JL Yasuda et al. JPGN 2023; 76: 77-79. Measurement of Stricture Dimensions Using a Visual Comparative Estimation Method With Biopsy Forceps During Endoscopy

This quick study looked at using biopsy forceps in 191 endoscopies to estimate esophageal stricture narrowing. Key findings:

• Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient was 0.92 (95% confidence interval: 0.89–0.94) between the visual diameter estimates and the fluoroscopic stricture measurements.
• Correlation was strongest for smaller to mid-sized stricture diameters
• Yellow biopsy forceps open wide to ~6 mm and standard orange biopsy forceps ~7 mm
• Dimensions of the actual scope can be helpful in estimating a stricture. Some pediatric scope have 5-6 mm diameter and standard scopes ranging from 8.0-9.8 mm

My take: This study shows that commonly available endoscopic tools can be used to more accurately estimate stricture diameter.

Related blog posts:

• Briefly Noted: Esophageal Stricture Dilatations
• NASPGHAN Postgraduate Course 2017 (Part 1): Strictures, GI Bleeding, Pancreatic Fluid Collections
• How Effective are Stents for Anastomotic Esophageal Strictures in Patients with Esophageal Atresia
• Big Study on Intralesional Steroid Injection for Esophageal Anastomotic Strictures & 8 Truths on COVID-19
• Esophageal Disorders: POEM in Kids, Mitomycin C for Refractory Strictures
• Endoscopic Incisional Therapy for Esophageal Strictures
• Using FLIP

K Guilcher et al. JPGN Reports 3(4):p e257, November 2022. | DOI: 10.1097/PG9.000000000000025. Open Access! Innovative Makeshift Technique for Removing Ingested Rare Earth Magnets “In this case, a makeshift technique of a prototype magnet in a net attracted the buried magnets within the food bolus and allowed successful retrieval of all intragastric magnets at once.” My take: This is a clever way to co-opt the enemy (the magnets). However, other useful approaches: 1. Many times an endoscopic forceps will attract the magnets 2. Using fluoroscopy, can be helpful in locating difficult to visualize objects

Atlanta Botanical Gardens: Garden Lights, Holiday Lights (with and without 3-D glasses)