients who had endoscopic resection of neoplasia did not differ from that for the surveillance population as a whole (1/40 vs. 18/525; p=1.0, Fisher exact test), irrespective of whether the lesion was thought to be an adenoma or a dysplasia-associated lesion/mass. Conversely, a high proportion of unresectable lesions harbored cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Most dysplastic lesions in ulcerative colitis are visible at colonoscopy. From a clinical perspective, the endoscopic resectability of a lesion is more important than whether it is thought to be a sporadic adenoma or a dysplasia-associated lesion/mass.

Adenoma, Villous↗

Haemorrhagic radiation proctitis: endoscopic severity may be useful to guide therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Management of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis remains controversial. Both endoscopically delivered argon plasma coagulation and rectal administration of formalin have been recommended. We evaluated the efficacy of argon plasma coagulation according to endoscopic severity of radiation proctitis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients treated with argon plasma coagulation for rectal bleeding due to radiation proctitis were reviewed. Patients were classified with a new endoscopic score for haemorrhagic radiation proctitis, comprising three factors: telangiectasia distribution, surface area involved, and presence of fresh blood. Seven patients were categorised as having grade A (mild), four grade B (moderate), and three grade C (severe) radiation proctitis. Rectal bleeding was assessed pre- and post-treatment using a five-point bleeding scale. RESULTS: All patients with grade A and B radiation proctitis were treated successfully by argon plasma coagulation (mean 1.5 sessions). In one patient with grade C radiation proctitis argon plasma coagulation was successful after four sessions, but in the other two patients bleeding could not be controlled; a subsequent single formalin administration was successful in both. Overall in 12 patients (85.7%) bleeding ceased or improved significantly. The mean rectal bleeding scale reduced significantly from 2.6 to 0.9. One patient treated with argon plasma coagulation developed an asymptomatic rectosigmoid stenosis. CONCLUSION: Argon plasma coagulation is a simple, safe and efficacious therapy for mild/moderate radiation proctitis. In patients with severe radiation proctitis several sessions are usually necessary, and success is not certain; in these cases, topical formalin administration may be more effective. Endoscopic severity of haemorrhagic radiation proctitis may be useful to guide appropriate therapy.

Adult↗

Colonoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's strictures: a review of long-term outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To study the long-term outcomes of patients who have had endoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's strictures. DESIGN: Retrospective case-note review over a 16-year period. PATIENTS: Patients with a Crohn's stricture causing obstructive symptoms and who had at least 6 months' follow-up data or a surgical outcome following dilation were sought; 59 patients (124 dilations) were identified. INTERVENTION: Patients all underwent endoscopic balloon dilation. RESULTS: Strictures were anastomotic in 53 patients (111 dilations) and de novo in six patients (13 dilations). The median stricture length was 3.0 cm. Median follow-up time was 29.4 months. Out of the total group, 41% of patients achieved long-term clinical benefit following dilation and in 17% after only a single dilation. The median number of dilations per patient was one. A total of 35 (59%) patients required surgery for their stricture during follow-up. There were two (1.6%) perforations as a result of dilation, one in an anastomotic stricture (managed conservatively) and one in a de-novo stricture (requiring surgery). There were no deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Colonoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's strictures can achieve long-term clinical benefit in many patients. Repeat dilations are justified in initial non-responders. In this series, the procedure appears safe with low morbidity.

Adult↗

Multi-detector row CT colonography: effect of collimation, pitch, and orientation on polyp detection in a human colectomy specimen.

PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of orientation, collimation, pitch, and tube current setting on polyp detection at multi-detector row computed tomographic (CT) colonography and to determine the optimal combination of scanning parameters for screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A colectomy specimen containing 117 polyps of different sizes was insufflated and imaged with a multi-detector row CT scanner at various collimation (1.25 and 2.5 mm), pitch (3 and 6), and tube current (50, 100, and 150 mA) settings. Two-dimensional multiplanar reformatted images and three-dimensional endoluminal surface renderings from the 12 resultant data sets were examined by one observer for the presence and conspicuity of polyps. The results were analyzed with Poisson regression and logistic regression to determine the effects of scanning parameters and of specimen orientation on polyp detection. RESULTS: The percentage of polyps that were detected significantly increased when collimation (P =.008) and table feed (P =.03) were decreased. Increased tube current resulted in improved detection only of polyps with a diameter of less than 5 mm. Polyps of less than 5 mm were optimally depicted with a collimation of 1.25 mm, a pitch of 3, and a tube current setting of 150 mA; polyps with a diameter greater than 5 mm were adequately depicted with 1.25-mm collimation and with either pitch setting and any of the three tube current settings. Small polyps in the transverse segment (positioned at a 90 degrees angle to the z axis of scanning) were significantly less visible than those in parallel or oblique orientations (P <.001). The effective radiation dose, calculated with a Monte Carlo simulation, was 1.4-10.0 mSv. CONCLUSION: Detection of small polyps (<5 mm) with multi-detector row CT is highly dependent on collimation, pitch, and, to a lesser extent, tube current. Collimation of 1.25 mm, combined with pitch of 6 and tube current of 50 mA, provides for reliable detection of polyps 5 mm or larger while limiting the effective radiation dose. Polyps smaller than 5 mm, however, may be poorly depicted with use of these settings in the transverse colon.

