Gastroenterology Commons^™

Role Of Artificial Intelligence In Endoscopic Intervention: A Clinical Review, Nismat Javed, Haider Ghazanfar, Bhavna Balar, Harish Patel

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Gastrointestinal diseases are increasing in global prevalence. As a result, the contribution to both mortality and healthcare costs is increasing. While interventions utilizing scoping techniques or ultrasound are crucial to both the timely diagnosis and management of illness, a few limitations are associated with these techniques. Artificial intelligence, using computerized diagnoses, deep learning systems, or neural networks, is increasingly being employed in multiple aspects of medicine to improve the characteristics and outcomes of these tools. Therefore, this review aims to discuss applications of artificial intelligence in endoscopy, colonoscopy, and endoscopic ultrasound.

Health Benefits Of Saccharomyces Boulardii As A Probiotic, Devashri Parikh, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova, Ravij Upadhyay, Andrea Iannuzzelli

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Saccharomyces boulardii (SB), a budding yeast, within the Saccharomyces genus. It commonly used as a probiotic that has been isolated from lychee and mangosteen fruit. S. boulardii is not known to acquire resistant genes and does not last in the intestine after 3-5 days of discontinuing the ingestion. The clinical efficacy of this probiotic yeast is known to improve various diarrhea such as pediatric diarrhea, antibiotic-associated diarrhea, acute diarrhea, and traveler’s diarrhea. Additionally, when used as an adjuvant to treatment for Helicobacter pylori and Clostridium difficile infections, it improves bacterial eradication, prevents relapse, reduces adverse reactions and treatment-associated diarrhea.

Several …

Comparative Analysis Of Health Outcomes In Gastric Cancer: Robotic Vs. Laparoscopic Gastrectomy, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Exploring the most effective surgical approach for gastrectomy is crucial for determining superior health outcomes in patients. This research compares robotic and laparoscopic techniques with the aim of pinpointing the optimal method, offering valuable insights for improved postoperative well-being.

A Case Of Esophagogastric Junction Outflow Obstruction Resulting To Megaesophagus In A 37-Year-Old Male, Dean Esma, Robin Lahr, James A. Espinosa, Alan Lucerna

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) is a major motility disorder characterized by an increase of > 15 mmHg in the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP) with or without problems in esophageal motility. This presents as dysphagia, chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, cough, and a globus sensation, with dysphagia. Severe cases may lead to a megaesophagus causing compression of mediastinal structures.6 Its similarity to other esophageal disorders urge an investigation to improve its identification and treatment. This report presents a case of EGJOO in a 37-year-old cachectic male patient with dysphagia and vomiting, eventually determined to be EGJOO with diagnostic manometry.

Case Report: Diverticulitis Involving A Meckel’S Diverticulum, Samuel M. Thalathoti, Russell A. Mordecai

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

We report a case of a 65-year-old female who presented with abdominal pain and was diagnosed with diverticulitis involving a Meckel‘s Diverticulum. The differential diagnosis of abdominal pain is vast, in this age group includes, but is not limited to appendicitis, diverticulitis, cholecystitis, and small bowel obstruction. In the absence of complicated features, conservative management with oral antibiotics and close outpatient follow is advised. However, in the case of complicated diverticulitis and a rare manifestation such as a Meckel’s Diverticulum, careful management is indicated.

Gut Microbiota Changes After Cholecystectomy: Unraveling The Microbial Mysteries - A Systematic Review, Maftuna Kurbonnazarova, Arthi Rameshkumar, Olivia R. Siciliano, Samrat Gollapudi, Katarina Rusinak, Alissa Brotman O’Neill

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Aims: This review aims to expand upon previous research examining change in gastrointestinal microbiota before and after cholecystectomy.

Methods: A systematic review, combined with a pooled analysis, was conducted to assess gut microbiota dysbiosis post-cholecystectomy, utilizing 71 articles retrieved from 3 databases, with 13 undergoing full-text appraisal. The publication dates ranged from 2018 to 2023.

Results: Results suggested a greater degree of microbiota alteration in symptomatic post-cholecystectomy patients, characterized by a decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio, Bifidobacterium and Lactococcus, alongside increased levels of harmful microbiota such as Prevotella, Sutterella, Proteobacteria, Verrucomicrobia, Blautia obeum, and Veillonella species. Interestingly, an increase in …

Dense Colon Scarring After Infliximab For Acute Severe Ulcerative Colitis, Rahul Patel, Sriya Vutukuru, Neethi Dasu, Charles Snyder

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Infliximab is a monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor alpha used in the treatment of ulcerative colitis. It has been shown to be efficacious in patients with moderate to severe ulcerative colitis and/or those who have failed intravenous steroids. We present a unique finding of profoundly dense colonic scarring after a year of infliximab therapy in a patient with acute severe ulcerative colitis.

