G de Pretis

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This study looked at a new way to help patients with severe liver disease get access to liver transplants and receive ongoing care after surgery. The program connected hospitals in Trento and Padua from 2020 to 2023, allowing 27 patients to be referred for transplants, with 22% actually receiving a transplant. Meanwhile, 70% of stable liver transplant recipients who returned for follow-up care at their local hospital had medical issues, but most were managed well there, showing that this system is effective for ongoing patient care. Who this helps: This helps patients with liver disease and liver transplant recipients.

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This study looked at how often large colorectal tumors come back after a specific surgery called piecemeal endoscopic mucosal resection (pEMR). They found that around 29% of patients had their tumors return within a follow-up period of at least three months, and the size of the tumor was the main factor influencing this rate. Importantly, the technique used (with or without a cap) didn’t change the chances of recurrence. Who this helps: This research helps patients with large colorectal tumors and the doctors treating them.

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This study looked at how well a new system, called the AGREE classification, works for categorizing problems that can happen during gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. Over five years, researchers recorded 226 adverse events (0.3% of all procedures) and found that the AGREE classification had a stronger agreement among different observers compared to an older system called ASGE. This matters because a reliable classification helps doctors better understand and manage risks in these procedures, improving patient safety. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients undergoing gastrointestinal endoscopy.

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This study looked at rare tumors found in the appendix, specifically "collision tumors," in two women who had no symptoms but were found to have these tumors during surgery. Both women had a type of tumor that combined two different kinds of growths; one woman needed more surgery to remove part of her colon due to the more aggressive nature of her tumor, while the other just had her appendix removed and didn't need any more treatment. Understanding these tumors is important for doctors to ensure the right treatment is given, as proper care depends on accurate diagnosis. Who this helps: This helps patients with rare appendiceal tumors and the doctors who treat them.

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This study looked at a method called cap-assisted endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR-c) used when a standard procedure (wide-field EMR) fails to remove large growths in the colon called laterally spreading tumors (LSTs). The researchers found that after switching to EMR-c because of initial failure, 94% of patients had successful complete removal of the tumors. However, there was a higher chance of the tumors returning (44% for EMR-c compared to 24% for the standard method), and more patients experienced complications like bleeding. Who this helps: This research benefits doctors and patients dealing with challenging colorectal tumors by providing insights into alternative treatment options.

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This study looked at how a colorectal cancer screening program using stool tests affected patients in the Trentino Region of Italy from 2003 to 2014. The findings showed that patients diagnosed through screening had a much higher chance of being in the early stage of cancer (51%) compared to those diagnosed outside of screening (19%), leading to a significant improvement in overall survival rates. Overall, the program helped reduce colorectal cancer deaths from 40.7 to 25.6 per 100,000 people, showing it plays a crucial role in finding cancer early and improving patient outcomes. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk of colorectal cancer, especially those aged 50-69.

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This study looked at a new device called EndoFaster that can help doctors find infections in patients with chronic active gastritis, which is important because it can lead to stomach cancer. Among 595 patients tested, the device found infections in 61% of cases where standard biopsies did not, potentially sparing more than 60% of patients from needing additional uncomfortable tests. This is significant because it can reduce patient discomfort and save healthcare resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients with chronic active gastritis by providing a quicker and less invasive way to diagnose infections.

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This study examines a type of rare tumor called gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs), which has become more common in recent years. Researchers found that while radical surgery is the best treatment when possible, up to 80% of patients have advanced disease at diagnosis, making personalized treatment plans crucial. Additionally, although new tests for predicting treatment responses are being developed, they are not yet in regular use, highlighting the need for improved management strategies. Who this helps: This benefits patients with GEP-NENs and their doctors.

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This study examined the outcomes of surgery meant to completely remove entero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (EP-NETs), which are rare tumors in the pancreas and small intestine. Researchers found that after surgery, about 30% of patients experienced a recurrence of the disease within five years, with a median time before recurrence being 101 months and a five-year survival rate without recurrence of 67.9%. Understanding the risk factors for recurrence, such as cancer stage and lymph node involvement, can help doctors identify patients who may need additional treatments or more careful monitoring after surgery. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with EP-NETs and their doctors.

