Endoscopic band ligation or endoscopic tissue adhesive injection in the treatment of gastric varices:Which is better?

The combination of endoscopic ultrasound with endoscopic treatment of type 1 gastric variceal hemorrhage may improve the robustness and generalizability of the findings in future studies.Moreover,the esophageal varices should also be included in the evaluation of treatment efficacy in subsequent studies to reach a more convincing conclusion.

Acute-on-chronic liver failure is independently associated with higher mortality for cirrhotic patients with acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage:Retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND Acute esophageal variceal hemorrhage(AEVH)is a common complication of cirrhosis and might precipitate multi-organ failure,causing acute-on-chronic liver failure(ACLF).AIM To analyze if the presence and grading of ACLF as defined by European Society for the Study of the Liver-Chronic Liver Failure(EASL-CLIF)is able to predict mortality in cirrhotic patients presenting AEVH.METHODS Retrospective cohort study executed in Hospital Geral de Caxias do Sul.Data from medical records from 2010 to 2016 were obtained by searching the hospital electronic database for patients who received terlipressin.Medical records were reviewed in order to determine the diagnosis of cirrhosis and AEVH,including 97 patients.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used for univariate analysis and a stepwise approach to the Cox regression for multivariate analysis.RESULTS All-cause mortality for AEVH patients was 36%,40.2%and 49.4%for 30-,90-and 365-day,respectively.The prevalence of ACLF was 41.3%.Of these,35%grade 1,50%grade 2 and 15%grade 3.In multivariate analysis,the non-use of non-selective beta-blockers,presence and higher grading of ACLF and higher Model for End-Stage Liver Disease scores were independently associated with higher mortality for 30-day with the addition of higher Child-Pugh scores for 90-day period.CONCLUSION Presence and grading of ACLF according to the EASL-CLIF criteria was independently associated with higher 30-and 90-day mortality in cirrhotic patients admitted due to AEVH.

Percutaneous transsplenic embolization of esophageal and gastrio-fundal varices in 18 patients

AIM: Clinical application and potential complication of percutaneous transsplenic varices embolization (PTSVE) of esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) complicated with portal vein cancerous thrombosis (PVCT).METHODS: 18 patients with HCC complicated with PVCT and esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices who underwent PTSVE were collected. The rate of success, complication, mortality of the procedure and postoperative complication were recorded and analyzed.RESULTS: PTSVE were successfully performed in 16 of 18cases, and the rate of success was 89%. After therapy erythrocyte counts decreased in all of the natunts. 5 of patients needed blood transfusion, 2 patients requiredsurgical intervention because of and 11 patients with ascites were alleviated by diuresis. Among these 18patients, the procedure-related mortality was 11% (2/18),one died of acute hepatic failure on the forth day after procedure, another died of acute renal failure on the fifth day. The patients were follow up for 112 mon exceptone. 13of them died of their tumors but none of them experienced variceal bleeding.CONCLUSION: PTSVE is a relatively safe and effective method to treat esophageal or gastrio-fundal varices in HCCpatients with PVCT when percutaneous transhepatic varices embolization (PTHVE) of varices is impossible.

Prognosis of hepatic cirrhosis patients with esophageal or gastric variceal hemorrhage: multivariate analysis

Objective: To study the effect of bacterial infection, use of antibiotics, active bleeding at endoscopy, and the severity of liver disease as prognostic factors in hepatic cirrhotic patients during the first 5 days after the episode of esophageal or gastric variceal hemor- rhage. Methods: Seventy-six hepatic cirrhosis patients with esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding were enrolled. Bleeding was managed in a standardized protocol u- sing octreotide and vasopressin in sclerotherapy or band ligation for active bleeding at endoscopy. The screening protocol for bacterial infection consisted of chest radiograph; blood, urine and ascitic fluid cul- tures; the severity of liver disease shown by Child- Pugh score. Results: Active bleeding was observed at endoscopy in 40 patients (53%). Failure to control bleeding Within 5 days occurred in 36 patients (45%). Empir- ical antibiotic treatment was used in 53 patients (67%), whereas bacterial infections were documen- ted in 43 patients (57%). Multivariate analysis showed that proven bacterial infection (P<0.01) or antibiotic use (P<0.05) as well as active bleeding at endoscopy (P<0.01) and Child-Pugh score (P< 0.01) were independent prognostic factors of failure to control bleeding. Conclusion: Bacterial infection is associated with fai- lure to control esophageal or gastric variceal bleeding in hepatic cirrhotic patients.

