Failure transition of shear-to-dilation band of rock salt under triaxial stresses

Great potential of underground gas/energy storage in salt caverns seems to be a promising solution to support renewable energy.In the underground storage method,the operating cycle unfortunately may reach up to daily or even hourly,which generates complicated pressures on the salt cavern.Furthermore,the mechanical behavior of rock salt may change and present distinct failure characteristics under different stress states,which affects the performance of salt cavern during the time period of full service.To reproduce a similar loading condition on the cavern surrounding rock mass,the cyclic triaxial loading/unloading tests are performed on the rock salt to explore the mechanical transition behavior and failure characteristics under different confinement.Experimental results show that the rock salt samples pre-sent a diffused shear failure band with significant bulges at certain locations in low confining pressure conditions(e.g.5 MPa,10 MPa and 15 MPa),which is closely related to crystal misorientation and grain boundary sliding.Under the elevated confinement(e.g.20 MPa,30 MPa and 40 MPa),the dilation band dominates the failure mechanism,where the large-size halite crystals are crushed to be smaller size and new pores are developing.The failure transition mechanism revealed in the paper provides additional insight into the mechanical performance of salt caverns influenced by complicated stress states.

Long-term outcomes of urethral balloon dilation for anterior urethral stricture: A prospective cohort study

Objective:To prospectively follow up a cohort of anterior urethral stricture disease patients managed with balloon dilation(BD)for 3 years to evaluate the long-term outcomes and to study factors that contribute to recurrence.Methods:This study included men who had urethral BD for significant anterior urethral stricture disease between January 2017 and March 2019.Data about the patient age,stricture characteristics,and recurrence date were recorded,along with information on postoperative indwelling catheter use and operative complications.Furthermore,information about the self-calibration procedure was collected and where available,free flow(FF)measurements during the follow-up period were recorded and analyzed.Success was defined as a lack of symptoms and acceptable FF rates(maximum flow rate>12 mL/s).Results:The final analysis was conducted on 187 patients.The mean follow-up period was 37 months.The long-term overall success rate at the end of our study was 66.8%.Our recurrence rate was 7.4%at 12 months,24.7%at 24 months,and reached 33.2%at the end of our study.The time to recurrence ranged from 91 days to 1635 days,with a mean of 670 days.The stricture-free survival was significantly shorter with lengthy peno-bulbar(p=0.031)and multiple strictures(p=0.015),and in the group of patients who were not committed to self-calibration protocol(p<0.011).However,post-procedural self-calibration was the most important factor that may have decreased the incidence of recurrence(odds ratioZ5.85).Adjuvant self-calibration after BD not only reduced the recurrence rate from 85.4%in the non-self-calibration group to 15.1%in the self-calibration one(p<0.001),but also improved the overall stricture-free survival and FF parameters.

Combined antihypertensive effect of GSY and metoprolol,based on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation function

OBJECTIVE To investigate the synergistic effect on dilating blood vessels and anti-hypertension of GYS combined with metoprolol.METHODS ① Spontaneously hypertensive rats(SHR)were administered orally with the vehicle,GSY,metoprolol or GSY combined with metoprolol for 4weeks.Blood pressure,which included SBP,DBP and MBP was measured by a noninvasive method every week.At the end of4 weeks,blood was drawn from the ophthalmic venous plexus to determine blood fat levels(serum TC,TG,LDL-c,HDL-c),liver function(serum ALT,AST),and kidney function(serum BUN,UA and Cr)by the ACCUTE(TBA-40FR)automatic.② The aortae of normal SD rats were prepared and cleaned from periadventitial fat and surrounding connective tissue and cut transversely into 4-mm width rings.To observe different concentration of GYS,metoprolol or GSY combined with metoprolol causing relaxation of the isolated aortic rings precontracted until a stable plateau by noradrenaline(NA)directly or in the presence of eNOS inhibitor L-NAME and cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin(INDO)respectively.③ The concentrations of plasma GSY was determined by the HPLC after rats administered orally with GSY or GSY combined with metoprolol for single-dose.DAS data processing software calculated the pharmacokinetic parameters of GSY.RESULTS There was a significant synergism between GYS and metoprolol in lowering blood pressure and the concentrations of serum TC and LDL-c of SHR.The relaxant effect of GYS combined with metoprolol on the aortic rings precontracted by NA could be attenuated by L-NAME or INDO.The AUC0-tof GSY significantly increased after in conjunction with metoprolol.CONCLUSION GYS combined with metoprolol increases the concentrations of plasma GSY and synergistically lowers blood pressure based on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation function(EDVF).

