Articles and Expert Insights for the Week of August 30, 2024

General Endoscopy

COLON

ASGE/ACG Quality Task Force Updates Quality Indicators for Colonoscopy

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Rex DK, et al. Gastrointest Endosc and Am J Gastroenterol 2024 Aug 21. 

The American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy/American College of Gastroenterology Quality Task Force has released updated colonoscopy quality indicators for the first time since 2015. The updated guidelines are based on a considerable amount of published evidence on the topic since then.

General Endoscopy

COLON

U.S. Costs for Cancer Screening 

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Halpern MT, et al. Ann Intern Med 2024 Aug 6. 

This study examined total direct costs in 2021 for initial screening for several cancers in the U.S., including colorectal cancer screening by colonoscopy, flexible sigmoidoscopy, CT colonography, fecal immunochemical testing, and Cologuard.

General Endoscopy

COLON

Risk Factors for Delayed Bleeding After Cold Snare Polypectomy 

Douglas K. Rex, MD, MASGE, reviewing Wen S, et al. Int J Colorectal Dis 2024 Jul 22. 

Cold snare polypectomy reduces but does not eliminate the risk of delayed bleeding. A retrospective analysis of 10,650 patients who underwent cold snare polypectomy looked at the incidence of and risk factors for delayed bleeding as well as a prediction model based on the risk factors.

General Endoscopy

ESOPHAGUS

Noninvasive Screening Test for Barrett’s Esophagus Shows Promise 

Prateek Sharma, MD, FASGE, reviewing Greer KB, et al. Am J Gastroenterol 2024 Jul 11. 

A recent prospective study tested noninvasive screening for Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma using a combination of an esophageal sampling device and a DNA-based screening assay. Both devices have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

General Endoscopy

STOMACH AND SMALL BOWEL

Alpha-Gal Syndrome: An Actual GI Ache 

Vanessa M. Shami, MD, FASGE, reviewing Lesmana E, et al. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024 Jul 25.

The prevalence of Alpha-gal Syndrome (AGS) is increasing. This condition involves an IgE-mediated allergic reaction to galactose-α-1,3-galactose and its derivatives and includes GI symptoms, among others after red meat consumption. A recent retrospective cohort study aimed to study clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and outcomes of AGS. 

Editorial review of this issue was provided by the following members of the ASGE Publications Committee: Srinivas Gaddam, MD, FASGE; Khushboo Gala, MD; Zaheer Nabi, MD, FASGE; Mariam Naveed, MD; and Itegbemie Obaitan, MD.