ObjectiveTo investigate the managements of complications during and after peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for esophageal achalasia (EA).MethodsData of 119 EA patients who underwent POEM from October 2010 to July 2011 were collected.Complications during and after POEM and during follow-up were analyzed.Results Complications during operation included bleeding in 19 patients ( 16.0％ ),mucosa rupture in 9 (7.6％),mediastinal and subcutaneous emphysema in 27 (22.7％ ) and pneumothorax in 3 (2.5％ ).Complications occurred at the night of procedure included pain in 43 (36.1％ ) patients and pneumothorax in 7 ( 5.9％ ).Postoperative complications included asymptomatic pneumothorax in 23 patients (19.3％),delayed hemorrhage in 1(0.8％),pleural effusion in 58 (48.7％ ),minor pulmonary inflammation or segmental atelectasis in 59 (49.6％),emphysema of mediasti-na and subcutaneous tissue in 76 (63.9％ ),and gas under diaphragm or aeroperitoneum in 47 (39.5％ ).Complications during follow-up included one case of dysphagia caused by stricture of mucosa and one case of dehiscence at the tunnel entry with food retention.No POEM-correlated death occurred.All the complications were cured by conservative treatments.No additional surgery was needed.ConclusionMain complications as emphysema of mediastina and subcutaneous tissue,pneumothorax,aeroperitoneum and bleeding during and after POEM can be treated timely and effectively with conservative treatment.

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of metallic hemoclips in the treatment of gastric defects during endoscopic full-thickness resection. Methods Patients with submucosal tumors derived from the muscularis propria and adhesion of the gastric serosa diagnosed by EUS and CT were enrolled in the study.A total of 62 patients,22 males and 40 females,mean age 58.5 years,were recruited into the present study from June 2009 to December 2010,in which 37 patients were with tumors in gastric fundus,20 in gastric body and 5 in antrum.All patients were treated with endoscopic full-thickness resection.After the operation,metallic hemoclips were used to close the defects through endoscopic biopsy channel.The closure success rate with metallic hemoclips were assessed.The patients were followed up endoscopically for evaluation of efficacy and safety of the procedures.Results All patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness resection.Uncontrollable bleeding occurred in 1 patient,who subsequently underwent emergent laparoscopic surgery and was excluded from the study.Metallic hemoclips were applied to close defects in 57 patients,and metallic hemoclips combined with omentum obstruction in 4 patients.The overall success rate was 100％ in 61 patients.Endoscopic follow-up was completed in all patients in average of 4.4 months.The clinical wound healing rate was 100％.No complications such as fever,abdominal pain were found in 2months after the procedures.Conclusion Application of metallic hemoclips during endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric defects is a safe and effective technique.

Aim To investigate whether EGCG treat-ment ameliorates cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 trans-genic mice and, whether it has the ameliorating effect of p75 NTR signaling to neuronal apoptosis in the hippo-campus of APP/PS1 mice. Methods Morris water maze test and locomotivity test were used to predict be-havioral changes; further TUNEL staining and Fluoro-Jade B staining were applied to confirm the neuronal apoptosis and neuronal degeneration;Western blot was employed to detect protein expression levels of p75 NTR signaling in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice. Re-sults EGCG treatment dramatically ameliorated the cognitive impairments, and inhibited the neuronal ap-optosis in the APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, EGCG treat-ment dramatically inhibited the p75 NTR signaling by de-creasing the p75ICD expression, JNK2 phosphorylation, and cleaved-caspase 3 expression. Conclusion EGCG treatment dramatically ameliorates the cognitive impairments, and inhibits the neuronal apoptosis by in-hibiting the p75NTR signaling.