Dilation,discrimination and Uhlmann's theorem of link products of quantum channels

We establish the Stinespring dilation theorem of the link product of quantum channels in two different ways,discuss the discrimination of quantum channels,and show that the distinguishability can be improved by self-linking each quantum channel n times as n grows.We also find that the maximum value of Uhlmann's theorem can be achieved for diagonal channels.

Effect of endoscopic sphincterotomy and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies on the sphincter of Oddi

BACKGROUND Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP),with its clinical ad-vantages of less trauma and faster recovery,has become the primary treatment for choledocholithiasis.AIM To investigate the effects of different ERCP procedures on the sphincter of Oddi.METHODS The clinical data of 91 patients who underwent ERCP at Yixing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine between February 2018 and February 2021 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into endoscopic sphinc-terotomy(EST,n=24)and endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD,n=67)groups.The duration of operation,pancreatic development,pancreatic sphinc-terotomy,intubation difficulties,stone recurrence,and incidence of reflux cho-langitis and cholecystitis were statistically analyzed in patients with a history of choledocholithiasis,pancreatitis,and Oddi sphincter dysfunction in the EST and EPBD groups.RESULTS Differences in hypertension,diabetes,increased bilirubin,small diameter of the common bile duct,or ampullary diverticulum between the two groups were not significant.Statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups concerning sex and age(<60 years).Patients with a history of choledocholithiasis,pancreatitis,and Oddi sphincter dysfunction were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.The number of cases of pancreatic development,pancreatic duct sphincterotomy,and difficult intubation were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.The number of Oddi’s sphincter manometries,ERCP surgical outcomes,and guidewires entering the pancreatic duct several times in EST group were lower than those in the EPBD group.The numbers of stone recurrences,reflux cholangitis,and cholecystitis were higher in the EST group than in the EPBD group.CONCLUSION In summary,common bile duct stones,pancreatitis history,and multiple guided wire introductions into the pancreatic duct are independent risk factors for EST and EPBD.Based on this evidence,this study can provide actionable insights for clinicians and researchers.

Balloon dilation of congenital perforated duodenal web in newborns: Evaluation of short and long-term results

BACKGROUND Incomplete congenital duodenal obstruction(ICDO)is caused by a congenitally perforated duodenal web(CPDW).Currently,only six cases of balloon dilatation of the PDW in newborns have been described.AIM To present our experience of balloon dilatation of a perforated duodenal memb-rane in newborns with ICDO.METHODS Five newborns who underwent balloon dilatation of the CPDW along a prein-stalled guidewire between 2021 and 2023 were included.Nineteen newborns diagnosed with ICDO who underwent laparotomy were included in the control group.RESULTS In all cases,good anatomical and clinical results were obtained.In three cases,a follow-up study was conducted after 1 year.The average time to start enteral feeding per os was significantly earlier in the study group(4.4 d)than in the laparotomic group(21.2 days;P<0.0001).The time spent by patients in the intensive care unit and hospital after balloon dilatation was also significantly shorter.We determined the selection criteria for possible and effective CPDW balloon dilatation in newborns as follows:(1)Presence of dynamic radiographic signs of the passage of a radiopaque substance beyond the zone of narrowing or radiographic signs of pneumatisation of the duodenum and small bowel distal to the web;(2)presence of endoscopic signs of CPDW;(3)successful cannulation with a guidewire performed parallel to the endoscope,with holes in the congenital duodenal web;and(4)successful positioning of the balloon performed along a freestanding guidewire on the web.CONCLUSION Strictly following selection criteria for newborns with ICDO caused by CPDW ensures that endoscopic balloon dilatation using a pre-installed guidewire is safe and effective and shows good 1-year follow-up results.

