Russell I Heigh

Mayo Clinic - Scottsdale, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

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Publications (33)165.76 Total impact

  • Article: Sarcina ventriculi of the stomach: A case report.
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    ABSTRACT: Sarcina ventriculi is a Gram positive organism, which has been reported to be found rarely, in the gastric specimens of patients with gastroparesis. Only eight cases of Sarcina, isolated from gastric specimens have been reported so far. Sarcina has been implicated in the development of gastric ulcers, emphysematous gastritis and gastric perforation. We report a case of 73-year-old male, with history of prior Billroth II surgery and truncal vagotomy, who presented for further evaluation of iron deficiency anemia. An upper endoscopy revealed diffuse gastric erythema, along with retained food. Biopsies revealed marked inflammation with ulcer bed formation and presence of Sarcina organisms. The patient was treated with ciprofloxacin and metronidazole for 1 wk, and a repeat endoscopy showed improvement of erythema, along with clearance of Sarcina organisms. Review of reported cases including ours suggests that Sarcina is more frequently an innocent bystander rather than a pathogenic organism. However, given its association with life threatening illness in two reported cases, it may be prudent to treat with antibiotics and anti-ulcer therapy, until further understanding is achieved.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 04/2013; 19(14):2282-2285. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Impact of fentanyl in lieu of meperidine on endoscopy unit efficiency: a prospective comparative study in patients undergoing EGD.
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    ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND: Turnaround time is an important component of endoscopy unit efficiency. Any reduction in the total time from patient arrival in the endoscopy room to departure from the recovery area may translate into better endoscopy unit efficiency. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects on endoscopy unit efficiency of a change in narcotic choice for moderate sedation in patients undergoing EGD at an ambulatory surgery center. DESIGN: Prospective, comparative, quality-improvement project. SETTING: Endoscopy unit of a tertiary-care academic medical center. PATIENTS: We enrolled consecutive patients (n = 1963) who underwent outpatient EGD by 1 of 5 endoscopists between November 2008 and November 2010. INTERVENTION: Moderate sedation with midazolam plus fentanyl versus meperidine. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Sedation-dependent endoscopy unit efficiency and total procedure time (induction-to-intubation, intubation-to-extubation, and extubation-to-discharge). RESULTS: Fentanyl was associated with reduced total procedure time by 10.1 minutes resulting from both shorter induction-to-intubation time and extubation-to-discharge time (P < .001). The mean (± SD) sedation-dependent endoscopy unit efficiency was 3.2 (± 1.9) procedures per hour for the meperidine group and 3.9 (± 2.7) procedures per hour for the fentanyl group (P = .012); this would translate into possibly increasing the endoscopy suite efficiency by 22%. Based on dosage equivalency conversion, equal doses of fentanyl and meperidine were used. No sedation-related complications or need for reversal agents were recorded. LIMITATIONS: No randomization was performed. CONCLUSION: Compared with meperidine, fentanyl in combination with midazolam was associated with significantly shorter total procedure time. By improving the turnaround time, sedation-dependent endoscopy unit efficiency may be improved by 22%.
    Gastrointestinal endoscopy 03/2013; · 6.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: Performance of the patency capsule compared with nonenteroclysis radiologic examinations in patients with known or suspected intestinal strictures.
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    ABSTRACT: The patency capsule (PC) is used before capsule endoscopy (CE) in patients with known or suspected small-bowel (SB) strictures or obstruction (SBO) to avoid CE retention. False-positive PC examination results can occur in patients with delayed transit without obstruction, precluding the use of CE. Radiological tests are another option to evaluate the presence of SBO before CE. Comparison of the PC and radiological examinations to detect clinically significant SB strictures. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of the PC, and radiological tests for detecting significant strictures. Forty-two patients underwent a PC study and radiological examinations. Both of the examinations showed similar sensitivity (57% vs 71%; P = 1.00) and specificity (86% vs 97%; P = .22). The receiver-operating characteristic curves evaluating combined sensitivity and specificity were also similar in both the PC and radiological examinations (0.71 vs 0.84, respectively; P = .46). Pooling results from both the PC and radiological tests had the highest sensitivity and NPV (100%, 100%). False-positive results occurred in 5 PC examinations and 1 radiological examination. The PC examination had 3 false-negative results (9%), whereas radiological tests had 2 (6%). Retrospective study. The NPV for the PC and radiological tests were not significantly different, suggesting that if findings on either test are negative before CE, the patient will most likely pass the capsule without incident. Radiological tests can be used to minimize PC study false-positive results by confirming or excluding the presence of a significant stricture suspected by the PC and to localize the PC if passage is delayed.
