No abstract

LCI could reduce the miss rate of neoplastic lesions in the right colon.

Background and aim: Optical diagnosis (OD) of colonic polyps is poorly reproducible outside high-volume referral centres. Present study aimed to assess whether real-time AI-assisted OD is accurate enough to implement the leave-in-situ strategy for diminutive (5mm) rectosigmoid (DRSPs) polyps. Methods: Consecutive colonoscopy outpatients with 5mm) rectosigmoid (DRSPs) polyps. Methods: Consecutive colonoscopy outpatients with >1 DRSP were included. DRSPs were categorized as adenomas or non-adenomas by the endoscopist, with different expertise in OD, with the assistance of real-time AI system (CADEYE, Fujifilm Co., Tokyo-Japan). Primary study endpoint was >90% negative predictive value (NPV) for adenomatous histology in high-confidence AI-assisted OD of DRSPs (Preservation and Incorporation of Valuable endoscopic Innovations (PIVI-1) threshold), with histopathology as reference standard. The agreement between optical- and histology-based post-polypectomy surveillance intervals (>90%, PIVI-2 threshold) was also calculated according to European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) and United States Multi-Society Task Force (USMSTF) guidelines. Results: Overall 596 DRSPs were retrieved for histology in 389 patients; AI-assisted high-confidence OD was made in 92.3%. The NPV of AI-assisted OD for DRSPs (PIVI-1) was 91.0% (95%CI [87.1-93.9]%). PIVI-2 threshold was met in 97.4% (95%CI [95.7-98.9]%) and 92.6% (95%CI [90.0-95.2]%) of patients according to ESGE and USMSTF, respectively. The AI-assisted OD accuracy was significantly lower for non-experts (82.3%; 95% CI [76.4-87.3]%) than for experts (91.9%; 95%CI [88.5-94.5]%), however non-experts in OD quickly approached experts’ performances over time. Conclusion: AI-assisted OD matches the required PIVI thresholds. However, this does not offset the need for a high-level confidence and expertise by the endoscopist. The AI system seems to be useful especially for non-experts.

Over a period of 7 years the use of SBCE in Lombardia increased steadily confirming, in clinical practice, a high diagnostic yield and an acceptable safety profile.

Constipation is a highly prevalent and bothersome disorder that negatively affects patients' social and professional lives and places a great economic burden on both patients and national health services. An accurate determination of the prevalence of constipation is difficult because of the various definitions used, but many epidemiological studies have shown that it affects up to 20% of the population at any one time. Although constipation is not a physiological consequence of normal aging, decreased mobility and other co-morbid medical conditions may contribute to its prevalence in older adults. Functional constipation is diagnosed when no secondary causes can be identified. Patients have some unusual beliefs about their bowel habits. Systematic attention to history, examination and investigation, especially in older people, can be highly effective in resolving problems and in enhancing quality of life. There is a considerable range of treatment modalities available for patients with constipation, but the clinical evidence supporting their use varies widely. However, if constipation is not managed proactively, patients can experience negative consequences, such as anorexia, nausea, bowel impaction or bowel perforation. The clinical benefits of various traditional pharmacological and non-pharmacological agents remain unclear. The first steps in the treatment of simple constipation include increasing intake of dietary fibre and the use of a fibre supplement. Patients with severe constipation or those unable to comply with the recommended intake of fibre may benefit from the addition of laxatives. More recently, newer agents (e.g. tegaserod and lubiprostone), have been approved for the treatment of patients with chronic constipation. Additional work is needed to determine what role, if any, these agents may play in the treatment of patients with chronic constipation. The purpose of this review is to identify evidence-based interventions for the prevention and management of constipation in the elderly.