Different timing for abdominal paracentesis catheter placement and drainage in severe acute pancreatitis complicated by intraabdominal fluid accumulation

BACKGROUND Non-surgical methods such as percutaneous drainage are crucial for the treatment of patients with severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).However,there is still an ongoing debate regarding the optimal timing for abdominal paracentesis catheter place-ment and drainage.AIM To explore the influence of different timing for abdominal paracentesis catheter placement and drainage in SAP complicated by intra-abdominal fluid accumu-lation.METHODS Using a retrospective approach,184 cases of SAP complicated by intra-abdominal fluid accumulation were enrolled and categorized into three groups based on the timing of catheter placement:group A(catheter placement within 2 d of symptom onset,n=89),group B(catheter placement between days 3 and 5 after symptom onset,n=55),and group C(catheter placement between days 6 and 7 after symptom onset,n=40).The differences in progression rate,mortality rate,and the number of cases with organ dysfunction were compared among the three groups.RESULTS The progression rate of group A was significantly lower than those in groups B and groups C(2.25%vs 21.82%and 32.50%,P<0.05).Further,the proportion of patients with at least one organ dysfunction in group A was significantly lower than those in groups B and groups C(41.57%vs 70.91%and 75.00%,P<0.05).The mortality rates in group A,group B,and group C were similar(P>0.05).At postoperative day 3,the levels of C-reactive protein(55.41±19.32 mg/L vs 82.25±20.41 mg/L and 88.65±19.14 mg/L,P<0.05),procalcitonin(1.36±0.51 ng/mL vs 3.20±0.97 ng/mL and 3.41±0.98 ng/mL,P<0.05),tumor necrosis factor-alpha(15.12±6.63 pg/L vs 22.26±9.96 pg/L and 23.39±9.12 pg/L,P<0.05),interleukin-6(332.14±90.16 ng/L vs 412.20±88.50 ng/L and 420.08±87.65ng/L,P<0.05),interleukin-8(415.54±68.43 ng/L vs 505.80±66.90 ng/L and 510.43±68.23ng/L,P<0.05)and serum amyloid A(270.06±78.49 mg/L vs 344.41±81.96 mg/L and 350.60±80.42 mg/L,P<0.05)were significantly lower in group A compared to those in groups B and group C.The length of hospital stay in group A was significantly lower than those in groups B and group C(24.50±4.16 d vs 35.54±6.62 d and 38.89±7.10 d,P<0.05).The hospitalization expenses in group A were also significantly lower than those in groups B and groups C[2.70(1.20,3.55)ten-thousand-yuan vs 5.50(2.98,7.12)ten-thousand-yuan and 6.00(3.10,8.05)ten-thousand-yuan,P<0.05).The incidence of complications in group A was markedly lower than that in group C(5.62%vs 25.00%,P<0.05),and similar to group B(P>0.05).CONCLUSION Percutaneous catheter drainage for the treatment of SAP complicated by intra-abdominal fluid accumulation is most effective when performed within 2 d of onset.

Computerized tomography-guided therapeutic percutaneous puncture catheter drainage-combined with somatostatin for severe acute pancreatitis: An analysis of efficacy and safety