Clinical efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation in treatment of gallbladder stones with common bile duct stones: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND The incidence of cholelithiasis has been on the rise in recent years,but the choice of procedure is controversial.AIM To investigate the efficacy of laparoscopic cholecystectomy(LC)combined with endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD)in patients with gallbladder stones(GS)with common bile duct stones(CBDS).METHODS The clinical data of 102 patients with GS combined with CBDS were selected for retrospective analysis and divided into either an LC+EPBD group(n=50)or an LC+endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)group(n=52)according to surgical methods.Surgery-related indexes,postoperative recovery,postoperative complications,and expression levels of inflammatory response indexes were compared between the two groups.RESULTS Total surgical time,stone free rate,rate of conversion to laparotomy,and successful stone extraction rate did not differ significantly between the LC+EPBD group and LC+EST group.Intraoperative hemorrhage,time to ambulation,and length of hospitalization in the LC+EPBD group were lower than those of the LC+EST group(P<0.05).The rate of total complications of the two groups was 9.80%and 17.65%,respectively,and the difference was not statistically significant.No serious complications occurred in either group.At 48 h postoperatively,the expression levels of interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-α,high-sensitivity Creactive protein,and procalcitonin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).At 3 d postoperatively,the expression levels of aspartate transaminase,alanine transaminase,and total bilirubin were lower in the LC+EPBD group than in the LC+EST group(P<0.05).CONCLUSION LC combined with EPBD and LC combined with EST are both effective procedures for the treatment of GS with CBDS,in which LC combined with EPBD is beneficial to shorten the patient’s hospitalization time,reduce the magnitude of elevated inflammatory response indexes,and promote postoperative recovery.

The Space Dilation: Analyzing Progressive Speed Reduction and Its Relativistic Parallels

This paper presents a conceptual exploration that draws an intriguing parallelbetween a hypothetical travel scenario and the principles of special relativity. The scenario involves a traveler who reduces their speed by an amount proportional to the distance traveled. Despite initially traveling at a high speed towards a given destination, the continual reduction in speed results in an asymptotic approach to the goal, analogous to the unattainable speed of light in relativity. Mathematically, the scenario is expressed through the Harmonic Series, demonstrating that the total travel time increases without bound, making the destination theoretically unreachable within a finite timeframe. This exploration mirrors the relativistic velocity addition and time dilation effects, providing a compelling analogy for understanding asymptotic limits. By highlighting the profound implications of diminishing returns and unattainable goals, this paper aims to stimulate further discussion and exploration of these fascinating parallels.

Time Dilation Cosmology 2

This paper is a further elaboration of the author’s Time Dilation Cosmology (TDC) holographic model that ties gravitation and celestial mechanics and kinematics directly to time dilation, resolving all the major conundrums in astrophysics, and ties astrophysics directly to quantum physics. It begins with a brief summary of the TDC model and contains the new derivation for the time dilation version of the formula for summing relativistic velocities, Einstein’s gravitational constant and the time dilation versions for the Lorentz factor and the Euclidean norm of the 3d velocity vector, the two of which can then be used in the Four-velocity formula. It is demonstrated how orbital curvature is manifested as the resultant of two time dilation-manifested velocities. It also explains why an interferometer cannot distinguish free fall from zero gravity and further elaborates on the author’s previous explanations of how spiral galaxies are formed, and contains mathematical proof that Black Holes are actually Magnetospheric Eternally Collapsing Objects (MECOs) that are massless spacetime vortices.

The effect of aerobic training on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with coronary artery disease who were revascularized and young men

Aim: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of training on endothelium-dependent vasodilatation in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) after revascularization and healthy young men. Background: Impaired endothelial function has been observed in patients with CAD and those with CAD risk factors. Studies have shown that exercise can enhance endothelial function. Methods: This experimental cross-sectional study was conducted on patients with CAD (3 months after CABG and PCI) and students of medical school in 2011. Endothelium dependent dilation of the brachial artery was determined by using high-resolution vascular ultrasonography through flow-mediated vasodilatation (FMD) after induction of ischemia, and the data were analyzed using SPSS, dependent t-test and ANCOVA. Findings: The findings showed that at baseline, FMD was reduced in revascularized patients, when compared with healthy young men, after 8 weeks, and exercise training significantly improved FMD in patients underwent training group [from 4.31 ± 1.45 (SD)% to 6.15 ± 0.773 (SD)%, p p ed unchanged, and even after aerobic training, it did not significantly modify the brachial artery diameter in these groups. Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that endothelial dysfunction persisting in CAD patients after revascularization and aerobic training can improve endothelial function in different vascular beds in CAD patients and healthy young men. This may contribute to the benefit of regular exercise in preventing and restricting cardiovascular disease.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy plus large-balloon dilation vs endoscopic sphincterotomy for choledocholithiasis:A meta-analysis

