Impact of periampullary diverticula on the outcome and fluoroscopy time in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether the presence of periampullary diverticula (PAD) affects technical success and complication rates during endoscopic retrograde cholangio- pancreatography (ERCP). Moreover, the impact of PAD on fluoroscopy duration is still unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the success rate and difficulty of common bile duct (CBD) cannulation, post-procedure complications and fluoroscopy duration in patients with and without PAD. METHODS: Patients from January 2008 to December 2010 with PAD (group A) and without PAD (group B) and similar indications for therapeutic ERCP were prospectively compared. The comparison included patient characteristics, findings of ERCP, and details of procedure and fluoroscopy time. The influence of papilla’s location with respect to the diverticulum on procedure was also investigated. RESULTS: A total of 428 consecutive patients who had undergone therapeutic ERCP for similar indications were divided in two groups according to the presence (group A, 107 patients) or absence (group B, 321 patients) of PAD. The mean age and ASA score of the patients with PAD were significantly higher than those patients without PAD. The main indication was choledocholithiasis. Successful final CBD cannulation was achieved in 97.20% of the patients in group A vs 99.69% in group B (P=0.05). CBD diameter, number of stones and the largest stone size were significantly higher in group A thangroup B (P【0.001). Complete clearance of the CBD after the first attempt was achieved in 85.86% and 94.75% of the patients in groups A and B, respectively (P=0.03). In both groups, the time needed to complete the procedure and fluoroscopy time was significantly longer in patients with PAD (22.87 vs 18.99 minutes, P【0.001; 76.51 vs 47.42 seconds, P【0.001). There was no significant difference between the two groups in the complication rate. The type of papilla’s location with respect to the diverticulum did not influence the total cannulation rate and post-procedure complications. CONCLUSION: The presence of a PAD does not affect the success rate and complications of therapeutic ERCP in expert hands; however, the fluoroscopy time is significantly longer in patients with PAD.

Endoclipping treatment of life-threatening rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy

Rectal bleeding is frequently seen in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound(TRUS)-guided multiple biopsy of the prostate,but is usually mild and stops spontaneously.We report what is believed to be the first case of life-threatening rectal bleeding following this procedure,which was successfully treated by endoscopic intervention through placement of three clips on the sites of bleeding.This case emphasizes endoscopic intervention associated with endoclipping as a safe and effective method to achieve hemostasis in massive rectal bleeding after prostate biopsy.Additionally,current data on the complications of the TRUS-guided multiple biopsy of the prostate and the options for treating fulminant rectal bleeding, a consequence of this procedure,are described.

Combined endoscopic and ursodeoxycholic acid treatment of biliary cast syndrome in a non-transplant patient

A 76-year-old diabetic man underwent cholecystectomy for gangrenous calculous cholecystitis. His postoperative course was complicated by the development of Candida albicans esophagitis necessitating antifungal therapy, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN) for 15 d. Seven weeks after cholecystectomy, he presented with cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated extrahepatic filling defects. Despite endoscopic extraction of a biliary cast, cholestasis remained unchanged. Oral administration of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), 750 mg/d, resulted in normalization of liver function tests. We, therefore, propose for the f irst time, combined endoscopic plus UDCA treatment for the management of biliary cast syndrome.

Partially covered vs uncovered sphincterotome and postendoscopic sphincterotomy bleeding

AIM: To prospectively compare partially covered vs uncovered sphincterotome use on post-endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy (ES) hemorrhage and other complications. METHODS: All patients referred for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) were randomly assigned to undergo ES either with a partially covered or an uncovered sphincterotome. Both patient and technical risk factors contributing to the development of post-ES bleeding were recorded and analyzed. The characteristics of bleeding was recorded during and after ES. Other complications were also compared. RESULTS: Three-hundred and eighty-seven patients were recruited in this study; 194 patients underwent ES with a partially covered sphincterotome and 193 with conventional uncovered sphincterotome. No statistical difference was noted in the baseline characteristics and risk factors for post-ES induced hemorrhage between the 2 groups. No significant difference in the incidence and pattern of visible bleeding rates was found between the 2 groups (immediate bleeding in 24 patients with the partially covered sphincterotome vs 19 patients with the uncovered sphincterotome, P = 0.418). Delayed bleeding was observed in 2 patients with a partially covered sphincterotome and in 1 patient with an uncovered sphincterotome (P = 0.62). No statistical difference was noted in the rate of other complications. CONCLUSION: The partially covered sphincterotome was not associated with a lower frequency of bleeding. Also, there was no difference in the incidence of other significant complications between the 2 types of sphincterotome.

Cecal lipoma with pseudomalignant features: A case report and review of the literature

Colonic lipoma is a well-documented benign neoplasia, endoscopically appearing as a smooth round yellowish polyp with a thick stalk or broad-based attachment. We describe a 63-year old woman with persistent abdominal pain, in whom colonoscopy revealed a cecal mass with malignant features. Based on the colonoscopy findings, right hemicolectomy was laparoscopically performed for a presumptive diagnosis of a cecal adenocarcinoma, but histological examination revealed a colonic lipoma with overlying mucosal ulceration.

