evaluation of SG1 in a plastic colon model of an artificial colon � in liveporcine models was encouraging (GIE 2003; 57: AB182). The aim of thisstudy was to evaluate the performance and safety of the SG1to facilitatecolonoscopy in 30 patients (patients).Methods: The endoscope back loaded with the SG1 is inserted into thecolon. When the endoscope reaches the splenic flexure area, the SG1ispassed into the descending colon and it is shape locked. The endoscope isadvanced into the cecum and on withdrawl of colonoscope, the scopelocked is derigidized and withdrawn. Study subjects: 30 patients scheduledto undergo colonoscopy participated in this study with a 40 cm device(n�10) and a 60 cm device (n�20). Evaluation: performance of the device(ergonomics and lubricity concerning ease of insertion and advancement)and safety profile of SG1 (adverse events during and after the procedure)were evaluated. Demographics: age, mean 60 yrs, range: 42 to 89 yrs; sex,18:12 (M:F). Indication for the procedure: screening and surveillance ofpolyps in 66% of patients. Colonoscopy: no prior exams: 15 patients, 2ndexam: 14 patients, and 3rd exam: 1 pt. Performance of SG1: i) Loading ofthe SG1 onto the scope was rated as “easy” in all 30 cases (score: 9.8/10on visual analogue scale); ii) All Shape Locking Attempts were successful(mean 1.3, range 1-3); iii) Cecal intubation was successful in 29 of 30patients with the SG1 shape in place; iv) Position change to supine wasrequired in just 1 pt; v) avoidance of sigmoid looping score was 9/10 on avisual analogue scale; vi) Scope insertion, manuverability of scope, un-locking and removal of device and endoscope ratings were 8-10/10 on avisual analogue scale. Safety profile of SG1: there were no complications,except for minor mucosal trauma in 16% of patients.Conclusions: The SG1 is a safe device with excellent performance char-acteristics to assist with colonoscopy. Future studies are required to eval-uate its role under different clinical scenarios.

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PANGASTRIC STENTING FOR LINITIS PLASTICABinh V. Pham, M.D., Tony Yusuf, M.D., Keith Morris, M.D.,Gottumukkala S. Raju, M.D., FACG, F.A.C.P.* University of TexasMedical Branch, Galveston, TX.

Purpose: Linitis plastica involving the entire stomach causes problemswith transit of food through the stomach. Palliation with stenting shouldtake into consideration the site and the longitudinal extent of cancer todecide on the nature of stenting, limited versus pangastric stenting. Wedescribe a patient with Linitis Plastica of the stomach with obstructivesymptoms despite enteral stenting of the the gastric outlet that responded topangastric stenting from the esophagus to the duodenum.Case Report: A 78 year-old woman presented with anorexia, recurrentemesis, dysphagia and weight loss for two months. The initial EGDrevealed gastric outlet obstruction, a nondistensible stomach, and a patentGEJ. After placement of a 90 mm Wallstent across the gastric outletobstruction, she was able to swallow liquids. She developed dysphagiawithin a week after the stenting. A barium swallow revealed an obstructionat the gastroesophageal junction due to tumor infiltration. Options includeplacement of another stent across the GEJ or bridge the lower esophagusand the GEJ into the distal stent placed across the gastric outlet byplacement of a series of metal stents to provide a stable stenting, avoid riskof migration by bridging the stents, and also open up the non-compliantupper stomach. A 90 mm long enteral stent was placed into the lumen ofthe 1st stent, but the stent could not bridge the GEJ obstruction. Hence, a3rd metal stent (60 mm) was placed bridging the obstruction of the gastricinlet, with the proximal end of the stent left in the distal esophagus. Lumenpatency was confirmed by a free flow of barium through the stents from theesophagus to the small bowel. She was able to tolerate soft diet until justbefore she died a month later.

Conclusions: Patients with Linitis Plastica may have a diffiuse disturbanceof the gastric motility, with restriction to the flow of food within thestomach along with obstruction to both inflow and outflow of the stomach.These patients will benefit from pangastric stenting.

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EASYPREP TO CLEAN THE COLON OF PIGS FOREXPERIMENTAL ENDOSCOPYIjaz Ahmed, M.B.B.S., Douglas Brinning, D.V.M.,Manoop S. Bhutani, M.D., Pankaj J. Pasricha, M.D.,Gottumukkala S. Raju, M.D.* University of Texas Medical Branch,Galveston, TX.

Purpose: Literature on colon cleansing in animals is limited, which is amajor drawback for exploring novel endoscopic techniques. Current op-tions, phosphosoda enemas or laparotomy followed by enterotomy andcleaning the segment of colon for study, are not satisfactory. Recently, weparticipated in the evaluation of a new device, a scope guide, to facilitatecolonoscopy (Gastrointest Endosc 2003; 57: AB182). During its prelimi-nary evaluation in porcine colon, we have developed a protocol usingVisicol tablets (InKline Pharmaceutical Company, Blue Bell, PA) to cleanthe colon of pigs. We describe the results of this oral phosphosoda prep oncleaning the colon of 8 animals.Methods: Eight pigs were used for the study. EasyPrep Protocol: threedays before the procedure regular food was withheld and the animals wereprovided with a gallon of Swine Bluelite electrolyte fluid (AmericanLivestock Supply, Inc. Madison, WI) along with free access to water; Twodays before the procedure the pigs were fed 4 tablets of Visicol crushed andmixed with molasses and 30 grams of swine lab diet; one day before theprocedure the animals were fed 5 tablets of Visicol crushed and mixed withmolasses and 30 grams of swine lab diet every 15 minutes for one hour(total dose of 20 Visicol tablets). The veternarians closely monitored all theanimals for activity and playfulness, at least twice a day. Colonoscopy wasperformed under general anesthesia to the right colon. The quality of colonpreparation was graded in the right colon, left colon and rectum. Gradingof colon preparation: grade 1: Solid stools (poor preparation); grade 2:Liquidy stools that can be suctioned after flushing with water (fair prepa-ration); grade 3: Clear fluid that can be suctioned easily (excellent prepa-ration).Results: During the preparation phase, all eight animals loved eating theVisicol tablets mixed with lab diet and molasses and drank Bluelite com-pletely. All the animals were active, playful, and there were no signs ofweakness. Diarrhea started on the day before the procedure. All the animalshad an excellent preparation of the rectum, left colon and right colon. Therewas no solid or liquid stools in the colon of any of the animals.Conclusions: EasyPrep using the Visicol tablets is easy to administer andprovides excellent colon preparation. It provides an opportunity to explorenovel colonoscopic therapies in the porcine colon prior to human use.

S281AJG – September, Suppl., 2003 Abstracts