Long-term results of pneumatic dilation for achalasia: A15 years' experience

AIM： Although most patients with achalasia respond to pneumatic dilation, one-third experienced recurrence, and prolonged follow-up studies on parameters associated with various outcomes are scanty. In this retrospective study, we reported a 15-years＇ experience with pneumatic dilation treatment in patients with primary achalasia, and determined whether previously described predictors of outcome remain significant after endoscopic dilation. METHODS： Between September 1989 and September 2004, 39 consecutive patients with primary symptomatic achalasia （diagnosed by clinical presentation, esophagoscopy, barium esophagogram, and manometry） who received balloon dilation were followed up at regular intervals in person or by phone interview. Remission was assessed by a structured interview and a previous symptoms score. The median dysphagia-free duration was calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS： Symptoms were dysphagia （n = 39, 100%）, regurgitation （n = 23, 58.7%）, chest pain （n = 4, 10.2%）, and weight loss （n = 26, 66.6%）. A total of 74 dilations were performed in 39 patients; 13 patients （28%） underwent a single dilation, 17 patients （48.7%） required a second procedure within a median of 26.7 mo （range 5-97mo）, and 9 patients （23.3%） underwent a third procedure within a median of 47.8 mo （range 37-120 mo）. Post-dilation lower esophageal sphincter （LES） pressure, assessed in 35 patients, has decreased from a baseline of 35.8±10.4- 10.0±7.1 mmHg after the procedure. The median follow-up period was 9.3 years （range 0.5-15 years）. The dysphagia- free duration by Kaplan-Neier analysis was 78%, 61% and 58.3% after 5, 10 and 15 years respectively. CONCLUSION： Balloon dilation is a safe and effective treatment for primary achalasia. Post-dilation LES pressure estimation may be useful in assessing response. 2005 The W.IG Press and Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Endoscopic treatment and follow-up of gastrointestinal Dieulafoy's lesions

AIM: To investigate retrospectively the clinical and endoscopic features of bleeding Dieulafoy's lesions and to assess the short- and long-term effectiveness of endoscopic treatment.METHODS: Twenty-three patients who had gastrointestinal bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesions underwent endoscopic therapy. Demographic data, mode of presentation, riskfactors for gastrointestinal bleeding, blood transfusion requirements, endoscopic findings, details of endoscopic therapy, recurrence of bleeding, and mortality rates were collected and analyzed retrospectively.RESULTS: Hemostasis was attempted by dextrose 50% plus epinephrine in 10 patients, hemoclipping in 8 patients,heater probe in 2 patients and ethanolamine oleate in 2 patients. Comorbid conditions were present in 17 patients (74%). Overall permanent hemostasis was achieved in 18 patients (78%). Initial hemostasis was successful with no recurrent bleeding in patients treated with hemoclipping, heater probe or ethanolamine injection. In the group of patients who received dextrose 50% plus epinephrine injection treatment, four (40%) had recurrent bleeding and one (10%) had unsuccessful initial hemostasis.Of the four patients who had rebleeding, three had unsuccessful hemostasis with similar treatment. Surgical treatment was required in five patients (22%) owing to uncontrolled bleeding, recurrent bleeding with unsuccessful retreatment and inability to approach the lesion. One patient (4.3%) died of sepsis after operation during hospitalization. There were no side-effects related to endoscopic therapy. None of the patients in whom permanent hemostasis was achieved presented with rebleeding from Dieulafoy's lesion over a mean long-term follow-up of 29.8 mo.CONCLUSION: Bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesions can be managed successfully by endoscopic methods, which should be regarded as the first choice. Endoscopic hemoclipping therapy is recommended for bleeding Dieulafoy's lesions.

Treatment of a duodenal perforation secondary to an endoscopic sphincterotomy with clips

Perforation is one of the most serious complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) necessitating immediate surgical intervention. We present a case of successful management of such a complication with endoclipping. A85-year-old woman developed duodenal perforation after ES. The perforation was identified early and its closure was achieved using three metallic clips in a single session.There was no procedure-related morbidity or complications and our patient was discharged from hospital 10 d later.Endoclipping of duodenal perforation induced by ES is a safe, effective and alternative to surgery treatment.

Pancreatitis complicating mucin-hypersecreting common bile duct adenoma

Villous adenomas of the bile ducts are extremely uncommon. We describe a 58-year-old man presenting with clinical signs and laboratory findings of acute pancreatitis and obstructive jaundice. Preoperative investigation demonstrated a dilated papillary orifice with mucus exiting （fish-mouth sign） and a filling defect in the distal common bile duct. He underwent a modified Whipple operation and histological examination of the surgical specimen showed villous adenoma with rich secretion of mucus.