Direct cholangioscopy combined with doubleballoon enteroscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Double-balloon enteroscope (DBE)-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an effective endoscopic approach for pancreatobiliary disorders in patients with altered gastrointestinal anatomy. Endoscopic interventions via DBE in these postoperative settings remain difficult because of the lack of an elevator and the use of extra-long ERCP accessories. Here, we report the usefulness of direct cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim gastroscope during DBE-assisted ERCP. Three patients with choledocholithiasis in postoperative settings (two patients after Billroth Ⅱ gastrojejunostomy and one patient after Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy) were treated. DBE was used to gain access to the papilla under carbon dioxide insufflation, and endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed with a conventional sphincterotome. For direct cholangioscopy, the enteroscope was exchanged for an ultra-slim gastroscope through an incision in the overtube, which was inserted directly into the bile duct. Direct cholangioscopy was used to extract retained bile duct stones in two cases and to confirm the complete clearance of stones in one case. Bile duct stones were eliminated with a 5-Fr basket catheter under direct visual control. No adverse events were noted in any of the three cases. Direct cholangioscopy with an ultra-slim gastroscope facilitates subsequent treatment within the bile duct. This procedure represents another potential option during DBE-assisted ERCP.

Combined Use of Single-balloon Enteroscope and Colonoscope for Self-expandable Metal Stent Placement in Patients with Malignant Small Intestinal Obstruction: a Single-center Comparative Clinical Observation

Small intestinal obstruction is a common complication of primary gastrointestinal cancer or metastatic cancers. Patients with this condition are often poor candidates for surgical bypasses, and placement of self-expanding metal stent(SEMS) can be technically challenging. In this study, we examined the feasibility of combined application of single-balloon enteroscope(SBE) and colonoscope for SEMS placement in patients with malignant small intestinal obstruction. Thirty-four patients were enrolled in this study, among which 22 patients received SEMS placement by using SBE and colonoscope, while the other 12 patients received conservative medical treatment. The patients were followed up for one year. Stent placement was technically feasible in 95.5%(21/22). Clinical improvement was achieved in 86.4%(19/22). For the 19 clinical success cases, the average time of benefits from a gastric outlet obstruction scoring system(GOOSS) increase ≥1 was 111.9±89.5 days. For the 12 patients receiving conservative medical treatment, no significant improvement in GOOSS score was observed. Moreover, a significant increase of Short-Form-36 health survey score was observed in the 19 patients at time of 30 days after stent placement. By Kaplan-Meier analysis, a significant survival improvement was observed in patients with successful SEMS placement, compared with patients receiving conservative medical treatment. Taken together, combined use of SBE and colonoscope makes endoscopic stent placement feasible in patients with malignant small intestinal obstruction, and patients can benefit from it in terms of prolonged survival and improved quality of life.

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma diagnosed via endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with a short double-balloon enteroscope

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using a double-balloon enteroscope (DBE) in patients with bowel reconstruction due to a previous abdominal surgery is now widely accepted. In particular, a short DBE, which has a 2.8-mm working channel and 152-cm working length, is useful for ERCP because of its good rotational and straightening ability and the availability of various conventional ERCP accessories through the working channel. Herein we report a case of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma via ERCP with a short DBE. This is the first report in which the pre-cutting and the brush cytological examination were performed successfully under a DBE to diagnose intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma pathologically. The short DBE allowed us to perform all diagnostic and therapeutic procedures accepted in conventional ERCP in patients with surgically altered anatomies.

Comparison between double-balloon and single-balloon enteroscopy in therapeutic ERC after Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis

AIM:To compare the efficacy of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and single-balloon enteroscopy (SBE) in therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) in patients with Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis.METHODS:Retrospective analysis of our patient cohort revealed 4 patients with enterobiliary anastomosis and Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis who underwent repeated ERC with DBE and SBE because of recurrent cholangitis.RESULTS:A total of 38 endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures were performed in 25 patients with Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis.DBE was used in 29 procedures and SBE in 9.The 4 patients who underwent repeated ERC with DBE and SBE suffered from recurrent cholangitis due to stenosis of the enterobiliary anastomosis.ERC was performed repeatedly to achieve balloon dilation with/without biliary stone extraction and multiple stent placement at the level of the enterobiliary anastomosis.In all 4 patients DBE and SBE were equally successful.Compared to DBE,SBE was equally effective in passing the Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis,reaching the enterobiliary anastomosis and performing therapeutic ERC.CONCLUSION:This retrospective comparison shows that DBE and SBE are equally successful in the performance of therapeutic ERC at the level of the enterobiliary anastomosis after Roux-en-Y entero-enteric anastomosis.