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This study looked at how well a specialized program for hepatitis C treatment worked for people who use drugs in Italy. Out of 40 patients, all completed the treatment, and 92.5% were free of the virus afterward. The program showed high treatment adherence and had no serious side effects, making it a successful model for helping this vulnerable group. Who this helps: This helps patients with a history of substance use disorder who are infected with hepatitis C.

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This study looked at a new slim colonoscope designed to access a specific part of the bile duct called the intradiverticular papilla. The researchers successfully used this device to improve drainage from the bile duct in patients with narrowing in that area. This is important because it leads to better treatment outcomes for those suffering from bile duct blockages. Who this helps: Patients with bile duct issues.

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This study compared two approaches to screening patients for COVID-19 before undergoing digestive endoscopy in Northern Italy. One group (Unit 1) only screened patients for symptoms, while the other group (Unit 2) required both symptom screening and a COVID-19 test. Results showed no significant difference in infection rates among healthcare workers (9% vs. 19%, which was not statistically significant) and found that requiring tests led to a greater drop in the number of procedures done (about 62% compared to 53%), suggesting that such testing is costly and slow without clear benefits. Who this helps: This helps healthcare workers and hospitals by guiding them away from unnecessary testing procedures.

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This study looked at how a device called EndoFaster® can measure the acidity (pH) of stomach juice in real-time to help identify atrophic gastritis, a condition that can lead to stomach cancer. Researchers tested 1,008 patients and found that the device accurately identified patients without atrophic gastritis 96% of the time, which could potentially reduce the need for unnecessary biopsies. This is important because it means doctors can diagnose potential issues more quickly and easily, improving patient care and comfort. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing endoscopy for stomach issues.

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This study evaluated a device called EndoFaster, which analyzes gastric juice to diagnose Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria linked to common stomach diseases. Researchers tested the device on 1,279 patients, finding that it accurately detected H. pylori infection in 86.3% of cases and could often eliminate the need for more invasive gastric biopsies. The device works well regardless of prior treatment for H. pylori and can be used on almost all patients, which could simplify diagnosis and treatment. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing endoscopy, as it can reduce the need for biopsies.

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This study looked at new underwater techniques for removing growths from the digestive system, comparing them to standard methods. Researchers found that underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (U-EMR) was effective and safe, achieving better rates of complete removal in colon cases than traditional methods, but not as good for lesions in the duodenum. The findings matter because they suggest that these new underwater techniques could improve treatment outcomes for certain patients, though more research is needed for others. Who this helps: Patients with gastrointestinal lesions needing endoscopic treatment.

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This study looked at how a probiotic called Lactobacillus casei DG® can help patients with chronic bacterial prostatitis, a condition causing ongoing urinary symptoms. Out of 84 patients, 72.6% reported a significant improvement in their symptoms after three months of treatment, leading to a drop in the number of times symptoms returned from 1.9 episodes every three months to just 0.5. This matters because it shows that this probiotic can reduce reliance on antibiotics while improving patients' quality of life. Who this helps: This helps patients suffering from chronic bacterial prostatitis.

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This study looked at the best timing for endoscopy procedures in patients with severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Researchers found that performing endoscopy very early did not offer significant advantages over early endoscopy for reducing risks like rebleeding or death, but it did require more treatments to control bleeding (23% more often). This information helps doctors make better decisions on when to schedule these procedures, ensuring patients receive effective care without unnecessary risks. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding and their healthcare providers.

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This study looked at a new technology called EndoFaster, which can detect H. pylori bacteria from gastric juice, to see if it can reduce the need for biopsies in patients. The researchers analyzed data from 525 patients and found that EndoFaster accurately identified infections 87% of the time, which means it could have prevented unnecessary biopsies in 279 patients, a 42.3% reduction. This is significant because it means doctors can diagnose H. pylori more efficiently, saving both time and healthcare resources. Who this helps: This benefits patients by reducing the number of invasive procedures they need.