    Gastrointestinal endoscopy 08/2011; 74(4):834-9. · 6.71 Impact Factor
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    Article: Adenoma detection rate is not influenced by the timing of colonoscopy when performed in half-day blocks.
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    ABSTRACT: Afternoon colonoscopies have recently been reported to be associated with lower adenoma detection rate (ADR), which was attributed to physician fatigue resulting from the same endoscopist performing procedures throughout the day. The aim of our study was to assess ADR in morning compared with afternoon colonoscopy performed in half-day blocks with different physicians. We evaluated the primary hypothesis that morning and afternoon ADRs would not differ significantly when performed in half-day blocks by different endoscopists. Data on all colonoscopies performed between January 2009 and December 2009 were obtained from our endoscopy database. All patients who underwent colonoscopies in 2009 for screening, surveillance, and family history of colon cancer/polyps were included in the study. Morning colonoscopies were defined as those that were performed from 0800 to 1200 hours. Afternoon colonoscopies were defined as those that were performed from 1300 to 1700 hours. Colonoscopies in each block were performed either by different endoscopists working in half-day (morning or afternoon) block schedules or by the same endoscopist working a full-day schedule. A total of 4,665 patients were included in the study. For endoscopists working the full-day, the afternoon ADR was significantly lower than the morning ADR (21 vs. 26.1%; odds ratio (OR)=0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59, 0.96; P=0.02). Conversely, in the half-day group, there was no significant difference in ADR between afternoon and morning (27.6 vs. 26.6%; OR=1.05; 95% CI 0.88, 1.26; P=0.56). Performing colonoscopies in half-day blocks by different endoscopists increases the detection of adenomas in afternoon procedures, probably by reducing physician fatigue.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 04/2011; 106(8):1466-71. · 7.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Response to doherty, moss, and cheifetz.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 09/2010; 105(9):2111-2. · 7.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Sessile serrated adenomas: demographic, endoscopic and pathological characteristics.
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    ABSTRACT: To study the demographic and endoscopic characteristics of patients with sessile serrated adenoma (SSA) in a single center. Patients with SSA were identified by review of the pathology database of Mayo Clinic Arizona from 2005 to 2007. A retrospective chart review was performed to extract data on demographics, polyp characteristics, presence of synchronous adenomatous polyps or cancer, polypectomy methods, and related complications. One hundred and seventy-one (2.9%) of all patients undergoing colonoscopy had a total of 226 SSAs. The mean (SE) size of the SSAs was 8.1 (0.4) mm; 42% of SSAs were < or = 5 mm, and 69% were < or = 9 mm. Fifty-one per cent of SSAs were located in the cecum or ascending colon. Approximately half of the patients had synchronous polyps of other histological types, including hyperplastic and adenomatous polyps. Synchronous adenocarcinoma was present in seven (4%) cases. Ninety-seven percent of polyps were removed by colonoscopy. Among patients with colon polyps, 2.9% were found to have SSAs. Most of the SSAs were located in the right side and were safely managed by colonoscopy.
    World Journal of Gastroenterology 07/2010; 16(27):3402-5. · 2.47 Impact Factor
  • Article: Capsule endoscopy has a significantly higher diagnostic yield in patients with suspected and established small-bowel Crohn's disease: a meta-analysis.