BACKGROUND Severe acute pancreatitis(SAP),a condition with rapid onset,critical condition and unsatisfactory prognosis,poses a certain threat to human health,warranting optimization of relevant treatment plans to improve treatment efficacy.AIM To evaluate the efficacy and safety of computerized tomography-guided the-rapeutic percutaneous puncture catheter drainage(CT-TPPCD)combined with somatostatin(SS)in the treatment of SAP.METHODS Forty-two SAP patients admitted to The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from June 2020 to June 2023 were selected.On the basis of routine treatment,20 patients received SS therapy(control group)and 22 patients were given CT-TPPCD plus SS intervention(research group).The efficacy,safety(pancreatic fistula,intra-abdominal hemorrhage,sepsis,and organ dysfunction syndrome),abdominal bloating and pain relief time,bowel recovery time,hospital stay,inflammatory indicators(C-reactive protein,interleukin-6,and pro-calcitonin),and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation(APACHE)II score of both groups were evaluated for comparison.RESULTS Compared with the control group,the research group had a markedly higher total effective rate,faster abdominal bloating and pain relief and bowel recovery,INTRODUCTION Pancreatitis,an inflammatory disease occurring in the pancreatic tissue,is classified as either acute or chronic and is associated with high morbidity and mortality,imposing a socioeconomic burden[1,2].The pathogenesis of this disease involves early protease activation,activation of nuclear factor kappa-B-related inflammatory reactions,and infiltration of immune cells[3].Severe acute pancreatitis(SAP)is a serious condition involving systemic injury and subsequent possible organ failure,accounting for 20%of all acute pancreatitis cases[4].SAP is also characterized by rapid onset,critical illness and unsatisfactory prognosis and is correlated with serious adverse events such as systemic inflammatory response syn-drome and acute lung injury,threatening the health of patients[5,6].Therefore,timely and effective therapeutic inter-ventions are of great significance for improving patient prognosis and ensuring therapeutic effects.Somatostatin(SS),a peptide hormone that can be secreted by endocrine cells and the central nervous system,is in-volved in the regulatory mechanism of glucagon and insulin synthesis in the pancreas[7].It has complex and pleiotropic effects on the gastrointestinal tract,which can inhibit the release of gastrointestinal hormones and negatively modulate the exocrine function of the stomach,pancreas and bile,while exerting a certain influence on the absorption of the di-gestive system[8,9].SS has shown certain clinical effectiveness when applied to SAP patients and can regulate the severity of SAP and immune inflammatory responses,and this regulation is related to its influence on leukocyte apoptosis and adhesion[10,11].Computerized tomography-guided therapeutic percutaneous puncture catheter drainage(CT-TPPCD)is a surgical procedure to collect lesion fluid and pus samples from necrotic lesions and perform puncture and drainage by means of CT image examination and precise positioning[12].In the research of Liu et al[13],CT-TPPCD applied to pa-tients undergoing pancreatic surgery contributes to not only good curative effects but also a low surgical risk.Baudin et al[14]also reported that CT-TPPCD has a clinical success rate of 64.6%in patients with acute infectious necrotizing pan-creatitis,with nonfatal surgery-related complications found in only two cases,suggesting that this procedure is clinically effective and safe in the treatment of the disease.In light of the limited studies on the efficacy and safety of SS plus CT-TPPCD in SAP treatment,this study performed a relevant analysis to improve clinical outcomes in SAP patients.

Drainage of ascites in cirrhosis

For cirrhotic refractory ascites,diuretics combined with albumin and vasoactive drugs are the first-line choice for ascites management.However,their therapeutic effects are limited,and most refractory ascites do not respond to medication treat-ment,necessitating consideration of drainage or surgical interventions.Con-sequently,numerous drainage methods for cirrhotic ascites have emerged,including large-volume paracentesis,transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt,peritoneovenous shunt,automated low-flow ascites pump,cell-free and concentrated ascites reinfusion therapy,and peritoneal catheter drainage.This review introduces the advantages and disadvantages of these methods in different aspects,as well as indications and contraindications for this disease.

Percutaneous catheter drainage in combination with choledochoscope-guided debridement in treatment of peripancreatic infection

AIM:To introduce and evaluate the new method used in treatment of pancreatic and peripancreatic infections secondary to severe acute pancreatitis(SAP).METHODS:A total of 42 SAP patients initially underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous puncture and catheterization.An 8-Fr drainage catheter was used to drain the infected peripancreatic necrotic foci for 3-5 d.The sinus tract of the drainage catheter was expanded gradually with a skin expander,and the 8-Fr drainage catheter was replaced with a 22-Fr drainage tube after 7-10 d.Choledochoscope-guided debridement was performed repeatedly until the infected peripancreatic tissue was effectively removed through the drainage sinus tract.RESULTS:Among the 42 patients,the infected peripancreatic tissue or abscess was completely removed from 38 patients and elective cyst-jejunum anastomosis was performed in 4 patients due to formation of pancreatic pseudocysts.No death and complication occurred during the procedure.CONCLUSION:Percutaneous catheter drainage in combination with choledochoscope-guided debridement is a simple,safe and reliable treatment procedure for peripancreatic infections secondary to SAP.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheter drainage in early treatment of severe acute pancreatitis