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This study looked at the quality of a medical procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) across 19 centers in Italy. It found that while the procedure was generally performed well—with a success rate of 95.1% for deep biliary cannulation and low rates of complications like pancreatitis (5.4%) and cholangitis (1.0%)—there were concerns about inadequate training programs for operators. Improving training and the use of sedation during the procedure is important to enhance the overall quality and safety of ERCP in Italy. Who this helps: This benefits patients undergoing ERCP and the doctors who perform the procedure.

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This study focused on the rare harmful effects that can occur after thermal treatments for liver cancer, specifically looking at injuries to the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) caused by radiofrequency ablation (RFA). A 77-year-old man who had liver surgery for cancer and then received RFA developed an injury that required urgent treatment; this includes a defect in his stomach wall, which was successfully treated using a special endoscopic clip. This finding is important because it shows that such injuries, although very rare (0.11%), can be managed effectively with new techniques, potentially improving outcomes for patients facing similar complications. Who this helps: Patients undergoing thermal treatment for liver cancer.

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This study looked at how often COVID-19 causes liver damage in patients. Among 793 patients, about 22% experienced liver injury, mainly shown by elevated liver enzymes, and 5.5% had increased bilirubin levels. The findings highlight that liver issues are common in COVID-19 patients, so it's important for doctors to monitor liver health in these cases. Who this helps: This helps patients with COVID-19 and their doctors in managing potential liver complications.

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This study looked at how often COVID-19 patients experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. It found that about 11.5% of COVID-19 patients report GI issues, with diarrhea being the most common symptom at 7.8%. The research highlights that almost half of the stool samples tested positive for the virus, indicating that people without symptoms can still spread COVID-19. Who this helps: This information is valuable for doctors and healthcare providers managing COVID-19 patients.

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This study looked at the process of referring patients for upper endoscopy over two different years, 2006 and 2014, to see how well primary care doctors and specialists agreed on the urgency and appropriateness of these referrals. Researchers found that most patients were still considered low priority for these procedures (about 79% in 2006 and 75% in 2014) and that the agreement on referral urgency improved significantly from moderate to high. This is important because addressing the issue of low-priority referrals could help reduce unnecessary procedures and save healthcare costs. Who this helps: This helps patients by minimizing unnecessary medical procedures and optimizing healthcare resources.

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This study looked at how effective colonoscopy screenings are for people who have a family history of colorectal cancer, specifically first-degree relatives of patients. Researchers followed 1,252 of these relatives and found that 93% participated in screenings compared to only 48% of individuals without such a family history. Although both groups showed similar rates of finding serious conditions during their screenings, it indicates that family members of colorectal cancer patients are more likely to get timely check-ups, which is crucial for early detection and treatment. Who this helps: This helps patients with a family history of colorectal cancer and their doctors in planning effective screening.

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This study looked at how often sessile serrated polyps (SSPs) were found during colonoscopies of people who tested positive in colorectal cancer screening programs using a specific blood test. Out of over 72,000 colonoscopies, only 1.8% showed SSPs. The research found that men and those with a good track record of reaching the start of the colon during procedures were more likely to have SSPs. These findings suggest that SSPs are rare and not a main focus for current screening methods, so programs may not need to change based on these results. Who this helps: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

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This study compared two types of colonoscopy—full-spectrum (FUSE) and standard forward-viewing (SFV)—to see which one detects more cases of colorectal cancer and polyps in people who tested positive for a screening test. Out of 658 patients, about 44.5% had at least one polyp, and 21.7% had an advanced polyp, with no significant differences between the two methods: FUSE detected 43.6% and 19.5% of adenomas compared to SFV's 45.5% and 23.9%. This matters because finding polyps early can prevent cancer and improve treatment outcomes, but both methods appear equally effective for detection. Who this helps: Patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening.

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This research studied how sending an advance notification letter affects participation in colorectal cancer screening, focusing on two methods: sigmoidoscopy (FS) and the fecal immunochemical test (FIT). They found that sending an advance letter led to a 20% increase in attendance for FS screenings and a smaller increase of 6% for FIT screenings, with costs ranging from about 10 to 22.5 Euros for different strategies. This is important because it shows that advance notification can effectively encourage more people to get screened for colorectal cancer, improving early detection rates. Who this helps: Patients at risk for colorectal cancer.