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    ABSTRACT: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has demonstrated superior performance compared with other modalities in its ability to detect early small-bowel (SB) Crohn's disease (CD), especially when ileoscopy is negative or unsuccessful. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of CE compared with other modalities in patients with suspected and established CD using a meta-analysis. A thorough literature search for prospective studies comparing the diagnostic yield of CE with other modalities in patients with CD was undertaken. Other modalities included push enteroscopy (PE), colonoscopy with ileoscopy (C+IL), SB radiography (SBR), computed tomography enterography (CTE), and magnetic resonance enterography (MRE). Data on diagnostic yield among various modalities were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Data on patients with suspected and established CD were analyzed separately. Weighted incremental yield (IYW) (diagnostic yield of CE-diagnostic yield of comparative modality) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of CE over comparative modalities were calculated. A total of 12 trials (n=428) compared the yield of CE with SBR in patients with CD. Eight trials (n=236) compared CE with C+IL, four trials (n=119) compared CE with CTE, two trials (n=102) compared CE with PE, and four trials (n=123) compared CE with MRE. For the suspected CD subgroup, several comparisons met statistical significance. Yields in this subgroup were CE vs. SBR: 52 vs. 16% (IYw=32%, P<0.0001, 95% CI=16-48%), CE vs. CTE: 68 vs. 21% (IYw=47%, P<0.00001, 95% CI=31-63%), and CE vs. C+IL: 47 vs. 25% (IYw=22%, P=0.009, 95% CI=5-39%). Statistically significant yields for CE vs. an alternate diagnostic modality in established CD patients were seen in CE vs. PE: 66 vs. 9% (IYw=57%, P<0.00001, 95% CI=43-71%), CE vs. SBR: 71 vs. 36% (IYw=38%, P<0.00001, 95% CI=22-54%), and in CE vs. CTE: 71 vs. 39% (IYw=32%, P=or<0.0001, 95% CI=16-47%). Our meta-analysis demonstrates that CE is superior to SBR, CTE, and C+IL in the evaluation of suspected CD patients. CE is also a more effective diagnostic tool in established CD patients compared with SBR, CTE, and PE.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 12/2009; 105(6):1240-8; quiz 1249. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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    Article: A retrograde-viewing device improves detection of adenomas in the colon: a prospective efficacy evaluation (with videos).
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    ABSTRACT: Colonoscopy may fail to detect neoplasia located on the proximal sides of haustral folds and flexures. The Third Eye Retroscope (TER) provides a simultaneous retrograde view that complements the forward view of a standard colonoscope. To evaluate the added benefit for polyp detection during colonoscopy of a retrograde-viewing device. Open-label, prospective, multicenter study evaluating colonoscopy by using a TER in combination with a standard colonoscope. Eight U.S. sites, including university medical centers, ambulatory surgery centers, a community hospital, and a physician's office. A total of 249 patients (age range 55-80 years) presenting for screening or surveillance colonoscopy. After cecal intubation, the disposable TER was inserted through the instrument channel of the colonoscope. During withdrawal, the forward and retrograde video images were observed simultaneously on a wide-screen monitor. The number and sizes of lesions (adenomas and all polyps) detected with the standard colonoscope and the number and sizes of lesions found only because they were first detected with the TER. In the 249 subjects, 257 polyps (including 136 adenomas) were identified with the colonoscope alone. The TER allowed detection of 34 additional polyps (a 13.2% increase; P < .0001) including 15 additional adenomas (an 11.0% increase; P < .0001). For lesions 6 mm or larger, the additional detection rates with the TER for all polyps and for adenomas were 18.2% and 25.0%, respectively. For lesions 10 mm or larger, the additional detection rates with the TER for all polyps and for adenomas were 30.8% and 33.3%, respectively. In 28 (11.2%) individuals, at least 1 additional polyp was found with the TER. In 8 (3.2%) patients, the polyp detected with the TER was the only one found. Every polyp that was detected with the TER was subsequently located with the colonoscope and removed. For all polyps and for adenomas, the additional detection rates for the TER were 9.7%/4.1% in the left colon (the splenic flexure to the rectum) and 16.5%/14.9% in the right colon (the cecum to the transverse colon), respectively. There was no randomization or comparison with a separate control group. A retrograde-viewing device revealed areas that were hidden from the forward-viewing colonoscope and allowed detection of 13.2% additional polyps, including 11.0% additional adenomas. Additional detection rates with the TER for adenomas 6 mm or larger and 10 mm or larger were 25.0% and 33.3%, respectively. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT00657371.).
    Gastrointestinal endoscopy 12/2009; 71(3):551-6. · 6.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: Retention of the capsule endoscope: a single-center experience of 1000 capsule endoscopy procedures.