Percutaneous catheter drainage （PCD） is a minimally invasive intervation for severe acute pancreatitis （SAP）. This study was undertaken to compare the results of surgery and ultrasound-guided PCD in the treatment of 32 patients with SAP, and to direct clinicians to the most optimal approach for SAP. In the 32 patients, 19 were proved to have deteriorated clinical signs or symptoms, extensive fluid exudation, and necrosis confirmed by computed tomography （CT） and they underwent operative debridement and drainage. For extensive fluid exudation or necrosis, complete liquefaction and safe catheter implantation, the other 13 patients were given PCD. The mortality rate of the surgery group was 26.3%, much higher than that of the PCD group （0%）. There was a significant difference between the two groups （P=0.044）. The mean time for recovery of the serum C-reactive protein （CRP） level was 43.8 days in the surgery group, which was significantly longer than that of the PCD group （23.8 days） （P=0.034）. Early PCD guided by ultrasound could decrease the mortality of patients with severe acute pancreatitis, alleviate life-threatening inflammatory complications, and avoid unnecessary emergency operation.

Computed tomography-guided catheter drainage with urokinase and ozone in management of empyema

AIM To retrospectively compare the outcomes of catheter drainage,urokinase and ozone in management of empyema.METHODS Retrospective study included 209 patients(111 males and 98 females; age range 19 to 72 years) who were diagnosed with empyema.The patients were divided into 3 groups based on the therapy instituted: catheter drainage only(group I); catheter drainage and urokinase(group II); catheter drainage,urokinase and ozone(group III).Drainage was considered successful if empyema was resolved with closure of cavity,clinical symptoms were resolved,and need for any further surgical procedure was avoided.Success rate,length of stay(LOS),need for further surgery and hospital costs were compared between the three groups using the Kruskall-Wallis nonparametric test,with P < 0.05 considered significant.RESULTS Of the 209 patients with empyema,all catheters were placed successfully under CT guidance.Sixty-three patients were treated with catheters alone(group I),64 with catheters and urokinase(group II),and 82 with catheters,urokinase and ozone(group III).Group I,group II and group III had success rates of 62%,83% and 95% respectively(P < 0.05).Group I and groupII had statistically longer LOS(P < 0.05) and higher hospital costs(P < 0.05) compared to group III.There were statistically significant differences between the three groups when comparing patients who converted into further surgery.CONCLUSION The combination of chest tube drainage,urokinase and ozone is a safe and effective therapeutic modality in thoracic empyema.

