Background: Recent studies recommended that addition of dietary modifications notably the low FODMAP (Fructo-Oligosaccharides, Di-, Monosaccharides, And Polyols) diet and regular aerobic exercise can provide effective symptom control in functional dyspepsia (FD). This study assessed the combined effects of low FODMAP diet and regular aerobic exercise on dyspeptic symptoms in patients with FD. Methods: This prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted among patients with FD where eligible participants were assigned in a 1:1 ratio to either the intervention group (a low FODMAP diet and a regular aerobic exercise along with conventional therapy) or the control group (conventional therapy alone) for 24 weeks. The Structured Assessment of Gastrointestinal symptom (SAGIS) score for assessing the gastrointestinal symptoms and the Short Form Nepean Dyspepsia Index (SF-NDI) for analyzing health-related quality of life (HRQOL) done at baseline, 12 and 24 weeks. Results: Overall, 70 patients were included in this study, 35 each in both arm with the mean ± standard deviation age of the patients was 43 ± 10 years. At baseline, the mean SAGIS score for the intervention arm was 54 ± 12.5 and the control arm was 50 ± 10 where the scores were comparable between the two groups. After 12 weeks, there was a significant change in the epigastric symptoms from baseline between both arms was –3.571 ± 1.044. Further, the mean difference of SAGIS score was –3.571 ± 1.044 (90% confidence interval [CI] –5.668 to –1.475, P = 0.001) and SF-NDI of –12.086 ± 1.394 (90% CI –14.892 to –9.280, P < 0.001). Thus, there was a statistically significant reduction in the SAGIS score and SF-NDI from baseline in the intervention arm when compared to the control arm (P < 0.05). Conclusion The combination of a low FODMAP diet and regular aerobic exercise was effective in reducing epigastric symptoms and improved the quality of life among individuals with FD compared with conventional therapy alone.

Hemosuccus pancreaticus (HP) is characterized by hemorrhage from the pancreatic duct through the major duodenal papilla. It represents the least common cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB), occurring in approximately 1 in 1,500 cases and predominantly affecting men. A 58-yearold woman with a history of recurrent pancreatitis presented with severe epigastric pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Laboratory tests revealed hyperamylasemia. Imaging indicated acute necrohemorrhagic pancreatitis with peripancreatic fluid collections. Despite interventions including drainage and antibiotic therapy, she developed massive hematemesis and hemodynamic instability. Computed tomography indicated active bleeding in the peripancreatic region, and angiography confirmed a diagnosis of HP. Embolization of the gastroduodenal artery was performed; however, the patient died of multiorgan failure. HP, although rare, should be considered in patients with chronic pancreatitis and intermittent UGIB. Diagnosing HP can be challenging, requiring collaboration between gastroenterologists and interventional radiologists. Early intervention is crucial due to the high mortality rate associated with severe cases.

Background: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of a percutaneous method for treating intra-abdominal abscesses caused by gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage using tandem catheter placement for simultaneous drainage. Methods: This retrospective study involved 12 patients with intra-abdominal abscesses from anastomotic leakage who underwent image-guided percutaneous drainage. In the tandem drainage technique, one or more catheters were inserted into the abscess while an additional catheter was advanced into the gastrointestinal tract through the anastomotic dehiscence to decompress the tract and prevent further leakage. The study evaluated the technical and clinical success rates of this approach. Results: Technical success was achieved in nine of 12 patients (75.0%), with clinical success in eight of these nine patients (88.9%). The mean overall drainage duration after tandem placement was 65.0 days (range, 6–154 days), and the mean hospitalization duration for patients with clinical success was 66.7 days (range, 10–156 days). Conclusion Simultaneous tandem drainage is a feasible treatment for intra-abdominal abscesses caused by anastomotic leakage and may be a viable option for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

Systemic anticoagulation is the first-line treatment for symptomatic portal vein system thrombosis (PVST). However, anticoagulation alone may be insufficient to prevent thrombus propagation, and failure to restore portal flow can lead to bowel infarction and portal hypertension. We report a case of successful endovascular intervention via a transhepatic portal vein approach to treat extensive PVST in a 73-year-old woman with a noncirrhotic liver. The thrombosis was attributed to protein S deficiency. Substantial recanalization of the portal venous system was achieved, and the patient has remained asymptomatic for five months post-procedure. This case highlights the challenges of managing extensive subacute PVST in the context of a prothrombotic condition and underscores the efficacy of a tailored endovascular approach.

