Gastroenterology
Recent Submissions
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Young persons and healthcare professionals experience of virtual gastroenterology consultations : a multicentre survey conducted during the COVID-19 pandemicObjective: To explore Young Persons (YP) and healthcare professionals (HCP) experiences of virtual consultations (VC) and establish whether developmentally appropriate healthcare can be delivered virtually. Method: YP and HCP questionnaire surveys were designed and piloted. Electronic questionnaire links were sent by post, email or text message January-April 2021 to YP aged 13-25 years old, with predefined chronic gastrointestinal conditions, attending a gastroenterology/hepatology VC. HCP undertaking VC were invited to complete staff questionnaire. Results were anonymous and collated using Excel version 2302. Results: Five UK hospital trusts participated, with 35 HCP responses. Of the 100 YP completing the survey 66% were female and 34% male aged between 13 years and 25 years (median: 18 years). 13% were new appointments and 87% follow ups, 29% were by video, 69% by phone and 2% gave no response. 80% of HCP spoke to YP directly but not privately (69%). 87% of YP and 88% HCP found VC useful. 83% of YP want VC again, although 20% preferred face to face. 43% of HCP required improved phone/internet connection. 77% of YP required hospital appointments for tests following VC. Conclusions: Overall respondents were satisfied with VC, finding them useful, convenient and time saving. Successful VC rely on appropriate patient selection and availability of reliable technology. Patient preference is key which may alter with time.
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Wheat germ improves hepatic steatosis, hepatic enzymes, and metabolic and inflammatory parameters in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease : a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trialGlobally, Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has a rising prevalence with no definitive pharmacological treatments. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical effects of wheat germ in patients with NAFLD. Fifty participants with NAFLD were randomly allocated to take 40 g wheat germ (n = 25) or placebo (n = 25) in a randomized double-blind clinical trial over 12 weeks. Transient elastography (FibroScan) determined a diagnosis of NAFLD. After 12 weeks of intervention, reduction in serum alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.006) and γ-glutamyltransferase (p = 0.004), total cholesterol (p = 0.018), triglyceride (p = 0.046), and hepatic steatosis (p = 0.043) levels in the wheat germ group was significantly higher compared to the placebo group. Serum TAC levels in wheat germ group patients increased significantly higher than placebo group (p = 0.001). Reduction in serum hs-CRP level in the wheat germ group was significantly higher than in the placebo group (p = 0.031). In conclusion, our study shows that wheat germ consumption may improve total antioxidant capacity, hepatic steatosis, serum total cholesterol and triglyceride levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and Gamma-glutamyl Transferase (GGT) in NAFLD patients. Longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes are needed to confirm biological effects of wheat germ on NAFLD patients.
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Technical and clinical outcomes following EUS-guided thrombin injection and coil implantation for parastomal varicesBackground and aims: Bleeding from parastomal varices causes significant morbidity and mortality. Treatment options are limited, particularly in high-risk patients with significant underlying liver disease and other comorbidities. The use of EUS-guided embolisation coils combined with thrombin injection in gastric varices has been shown to be safe and effective. Our institution has applied the same technique to the treatment of parastomal varices. Methods: A retrospective review was performed of 37 procedures on 24 patients to assess efficacy and safety of EUS-guided injection of thrombin, with or without embolisation coils for treatment of bleeding parastomal varices. All patients had been discussed in a multidisciplinary team meeting, and correction of portal hypertension was deemed to be contraindicated. Rebleeding was defined as stomal bleeding that required hospital admission or transfusion. Results: All patients had significant parastomal bleeding at the time of referral. 100% technical success rate was achieved. 70.8% of patients had no further significant bleeding in the follow-up period (median 26.2 months) following one procedure. 1-year rebleed-free survival was 80.8% following first procedure. 7 patients (29.1%) had repeat procedures. There was no significant difference in rebleed-free survival following repeat procedures. Higher age was associated with higher risk of rebleeding. No major procedure-related complications were identified. Conclusions: EUS-guided thrombin injection, with or without embolisation coils, is a safe and effective technique for the treatment of bleeding parastomal varices, particularly for patients for whom correction of portal venous hypertension is contraindicated. Keywords: ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURES; ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASONOGRAPHY; GASTROINTESTINAL BLEEDING; PORTAL HYPERTENSION.
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Migrated PEG balloon causing acute pancreatitisPercutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common procedure for an unsafe swallow or inability to maintain oral nutrition. When a PEG tube needs replacement, a balloon gastrostomy tube is usually placed through the same, well formed and mature tract without endoscopy. We present a patient with a rare complication related to the balloon gastrostomy tube, to raise awareness and minimise the risk of this complication in the future. A 67-year-old female patient presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain and vomiting. Her gastrostomy feeding tube displaced inwards, up to the feeding-balloon ports complex. After investigations, she was diagnosed with acute pancreatitis. MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) confirmed features of this and, interestingly, an inflated gastrostomy balloon could be seen abutting the major and minor ampullae. The patient confirmed that the PEG tube had been changed to a balloon gastrostomy tube some time ago, but the external fixation plate (external bumper) had been loose lately, with the tube repeatedly moving inwards. She admitted that, 1 day before admission, the PEG tube had receded into the stomach and could not be pulled out with a gentle tug. After reviewing the MRCP images, the balloon was deflated, and the tube retracted. Once correctly placed, the balloon was reinflated, and her symptoms improved over the next 2 days.