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.

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.

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.