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    ABSTRACT: Retention of the video capsule is the most significant complication associated with capsule endoscopy (CE). There are limited data on incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of capsule retention. We aimed to determine the incidence of capsule retention and to investigate the causes and clinical outcomes of capsule retention. Single tertiary referral medical center. All patients who underwent CE for suspected small bowel disease from June 2002 to March 2006. Retrospective case series. Capsule retention occurred in 1.4% of our patients (14/1000). Eleven patients failed to pass the capsule because of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) enteropathy (diaphragm disease). One patient had capsule retention from an obstructing carcinoid tumor. Metastatic ovarian cancer with invasion of the ileum was the cause of retention in another patient. One patient who did not have surgical removal of the capsule because of loss of follow-up had retention caused by a small-bowel tumor suspicious for carcinoid tumor on CT enterography. All patients remained "asymptomatic" from the retained capsules. Thirteen patients underwent elective partial small-bowel resection and capsule removal. No deaths were associated with these surgeries. Eleven patients recovered promptly, whereas 2 patients had mild postoperative ileus. Retrospective study. Retention of the capsule endoscope appears to be infrequent. The most common cause is diaphragm disease resulting from NSAIDs in this study population. In most cases, capsule retention is asymptomatic, and it usually leads to surgical removal, which appears safe and also identifies and treats the underlying small-bowel condition.
    Gastrointestinal endoscopy 08/2008; 68(1):174-80. · 6.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: Using CT enterography to monitor Crohn's disease activity: a preliminary study.
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    ABSTRACT: The purpose of our study was to determine whether imaging changes of Crohn's disease at sequential CT enterography examinations correlate with disease progression or regression. Forty CT enterography examinations in 20 patients (12 women, eight men; mean age, 55.5 years) with known Crohn's disease were retrospectively evaluated by a radiologist who was blinded to the clinical history. One radiologist determined whether imaging findings of Crohn's disease were present and, if so, whether the findings progressed, regressed, or remained stable between examinations. CT enterography findings were then compared with disease progression or regression based on symptoms and clinical follow-up. Direct comparison of CT enterography and endoscopy was also performed when available. Disease progression or regression by CT enterography correlated with symptoms in 16 of 20 (80%) patients. Specifically, CT enterography and symptoms agreed in 12 patients with clinical disease progression, two patients with clinical regression, and two with clinically stable disease. In four of 20 (20%) patients, symptoms progressed although CT enterography findings were negative (n = 2) or improved (n = 2). No treatment change was initiated; and at follow-up, three of four patients were improved and the remaining patient was stable symptomatically. Sixteen ileoscopies were attempted in 12 patients; however, four examinations did not reach the ileum. In the remaining examinations, endoscopy correlated with CT enterography in all cases (12/12, 100%) and with symptoms in nine of 12 (75%) cases. The weighted kappa statistic, which measures the chance-adjusted agreement between CT enterography and symptoms, was 0.57 (95% CI, 0.20-0.94). This preliminary study indicates that imaging changes between CT enterography examinations have excellent potential for reliably monitoring Crohn's disease progression or regression.
    American Journal of Roentgenology 07/2008; 190(6):1512-6. · 2.78 Impact Factor
  • Article: A multicenter randomized comparison of the Endocapsule and the Pillcam SB.
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    ABSTRACT: Video capsule endoscopy has been shown to be the single most effective endoscopic procedure for identifying the source of obscure GI bleeding (OGIB). Our purpose was to report on the Food and Drug Administration pivotal trial in which the Endocapsule (EC) (Olympus America, Allentown, Pa) was compared with the Pillcam SB (PSB) (Given Imaging, Yoqneam, Israel) in patients with OGIB. A novel trial design was used in which the EC and the PSB were swallowed by the same patient 40 minutes apart, in randomized order. Four academic medical centers. Patients with OGIB aged 18 to 85 years who had either been transfused or who had a hematocrit of <31% in males or <28% in females. Both video capsules were swallowed in random order. Videos from the PSB were read locally for patient management. All videos were then read by at least 2 independent readers for normal versus abnormal categorization, a diagnosis, capsule transit time, reading time, and a subjective assessment of image quality. Categorization of videos as either normal or abnormal. Data from 51 of 63 enrolled patients were analyzed. Nine patients were excluded for technical reasons and 3 for protocol violations. Twenty-four videos were read as normal and 14 as abnormal from both capsules. Disagreement occurred in 13. No adverse events were reported for either capsule. Overall agreement was 38 of 51 (74.5%) with a kappa of 0.48, P = .008. Although ingestion order was randomized, the videos could not be read blind owing to a different shape of the image margin. (1) Both devices were safe and had a comparable diagnostic yield within the range previously reported. (2) There was a subjective difference in image quality favoring the EC. (3) This study design provided unique information about capsule movement in the small intestine and the lack of electromechanical interference between 2 different capsules.