The pharmaceutical research sector is highly interested in oral gastro-retentive dose formulations. The significance of gastro-retentive drug delivery systems (GRDDS) has grown as these systems enhance patient compliance and improve the therapeutic indices of medications. Various technical advancements in the design and production of gastro-retentive dosage forms can overcome physiological limitations, such as short gastric retention time and fluctuations in stomach emptying. Medications with shorter half-lives, instability or poor solubility at alkaline pH, or inadequate absorption in the lower gastrointestinal tract can greatly benefit from GRDDS. To achieve the desired retention period and release pattern, these systems can be developed using a range of innovative methods, including magnetic, bioadhesive, expandable, and floating systems. The use of GRDDS for oral drug administration has significantly increased in recent years, with innovative design strategies—such as the widely used floating drug delivery system—playing a major role. GRDDS offer several advantages, including the ability to provide drugs with a narrow absorption window, improved pharmacological effects, reduced dosing frequency, enhanced bioavailability, and prolonged drug residence in the stomach for local effects such as the treatment of peptic ulcer disease. This study provides a brief introduction to gastro-retentive drug delivery, covering its necessity, advantages, disadvantages, influencing factors, approaches, and applications.

Background: Digestive system diseases pose a significant global health challenge. In many developing countries, inappropriate antibiotic use is common, and the COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted standard antibiotic prescribing practices. This study evaluated antibiotic prescribing patterns for digestive system diseases in a major Indonesian hospital during 2021. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, observational analysis of antibiotic prescriptions for 47,698 inpatients with digestive system diseases at Cilacap Government Teaching Hospital, Indonesia, throughout 2021. Data were extracted from electronic medical records and analyzed based on patient demographics, International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision classifications, World Health Organization Access, Watch, and Reserve categories, and routes of administration. Statistical analyses and visualizations were performed using Microsoft Excel (Microsoft) and R Studio (Posit). Results: Among 2,183 patients diagnosed with digestive system diseases, the majority were active adults, with a predominance of male patients. The most frequently prescribed antibiotics belonged to the “Watch” group. Acute appendicitis (n = 416), inguinal hernia (n = 250), and functional dyspepsia (n = 169) were the leading diagnoses. Antibiotic administration was more prevalent among females for these conditions, despite higher overall antibiotic use for digestive system diseases among males. Cases peaked at 319 in December and dropped to 65 in July. The dry season months recorded fewer cases (July: 65, August: 129). The most prescribed antibiotics were ceftriaxone (n = 638), metronidazole (n = 486), and cefazolin (n = 216), indicating a predominant use of broad-spectrum agents. Conclusion The study reveals a high reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics, particularly those in the “Watch” group, suggesting potential overuse.These findings underscore the need for improved antibiotic stewardship practices, especially in regions facing the compounded challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are increasingly used in endoscopic bariatric therapies (EBT) for obesity management. Typically, the IGB remains in situ for 6 months before removal. Dedicated accessories are usually employed for IGB extraction from the stomach. However, when these accessories are unavailable or when a patient presents to a gastroenterology service that does not offer EBT, IGB extraction can be challenging and may require improvisation. We describe a novel technique for IGB extraction that does not rely on dedicated accessories.