Colon↗

Cardiovascular effects at multi-detector row CT colonography compared with those at conventional endoscopy of the colon.

PURPOSE: To compare the cardiovascular effects of computed tomographic (CT) colonography and conventional endoscopy in a group of patients undergoing both procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 144 patients underwent CT colonography followed by flexible sigmoidoscopy (40 patients) or colonoscopy (104 patients). Pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation were measured before, during, and after the procedures. Forty patients also underwent continuous Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring. Periprocedural pain was assessed by using a handheld counting device. Outcome variables were assessed by using a combination of paired t testing and multilevel linear regression. RESULTS: When a spasmolytic was not used, CT colonography was associated with only a small increase in oxygen saturation (P =.03), while use of a spasmolytic caused an increase in pulse (mean increase, 19.9 beats per minute; P <.001) and diastolic blood pressure (mean increase, 5 mm Hg; P <.001). Compared with that at CT, oxygen saturation decreased significantly during and after colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy (mean decrease after colonoscopy with sedation, 1.0%; P <.001). Systolic and diastolic blood pressure also decreased during and after colonoscopy (mean systolic decrease after colonoscopy with sedation, 16.6 mm Hg, P <.001; mean diastolic decrease after colonoscopy with sedation, 7.5 mm Hg, P <.001). Patients were 30.3 times more likely to develop bradycardia after endoscopy (95% CI: 2.65, 346; P =.006). Ventricular couplets were significantly higher at endoscopy than at CT in patients with a history of cardiac disease (odds ratio: 72.5 and 95% CI: 4.56, 1,153 at CT vs odds ratio: 14.6 and 95% CI: 0.96, 222 at endoscopy; P =.002). Patients were 1.89 times more likely to register pain during colonoscopy than during CT (95% CI: 1.06, 3.38; P =.03). CONCLUSION: CT colonography had no significant cardiovascular effect other than spasmolytic-induced tachycardia. Endoscopy-and colonoscopy in particular-causes cardiovascular effects that are largely related to sedation. CT colonography is less painful than colonoscopy and is comparable to flexible sigmoidoscopy.

Adult↗

Acceptance by patients of multidetector CT colonography compared with barium enema examinations, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare patient acceptance of multidetector CT colonography, total colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and double-contrast barium enema to ascertain any overall preference. SUBJECTS AND METHODS. One hundred sixty-eight patients underwent CT colonography followed by either flexible sigmoidoscopy (n = 59) or colonoscopy (n = 109). A 25-point questionnaire with principal components relating to satisfaction, worry, and physical discomfort was administered after CT colonography and after endoscopy, and a follow-up questionnaire was administered 1 week after the procedures. Questionnaires were also completed by 140 patients undergoing double-contrast barium enema examinations. Responses were compared using Wilcoxon's matched pairs test and the Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: Overall satisfaction was greater with colonoscopy (p = 0.01), but CT colonography caused less discomfort (p = 0.002), was better tolerated (p = 0.005), and was the preferred follow-up investigation of those expressing a preference (p = 0.003). Compared with flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography caused less pain (p = 0.004), was more acceptable (p = 0.04), and was preferred as the follow-up investigation (p < 0.001). Tolerance of colonoscopy was significantly less in women (p = 0.03), but such was not the case for CT colonography (p = 0.58). Patients undergoing CT colonography were less worried (p < 0.001), were more satisfied (p = 0.001), and suffered less discomfort (p < 0.001) than those having barium enema. CONCLUSION: Patients' experiences with barium enema examinations were significantly worse than with any other test. Although patients were most satisfied with colonoscopy, they reported more pain during both colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy than during CT colonography, and they also found CT more acceptable. In patients expressing a preference, CT colonography was the preferred follow-up investigation.

Adult↗