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5 esophagus stories you may have missed
Recently published studies have demonstrated new developments in Barrett’s esophagus, eosinophilic esophagitis and GERD.
In case you missed it, the editors of Healio Gastroenterology and Liver Disease have compiled a recap of some of our most recent popular articles involving the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal disorders.
Sponge capsule test aids Barrett’s diagnosis
A test that captures genetic biomarkers from the esophagus using a small sponge can help identify signs of Barrett’s esophagus leading to the early detection of esophageal cancer, according to research published in Clinical Cancer Research.
For the test, a patient swallows a small capsule attached to a string, known as the EsophaCap (CapNostics). Once it reaches the stomach, the capsule dissolves revealing a two-centimeter sponge that collects genetic material when it is pulled back out through the mouth. The sponge is then sent away for genetic testing that can help determine the patient’s risk for esophageal cancer. READ MORE.
Transnasal endoscopic surveillance effective in children with EoE
Using transnasal endoscopy in unsedated children appeared effective and safe while reducing costs associated with monitoring eosinophilic esophagitis, according to research published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology.
Nathalie Nguyen, MD, of the Digestive Health Institute at Children’s Hospital Colorado, and colleagues wrote that the primary methods of collecting biopsies — esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) with sedation — can become problematic for patients and their families. READ MORE.
Online training module could improve Barrett’s management
An online teaching tool helped endoscopists improve detection of Barrett’s esophagus-related neoplasia, according to research published in Gastroenterology.
J.J. Bergman, MD, PhD, director of endoscopy at Academic Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, developed the program with the help of a group of expert endoscopists who helped delineate lesions on recorded upper endoscopy videos. READ MORE.
Novel therapy non-inferior to Nexium in erosive esophagitis
Tegoprazan, a novel potassium-competitive acid blocker, was non-inferior to Nexium for the treatment of erosive esophagitis, according to results of a parallel-group comparison study.
Poong-Lyul Rhee, MD, PhD, of the department of medicine at Samsung Medical Center in Seoul, South Korea, and colleagues wrote that treatment with proton pump inhibitors, like Nexium (esomeprazole, Pfizer), often results in high healing rates, but some patients still have endoscopic evidence of esophagitis or reflux symptoms. They wanted to test esomeprazole against tegoprazan, which is fast acting and can control gastric pH for a prolonged period. READ MORE.
TIF 2.0 procedure normalizes pH safely for patients with GERD
Hiatal hernia repair followed by Transoral Incisionless Fundoplication helped normalize pH scores in patients with GERD without some of the safety concerns associated with traditional reflux surgeries, according to data published in the Journal of the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons.
Researchers analyzed data from 97 patients evaluated between October 2015 and December 2017. Of those, 55 patients underwent hiatal hernia repair with concomitant TIF procedure using the EsophyX device (EndoGastric Solutions) and 29 had matched pre- and post-operative assessments. Overall, 22 of those 29 patients had intact hiatal hernia and TIF procedure repairs, and of those, 21 experienced normalization of pH scores. Investigators also found that these patients had better GERD-related quality of life scores and Reflux Symptoms Index scores at follow-up. READ MORE.