    Gastrointestinal endoscopy 04/2008; 68(3):487-94. · 6.71 Impact Factor
  • Article: A prospective study of the utility of abdominal radiographs after capsule endoscopy for the diagnosis of capsule retention.
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    ABSTRACT: Capsule retention is a rare but serious complication of capsule endoscopy (CE). The utility of routine abdominal radiographs after CE for the diagnosis of capsule retention is not established. To establish the utility of abdominal radiographs in the diagnosis of capsule retention in patients undergoing CE. Prospective cohort study. Consecutive patients undergoing CE. Mayo Clinic Scottsdale, Arizona, a multispecialty academic medical center. Abdominal radiographs were performed on days 3, 7, and 14 after CE. If the patient visualized passage of the capsule, the subsequent abdominal radiograph was cancelled. MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASUREMENTS: Capsule retention, defined as the capsule endoscope seen on the day-14 abdominal radiograph. A total of 115 patients (46% men; mean age 65 years, range 20-88 years) underwent CE, which was performed for obscure GI bleeding in 86%, for suspected Crohn's disease in 5%, and for other indications in 9%. Thirty-four patients (30%) reported spontaneous passage of the capsule by day 3 and an additional 2 patients by day 7. Of the 81 reporting nonpassage by day 3, 66 (82%) underwent abdominal radiographs. Abdominal radiographs in 14 of 66 patients (21%), 3 of 12 (25%), and 2 of 3 (66%) showed a retained capsule on day 3, 7, and 14, respectively. Three patients (2.6%) were diagnosed with capsule retention. Two had serial abdominal radiographs: capsule retention was detected on the day-14 radiographs, and both underwent surgery. Histopathology revealed diaphragm disease of the small intestine in both patients. One patient who did not have serial abdominal radiographs had a small-bowel tumor as the cause of his capsule retention. In all 3 patients, the colon was not visualized on CE. Capsule retention is a rare but serious complication of CE. Most patients do not visualize capsule passage. For patients who do not visualize capsule passage and, in whom the colon is not visualized on the video imaging, an abdominal radiograph on day 14 will help identify those with capsule retention.
    Gastrointestinal Endoscopy 12/2007; 66(5):894-900. · 4.88 Impact Factor
  • Article: Esophageal overtube facilitation of transesophageal echocardiography in patients with previously difficult esophageal intubation.
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    ABSTRACT: In upper endoscopy, overtubes protect the hypopharynx and esophagus in patients requiring multiple esophageal intubations. Transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is frequently used in general cardiology practice to provide high-resolution, real-time images of cardiac structures that are often not visualized by transthoracic imaging alone. Patients with a history of esophageal disorders or difficult esophageal intubations may have increased risk for complications from the echoprobe. An esophageal overtube may facilitate TEE in such patients. We sought to evaluate the usefulness of upper endoscopy with placement of an esophageal overtube to facilitate TEE in patients with prior difficult esophageal intubations. We performed upper endoscopy, followed by placement of an esophageal overtube, in 4 patients who had an unsuccessful intubation with the TEE probe. The endoscopic procedures were successfully completed, thus, allowing for uneventful subsequent TEE. Upper endoscopy with placement of an esophageal overtube may allow for safe successful completion of TEE in patients with previously unsuccessful blind esophageal intubation.
    Journal of the American Society of Echocardiography: official publication of the American Society of Echocardiography 04/2007; 20(3):285-9. · 2.98 Impact Factor
  • Article: Pulmonary aspiration of a capsule endoscope.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 02/2007; 102(1):215-6. · 7.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: A single-center experience of 260 consecutive patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.