Case: A female in her early 60s presented to the hospital with a three month history of rectal bleeding and intermittent fevers. A colonoscopy was done which demonstrated severe Mayo 3 left-sided colitis, consistent with a …

Clinical Outcomes For Patients With Nafld And Acute Hepatitis: An Analysis Of The National Inpatient Sample, Dakota B. Pastore, Tony Elias, Peter Senatore

Rowan-Virtua Research Day

Introduction: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common form of chronic liver disease in the United States and has been found to play a significant role in cardiovascular disease risk through several mechanisms including dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, coagulability, and inflammation. Acute-on-chronic liver disease continues to contribute to worse health outcomes via acute hepatitis.

Methods: This case-control study investigated the relationship between NAFLD and acute hepatitis using data extracted from the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) Database for the years 2019 and 2020. The NIS was searched for hospitalizations of adult patients with acute hepatitis with and without NAFLD. Using …

Ercp Extraction Of Stones In Situs Inversus Patients; State-Of-The-Art Techniques, Deniz Gunsahin, Madalina Ilie, Oana Plotogea, Dan Nicolae Paduraru, Alexandra Bolocan, Octavian Andronic, Florentina Musat, Vlad Baleanu, Dragos Davitoiu, Mihai Pahomeanu, Bogdan Dumbrava, Vlad Enciu, Alexandru Constantinescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare congenital disease that causes mirror transposition of the abdomino-thoracic structures. When such patients develop pathologies related to the bile duct, most commonly choledocholithiasis, the optimal diagnostic process can be hampered by the rarity of such a pathology and the lack of medical information on this topic. Once the diagnosis is established, through endoscopic ultrasound and MRCP, the patient is sent to perform ERCP, which requires tailored approaches for each case. We present the case of a 33-year-old patient who was previously documented with SIT. On admission she presented with abdominal pain and fever …

Advantages Of Mechanical Anastomosis In Rectal Cancer Surgery, Paul Șiancu, Adrian Boicean, Denisa Tănăsescu, Dan Bratu, Ciprian Tănăsescu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Rectal oncological pathology represents an increased degree of difficulty in terms of surgical approach. Along with the development of minimally invasive surgery, technology has also increased the options for performing digestive anastomoses. A significant increase has been observed among mechanical anastomoses. The evolution of mechanical sutures through the use of the stapler has become a true symbol of technological advancement, as they have led to improvements and effective gains in quality and productivity in suture making. The aim of this paper is to highlight the advantages of the use of staplers in rectal surgery, with their help achieving a lower …

Correlation Between Molecular Prognostic Factors And Bevacizumab Therapeutic Resistance In Patients With Metastatic Colorectal Cancer; The Avamet Study, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Dragos Serban, Andreea Daniela Caloian, Georgeta Camelia Cozaru, Anca Chisoi, Anca Antonela Nicolau, Ioan Sergiu Micu, Andra Iulia Suceveanu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Objectives. Colorectal cancer is responsible for more than two million cases diagnosed annually. Despite early diagnosis through screening programs and adequate treatment, 25% of cases are diagnosed with metastatic disease while up to 50% of patients diagnosed early progress to metastatic disease. Materials and Methods. The study of 40 patients aims to identify the role of placental growth factor and heparin-binding growth factor as prognostic tools for current treatments involving resistance to bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer. Results. Our results suggested that overall survival was influenced by serum fibroblast growth factor 1 levels. A cut-off value of 260.71 pg/ml was …

Medical And Psychological Management Of Patients With A History Of Surgical Treatment For Pancreatic Diseases, Magdalena Țone, Daniel Cochior, Oana Denisa Balalau, Tomescu Dana Rodica, Cristian Balalau, Teodora Mocan, Aurelian Udristoiu, Gabriel Petre Gorecki