Value of neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio in evaluating response to percutaneous catheter drainage in patients with acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND Early prediction of response to percutaneous catheter drainage(PCD)of necrotic collections in acute pancreatitis(AP)using simple and objective tests is critical as it may determine patient prognosis.The role of white blood cell(WBC)count and neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)has not been assessed as a tool of early prediction of PCD success and is the focus of this study.AIM To assess the value of WBC and NLR in predicting response to PCD in AP.METHODS This retrospective study comprised consecutive patients with AP who underwent PCD between June 2018 and December 2019.Severity and fluid collections were classified according to the revised Atlanta classification and organ failure was defined according to the modified Marshall Score.WBC and NLR were monitored 24 h prior PCD(WBC-0/NLR-0)and 24 h(WBC-1/NLR-1),48 h(WBC-2/NLR-2)and 72 h(WBC-3/NLR-3)after PCD.NLR was calculated by dividing the number of neutrophils by the number of lymphocytes.The association of success of PCD(defined as survival without the need for surgery)with WBC and NLR was assessed.The trend of WBC and NLR was also assessed post PCD.RESULTS One hundred fifty-five patients[median age 40±13.6(SD),64.5%males,53.5%severe AP]were included in the final analysis.PCD was done for acute necrotic collection in 99(63.8%)patients and walled-off necrosis in 56(36.1%)patients.Median pain to PCD interval was 24±69.89 d.PCD was successful in 109 patients(group 1)and 46 patients(group 2)who failed to respond.There was no significant difference in the baseline characteristics between the two groups except the severity of AP and frequency of organ failure.Both WBC and NLR showed an overall decreasing trend.There was a significant difference between WBC-0 and WBC-1(P=0.0001).WBC-1 and NLR-1 were significantly different between the two groups(P=0.048 and 0.003,respectively).The area under the curve of WBC-1 and NLR-1 for predicting the success of PCD was 0.602 and 0.682,respectively.At a cut-off value of 9.87 for NLR-1,the sensitivity and specificity for predicting the success of PCD were calculated to be 75%and 65.4%respectively.CONCLUSION WBC and NLR can be used as simple tests for predicting response to PCD in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis.

Computed Tomography-Guided Virtual Stereotactic Puncture and Catheter Drainage for a Brainstem Pontine Hemorrhage: A Case Report

Background: Patients with severe hypertensive brainstem hemorrhages have poor prognoses if they only receive conservative medical management. In contrast, aggressive operative interventions may decrease the morbidity and mortality in such patients. These operative treatments include craniotomy for evacuation of the hematoma, stereotactic positioning, and neuronavigational-guided hemorrhage puncture and drainage. Here, we report a novel and relatively simple procedure to achieve satisfactory outcomes in a patient with a brainstem pontine hemorrhage. Case Presentation: A 53-year-old man who was diagnosed with brainstem pontine hemorrhage. On hospital day 6, he underwent CT-guided, virtual stereotactic puncture and catheter drainage of this brainstem pontine hemorrhage. Medical treatments were continued after this procedure. On postoperative day 16 (hospital day 22), the patient was discharged from the hospital, awake and able to answer questions appropriately. Muscle strengths were grades V and IV for the left and right extremities, respectively. The patient was continued with active rehabilitation and achieved a Barthel index of 85 points at one month after the percutaneous drainage procedure. Conclusion: CT-guided, virtual stereotactic percutaneous transcranial puncture and catheter drainage for brainstem pontine hemorrhages has obvious potential advantages and offers a possible alternative to achieve the best outcomes with minimal operative trauma compared to open microcraniotomy.

Surgical management of necrotizing pancreatitis:An overview

Necrotizing pancreatitis is an uncommon yet serious complication of acute pancreatitis with mortality rates reported up to 15%that reach 30%in case of infection.Traditionally open surgical debridement was the only tool in our disposal to manage this serious clinical entity.This approach is however associated with poor outcomes.Management has now shifted away from open surgical debridement to a more conservative management and minimally invasive approaches.Contemporary approach to patients with necrotizing pancreatitis and/or infectious pancreatitis is summarized in the 3Ds:Delay,Drain and Debride.Patients can be managed in the intensive care unit and any intervention should be delayed.Percutaneous drainage can be utilized first and early in the course of the disease,followed by endoscopic drainage or video assisted retroperitoneoscopic drainage if necrosectomy is deemed necessary.Open surgery is now less frequently performed and should be reserved for cases refractory to any other approach.The management of necrotizing pancreatitis therefore requires a multidisciplinary dynamic model of approach rather than being a surgical disease.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous treatment for splenic abscesses: The signifi cance in treatment of critically ill patients

