ABSTRACT

Introduction

Abdominal distension is an objective visible sign of increased abdominal girth. Bloating is a feeling of abdominal fullness and discomfort. Bloating may be associated or not with abdominal distension. Bloating and abdominal distension are among the most commonly reported gastrointestinal symptoms and may be associated with both organic and functional disorders. Nevertheless, specific consensus and recommendations on diagnosis, underlying mechanisms, assessment and management of functional bloating and abdominal distension are still lacking. The aim of this European consensus, then, is to provide expert opinions and recommendations on the epidemiology, diagnosis, pathophysiology and treatment of functional bloating and abdominal distension.

Methods

A multidisciplinary team of experts in the field, including European specialists and national societies, participated in the development of this consensus. Relevant questions were formulated and addressed through a literature review and statements were developed and voted using a Delphi process.

Results

Functional bloating and abdominal distension are common and frequently overlap with other disorders of gut-brain interaction. Diagnosis is made according to the Rome IV criteria after the exclusion of organic disease, based on the physical examination and assessment of the patient's medical history and alarming signs. In the absence of alarming signs or any relevant finding, clinical laboratory, imaging or endoscopic tests are unnecessary. The pathophysiology of functional bloating and abdominal distension is multifactorial and involves visceral hypersensitivity, abdomino-phrenic dyssynergia, intestinal dysmotility and dysbiosis. Treatment may include dietary modifications (e.g. lactose-limiting diet and low FODMAP diet), probiotics, antispasmodics (e.g., otilonium bromide, peppermint oil), rifaximin, secretagogues (e.g., linaclotide), neuromodulators (e.g., serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, buspirone), and plethysmography-based biofeedback. Moreover, cognitive behaviour therapy and hypnotherapy can be used in case of functional bloating associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

Conclusion

This consensus provides an evidence-based framework for the evaluation and treatment of patients with functional bloating and abdominal distension.

Abstract

This is an update of the WHO SSI guideline published in 2018, focussing on areas pertinent for gastrointestinal (GI) surgery and hepatobiliary and pancreatic (HBP) surgical procedures. Based on new information and appraisal of current evidence, the following recommendations can be suggested: During skin preparation, we suggest using alcohol-based chlorhexidine for clean, clean-contaminated, and contaminated GI and HBP surgical field preparation in the absence of a mucous membrane (e.g., stoma, genitalia, anus). Preoperatively, we suggest that corticosteroids and anti-TNF medication be discontinued. No recommendations could be made on the following comparisons, given the paucity of high-quality evidence and panel discussion not favouring one intervention over the other based on clinical experience: 2%-3% chlorhexidine gluconate versus aqueous povidone-iodine for surgical field preparation. 4%-5% chlorhexidine gluconate versus aqueous povidone-iodine for surgical field preparation. Aqueous chlorhexidine gluconate versus aqueous povidone-iodine for surgical field preparation Pre-operative dexamethasone in single-dose versus no pre-operative dexamethasone for patients undergoing GI surgery. Discontinuing Vedolizumab preoperatively versus continuing Vedolizumab preoperatively for patients undergoing GI surgery. Discontinuing Ustekinumab preoperatively versus continuing Ustekinumab preoperatively for patients undergoing GI surgery.

ABSTRACT

Background

Gallbladder polyps are seen in up to 7% of adults and carry a low malignancy risk. Guidelines on indication for surgery and follow-up remain controversial because of regional differences in the development of malignancy. This study compares European practice guidelines for gallbladder polyps and assesses the percentage of patients in whom cholecystectomy was indicated according to the guidelines with a true adenoma postoperatively.

Methods

Dutch patients with active follow-up or surgery for gallbladder polyps between 2018 and 2020 in 26 participating centres were included. Data on demographics, imaging characteristics, surgery and histopathology were assessed. Indications for cholecystectomy were examined for all patients comparing 2017 and 2022 European guidelines.

Results

A cohort of 302 patients was included. Patients in follow-up underwent imaging three times (median) and were followed up during a median of 23.2 months (IQR 10.9–47.4). In total, 88 patients (29%) underwent cholecystectomy after a median period of 23 months and a median of two instances of imaging. In 71 of 88 patients (81%) who underwent cholecystectomy, the gallbladder polyps was a valid indication for cholecystectomy according to 2017 guidelines, compared to 68 of 88 (77%) according to 2022 guidelines. The difference only occurred due to age as a risk factor which changed from 50 to 60 years of age. Of 71 operated patients, non-neoplastic polyps were found in 49 (69%), no gallbladder wall abnormality was found in 23 (32%). An adenoma was found in six patients (9%), of which three had low grade dysplasia and one had high grade dysplasia.

Discussion

Despite revision of guidelines in 2022, a significant number of patients still undergo follow-up and cholecystectomy for non-neoplastic gallbladder polyps, indicating the need for a more comprehensive risk assessment algorithm in the management of gallbladder polyps.

Abstract

Background

Evolving epidemiological data and increasing antibiotic resistance mandate an update of the European and North American Societies of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition guidelines.

Methods

Certainty of evidence and strength of recommendations were rated by experts according to the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach. PICO (patient population, intervention, comparator, and outcome) questions were developed and voted on by the group. Recommendations were formulated using the Evidence to Decision framework.

Results

The current literature supports many of the previous recommendations and several new recommendations. Invasive testing with strain antimicrobial susceptibility analysis is recommended for the diagnosis and selection of eradication therapy for H. pylori infection. Molecular methods are acceptable for detection of infection and of antibiotic resistance in gastric biopsy specimens. Reliable, noninvasive tests can be used as a screening method for children with history of gastric cancer in a first-degree relative. When investigating causes of chronic immune thrombocytopenic purpura, testing for H. pylori is no longer recommended. When investigating other diseases such as inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, or eosinophilic esophagitis, specific diagnostic biopsies for H. pylori infection are not indicated. However, if H. pylori is an incidental finding, treatment may be considered after discussing the risks and benefits. Treatment should be based on antibiotic antimicrobial susceptibility testing and, if unavailable, regimens containing clarithromycin should be avoided.

Conclusions

Due to decreasing prevalence of infection, increasing challenges with antibiotic resistance, and emerging evidence regarding complications of infection, clinicians must be aware of these recommended changes to appropriately manage H. pylori infection and its clinical sequelae in children.