Aims To study the role of NGF/Trk A sig-naling pathway in Memantine ( MEM) improving APP/PS1 transgenic mice cognitive deficits and to explore its possible mechanisms. Methods Cognitive perform-ance was assessed by Morris water maze( MWM) , pas-sive avoidance test( PAT) and locomotivity test. Aβ1-42 protein levels were determined by immunohistochemis-try. The activities of AChE and ChAT were also exam-ined by ELISA and colorimetry. Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of NGF and its receptor TrkA and the downstream ERK pathway. Results MEM treatment significantly ameliorated the cognitive deficits, dramatically reduced the Aβ1-42 overexpres-sion. MEM increased the activity of choline acetyl-transferase( ChAT) , while decreased that of acetylcho-line esterase( AChE) . Moreover, MEM activiated NGF signaling by increasing the phosphorylation of TrkA fol-lowing the increased phosphorylation of c-Raf, ERK1/2 and downstream effector CREB after MEM treatment. Conclusion MEM treatment may activate the NGF/TrkA signaling in APP/PS1 mice to reduce amyloidosis and cognitive deficits.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and the feasibility of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) for achalasia (AC). Methods The clinical data of 8 patients diagnosed as having AC and receiving POEM at our center from August 2010 to December 2010 were reviewed. The patients were 16-62 years old, mean 43yr, whose disease courses lasted for 2-20 years, mean 8.4 years. The key procedures of POEM were as the following, esophageal mucosal incision, submucosal tunneling by endoscopic submucosal dissection ( ESD), endoscopic myotomy of the circular muscle and closure of mucosal entry by hemostatic clips. Results All the 8 patients underwent POEM successfully. The mean operation time was 68.5 min ( ranging 45-115 min). The mean submucosal tunneling length was 9.5 cm ( ranging 8-13 cm). The average length of endoscopic myotomy of inner circular muscle was 8.5cm ( ranging 7-11 cm). No severe complications related to POEM occurred. Patients were followed up for 1-4 months ( mean 2. 5 months). Dysphagia was relieved significantly during the follow-up in 7 patients. But dysphagia and vomiting re-occurred in one patient 15 days after the operation. Endoscopy revealed a submucosal fistula, which was managed by incision. Conclusion As a new minimally invasive therapy for AC, POEM is very effective to relieve dysphagia in a short term. However, further observation is needed to evaluate long-term efficacy and complications.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) for upper gastrointestinal (GI) submucosal tumors (SMTs) originating from the muscularis propria (MP) layer.MethodsA total of 26 upper GI-SMTs originating from the MP layer were treated by STER after endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and CT examination.The lesions were localized endoscopically and a submucosal tunnel was created to expose the tumor.The lesion was then resected under direct endoscopic view and the mucosal incision site was closed with hemostatic clips.ResultsOf the 26 SMTs,14 were located at esophagus,7 at cardia and 5 at stomach,with 11 originated from superficial MP layer and 15 from deep MP layer ( including 2 gastric SMTs adherent with serosa).All lesions were successfully resected by STER with an en bloc resection rate of 100％.The average operation time was 68.5 min ( range 25-145min).Four to six (mean five) hemostatic clips were used to close the mucosal incision site.The average lesion size was 1.8 cm ( range 1.0-3.2 cm).The pathology results were 17 leiomyomas,7 stromal tumors (GISTs),1 glomus tumor and 1 Schwannoma.All resected lesions showed both lateral and vertical tumorfree margins.Subcutaneous emphysema occurred in 2 patients (7.7％ ).One patient (3.8％ ) developed left pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema,and 2 others (7.7％) pneumoperitoneum.All of them recovered uneventfully on conservative treatments.No delayed bleeding,GI tract leakage or secondary peritoneal/thoracial infection occurred.None of the 26 cases developed submucosal hematoma or infection.No tumor residual or recurrence was found during follow-up period (range 3-9 months).ConclusionSTER is a safe,efficacious and feasible new method for providing accurate histopathological evaluations,as well as radical treatments for upper GI-SMTs from the MP layer.It can regain the mucosal integrity of the GI tract,preventing leakage and secondary infection.

ObjectiveTo study the diagnostic and therapeutic value of endoscopy for gastrointestinal (GI) schwannoma.MethodsWe retrospectively studied data of 13 patients who underwent endoscopy and were confirmed as having GI schwannoma by pathology in our hospital during January 2006 and July 2011.ResultsSchwannoma of 8 patiets located in stomach,3 in esophagus and 2 in colon.Endoscopic ultrasonography showed schwannoma originated from muscularis propria,characterized by hypoecho.Twelve patients received endoscopic treatment,and 11 were successfully removed.The en bloc resection rate was 91.7％.Among them,6 were treated by endoscopic submucosal excavation,4 by endoscopic full-thickness resection and one by submucosal tunnel endoscopic resection.Another patient with schwannoma located in esophagus with a maximum diameter of 4.7 cm was transferred to thoracic surgery since the tumor had a wide base even after partial resection.No bleeding,inflammation or abscess occurred.The average follow-up time was 23.3 ± 10.8 months ( range,6-36 months).No metastasis or recurrence was found during follow-up.ConclusionEndoscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography,safe and efficacious,are valuable for the diagnosis and treatment of GI schwannoma.

OBJECTIVETo evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for the treatment of gastrointestinal cysts.

METHODSClinicopathological data of 40 patients with gastrointestinal cyst undergoing ESD in our center during January 2008 and February 2012 were analyzed retrospectively. Complications, en bloc resection rate, and local recurrence were assessed.

RESULTSEight lesions located in the esophagus, 11 in the stomach, 5 in the duodenum, and 16 in the colorectum. Thirty-seven lesions were successfully resected with ESD in an en bloc fashion (92.5%). During the operation, one perforation was encountered in the ascending colon and was clipped; one massive hemorrhage occurred in the esophagus and was treated with balloon compression. Postoperative pathological examination revealed cyst samples were intact without lesions in lateral and basal resection margins. Local recurrence was not found in 36 patients during a median postoperative follow-up of 9.7 months (range, 6-12 months).