AIM: To analyze the results of ultrasound guided percu- taneous needle aspiration (PNA) and percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) in the treatment of splenic abscess. METHODS: Thirty-six patients (14 females and 22 males, with an average age of 54.1 ± 14.1 years) with splenic abscess were treated with ultrasound guided PNA and/or PCD. Patients with splenic abscess < 50 mm in diameter were initially treated by PNA and those with abscess ≥ 50 mm and bilocular abscesses were initially treated by an 8-French catheter drainage. The clinical characteristics, underlying diseases, organism spectra, therapeutic methods, and mortality rates were analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients had unilocular and 9 bilocular abscess. PNA was performed in 19 patients (52.8%), and 8 of them (42.1%) required PCD because of recurrence of abscess. In 17 patients (47.2%), PCD was performed initially. PCD was performed twice in six patients and three times in two. PNA was defi nitive treatment for 10 and PCD for 21 patients. One patient with PCD was referred for splenectomy, with successful outcome. In all 4 deceased patients, malignancy was the underlying condition. Twenty-one patients (58.3%) underwent 33 surgical interventions on abdomen before treatment. Cultures were positive in 30 patients (83.3%). Gram-negative bacillus predominated (46.7%). There were no complications related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous treatmnet of splenic abscess is an effective alternative to surgery, allowing preservation of the spleen. This treatment is especially indicative for the patients in critical condition postoperatively. We recommend PNA as primary treatment for splenic abscesses < 50 mm, and PCD for those ≥ 50 mm in diameter and for bilocular abscesses.

Amebic liver abscess by Entamoeba histolytica

Amebic liver abscesses(ALAs)are the most commonly encountered extraintestinal manifestation of human invasive amebiasis,which results from Entamoeba histolytica(E.histolytica)spreading extraintestinally.Amebiasis can be complicated by liver abscess in 9%of cases,and ALAs led to almost 50000 fatalities worldwide in 2010.Although there have been fewer and fewer cases in the past several years,ALAs remain an important public health problem in endemic areas.E.histolytica causes both amebic colitis and liver abscess by breaching the host’s innate defenses and invading the intestinal mucosa.Trophozoites often enter the circulatory system,where they are filtered in the liver and produce abscesses,and develop into severe invasive diseases such as ALAs.The clinical presentation can appear to be colitis,including upper-right abdominal pain accompanied by a fever in ALA cases.Proper diagnosis requires nonspecific liver imaging as well as detecting anti-E.histolytica antibodies;however,these antibodies cannot be used to distinguish between a previous infection and an acute infection.Therefore,diagnostics primarily aim to use PCR or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to detect E.histolytica.ALAs can be treated medically,and percutaneous catheter drainage is only necessary in approximately 15%of cases.The indicated treatment is to administer an amebicidal drug(such as tinidazole or metronidazole)and paromomycin or other luminal cysticidal agent for clinical disease.Prognosis is good with almost universal recovery.Establishing which diagnostic methods are most efficacious will necessitate further analysis of similar clinical cases.

Amebic liver abscess:Clinico-radiological findings and interventional management

In its classic form,amebic liver abscess(ALA)is a mild disease,which responds dramatically to antibiotics and rarely requires drainage.However,the two other forms of the disease,i.e.,acute aggressive and chronic indolent usually require drainage.These forms of ALA are frequently reported in endemic areas.The acute aggressive disease is particularly associated with serious complications,such as ruptures,secondary infections,and biliary communications.Laboratory parameters are deranged,with signs of organ failure often present.This form of disease is also associated with a high mortality rate,and early drainage is often required to control the disease severity.In the chronic form,the disease is characterized by low-grade symptoms,mainly pain in the right upper quadrant.Ultrasound and computed tomography(CT)play an important role not only in the diagnosis but also in the assessment of disease severity and identification of the associated complications.Recently,it has been shown that CT imaging morphology can be classified into three patterns,which seem to correlate with the clinical subtypes.Each pattern depicts its own set of distinctive imaging features.In this review,we briefly outline the clinical and imaging features of the three distinct forms of ALA,and discuss the role of percutaneous drainage in the management of ALA.