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    ABSTRACT: Capsule endoscopy (CE) has revolutionized the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB) but published literature is limited to small series with heterogeneous indications. The aim of this study was to determine the findings and the diagnostic yield of CE in a large series of patients with overt and occult OGIB. Data on 260 patients who underwent CE for overt (N = 126) or occult (N = 134) OGIB were obtained by retrospective chart review and review of an internal database of CE patients and findings. Visualization of the entire small bowel was achieved in 74%. The majority of exams (66%) were rated as having a good or excellent prep. Clinically significant positive findings occurred in 53%. The yield of CE in the obscure-overt group was greater than in the obscure-occult group (60%vs 46%, P= 0.03). Small bowel angioectasias were the most common finding, comprising over 60% of clinically significant lesions. The mean follow-up was 9.6 months, and there were significant reductions in hospitalizations, additional tests/procedures, and units of blood transfused after CE. Both before and after CE, patients in the overt group had more significant GI bleeding than patients in the occult group. Complications occurred in five (1.9%) cases: nonnatural excretion (four) and CE impaction at cricopharyngeus (one). The yield of clinically important findings on CE in patients with OGIB is 53% and is greater in patients with obscure-overt than obscure-occult GI bleeding. Angioectasias account for the majority of significant lesions in both groups. Compared with pre-CE, patients had clinical improvement post-CE in medical interventions for OGIB. Complications of CE occur in less than 2% of cases.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 02/2007; 102(1):89-95. · 7.28 Impact Factor
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    Article: Comparison of morning versus afternoon cecal intubation rates.
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    ABSTRACT: Many factors impacting cecal intubation rates have been examined in detail; however, little information exists regarding the effect of the timing of the procedure. We sought to examine any difference in cecal intubation rates between morning and afternoon colonoscopies and identify factors contributing to a discrepancy. Retrospective, single-center study comparing cecal intubation rates for colonoscopies performed in the morning (begun prior to 12 noon) and colonoscopies performed in the afternoon (begun after 12 noon) over an approximately 12 month period. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed evaluating patient demographics, procedure indication(s), endoscopist, bowel preparation type and quality, and participation by a gastroenterology fellow. 6087 colonoscopies were evaluated in this study. Colonoscopies (n = 3729) performed in the morning were compared to colonoscopies performed in the afternoon (n = 2358). The crude completion rate to the cecum was 95.0% in the morning group while the completion rate to the cecum was 93.6% of the afternoon exams (p = 0.02). The morning colonoscopies had better bowel preparation quality (p < 0.001). The multivariate analyses demonstrated that gender, age, and bowel preparation quality impacted completion rates. After correcting for these factors, there was no significant difference in completion rates in the morning versus afternoon. Uncorrected cecal intubation rates were lower in the afternoon compared to the morning in outpatients undergoing colonoscopy. Bowel preparation quality was worse in the afternoon compared with the morning. Efforts at improving afternoon bowel preparation may improve the outcome of afternoon colonoscopies.
    BMC Gastroenterology 01/2007; 7:19. · 2.42 Impact Factor
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    Article: Hemosuccus Pancreaticus in the Era of Capsule Endoscopy and Double Balloon Enteroscopy Complicated by Multifocal Mycobacterium chelonae/abscessus Infection.
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    ABSTRACT: Hemosuccus pancreaticus is a rare etiology of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding characterized by bleeding into the pancreatic duct. The diagnosis may be delayed for months to years, due to the episodic nature of bleeding and failure to consider the diagnosis. Patients often undergo multiple endoscopies and radiologic evaluations prior to diagnosis. Incidental gastrointestinal findings may lead to unnecessary endoscopic and surgical interventions. This report describes a patient with hemosuccus pancreaticus diagnosed in the era of video capsule endoscopy and double balloon enteroscopy, whose management was complicated by multifocal Mycobacteria chelonae/abscessus infection.
    Case Reports in Gastroenterology 01/2007; 1(1):38-47.
  • Article: A meta-analysis of the yield of capsule endoscopy compared to other diagnostic modalities in patients with non-stricturing small bowel Crohn's disease.
