Colorectal cancer (CRC) constitutes a significant global health challenge, with recent studies underscoring the pivotal role of the gut microbiome in its pathogenesis and progression. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has emerged as a compelling therapeutic approach, offering the potential to modulate microbial composition and optimize treatment outcomes. Research suggests that specific bacterial strains are closely linked to CRC, influencing both its clinical management and therapeutic interventions. Moreover, the gut microbiome’s impact on immunotherapy responsiveness heralds new avenues for personalized medicine. Despite the promise of FMT, safety concerns, particularly in immunocompromised individuals, remain a critical issue. Clinical outcomes vary widely, influenced by genetic predispositions and the specific transplantation methodologies employed. Additionally, rigorous donor selection and screening protocols are paramount to minimize risks and maximize therapeutic efficacy. The current body of literature advocates for the establishment of standardized protocols and further clinical trials to substantiate FMT’s role in CRC management. As our understanding of the microbiome deepens, FMT is poised to become a cornerstone in CRC treatment, underscoring the imperative for continued research and clinical validation.

In the present era, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) stands out as one of the most commonly occurring complications associated with endoscopic choledochal lithiasis extraction. The ability to predict the occurrence of such an event, particularly by utilizing absolute values and ratio dynamics of the emergency blood tests, constitutes the primary step in effectively managing a patient with a complex pathology. The study involved 134 patients who performed ERCP to extract choledochal lithiasis (n = 48 with PEP and n = 86 without PEP). The results revealed increased risks of post-ERCP pancreatitis in women and lower risks in those who benefited from manipulation of the main bile duct with the Dormia probe and dilatation balloon (OR: 2.893 CI 95%: 1.371–6.105, p = 0.005 and respectively OR: 0.346 CI 95%: 0.156–0.765, p = 0.009), without biliary stent placement. Moreover, the results brought novel elements to the literature, showing that higher values of CRPR (OR: 4.337 CI 95%: 1.945–9.668; p < 0.001), TBIR (4.004 CI 95%: 1.664–9.634; p = 0.002) and NLR post-ERCP (3.281 CI 95%: 1.490–7.221; p = 0.003) are predictive for PEP. Nevertheless, lower total bilirubin levels upon admission are predictive of PEP with an OR of 5.262 (95% confidence interval: 2.111–13.113, p < 0.001).

Gastric duplication cysts (GDCs) in adults are exceedingly rare, with only a few documented cases in medical literature. The spectrum of clinical presentations varies widely, ranging from asymptomatic to severe symptoms such as hematemesis, vomiting or abdominal pain. Among the less common complications associated with GDCs, segmental portal hypertension is a notable rarity. We present a compelling case report of a patient exhibiting signs of segmental portal hypertension, where ultrasound and echo-endoscopy revealed a sizable gastric duplication cyst as the underlying etiology. Recognizing the scarcity of literature on GDCs in adult patients, we conducted a thorough review to underscore the diagnostic significance of ultrasonography and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in accurately identifying these congenital anomalies. This case report and comprehensive literature review emphasize the pivotal role of EUS and abdominal ultrasound in achieving an accurate diagnosis of GDCs. By shedding light on the diagnostic and therapeutic intricacies, we aim to raise awareness among clinicians regarding this rare pathology and the importance of multimodal imaging approaches for optimal patient management.

In a mutually beneficial connection with its host, the gut microbiota affects the host’s nutrition, immunity, and metabolism. An increasing number of studies have shown links between certain types of disease and gut dysbiosis or specific microorganisms. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is strongly advised for the treatment of recurrent or resistant Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) due to its outstanding clinical effectiveness against CDI. The therapeutic potential of FMT for other disorders, particularly inflammatory bowel diseases and malignancies, is currently gaining more and more attention. We summarized the most recent preclinical and clinical evidence to show the promise of FMT in the management of cancer as well as complications related to cancer treatment after reviewing the most recent research on the gut microbiota and its relationship to cancer.

Noncoding RNAs, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), have emerged as key players in the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategies for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MiRNAs, small endogenous RNA molecules that silence target mRNAs to regulate gene expression, are closely linked to immune responses and inflammatory pathways in IBD. Notably, miR-21, miR-146a, and miR-155 are consistently upregulated in IBD, influencing immune cell modulation, cytokine production, and the intestinal epithelial barrier. These miRNAs serve as biomarkers for disease progression and severity, as well as therapeutic targets for controlling inflammation. This comprehensive review highlights the intricate interplay between the gut microbiota, fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), and miRNA regulation. It concludes that microbiota and FMT influence miRNA activity, presenting a promising avenue for personalized IBD treatment.

The success rate in medical practice will probably never reach 100%. Success rates depend on many factors. Defining the success rate is both a technical and a philosophical issue. In opposition to the concept of success, medical failure should also be discussed. Its causality is multifactorial and extremely complex. Its actual rate and its real impact are unknown. In medical practice, failure depends not only on the human factor but also on the medical system and has at its center a very important variable—the patient. To combat errors, capturing, tracking, and analyzing them at an institutional level are important. Barriers such as the fear of consequences or a specific work climate or culture can affect this process. Although important data regarding medical errors and their consequences can be extracted by analyzing patient outcomes or using quality indicators, patient stories (clinical cases) seem to have the greatest impact on our subconscious as medical doctors and nurses and these may generate the corresponding and necessary reactions. Every clinical case has its own story. In this study, three different cases are presented to illustrate how human error, the limits of the system, and the particularities of the patient’s condition (severity of the disease), alone or in combination, may lead to tragic outcomes There is a need to talk openly and in a balanced way about failure, regardless of its cause, to look at things as they are, without hiding the inconvenient truth. The common goal is not to find culprits but to find solutions and create a culture of safety.