Purpose The Next Accreditation System requires training programs to demonstrate competence among trainees. Within gastroenterology (GI), there are limited data describing learning curves and structured assessment of competence in esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) and colonoscopy. In this study, the authors aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of a centralized feedback system to assess endoscopy learning curves among GI trainees in EGD and colonoscopy. Method During academic year 2016–2017, the authors performed a prospective multicenter cohort study, inviting participants from multiple GI training programs. Trainee technical and cognitive skills were assessed using a validated competence assessment tool. An integrated, comprehensive data collection and reporting system was created to apply cumulative sum analysis to generate learning curves that were shared with program directors and trainees on a quarterly basis. Results Out of 183 fellowships invited, 129 trainees from 12 GI fellowships participated, with an overall trainee participation rate of 72.1% (93/129); the highest participation level was among first-year trainees (90.9%; 80/88), and the lowest was among third-year trainees (51.2%; 27/53). In all, 1,385 EGDs and 1,293 colonoscopies were assessed. On aggregate learning curve analysis, third-year trainees achieved competence in overall technical and cognitive skills, while first- and second-year trainees demonstrated the need for ongoing supervision and training in the majority of technical and cognitive skills. Conclusions This study demonstrated the feasibility of using a centralized feedback system for the evaluation and documentation of trainee performance in EGD and colonoscopy. Furthermore, third-year trainees achieved competence in both endoscopic procedures, validating the effectiveness of current training programs.

BackgroundWe aim to investigate factors that may contribute to failure of eradication of dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus among patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation treatment.MethodsA retrospective review of patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation for treatment of Barrett’s Esophagus was performed. Data analyzed included patient demographics, medical history, length of Barrett’s Esophagus, number of radiofrequency ablation sessions, and histopathology. Subsets of patients achieving complete eradication were compared with those not achieving complete eradication.ResultsA total of 107 patients underwent radiofrequency ablation for Barrett’s Esophagus, the majority white, overweight, and male. Before treatment, 63 patients had low-grade dysplasia, and 44 patients had high-grade dysplasia or carcinoma. Complete eradication was achieved in a majority of patients (57% for metaplasia, and 76.6% for dysplasia). Failure of eradication occurred in 15.7% of patients. The median number of radiofrequency ablation treatments in patients achieving complete eradication was 3 sessions, compared to 4 sessions for failure of eradication (p = 0.06). Barrett’s esophagus length of more than 5 cm was predictive of failure of eradication (p < 0.001).ConclusionsRadiofrequency ablation for dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus is a proven and effective treatment modality, associated with a high rate of complete eradication. Our rates of eradication from a center starting an ablation program are comparable to previously published studies. Length of Barrett’s segment > 5 cm was found to be predictive of failure of eradication in patients undergoing radiofrequency ablation.

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The biomechanical properties of the collagenous dermal matrix are well described but responses to mechanical force by the hair follicles have not been characterised so far. We applied a pulling force on hair follicles to visualise and quantify changes in the keratin‐14 and involucrin‐positive cell layers of the follicles using nuclear dimensions as an indicator of tissue deformation. Moreover, we used second‐harmonic generation imaging to visualise changes in the dermal collagen. We report how the anatomical regions of the follicle respond to the force. Nuclei of the isthmus region were most affected. The nuclei in both K14‐positive outer root sheath cells and in involucrin‐positive cells were significantly compressed, whereas the response in the infundibulum and suprabulbar regions was more variable. The deformation of the nuclei did not correlate with lamin A/C expression. The changes in the collagenous matrix were distinct at different depths of the dermis as collagen fibrils were compressed closer to each other in the region adjacent to upper suprabulbar follicle and pulled apart near the infundibulum. Thus, the responses to the force are locally defined and the cells in the permanent and cycling parts of the follicle behave differently.

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