Background: This study examined the clinical application of the modified computed tomography severity index (MCTSI) and retroperitoneal extension classification (REC) in the evaluation of acute pancreatitis (AP) among Vietnamese patients. Methods: Data from 115 patients with AP between January 2022 and February 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. AP was diagnosed using the revised Atlanta classification (RAC) criteria. All computed tomography images were assessed by two abdominal radiologists with over 10 years of experience. Patients with AP secondary to blunt abdominal trauma were excluded. Results: The mean patient age was 49.8 ± 16.7 years, and the male:female ratio was 2.7:1. Necrotizing AP was observed in 24.3% of cases and extrapancreatic complications in 35.7%. Pancreatic and peripancreatic fluid collections were noted in 68.7% of cases, including 39.1% with acute peripancreatic fluid collection, 7.8% pseudocyst, 21.7% acute necrotic collection, and 4.3% walled-off necrosis. Based on MCTSI, the rates of mild, moderate, and severe AP were 28.7%, 53.9%, and 17.4%, respectively. Grades I, II, III, IV, and V REC represented 55.7%, 13.0%, 19.1%, 5.2%, and 7.0% of patients, respectively. MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC in the evaluation of AP severity. Multivariate regression analysis revealed MCTSI to be an independent predictor of severe AP (odds ratio, 2.719; 95% confidence interval, 1.149–6.437; P = 0.023). MCTSI > 7 was the cutoff for predicting severe AP, with a sensitivity of 83.3%, specificity of 86.2%, and area under the curve of 0.944 (P < 0.001). Compared to the non-severe group, those with severe AP according to MCTSI had a longer hospitalization period (11 [9.25–16.75] days vs. 9 [6.50–12.00] days), a higher intensive care unit admission rate (30.0% vs. 3.2%), and greater mortality (15.0% vs. 1.1%). Conclusion In the assessment of AP severity, MCTSI and REC were correlated with RAC. MCTSI was an independent predictor of severe AP.

Background: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUSD) is an effective treatment for postoperative pancreatic fluid collections (POPFCs); however, standards regarding stents used for EUSD have not been established. This study analyzed the outcomes of EUSD of POPFCs at our hospital and examined the safety and effectiveness of plastic stents/tubes. Methods: This retrospective, single-center study focused on EUSD of POPFCs performed at our hospital. We examined the rates of technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and recurrence. Results: Twenty-seven patients were included in this study. The initial drainage methods comprised one nasocystic plastic tube (NPT) and one double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) for 19 (70.4%) patients, two DPS for four (14.8%) patients, one NPT for three (11.1%) patients, and one lumen-apposing metal stent for one (3.7%) patient. The technical success and clinical success rates were both 100%. Fourteen of the 19 patients with one NPT and one DPS improved, but five patients required additional interventions and improved with fistula site dilation. Although recurrence occurred in one patient, improvement was achieved with second EUSD. Early adverse events comprised one case of bleeding for which hemostasis was achieved by performing coil embolization. Late adverse events comprised three cases of DPS migration; however, no additional intervention was required. Conclusion The use of plastic tubes/stents is safe and effective for EUSD of POPFCs.

An 89-year-old woman presented to the hospital with a chief complaint of fever and hematuria. Computed tomography revealed left hydronephrosis due to bladder cancer, along with common bile duct stones and marked dilation of the bile duct. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy was attempted, but the common bile duct could not be visualized in close proximity to the duodenum. Instead, due to the gastroduodenal deformity, the common bile duct was in close proximity with the gastric antrum; therefore, the common bile duct was selected for puncture from the gastric antrum using a 19-gauge needle. However, the gastric wall and scope became separated during the dilation maneuver, making it difficult to dilate the fistula using a 6-Fr dilator and a 4-mm-diameter balloon dilation catheter, although it was possible to insert a tapered catheter with a 3.5-Fr tip under a 0.025-inch guidewire into the bile duct. The use of a stiff 0.035-inch guidewire allowed blunt dilation up to 9-Fr with a dilator, while simultaneously maintaining the distance between the gastric wall and the scope. Using this method, a 10-mm-diameter, 12-cm-long, partially covered metal stent was deployed successfully between the common bile duct and the posterior wall of the gastric antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochogastrostomy (EUS-CGS) risks separating the gastrointestinal and biliary tracts during or after the procedure. In this case, the stiff guidewire enabled successful completion of the biliary procedures; thus, this guidewire can be used to safely manage difficult cases of EUS-CGS involving dilation of the fistula and stent deployment.