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Background. Pancreatic cancer, known for its high mortality rate and late diagnosis, remains a significant health concern. Surgery offers a potential therapeutic remedy, but it is only valid in the early stage of detection. Increasing risk factors and an aging population are expected to raise the incidence of pancreatic cancer, further challenging healthcare systems. Methods. The general objective of this study was to analyze doctors' experiences regarding the health status of patients with benign pancreatic pathology who underwent surgery and were admitted to CF2 Clinical Hospital in Bucharest. The research involved a specialized questionnaire addressing various aspects of patient health, …

Surgery Of The Colon; The Impact Of Colostomy And Postoperative Complications On Patients' Quality Of Life, Vlad Denis Constantin, Adrian Silaghi, Dragos Epistatu, Daniela Gabriela Bălan, Florin Silviu Groseanu, Denisa Mihaela Nedelcu, Ioana Paunica

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. This study aims to evaluate the impact of stoma formation on the quality of life of patients undergoing colonic surgery, considering both emergency and elective procedures. Several factors (demographic data, Charlson comorbidity score, type of surgical intervention, duration of hospitalization, postoperative outcomes and complications, etc.) were analyzed to understand their influence on patients' well-being. Materials and Methods. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients who underwent colorectal surgery that required stoma formation. A total of 270 patients were included in the study, with 69.25% undergoing emergency surgery and 30.74% undergoing elective procedures. Results. The Charlson comorbidity score was significantly …

Management Of Macrovascular Diabetic Complications: A Single-Center Case Series Analysis Of Consecutively Attending Patients In Primary Care, Sanda Maria Crețoiu, Mihaela Adela Iancu, Laura Maria Condur, Teodor Salmen, Andreea Steriu, Ana Maria Alexandra Stănescu, Irina Anca Eremia, Cristina Mihaela Olariu, Eliza Elena Cinteză, Camelia Cristina Diaconu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. The prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing, with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) being a major health priority for any public health system. Increased arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes will lead to the appearance of vascular complications. Increased arterial stiffness in patients with diabetes usually leads to vascular complications. Any earlier diagnosis of impaired macrovascular evidence may lead to improved outcomes in patient care. The objective of our study was to assess and evaluate the finger-toe pulse wave velocity (ftPWV), as a measure of arterial stiffness, in order to assist with early detection of macrovascular diabetic complications. Materials and …

Genetic And Serological Markers In Colorectal Cancer Surgery, Adrian Silaghi, Vlad Denis Constantin, Dragos Serban, Dragos Epistatu, Ioana Paunica, Daniela Gabriela Bălan, Laura Florentina Rebegea

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Colon cancer is relatively asymptomatic in the early stages, the manifestations appearing and intensifying with the evolution of the disease, especially when associated with local and/or systemic complications. In such cases, surgical interventions are often emergency and involve more extensive operations (on metabolically and immune-stressed organisms), so that an early diagnosis (endoscopy, tumor markers, etc.) remains not only desirable but even a priority, especially in predisposed patients (genetic factors, lifestyle, etc.). As a consequence, the involvement of tumor markers in colon neoplasms has become more and more investigated in recent times. This review investigates the roles of serological and genetic …

Effect Of Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy On Serum Levels Of Inflammatory Cytokines/Interleukin-17 In Severe Acute Pancreatitis, Diana Iosif, Adrian Paul Suceveanu, Marius Prazaru, Iulia Cindea, Viorel Gherghina, Anca Mihaela Pantea Stoian, Laura Mazilu, Dragos Serban, Alina Nicoara, Andra Iulia Suceveanu

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Despite continuous investigations in the diagnosis and treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP), this disease still remains a critical condition with a mortality rate of up to 35%. The pathophysiology of SAP involves an important inflammatory reaction of the pancreas (mediated by inflammatory cytokines and immune system activation), causing severe local tissue damage as well as important systemic imbalances. IL-17 is an inflammatory mediator that have a pivotal role in SAP evolution, generating multiple interactions between inflammatory cytokines and significantly influencing the immune system response. Consequently, continuous renal replacement therapy/CRRT was added to the conventional therapy, leading to improved treatment …

Venous Thrombosis Associated With Pancreatic Cancer, Vlad Buică, Camelia Diaconu, Octavian Andronic

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Introduction. Cancer-associated thrombosis is a significant prognostic marker in pancreatic neoplasia, with a venous thromboembolism incidence of 17-34%. This study focuses on cancer-associated thrombosis risk factors, screening scores, and treatment options. Materials and Methods. Comprehensive database searches were conducted across Web of Science, PubMed, Reaxys, ScienceDirect, and Scopus. Results. Of the 37 articles reviewed, findings include splanchnic vein thrombosis correlating with pancreatic complications and survival rates. Gender differences in cancer-associated thrombosis risk were inconclusive, while African Americans showed a higher incidence of pulmonary embolism. Various cancer-associated thrombosis staging scores were evaluated, with ONKOTEV score outperforming Khorana. Direct oral anticoagulants were …