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    ABSTRACT: Capsule endoscopy (CE) allows for direct evaluation of the small bowel mucosa in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). A number of studies have revealed significantly improved yield for CE over other modalities for the diagnosis of CD, but as sample sizes have been small, the true degree of benefit is uncertain. Additionally, it is not clear whether patients with a suspected initial presentation of CD and those with suspected recurrent disease are equally likely to benefit from CE. The aim of this study was to evaluate the yield of CE compared with other modalities in symptomatic patients with suspected or established CD using meta-analysis. We performed a recursive literature search of prospective studies comparing the yield of CE to other modalities in patients with suspected or established CD. Data on yield among various modalities were extracted, pooled, and analyzed. Incremental yield (IY) (yield of CE--yield of comparative modality) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) of CE over comparative modalities were calculated. Subanalyses of patients with a suspected initial presentation of CD and those with suspected recurrent disease were also performed. Nine studies (n = 250) compared the yield of CE with small bowel barium radiography for the diagnosis of CD. The yield for CE versus barium radiography for all patients was 63% and 23%, respectively (IY = 40%, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 28-51%). Four trials compared the yield of CE to colonoscopy with ileoscopy (n = 114). The yield for CE versus ileoscopy for all patients was 61% and 46%, respectively (IY = 15%, p= 0.02, 95% CI = 2-27%). Three studies compared the yield of CE to computed tomography (CT) enterography/CT enteroclysis (n = 93). The yield for CE versus CT for all patients was 69% and 30%, respectively (IY = 38%, p= 0.001, 95% CI = 15-60%). Two trials compared CE to push enteroscopy (IY = 38%, p < 0.001, 95% CI = 26-50%) and one trial compared CE to small bowel magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) (IY = 22%, p= 0.16, 95% CI =-9% to 53%). Subanalysis of patients with a suspected initial presentation of CD showed no statistically significant difference between the yield of CE and barium radiography (p= 0.09), colonoscopy with ileoscopy (p= 0.48), CT enterography (p= 0.07), or push enteroscopy (p= 0.51). Subanalysis of patients with established CD with suspected small bowel recurrence revealed a statistically significant difference in yield in favor of CE compared with all other modalities (barium radiography (p < 0.001), colonoscopy with ileoscopy (p= 0.002), CT enterography (p < 0.001), and push enteroscopy (p < 0.001)). In study populations, CE is superior to all other modalities for diagnosing non-stricturing small bowel CD, with a number needed to test (NNT) of 3 to yield one additional diagnosis of CD over small bowel barium radiography and NNT = 7 over colonoscopy with ileoscopy. These results are due to a highly significant IY with CE over all other modalities in patients with established non-stricturing CD being evaluated for a small bowel recurrence. While there was no significant difference seen between CE and alternate modalities for diagnosing small bowel CD in patients with a suspected initial presentation of CD, the trend toward significance for a number of modalities suggests the possibility of a type II error. Larger studies are needed to better establish the role of CE for diagnosing small bowel CD in patients with a suspected initial presentation of CD.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 06/2006; 101(5):954-64. · 7.28 Impact Factor
  • Article: Relapse of inflammatory bowel disease associated with use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
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    ABSTRACT: To determine whether an association exists between relapse in inflammatory bowel disease and use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), a retrospective records review was conducted of patients with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or indeterminate colitis examined at an outpatient tertiary care center between July 17, 2000, and November 1, 2001. Extracted data collected during the patient's last visit included medication use, maintenance therapy, disease activity, and smoking status. Use of NSAIDs was defined as a daily dose or more of any type the month before relapse. Of 60 patients (22, relapse; 38, remission), 9 (41%) in relapse and 10 (26%) in remission used NSAIDs. Maintenance therapy varied from 68% (relapse) to 92% (remission). The adjusted odds ratio between medication use and relapse was 6.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.16-34.38; P = .03). Use of NSAIDs was associated with relapse. A prospective cohort study that corrects for maintenance therapy is needed to evaluate this relationship.
    Digestive Diseases and Sciences 02/2006; 51(1):168-72. · 2.12 Impact Factor
  • Article: Colonic perforation after computed tomographic colonography in a patient with fibrostenosing Crohn's disease.
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    ABSTRACT: Computed tomographic colonography (CTC) offers great promise in the management of patients with disorders of the colon. Few complications have been reported with its use thus far. We describe herein a case of colonic perforation during CTC in a patient with active stenosing ileocolonic Crohn's disease. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of CTC-related perforation in the setting of Crohn's disease, and the third reported perforation overall. Perforation likely occurred in this case due to barotrauma in the setting of colonic strictures and an inflamed, weakened colonic wall. Physician awareness of the increased risk of perforation with CTC in the setting of inflammatory and/or obstructive disease of the colon will allow for improved clinical decision-making in the care of these patients.
    The American Journal of Gastroenterology 02/2006; 101(1):189-92. · 7.28 Impact Factor