AIM:To perform a meta-analysis of large-balloon dilation(LBD)plus endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)vs EST alone for removal of bile duct stones.METHODS:Databases including PubMed,EMBASE,the Cochrane Library,the Science Citation Index,and important meeting abstracts were searched and evaluated by two reviewers independently.The main outcome measures included:complete stone removal,stone removal in the first session,use of mechanical lithotripsy,procedure time,and procedure-related complications.A fixed-effects model weighted by the Mantel-Haenszel method was used for pooling the odds ratio(OR)when heterogeneity was not significant among the studies.When a Q test or I2statistic indicated substantial heterogeneity,a random-effects model weighted by the DerSimonian-Laird method was used.RESULTS:Six randomized controlled trials involving835 patients were analyzed.There was no significant heterogeneity for most results;we analyzed these using a fixed-effects model.Meta-analysis showed EST plus LBD caused fewer overall complications than EST alone(OR=0.53,95%CI:0.33-0.85,P=0.008);sub-category analysis indicated a significantly lower risk of perforation in the EST plus LBD group(Peto OR=0.14,95%CI:0.20-0.98,P=0.05).Use of mechanical lithotripsy in the EST plus LBD group decreased significantly(OR=0.26,95%CI:0.08-0.82,P=0.02),especially in patients with a stone size larger than 15 mm(OR=0.15,95%CI:0.03-0.68,P=0.01).There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding complete stone removal,stone removal in the first session,post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis,bleeding,infection of biliary tract,and procedure time.CONCLUSION:EST plus LBD is an effective approach for the removal of large bile duct stones,causing fewer complications than EST alone.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation in patients with periampullary diverticula

AIM:To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)for bile duct stone extraction in patients with periampullary diverticula.METHODS:The records of 223 patients with large common bile duct stones(≥10 mm)who underwent EPLBD(12-20 mm balloon diameter)with or without limited endoscopic sphincterotomy(ES)from July 2006to April 2011 were retrospectively reviewed.Of these patients,93(41.7%)had periampullary diverticula(PAD),which was categorized into three types.The clinical variables of EPLBD with limited ES(EPLBD+ES)and EPLBD alone were analyzed according to the presence of PAD.RESULTS:Patients with PAD were significantly older than those without(75.2±8.8 years vs 69.7±10.9years,P=0.000).The rates of overall stone removal and complete stone removal in the first session were not significantly different between the PAD and nonPAD groups,however,there was significantly less need for mechanical lithotripsy in the PAD group(3.2%vs 11.5%,P=0.026).Overall stone removal rates,complete stone removal rates in the first session and the use of mechanical lithotripsy were not significantly different between EPLBD+ES and EPLBD alone in patients with PAD(96.6%vs 97.1%;72.9%vs 88.2%;and 5.1%vs 0%,respectively).No significant differences with respect to the rates of pancreatitis,perforation,and bleeding were observed between EPLBD+ES and EPLBD alone in the PAD group(3.4%vs 14.7%,P=0.095;0%vs 0%;and 3.4%vs 8.8%,P=0.351,respectively).CONCLUSION:EPLBD with limited ES and EPLBD alone are safe and effective modalities for common bile duct stone removal in patients with PAD,regardless of PAD subtypes.

Reappraisal of endoscopic papillary balloon dilation for the management of common bile duct stones

Although endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) is still considered as a gold standard treatment for common bile duct(CBD) stones in western guideline, endoscopic papillary balloon dilation(EPBD) is commonly used by the endoscopists in Asia as the first-line treatment for CBD stones. Besides the advantages of a technical easy procedure, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD) can facilitate the removal of large CBD stones.The indication of EPBD is now extended from removal of the small stones by using traditional balloon, to removal of large stones and avoidance of lithotripsy by using large balloon alone or after EST. According to the reports of antegrade papillary balloon dilatation, balloon dilation itself is not the cause of pancreatitis. On the contrary, adequate dilation of papillary orifice can reduce the trauma to the papilla and pancreas by the basket or lithotripter during the procedure of stone extraction. EPLBD alone is as effective as EPLBD with limited EST. Longer ballooning time may be beneficial in EPLBD alone to achieve adequate loosening of papillary orifice. The longer ballooning time does not increase the risk of pancreatitis but may reduce the bleeding episodes in patients with coagulopathy. Slowly inflation of the balloon, but not exceed the diameter of bile duct and tolerance of the patients are important to prevent the complication of perforation. EPBLD alone or with EST are not the sphincter preserved procedures, regular follow up is necessary for early detection and management of CBD stones recurrence.

