The submucosal fibrosis: what does it mean for colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection?

Background/AimsEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows removal of colorectal epithelial neoplasms en bloc regardless of size. Colorectal ESD is a difficult procedure because of technical difficulties and risks of complications. This study aimed to assess the relationship between ESD outcome and degree of submucosal fibrosis.MethodsPatients with colorectal tumors undergoing ESD and their medical records were reviewed retrospectively. The degree of submucosal fibrosis was classified into three types. The relationship between ESD outcome and degree of submucosal fibrosis was analyzed.ResultsESD was performed in 158 patients. Thirty-eight cases of F0 (no) fibrosis (24.1%) and 46 cases of F2 (severe) fibrosis (29.1%) were observed. Complete resection was achieved for 138 lesions (87.3%). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that submucosal invasion of tumor and histology of carcinoma were independent risk factors for F2 fibrosis. Severe fibrosis was an independent risk factor for incomplete resection.ConclusionsSevere fibrosis is an important factor related to incomplete resection during colorectal ESD. In cases of severe fibrosis, the rate of complete resection was low even when ESD was performed by an experienced operator. Evaluation of submucosal fibrosis may be helpful to predict the submucosal invasion of tumors and technical difficulties in ESD

Risk of Clostridium difficile Infection with the Use of a Proton Pump Inhibitor for Stress Ulcer Prophylaxis in Critically Ill Patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and histamine-2 receptor antagonists (H2RAs) are commonly prescribed for stress ulcer prophylaxis (SUP) in critically ill patients. Several studies have suggested that the use of PPIs is a potential risk factor for Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). We compared the incidences of CDI in the PPI group and H2RA group for SUP in critically ill patients. METHODS: From August 2005 to July 2012, the incidences of CDI were retrospectively analyzed in patients who were admitted directly to intensive care units and stayed for more than 3 days. SUP-related CDI was defined as a CDI diagnosed during the SUP period. Patient clinical data were analyzed to identify potential risk factors for SUP-related CDI. RESULTS: Of the 1,005 patients enrolled (444 patients received PPI and 561 received H2RA), 38 (3.8%) were diagnosed with SUP-related CDI. The incidence of SUP-related CDI was considerably higher in patients who received PPI than in those who received H2RA (6.7% vs 1.8%). PPI use for SUP (odds ratio [OR], 3.3; confidence interval [CI], 1.5 to 7.1; p=0.003) and diabetes mellitus (OR, 2.3; CI, 1.2 to 4.7; p=0.019) were independent risk factors for SUP-related CDI. CONCLUSIONS: PPI therapy is associated with a higher risk of SUP-related CDI than H2RA therapy in critically ill patients