Diabetic Patients And Postoperative Complications In Colorectal Surgery, Ioana Paunica, Adrian Silaghi, Daniela Gabriela Bălan, Bogdan Socea, Cristian Balalau, Florin Silviu Groseanu, George Alexandru Popescu, Dragos Epistatu, Vlad Denis Constantin

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common comorbidities of patients undergoing surgery. Colorectal surgery is frequently associated with postoperative complications, and diabetic patients represent a population that presents a high risk of developing such complications. Understanding the interrelationships between neoplastic disease and diabetes, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying postoperative complications, are essential for effective therapeutic management. Genetic predispositions, alterations in the gut microbiota, inflammatory response, ischemic, thrombotic and infectious processes contribute significantly to the development of severe surgical complications, such as anastomotic fistulas. Postoperative ileus, characterized by gastrointestinal dysmotility, is common in diabetic patients due to neuropathic …

Open Versus Laparoscopic Appendectomy: A Literature Review, Nicole Kiril Nikolov, Hannah Theresa Reimer, Alvin Sun, Benjamin David Bunnell, Zachary Isaac Merhavy

Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences

Appendectomy is the most common emergency abdominal surgery in the United States. Open appendectomy has been the standard procedure for decades, whereas laparoscopic appendectomy is a newer, less-invasive method of removing the appendix. This review intends to elucidate the similarities and differences between these two procedures as well as explore the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. Socioeconomic factors, associated costs, preoperative imaging, operative time and methods, length of hospital stay, recovery time, and complications associated with open and laparoscopic appendectomy are discussed. Overall, laparoscopic appendectomy has shorter hospital stays and recovery times, requires less analgesics, and results in better …

Suspected Thiamine Deficiency Secondary To Chronic Gastrointestinal Illness: A Case Report, Abigail L. Meckley, Natalie Lagattuta, Elise Gonzalez, Chamonix Kinimaka, Jessica El-Bahri

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Thiamine deficiency, also known as beriberi, is a nutritional disorder caused by a lack of thiamine (vitamin B₁) in the diet. It can occur in 2 forms: dry beriberi, which affects the nervous system, and wet beriberi, which affects the cardiovascular system. Gastrointestinal beriberi is a subtype that affects the digestive system and can lead to multisystem involvement. In the United States (US), thiamine deficiency often arises from chronic malnutrition secondary to alcoholism, known as Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome.

Case Presentation

A 45-year-old female with no known past medical history or alcohol use disorder came to the emergency department …

Mpox-Induced Proctitis, Saif Ghias, Niyati Joshi, Dzenana Cabaravdic, Ramesh Nathan, Jasprit Takher

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is a zoonotic virus in the genus Orthopoxvirus, which has a variable incubation period and an extensive array of symptoms. While those infected with Mpox have displayed generalized viral prodromal symptoms, atypical symptoms such as proctitis have also been seen. Proctitis associated with Mpox is a relatively infrequent initial presenting symptom with a reported incidence of 14-32.9% that has seen an uptick in prevalence since the 2022 global endemic.

Case Presentation

We present a confirmed case of Mpox in a 27-year-old male who presented with 3 days of intermittent anorectal bleeding and various forms …

Ischemic Colitis In A Middle-Aged Man With Covid-19: Case Report And Review Of Literature, Lara Appiah, Subhasis Misra, Stephen Jones

HCA Healthcare Journal of Medicine

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was a pandemic that began in 2019 and continues to have morbid and deadly consequences throughout the world. During the beginning of the pandemic, many considered older adults and immunocompromised younger adults to be the only populations at risk for the severe consequences of COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, this was proven wrong with several case reports and studies showing that relatively younger adults can also suffer serious consequences from this perplexing virus.

Case Presentation

We report a rare case of ischemic colitis in a 42-year-old obese man who presented to the emergency department with quintessential …

Typhlitis In A Neutropenic Patient, Alice He Bs, Wern Lynn Ng Md, Lay She Ng Md, Si Yuan Khor Md, Chandi Garg Md

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

The Hidden Thief: Strongyloidiasis’ Understated Role In Anemia, Iman Waheed Khan Md, Daniel Weinblatt Do, Hira Hanif Md, Muhammad Umer Riaz Gondal Md, Parth Desai Do, Michael Francis Riverso Do

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Considering The Histologic And Anatomic Features Of Pancreatic Heterotopia In Patient Disease Manifestation, Yeseena Alli B.S., Kelly Brenan M.D.