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation:Revival of the old technique

Radiologists first described the removal of bile duct stones using balloon dilation in the early 1980s.Recently,there has been renewed interest in endoscopic balloon dilation with a small balloon to avoid the complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)in young patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.However,there is a disparity in using endoscopic balloon papillary dilation(EPBD)between the East and the West,depending on the origin of the studies.In the early 2000s,EST followed by endoscopic balloon dilation with a large balloon was introduced to treat large or difficult biliary stones.Endoscopic balloon dilation with a large balloon has generally been recognized as an effective and safe method,unlike EPBD.However,fatal complications have occurred in patients with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD).The safety of endoscopic balloon dilation is still a debatable issue.Moreover,guidelines of indications and techniques have not been established in performing endoscopic balloon dilation with a small balloon or a large balloon.In this article,we discuss the issue of conventional and large balloon endoscopic dilation.We also suggest the indications and optimal techniques of EPBD and EPLBD.

Limited endoscopic sphincterotomy plus large balloon dilation for choledocholithiasis with periampullary diverticula

AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) plus large balloon dilation (LBD) for removing choledocholithiasis in patients with periampullary diverticula (PAD). METHODS: A total of 139 patients with common bile duct (CBD) stones were treated with LBD (10-20 mm balloon diameter) after limited EST. Of this total, 73 patients had PAD and 66 patients did not have PAD (controls). The results of stone removal and complications were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the PAD and the control groups in overall successful stone removal (94.5% vs 93.9%), stone removal in first session (69.9% vs 81.8%), mechanical lithotripsy (12.3% vs 13.6%), and complications (11.0% vs 7.6%). Clinical outcomes were also similar between the types of PAD, but the rate of stone removal in first session and the number of sessions were significantly lower and more frequent, respectively, in type B PAD (papilla located near the diverticulum) than controls [23/38 (60.5%) vs 54/66 (81.8%), P = 0.021; and 1 (1-2) vs 1 (1-3), P = 0.037, respectively] and the frequency of pancreatitis was significantly higher in type A PAD (papilla located inside or in the margin of the diverticulum) than in controls (16.1% vs 3.0%, P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Limited EST plus LBD was an effective and safe procedure for removing choledocholithiasis in patients with PAD. However, some types of PAD should be managed with caution.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after limited sphincterotomy for difficult biliary stones

AIM:To assess the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after biliary sphincterotomy for difficult bile duct stones retrieval.METHODS:Retrospective review of consecutive patients submitted to the technique during 18 mo.The main outcomes considered were:efficacy of the procedure(complete stone clearance;number of sessions;need of lithotripsy) and complications.RESULTS:A total of 30 patients with a mean age of 68 ± 10 years,23 female(77%) and 7 male(23%) were enrolled.In 10 patients,a single stone was found in the common bile duct(33%) and in 20 patients multiple stones(67%) were found.The median diameter of the stones was 17 mm(12-30 mm).Dilations were performed with progressive diameter Through-TheScope balloons(up to 12,15) or 18 mm.Complete retrieval of stones was achieved in a single session in 25 patients(84%) and in two sessions in 4 patients(13%).Failure occurred in 1 case(6%).Mechanical lithotripsywas performed in 6 cases(20%).No severe complications occurred.One patient(3%) had mild-grade post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) pancreatitis.CONCLUSION:Endoscopic balloon dilatation with a large balloon after endoscopic sphincterotomy is a safe and effective technique that could be considered an alternative choice in therapeutic ERCP.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation vs endoscopic sphincterotomy for retrieval of common bile duct stones:A meta-analysis

AIM: To compare the efficacy and safety of endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD) with endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) in retrieval of common bile duct stones (&#x02265; 10 mm).