A simplifi ed method for stent placement in the distal duodenum:Enteroscopy overtube

The treatment of choice for patients with unresectable neoplastic obstruction of the small intestine is the placement of expandable metal stents.However,endoscopic delivery from the distal duodenum can be more diff icult.This case,shows the usefulness and technical advantages of the overtube and single balloon enteroscopy in the treatment of neoplastic stenosis affecting the small intestine.

Promising way to address massive intragastric clotting in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding:A case report

BACKGROUND Massive intragastric clotting(MIC) makes endoscopic therapy difficult in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Literature data on how to address this problem are limited. Here, we report on a case of massive stomach bleeding with MIC that was successfully treated endoscopically using an overtube of singleballoon enteroscopy.CASE SUMMARY A 62-year-old gentleman with metastatic lung cancer was admitted to the intensive care unit due to tarry stools and hematemesis of 1500 mL of blood during hospitalization. Emergent esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed massive blood clots and fresh blood in the stomach with evidence of active bleeding.Bleeding sites could not be observed even by changing the patient’s position and aggressive endoscope suction. The MIC was successfully removed using an overtube connected with a suction pipe, which was inserted into the stomach with an overtube of a single-balloon enteroscope. An ultrathin gastroscope was also introduced through the nose into the stomach to guide the suction. A massive blood clot was successfully removed, and an ulcer with oozing bleeding at the inferior lesser curvature of the upper gastric body was revealed, facilitating endoscopic hemostatic therapy.CONCLUSION This technique appears to be a previously unreported method to suction MIC out of the stomach in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding. This technique could be considered when other methods are not available or if they fail to remove massive blood clots in the stomach.

Novel use of cap-assisted enteroscopy for detection of colorectal tumor in a patient with incarcerated inguinal hernia

Multiple reports have documented unsuspected ingui-nal hernias which result in difficulties during the colo-noscopic examinations of patients. In most cases, the colonoscopy can be delayed until a surgical consult has further evaluated the inguinal hernia. This case report documents a patient who required a colonoscopy but surgical intervention for the detected inguinal hernia was not appropriate due to his co-morbid medical con-ditions. With the use of the combination of an entero-scope fitted with a cap and fluoroscopy, the inguinal hernia was able to be negotiated and the diagnosis of a cecal carcinoma was able to be confirmed.

Small intestinal hemolymphangioma treated with enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Hemolymphangiomas are rare malformations composed of both lymphatic and vascular vessels and are located in the pancreas,spleen,mediastinum,etc.Small intestinal hemolymphangioma is extremely rare and often presents as obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.It is rarely diagnosed correctly before the operation.Endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is usually used as a management of bleeding in esophageal varices and was occasionally reported as a treatment of vascular malformation.The treatment of small intestinal hemolymphangioma with enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy has not been reported.CASE SUMMARY A 42-year-old male complained of recurrent episodes of melena and dizziness,fatigue and reduced exercise capacity for more than 2 mo.Gastroduodenoscopy and blood test revealed a gastric ulcer and anemia.Treatment with oral protonpump inhibitors and iron did not improve symptoms.We then performed a capsule endoscopy and anterograde balloon-assisted enteroscopy and revealed a hemolymphangioma.Considering it is a benign tumor without malignant potential,we performed enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy.He was discharged 4 days later.At follow-up 3 mo later,the melena disappeared.Balloon-assisted enteroscopy revealed an atrophied tumor atrophied and no bleeding.Argon plasma coagulation was applied to the surface of the hemolymphangioma to accelerated healing.When he returned for follow-up 1 year later,anemia was resolved and the tumor had been cured.CONCLUSION Balloon-assisted enteroscopy and capsule endoscopy are effective methods for diagnosis of hemolymphangioma.Enteroscopic injection sclerotherapy is an effective treatment.

Double-balloon enteroscopy in detecting small intestinal bleeding

Digestive tract hemorrhage is a common disease of the digestive system, but about 0. 4% -5% intestinal bleeding can not be detected with gastroscope or colonscope. 1 Since the intestine is long, tortuous, far away from both ends of the digestive tract and unfixed in position, clinical diagnosis of the bleeding is relatively difficult. Yamamoto and Sugano2 reported the clinical application of double-balloon enteroscope at American DDW in 2003. Since this new instrument can help to observe the entire intestine, obtain biopsy sample, mark lesions and carry out treatments, it has drawn the attention of researchers all over the world. In 2003, we successfully used Japanese Fujinon double-balloon enteroscope in detecting suspected intestinal hemorrhage in 57 patients.