Procedure-related complications in gastric variceal obturation with tissue glue

AIM To focus on procedure-related complications,evaluate their incidence,analyze the reasons and discuss the solutions.METHODS Overall,628 endoscopic gastric variceal obturation(EGVO) procedures(case-times) with NBC were performed in 519 patients in the Department of Endoscopy of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University from January 2011 to December 2016. The clinical data of patients and procedure-related complications of EGVO were retrospectively analyzed.RESULTS In the 628 EGVO procedures,sticking of the needle to the varix occurred in 9 cases(1.43%),including 1 case that used lipiodol-diluted NBC and 8 cases that used undiluted NBC(P = 0.000). The needle was successfully withdrawn in 8 cases. Large spurt bleeding occurred in one case,and hemostasis was achieved by two other injections of undiluted glue. The injection catheter became blocked in 17 cases(2.71%) just during the injection,and 4 cases were complicated with the needle sticking to the varix. Large glue adhesion to the endoscope resulted in difficulty withdrawing the endoscope in 1 case. Bleeding from multiple sites was observed in the esophagus and gastric cardia after the endoscope was withdrawn. Hemostasis was achieved by 1% aethoxysklerol injection and intravenous somatostatin. The ligation device stuck to the varices in two cases during the subsequent endoscopic variceal ligation. In one case,the ligation device was successfully separated from the esophageal varix after all bands were released. In another case,a laceration of the vein and massive bleeding were observed. The bleeding ceased after 1% aethoxysklerol injection.CONCLUSION Although EGVO with tissue glue is usually safe and effective,a series of complications can occur during the procedure that may puzzle endoscopists. There is no standard operating procedure for addressing these complications. The cases described in the current study can provide some reference for others.

Could there be light at the end of the tunnel? Mesocaval shunting for refractory esophageal varices in patients with contraindications to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt

Cirrhotic patients with recurrent variceal bleeds who have failed prior medical and endoscopic therapies and are not transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt candidates face a grim prognosis with limited options. We propose that mesocaval shunting be offered to this group of patients as it has the potential to decrease portal pressures and thus decrease the risk of recurrent variceal bleeding. Mesocaval shunts are stent grafts placed by interventional radiologists between the mesenteric system, most often the superior mesenteric vein, and the inferior vena cava. This allows flow to bypass the congested hepatic system, reducing portal pressures. This technique avoids the general anesthesia and morbidity associated with surgical shunt placement and has been successful in several case reports. In this paper we review the technique, candidate selection, potential pitfalls and benefits of mesocaval shunt placement.

Triplex operation for portal hypertension with esophageal variceal bleeding:report of 140 cases

BACKGROUND:Portal hypertension is a common dis ease. The surgical therapy of this disease focuses on the re sultant upper digestive tract bleeding, which can imperi patients' life directly. This study was to evaluate the effect of triplex operation ( mesocaval C shunt with artificia graft, ligation of the coronary vein and splenic artery) on portal hypertension and its associated upper digestive tract bleeding. METHODS: A retrospective study was made on clinical da- ta of 140 patients undergoing triplex operation, who had suffered from portal hypertension and upper digestive tract bleeding. RESULTS: Postoperative portal pressure was 25-43 cmH2 O ( preoperative portal pressure 27-45 cmH2 O ) with the average reduction of 10 cmH2O. One patient (0.7%) died of cerebrovascular disease. Five patients (3.5%) suffered from mild hepatic encephalopathy, which was ameliorated through conservative treatment. Lymphatic fistula occurred in 3 patients (2.1% ) who recovered without treatment 5, 10 days and 3 months after operation respectively. One hundred patients were followed up for 1 month to 6 years without recurrent hemorrhage or hepatic encephalopathy. Hypersplenism and ascites disappeared in 70 patients (70% ) and 80 patients (80% ) respectively. A significant reduction of ascites was seen in 12 patients(12% ). The arti- ficial vessels remained unblocking detected by B type ultra- sonography and Doppler sonography in 95 patients (95% ). CONCLUSION: Triplex operation is suitable for patients with the following portal hypertensions; portal hyperten- sion caused by simple occlusion of the hepatic vein (a patho- logical type of Budd-Chiari syndrome); thrombosis of the portal vein or prehepatic portal hypertension because of cavernous transformation; intrahepatic portal hypertension with rebleeding after splenectomy or non-operation, and those patients with liver function in grade A or B according to the Child-Pugh classification.