CONCLUSIONESD is a safe and effective procedure for the treatment of gastrointestinal cysts.

Adult ; Aged ; Cysts ; surgery ; Digestive System Neoplasms ; surgery ; Endoscopy ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mucous Membrane ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies

Objective:To explore the necessity and safety of selective endoscopy to detect gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of selective endoscopy performed at the Endoscopic Center, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from February 20 to March 6, 2020. Clinical data included epidemiological questionnaire, chief complaints, endoscopic findings and biopsy pathology results, etc. All medical staff had blood test for IgM/IgG antibodies of COVID-19. Patients and their families were followed up by phone to determine whether they were infected with COVID-19. Meanwhile, the clinical data of selective endoscopy during the same period from February 20 to March 6, 2019 were collected as the control group to compare the overall results of endoscopy examinations during the epidemic and the detection rate of GI malignancy.Results:A total of 911 patients underwent endoscopy in the epidemic period group, and a total of 5746 cases in the control group, which was 6.3 times over the epidemic period group. In the epidemic period group, 544 cases received gastroscopy and 367 cases received colonoscopy, while 3433 cases received gastroscopy and 2313 cases received colonoscopy in the control group, which were both 6.3 times of epidemic period group. Gastroscopy revealed that 39 patients (7.2%) were diagnosed with upper GI malignancies in the epidemic period group and 77 patients (2.2%) in the control group with significant difference (χ 2=40.243, P<0.001). The detection rate of gastric cancer in these two groups was 3.3% ( n=18) and 1.7% ( n=59) respectively with significant difference (χ 2=6.254, P=0.012). The detection rate of esophageal cancer was 3.7% ( n=20) and 0.5% ( n=18) respectively with significant difference (χ 2=49.303, P<0.001). Colonoscopy revealed that colorectal cancer was found in 32 cases (8.7%) of the epidemic period group and 88 cases (3.8%) of the control group with significant difference (χ 2=17.888, P<0.001). During the epidemic period, no infection of medical staff was found through the blood test of IgM/IgG antibodies on COVID-19. No patient and family members were infected with COVID-19 by phone follow-up. Conclusion:Compared with the same period in 2019, the number of selective endoscopy decreases sharply during the epidemic period, while the detection rate of various GI malignant tumors increases significantly, which indicates that patients with high-risk symptoms of GI malignancies should still receive endoscopy as soon as possible. Provided strict adherence to the epidemic prevention standards formulated by the state and professional societies, it is necessary to carry out clinical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

Objective:To explore the necessity and safety of selective endoscopy to detect gastrointestinal (GI) malignancy during the outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was carried out to analyze the clinical data of selective endoscopy performed at the Endoscopic Center, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University from February 20 to March 6, 2020. Clinical data included epidemiological questionnaire, chief complaints, endoscopic findings and biopsy pathology results, etc. All medical staff had blood test for IgM/IgG antibodies of COVID-19. Patients and their families were followed up by phone to determine whether they were infected with COVID-19. Meanwhile, the clinical data of selective endoscopy during the same period from February 20 to March 6, 2019 were collected as the control group to compare the overall results of endoscopy examinations during the epidemic and the detection rate of GI malignancy.Results:A total of 911 patients underwent endoscopy in the epidemic period group, and a total of 5746 cases in the control group, which was 6.3 times over the epidemic period group. In the epidemic period group, 544 cases received gastroscopy and 367 cases received colonoscopy, while 3433 cases received gastroscopy and 2313 cases received colonoscopy in the control group, which were both 6.3 times of epidemic period group. Gastroscopy revealed that 39 patients (7.2%) were diagnosed with upper GI malignancies in the epidemic period group and 77 patients (2.2%) in the control group with significant difference (χ 2=40.243, P<0.001). The detection rate of gastric cancer in these two groups was 3.3% ( n=18) and 1.7% ( n=59) respectively with significant difference (χ 2=6.254, P=0.012). The detection rate of esophageal cancer was 3.7% ( n=20) and 0.5% ( n=18) respectively with significant difference (χ 2=49.303, P<0.001). Colonoscopy revealed that colorectal cancer was found in 32 cases (8.7%) of the epidemic period group and 88 cases (3.8%) of the control group with significant difference (χ 2=17.888, P<0.001). During the epidemic period, no infection of medical staff was found through the blood test of IgM/IgG antibodies on COVID-19. No patient and family members were infected with COVID-19 by phone follow-up. Conclusion:Compared with the same period in 2019, the number of selective endoscopy decreases sharply during the epidemic period, while the detection rate of various GI malignant tumors increases significantly, which indicates that patients with high-risk symptoms of GI malignancies should still receive endoscopy as soon as possible. Provided strict adherence to the epidemic prevention standards formulated by the state and professional societies, it is necessary to carry out clinical diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.