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This study looked at how well different groups perform during simulated colonoscopy procedures, comparing endoscopy nurses, junior doctors, and expert doctors. It found that expert doctors outperformed both junior doctors and nurses in specific areas, such as how quickly they reached a key part of the colon and the level of pain caused to patients. However, the performance of nurses and junior doctors was generally acceptable, indicating that the simulator could be a useful tool for training beginners in colonoscopy. Who this helps: This benefits patients, doctors, and nursing staff involved in endoscopy procedures.

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This study looked at how to manage malignant polyps found during colorectal cancer screening in Italy, analyzing data from 306 patients between 2008 and 2013. The researchers found that 24% of patients went straight to surgery, while 57% of those initially treated with a less invasive method eventually needed surgery as well. This is important because it highlights that careful assessment and adherence to updated guidelines can improve treatment decisions and potentially better patient outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients undergoing colorectal cancer screening and their doctors.

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This research paper looks at familial colorectal cancer, which affects families due to shared genetic factors, but the exact causes are not yet fully understood. It found that people with family members who have had colorectal cancer have a higher risk of developing advanced pre-cancerous growths, making regular screening important, although only a small number of these individuals currently participate in screening programs. This matters because identifying and screening at-risk individuals can lead to earlier detection and better outcomes. Who this helps: This helps patients at risk for colorectal cancer and their families.

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This study looked at two groups of patients with complicated celiac disease: those who do not improve with a gluten-free diet right after diagnosis (Type A) and those who initially improve but then relapse (Type B). They found that 37 out of 87 patients with complications died, with 30 deaths in Type A and 7 in Type B, indicating that Type A cases have a much higher mortality rate. This research highlights that patients with complicated celiac disease face serious health risks, and understanding the differences between these two patterns can better inform treatment and management. Who this helps: This helps patients with celiac disease and their doctors in making more informed treatment decisions.

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This study looked at whether taking mesalazine can help prevent the return of diverticulitis, a painful condition affecting the intestines, in people who have had it once before. Researchers followed 96 patients for 24 months, with 45 receiving mesalazine and 47 receiving a placebo. They found that 13% of patients on mesalazine had a recurrence compared to 28% on placebo, and the group on mesalazine reported better physical health and used fewer other medications. Who this helps: This helps patients who have had diverticulitis and want to avoid future episodes.

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This study looked at how frequently post-polypectomy surveillance colonoscopies—follow-up procedures after removing polyps—are done in Italy and whether they're scheduled according to medical guidelines. Out of 7,081 patients, only 36.6% received their surveillance colonoscopy at the correct time, while 54.3% had the procedure done too early, particularly among low-risk patients (67.4% compared to the overall 54.3%). This is important because performing these exams too soon can lead to unnecessary procedures and increased healthcare costs. Who this helps: Patients undergoing polyp removal and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at mistakes and near misses in digestive endoscopy over two weeks in nine medical centers. They found a total of 232 reported events, with 230 of these being related to endoscopic procedures, which is about 10.3% of the total procedures conducted. Out of these incidents, 66 resulted in consequences for patients, while 164 were near misses that didn’t lead to harm; this shows that many potentially dangerous situations could be prevented. Who this helps: This benefits both patients undergoing endoscopy and the medical staff responsible for their care.

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This study looked at screening colonoscopies in people who are closely related to patients with colorectal cancer, to see how often they have concerning growths (called neoplasia) compared to average-risk individuals. They found that 33.4% of these relatives had neoplasia, compared to 30.3% of people at average risk, with 11.3% of relatives having more serious growths known as advanced neoplasia compared to 6.3% of the average-risk group. Older age and being male increased the risk of advanced neoplasia, which highlights the importance of regular screenings for these higher-risk individuals. Who this helps: This research benefits patients with a family history of colorectal cancer by emphasizing the need for earlier and more frequent screenings.