New methods for the management of gastric varices

Bleeding from gastric varices has been successfully treated by endoscopic modalities. Once the bleeding from the gastric varices is stabilized, endoscopic treatment and/or interventional radiology should be performed to eradicate varices completely. Partial splenic artery embolization is a supplemental treatment to prolong the obliteration of the veins feeding and/or draining the varices. The overall incidence of bleeding from gastric varices is lower than that from esophageal varices. No studies to date have defi nitively characterized the causal factors behind bleeding from gastric varices. The initial episodes of bleeding from esophageal varices or gastric varices without prior treatment may be at least partly triggered by a violation of the mucosal barrier overlying varices. This is especially likely in the case of varices of the fundus. In view of the high rate of hemostasis achieved among bleeding gastric varices, treatment should be administered in selective cases. Among untreated cases, steps to prevent gastric mucosal injury confer very important protection against gastric variceal bleeding.

Update on the management of gastrointestinal varices

Cirrhosis of liver is a major problem in the western world. Portal hypertension is a complication of cirrhosis and can lead to a myriad of pathology of which include the development of porto-systemic collaterals. Gastrointestinal varices are dilated submucosal veins, which often develop at sites near the formation of gastroesophageal collateral circulation. The incidence of varices is on the rise due to alcohol and obesity. The most significant complication of portal hypertension is life-threatening bleeding from gastrointestinal varices, which is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. In addition, this can cause a significant burden on the health care facility. Gastrointestinal varices can happen in esophagus, stomach or ectopic varices. There has been considerable progress made in the understanding of the natural history, pathophysiology and etiology of portal hypertension. Despite the development of endoscopic and medical treatments, early mortality due to variceal bleeding remains high due to significant illness of the patient. Recurrent variceal bleed is common and in some cases, there is refractory variceal bleed. This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of the management of gastrointestinal varices with an emphasis on endoscopic interventions, strategies to handle refractory variceal bleed and newer endoscopic treatment modalities. Early treatment and improved endoscopic techniques can help in improving morbidity and mortality.

Role of endoscopy in management of gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension

The management of patients with gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension is often complex and challenging. The endoscopy plays an important role in the management of these patients. The role of endoscopy is both diagnostic and interventional and in the last years the techniques have undergone a rapid expansion with the advent of different and novel endoscopic modalities, with consequent improvement of investigation and treatment of these patients. The choice of best therapeutic strategy depends on many factors: baseline disease, patient's clinical performance and the timing when it is done if in emergency or a prophylactic approaches. In this review we evaluate the endoscopic management of patients with the gastrointestinal complications of portal hypertension.

Factors influencing clinical outcomes of Histoacryl~ glue injection-treated gastric variceal hemorrhage

AIM: To determine the factors associated with clinical outcomes and complications of Histoacryl glue injection for acute gastric variceal hemorrhage. METHODS: Patients who presented to the Siriraj Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Center with active gastric variceal bleeding and were admitted for treatment between April 2008 and October 2011 were selected retrospectively for study inclusion. All bleeding varices were treated by injection of Histoacryl tissue glue (B. Braun Melsungen AG, Germany) through a 21G or 23G catheter primed with lipiodol to prevent premature glue solidification. Data recorded for each patient included demographic and clinical characteristics, endoscopic findings, clinical outcomes in terms of early and late re-bleeding, mortality, and procedure-related complications. Data from admission (baseline) and posttreatment were comparatively analyzed using stepwise logistic regression analysis to determine the correlation between factors and clinical outcomes.RESULTS: A total of 90 patients underwent Histoacryl injection to treat bleeding gastric varices. The mean age was 55.9 ± 13.9 (range: 15-88) years old, and 74.4% of the patients were male. The most common presentations were hematemesis (71.1%), melena (12.2%), and coffee ground emesis (8.9%). Initial hemostasis was experienced in 97.8% of patients, while re-bleeding within 120 h occurred in 10.0%. The presence of ascites was the only factor associated with early and late re-bleeding [odds ratio (OR)=10.67, 95%CI: 1.27-89.52, P=0.03 and OR=4.15, 95%CI: 1.34-12.86, P=0.01, respectively]. Early procedure-related complications developed in 14.4% of patients, and were primarily infections and non-fatal systemic embolization. Late re-bleeding was significantly correlated with early procedure-related complications by univariate analysis (OR=4.01, 95%CI: 1.25-12.87, P=0.04), but no factors were significantly correlated by multivariate analysis. The overall mortality rate was 21.1%, the majority of which were related to infections. The factors showing strong association with higher mortality risk were elevated total bilirubin (OR=16.71, 95%CI: 3.28-85.09, P < 0.01), a large amount of transfused fresh frozen plasma (OR=1.001, 95%CI: 1.000-1.002, P=0.03), and late re-bleeding (OR=10.99, 95%CI: 2.15-56.35, P=0.02).CONCLUSION: Histoacryl injection is a safe and effective hemostatic method for treating gastric variceal hemorrhage. Patients with compromised liver, including ascites, have a higher risk of re-bleeding.