Endoscopic papillary balloon dilation after sphincterotomy for difficult choledocholithiasis:A case-controlled study

AIM:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST) + endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)vs isolated EST.METHODS:We conducted a retrospective single center study over two years,from February 2010 to January 2012.Patients with large(≥ 10 mm),single or multiple bile duct stones(BDS),submitted to endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography(ERCP) were included.Patients in Group A underwent papillary large balloon dilation after limited sphincterotomy(EST+EPLBD),using a through-the-scope balloon catheter gradually inflated to 12-18 mm according to the size of the largest stone and the maximal diameter of the distal bile duct on the cholangiogram.Patients in Group B(control group) underwent isolated sphincterotomy.Stones were removed using a retrieval balloon catheter and/or a dormia basket.When necessary,mechanical lithotripsy was performed.Complete clearance of the bile duct was documented with a balloon catheter cholangiogram at the end of the procedure.In case of residual lithiasis,a double pigtail plastic stent was placed and a second ERCP was planned within 4-6 wk.Some patients were sent for extracorporeal lithotripsy prior to subsequent ERCP.Outcomes of EST+EPLBD(Group A) vs isolated EST(Group B) were compared regarding efficacy(complete stone clearance,number of therapeutic sessions,mechanical and/or extracorporeal lithotripsy,biliary stent placement) and safety(frequency,type and grade of complications).Statistical analysis was performed using χ 2 or Fisher’s exact tests for the analysis of categorical parameters and Student’s t test for continuous variables.A P-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS:One hundred and eleven patients were included,68(61.3%) in Group A and 43(38.7%) in Group B.The mean diameter of the stones was similar in the two groups(16.8 ± 4.4 and 16.0 ± 6.7 in Groups A and B,respectively).Forty-eight(70.6%) patients in Group A and 21(48.8%) in Group B had multiple BDS(P = 0.005).Overall,balloon dilation was performed up to 12 mm in 10(14.7%) patients,13.5 mm in 17(25.0%),15 mm in 33(48.6%),16.5 mm in 2(2.9%) and 18 mm in 6(8.8%) patients,taking into account the diameter of the largest stone and that of the bile duct.Complete stone clearance was achieved in sixty-five(95.6%) patients in Group A vs 30(69.8%) patients in Group B,and was attained within the first therapeutic session in 82.4% of patients in Group A vs 44.2% in Group B(P 【 0.001).Patients submitted to EST+EPLBD underwent fewer therapeutic sessions(1.1 ± 0.3 vs 1.8 ± 1.1,P 【 0.001),and fewer required mechanical(14.7% vs 37.2%,P = 0.007) or extracorporeal(0 vs 18.6%,P 【 0.001) lithotripsy,as well as biliary stenting(17.6% vs 60.5%,P 【 0.001).The rate of complications was not significantly different between the two groups.CONCLUSION:EST+EPLBD is a safe and effective technique for treatment of difficult BDS,leading to high rates of complete stone clearance and reducing the need for lithotripsy and biliary stenting.

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation for the removal of bile duct stones

Endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation(EPLBD)with endoscopic sphincterotomy(EST)has been widely used as the alternative to EST along with endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy(EML)for the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones.Furthermore,EPLBD without EST was recently introduced as its simplified alternative technique.Thus,we systematically searched PubMed,Medline,the Cochrane Library and EMBASE,and analyzed all gathered data of EPLBD with and without EST,respectively,by using a single standardized definition,reviewing relevant literatures,published between 2003and June 2013,where it was performed with largediameter balloons(12-20 mm).The outcomes,including the initial success rate,the rate of needs for EML,and the overall success rate,and adverse events were assessed in each and compared between both of two procedures:"EPLBD with EST"and"EPLBD without EST".A total of 2511 procedures from 30 published articles were included in EPLBD with EST,while a total of413 procedures from 3 published articles were included in EPLBD without EST.In the results of outcomes,the overall success rate was 96.5%in EPLBD with EST and97.2%in EPLBD without EST,showing no significant difference between both of them.The initial success rate(84.0%vs 76.2%,P<0.001)and the success rate of EPLBD without EML(83.2%vs 76.7%,P=0.001)was significantly higher,while the rate of use of EML was significantly lower(14.1%vs 21.6%,P<0.001),in EPLBD with EST.The rate of overall adverse events,pancreatitis,bleeding,perforation,other adverse events,surgery for adverse events,and fatal adverse events were 8.3%,2.4%,3.6%,0.6%,1.7%,0.2%and 0.2%in EPLBD with EST and 7.0%,3.9%,1.9%,0.5%,0.7%,0%and 0%in EPLBD without EST,respectively,showing no significant difference between both of them.In conclusion,recent accumulated results of EPLBD with or even without EST suggest that it is a safe and effective procedure for the removal of large or difficult bile duct stones without any additional risk of severe adverse events,when performed under appropriate guidelines.