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Researchers in Trentino, Italy, studied how well first-degree relatives of colorectal cancer patients participated in screening colonoscopies. They found that 77.6% of those invited to screening attended, compared to only 8% of the control group who weren't invited, showing significant interest in screening. Out of those who got screened, 33.8% had early signs of cancer, highlighting the importance of encouraging these family members to participate in regular screenings to catch potential issues early. Who this helps: This benefits patients at risk for colorectal cancer and their families, as well as healthcare practitioners focusing on preventive care.

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Italian gastroenterology experts developed consensus guidelines for diagnosing and managing chronic pancreatitis using a modified Delphi process. The guidelines cover pain treatment, nutritional support, pancreatic function testing, endoscopic management, and surgical indications. They provide a practical reference for clinicians managing this complex condition, where treatment decisions often lack strong randomized evidence.

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This study looked at how well general practitioners (GPs) and specialists agree on the urgency of patient referrals for important digestive procedures like gastroscopy and colonoscopy. Out of 438 patients, GPs classified 74.4% of referrals as low priority, often without a set waiting time. The findings showed that there was only a fair agreement between GPs and specialists on the urgency of referrals, and specialists found that about 22% of referrals were not appropriate. Improving communication between GPs and specialists could lead to faster and more accurate identification of patients who need urgent care. Who this helps: This benefits patients who need timely access to diagnostic procedures.

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This study examined the use of a new type of plastic stent called Polyflex to help patients with cancer-related blockages in the esophagus, making it easier for them to swallow. Out of 60 patients, 59 had the stent successfully placed, leading to a significant improvement in their swallowing ability, with scores dropping from an average of 2.8 to 1.0. While 32% of patients experienced minor complications and 22% faced major issues, the study found that Polyflex stents are as effective as metal stents but cost less, though they need better design for easier use. Who this helps: This benefits patients with esophageal cancer by improving their quality of life while managing swallowing difficulties.

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The study compared two types of stents—plastic (Polyflex) and metal (Ultraflex)—used to help patients with swallowing difficulties caused by cancer in the esophagus. Both stents helped improve swallowing, with 100% improvement in the Polyflex group and 94% in the Ultraflex group after one week; however, more major complications occurred in the Polyflex group (48% compared to 33% for Ultraflex). Overall, there was no significant difference in how well either stent worked for swallowing relief, but the Polyflex stent had a higher rate of complications. Who this helps: Patients suffering from esophageal cancer-related swallowing difficulties.

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Researchers studied a new system called OLGA to classify the severity of gastritis (stomach inflammation) and its link to stomach cancer risk. They looked at data from 439 patients and found that those with more advanced gastritis stages (III-IV) were significantly more likely to have cancerous lesions, while benign conditions were mostly found in the early stages (0-II). This matters because the OLGA system helps doctors better understand a patient's cancer risk and make more informed decisions about treatment. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients at risk of gastric cancer.

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This study looked at how reliable a breath test is for measuring a specific carbon isotope (¹³CO₂) across different laboratories. Researchers sent samples to 22 centers and found that while 18 centers got consistent results, four had significant inconsistencies in their measurements. This is important because if the measurements aren’t accurate, it could lead to wrong decisions regarding patient treatments based on breath test results. Who this helps: This helps doctors and patients relying on accurate breath test results for diagnosing conditions.

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This study focused on the use of a procedure called endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) to diagnose and treat issues related to bile ducts in patients who received liver transplants. Researchers found that 17% of the 132 patients had biliary complications, and ERCP successfully treated 84% of these cases, meaning most patients avoided further surgery, although some still required surgical procedures. This matters because effective treatment of these complications can lead to better health outcomes for liver transplant patients. Who this helps: This helps liver transplant patients who may experience biliary complications.

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Researchers studied samples of esophageal cancer and nearby normal tissue from 33 patients in a high-risk area of Italy to see if human papillomavirus (HPV) infection and p53 gene mutations were involved in tumor development. They found HPV DNA in 8 out of 17 tumor samples, with HPV 16 being the most common type detected in 4 of those cases. Additionally, mutations in the p53 gene were found in two samples that did not have HPV, indicating both factors may contribute to the risk of developing esophageal cancer. Who this helps: This research benefits patients who may be at risk for esophageal cancer, providing important insights for their diagnosis and management.