Comparison of embolic agents for varices during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for variceal bleeding: Tissue gel or coil?

Purpose:We aimed to compare treatment efficacy,safety and material cost between tissue gel and coil regarding variceal embolization during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS).Materials&Methods:This retrospective study including cirrhotic patients with variceal bleeding treated with TIPS combined with variceal embolization between January 2016 and August 2017.Patients were divided into three groups according to embolic agents used in variceal embolization:tissue gel group(Group A),combination group(Group B),and coil group(Group C).The primary endpoint was 1-year rebleeding rate after TIPS creation.The secondary endpoints included shunt dysfunction,overt hepatic encephalopathy,liver function,and embolic agents-related expense.Results:A total of 60 patients(30,10,and 20 in Group A,B,and C)were included.Variceal rebleeding occurred in3(10%),0(0%),and 4(20%)patients within one year after TIPS creation in Group A,B,and C,respectively.Stent dysfunction occurred in 2(3.3%)patients and 9(15.0%)patients experienced overt hepatic encephalopathy.No significant differences were observed between three groups regarding primary and secondary endpoints except embolic agents-related expense,with a significantly lower cost in Group A when compared to the other two groups.Stent dysfunction occurred in two patients,with one patient in Group A developed acute occlusion caused by thrombus and another patient in Group C underwent stent stenosis during follow-up.Conclusions:Compares to coil alone or combines with coil,tissue gel has similar treatment efficacy and safety,but with significantly lower cost for variceal bleeding during TIPS.

Diaphragmatic suture with tubular stomach to prevent early delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy

Objective The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a diaphragmatic suture with tubular stomach to prevent delayed gastric emptying(DGE) after esophagectomy through the cervico-thoracoabdominal approach. Methods A total of 980 patients with esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy through the cervico-thoracoabdominal approach were retrospectively included in this study and divided into two groups. All patients underwent tubular stomach creation(group A; n = 530) or a diaphragmatic suture and tubular stomach creation(group B; n = 450). The incidence of early DGE was observed. Results The incidence of early DGE in group A was significantly higher than that in group B(P < 0.05). Conclusion This observation study suggests that the use of a diaphragmatic suture with tubular stomach through the cervico-thoracoabdominal approach can decrease the incidence of early DGE after esophagectomy.

金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗合并胃肾分流的肝硬化胃静脉曲张患者的效果初探

目的探讨金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗合并胃肾分流的胃静脉曲张患者的效果及安全性。方法纳入2023年2月—2023年6月因肝硬化伴胃静脉曲张于首都医科大学附属北京地坛医院就诊,证实存在胃肾分流(GRS),并接受金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗的患者。主要的评价指标是术后曲张静脉减轻或消失情况,次要评价指标为手术完成情况及并发症。结果共11例合并GRS的胃静脉曲张患者纳入研究,男7例,女4例;中位年龄55岁;肝功能Child-Pugh A级1例,Child-Pugh B级7例,Child-Pugh C级3例;分流道最大直径(中位)8 mm,最小直径(中位)4 mm。治疗前靶血管血流中位流速11 cm/s,金属夹阻断后靶血管中位流速5 cm/s;中位组织胶使用量2 mL,聚桂醇使用量均为1 mL。所有患者手术结束后血流信号100%消失,手术成功率100%。随访6周患者均无再出血发生。术后1个月复查胃镜示静脉曲张根除或基本消失9例,静脉曲张改善2例。结论对于合并GRS的胃静脉曲张肝硬化患者,金属夹辅助内镜超声引导组织胶注射治疗是一种可行,安全,有效的方法。

门脉高压性胃病患者中医证型分布特点及其与胃镜下黏膜病变的相关性

目的:明确门脉高压性胃病(portal hypertension gastropathy,PHG)患者中医证型分布特点,探究PHG中医证型与胃镜下黏膜病变特点之间的相关性。方法:采用临床调查方式对符合标准的180例PHG患者中医证型、胃黏膜病变特点等资料进行统计学分析。结果:PHG患者中医证型主要为湿热蕴结证、瘀血阻络证;胃黏膜糜烂、充血、水肿、出血以湿热蕴结证患者多见,瘀血阻络证以PHG重度患者多见;肝气郁结证及瘀血阻络证与肝肾阴虚证、水湿内阻证及脾肾阳虚证相比,食管静脉曲张发病率差异有统计学意义(P<0.05)。结论:PHG中医证型与胃黏膜病变相关,湿热、瘀血是其主要病理因素。