Tower Health Research Day

No abstract provided.

Role Of Mechanoregulation In Mast Cell-Mediated Immune Inflammation Of The Smooth Muscle In The Pathophysiology Of Esophageal Motility Disorders, Raj Goyal, Satish Rattan

Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology Faculty Papers

Major esophageal disorders involve obstructive transport of bolus to the stomach, causing symptoms of dysphagia and impaired clearing of the refluxed gastric contents. These may occur due to mechanical constriction of the esophageal lumen or loss of relaxation associated with deglutitive inhibition, as in achalasia-like disorders. Recently, immune inflammation has been identified as an important cause of esophageal strictures and the loss of inhibitory neurotransmission. These disorders are also associated with smooth muscle hypertrophy and hypercontractility, whose cause is unknown. This review investigated immune inflammation in the causation of smooth muscle changes in obstructive esophageal bolus transport. Findings suggest that …

Association Of Blast Exposure In Military Breaching With Intestinal Permeability Blood Biomarkers Associated With Leaky Gut, Qingkun Liu, Zhaoyu Wang, Shengnan Sun, Jeffrey Nemes, Lisa A. Brenner, Miciej Skotak, Christina R. Lavalle, Yongchao Ge, Walter Carr, Fatemeh Haghighi

Faculty Publications

Injuries and subclinical effects from exposure to blasts are of significant concern in military operational settings, including tactical training, and are associated with self-reported concussion-like symptomology and physiological changes such as increased intestinal permeability (IP), which was investigated in this study. Time-series gene expression and IP biomarker data were generated from “breachers” exposed to controlled, low-level explosive blast during training. Samples from 30 male participants at pre-, post-, and follow-up blast exposure the next day were assayed via RNA-seq and ELISA. A battery of symptom data was also collected at each of these time points that acutely showed elevated symptom …

Limonene Exerts Anti-Inflammatory Effect On Lps-Induced Jejunal Injury In Mice By Inhibiting Nf-Κb/Ap-1 Pathway, Sarmed H. Kathem, Yasameen Sh. Nasrawi, Shihab H. Mutlag, Surya M. Nauli

Pharmacy Faculty Articles and Research

The human gastrointestinal system is a complex ecosystem crucial for well-being. During sepsis-induced gut injury, the integrity of the intestinal barrier can be compromised. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin from Gram-negative bacteria, disrupts the intestinal barrier, contributing to inflammation and various dysfunctions. The current study explores the protective effects of limonene, a natural compound with diverse biological properties, against LPS-induced jejunal injury in mice. Oral administration of limonene at dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg was used in the LPS mouse model. The Murine Sepsis Score (MSS) was utilized to evaluate the severity of sepsis, while serum levels of urea and …

Operative Versus Nonoperative Management For Diverticulitis Complicated By Abscess, Alix Bernholtz, Abbie R. Bauer

Clinical Research in Practice: The Journal of Team Hippocrates

A clinical decision report using:

You K, Bendl R, Taut C, et al. Randomized clinical trial of elective resection versus observation in diverticulitis with extraluminal air or abscess initially managed conservatively. Br J Surg. 2018;105(8):971-979. https://doi.org/10.1002/bjs.10868

for a patient with a recurrent diverticulitis complicated by abscess formation.

Endoscopic Management Of Boerhaave Syndrome: Are Outcomes Better Than Surgery? A Case Report And Review Of Literature, Ammar Qureshi, Uvesh Mansuri, Mona Roknsharifi, Youssef Ghobrial, Artin Asgeri, Mehrdad Asgeri

Journal of Community Hospital Internal Medicine Perspectives

Boerhaave syndrome (BS) is a rare clinical diagnosis associated with a high morbidity and mortality rate. Diagnosis of this condition is usually delayed which can lead to a very poor outcome. The timing of presentation and time to management plays a very important role in the prognosis and selection of the management method. With the advances seen in therapeutic endoscopy, many authors have been exploring the possibility of shifting the focus of management from surgery to interventional endoscopy. We present a case report of a patient presenting with BS that was successfully managed endoscopically. We also reviewed the literature on …