Wireless capsule endoscopy in detecting small-intestinal polyps in familial adenomatous polyposis

AIM:To detect the prevalence of small bowel polyps by wireless capsule endoscopy(WCE)in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis(FAP).METHODS:We examined prospectively 14 patients with FAP to assess the location,size and number of small-intestinal polyps.Patients'age,sex,years of observation after surgery,type of surgery,duodenal polyps and colorectal cancer at surgery were analyzed.RESULTS:During WCE,polyps were detected in 9/14(64.3%)patients.Duodenal adenomatous polyps were found in nine(64.3%)patients,and jejunal and ileal polyps in seven(50%)and eight(57.1%),respectively.The Spigelman stage of duodenal polyposis was associated with the presence of jejunal and ileal polyps.Identification of the ampulla of Vater was not achieved with WCE.Importantly,the findings of WCE had no immediate impact on the further clinical management of FAP patients.No procedure-related complications were observed in the patients.CONCLUSION:WCE is a promising noninvasive new method for the detection of small-intestinal polyps.Further investigation is required to determine which phenotype of FAP is needed for surveillance with WCE.

Recent advances in pharmacological treatment of irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome(IBS) is a highly prevalent functional disorder that reduces patients' quality of life. It is a chronic disorder characterized by abdominal pain or discomfort associated with disordered defecation in the absence of identifiable structural or biochemical abnormalities. IBS imposes a significant economic burden to the healthcare system. Alteration in neurohumoral mechanisms and psychological factors, bacterial overgrowth, genetic factors, gut motility, visceral hypersensitivity, and immune system factors are currently believed to influence the pathogenesis of IBS. It is possible that there is an interaction of one or more of these etiologic factors leading to heterogeneous symptoms of IBS. IBS treatment is predicated upon the patient's most bothersome symptoms. Despite the wide range of medications and the high prevalence of the disease, to date no completely effective remedy is available. This article reviews the literature from January 2008 to July 2013 on the subject of IBS peripherally acting pharmacological treatment. Drugs are categorized according to their administration for IBS-C, IBS-D or abdominal pain predominant IBS.

Endoscopic management of occluded biliary uncovered metal stents:A multicenter experience

AIM:To compare diverse endoscopic interventions in the management of occluded uncovered self-expanding metal stents(SEMSs) that had been placed for palliative treatment of unresectable malignant biliary obstruction.METHODS:A retrospective review was undertaken in 4 tertiary endoscopic centers to determine optimal management of different types of occluded SEMSs.The technical success of performed treatment in occluded SEMSs,the patency of the stent,the need for re-intervention and the financial costs of each treatment were analyzed.RESULTS:Fifty four patients were included in the analysis;21 received Hanaro,19 Wallstent and 14 Flexus.For the relief of obstruction,a plastic stent was inserted in 24 patients,a second SEMS in 25 and mechanical cleaning was performed in 5 patients.The overall median second patency rates between second SEMSs and plastic stents did not differ(133 d for SEMSs vs 106 d for plastic stents;P = 0.856).Similarly,no difference was found between the overall survival of SEMS and plastic stent groups,and no procedure-related complications occurred.Incremental cost analysis showed that successive plastic stenting was a cost-saving strategy at least in Greece.CONCLUSION:Insertion of uncovered SEMSs or plastic stents is a safe and effective treatment for occluded uncovered SEMSs;insertion of plastic stents appears to be the most cost-effective strategy.

Aggressive treatment of acute anal fissure with 0.5% nifedipine ointment prevents its evolution to chronicity

AIM: To investigate the efficacy of topical application of 0.5% nifedipine ointment in healing acute anal fissue and preventing its progress to chronicity. METHODS: Thirty-one patients (10 males, 21 females) with acute anal fissure from September 1999 to January 2005 were treated topically with 0.5% nifedipine ointment (t.i.d.) for 8 wk. The patients were encouraged to follow a high-fiber diet and assessed at 2, 4 and 8 wk post-treatment. The healing of fissure and any side effects were recorded. The patients were subsequently followed up in the outpatient clinic for one year and contacted by phone every three months thereafter, while they were encouraged to come back if symptoms recurred. RESULTS: Twenty-seven of the 31 patients completed the 8-wk treatment course, of them 23 (85.2%) achieved a complete remission indicated by resolution of symptoms and healing of fissure. Of the remaining four unhealed patients (14.8%), 2 opted to undergo lateral sphincterotomy and the other 2 to continue therapy for four additional weeks, resulting in healing of fissure. All the 25 patients with complete remission had a mean follow-up of 22.9 ± 14 (range 6-52) mo. Recurrence of symptoms occurred in four of these 25 patients (16%) who were successfully treated with an additional 4-wk course of 0.5% nifedipine ointment. Two of the 27 (7.4%) patients who completed the 8-wk treatment presented with moderate headache as a side effect of nifedipine. CONCLUSION: Topical 0.5% nifedipine ointment, used as an agent in chemical sphincterotomy, appears to offera significant healing rate for acute anal fissure and might prevent its evolution to chronicity.