内镜治疗肝硬化患者上消化道早癌的风险及处理策略

肝硬化患者患上消化道肿瘤风险增加,尤其是酒精性肝硬化患者.随着内镜检查的推广及普及,越来越多的上消化道早癌得以早期发现及治疗.内镜治疗已成为上消化道早癌的首选治疗方式,肝硬化患者由于可能存在血小板减少、凝血功能障碍、合并食管胃静脉曲张等情况,内镜治疗过程中出血、感染等风险较大.近年来国内外已有部分研究探讨内镜治疗肝硬化伴上消化道早癌的安全性及有效性.本文总结了近年来发表的内镜治疗肝硬化伴上消化道早癌的研究结果,简要综述其风险及防治策略,为临床提供指导.

脾硬度及血小板计数联合脾脏大小在肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张诊断中的应用

目的探讨脾硬度(SSM)、血小板计数(PLT)联合脾脏大小对肝硬化食管胃底静脉曲张(GOV)的诊断价值。方法选取109例在我院就诊的乙型肝炎肝硬化病人,超声测量其脾脏厚径(ST)和脾脏长径(SD),应用瞬时弹性扫描仪测量其SSM,并进行血清学检测及胃镜检查。以胃镜检查结果为标准,采用Logistic回归分析乙型肝炎肝硬化中-重度GOV与SSM、PLT/SD、PLT/ST的关系,建立回归模型。结果有、无GOV组SSM、PLT/ST、PLT/SD比较差异有统计学意义(Z=3.03~5.53,P<0.05)。建立判断中-重度GOV的回归模型Logit(P)=-6.373+0.298×SSM-0.443×PLT/ST。SSM、PLT/ST、PLT/SD及回归模型诊断中-重度GOV的受试者工作特征曲线下面积分别为0.94、0.79、0.77、0.95。结论SSM、PLT/ST、PLT/SD对肝硬化是否存在GOV有一定的诊断价值,且SSM诊断中度以上GOV的价值比PLT/ST和PLT/SD更高;SSM及PLT联合脾脏大小建立的无创诊断模型也可用于诊断中-重度GOV。

基于APRI和PALBI构建的列线图对肝硬化并发食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血的预测价值

目的 评估天冬氨酸转氨酶与血小板比值指数(APRI)和血小板-白蛋白-胆红素评分(PALBI)对肝硬化并发食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血风险的预测价值。方法 选取苏州大学附属第一医院于2021年5月—2022年6月收治的肝硬化患者119例,收集患者的临床资料、血常规、血清生化及血凝等检查结果。根据是否合并食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血,将患者分为未出血组(n=59)和出血组(n=60),比较组间差异。正态分布的计量资料两组间比较采用独立样本t检验,非正态分布的计量资料两组间比较采用Mann-Whitney U检验。计数资料组间比较采用χ^(2)检验或Fisher精确概率法。使用多因素Logistic回归分析,筛选肝硬化并发食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血的独立危险因素,并构建列线图预测模型。结果 出血组男性患者占75.00%,未出血组男性患者占40.68%,两组在性别构成方面,差异具有统计学意义(χ^(2)=14.384,P<0.001)。出血组和未出血组患者病因均以慢性乙型肝炎为主(53.33%vs 38.98%),两者构成比差异无统计学意义(χ^(2)=2.464,P=0.116)。出血组患者抗凝血酶原Ⅲ活性(AT-IIIA)水平高于未出血组(t=3.329,P=0.001),PLT、TBil、Ca、TC、TT水平则低于未出血组(P值均<0.05)。APRI和PALBI在出血组和未出血组之间比较,差异均有统计学意义(χ^(2)值分别为6.175、19.532,P值均<0.05)。进一步二元Logistic回归分析发现,APRI(OR=0.309,95%CI:0.109~0.881,P=0.028)、PALBI(OR=7.667,95%CI:2.005~29.327,P=0.003)、Ca(OR=0.001,95%CI:0.000~0.141,P=0.007)、TC(OR=0.469,95%CI:0.226~0.973,P=0.042)和TT(OR=0.599,95%CI:0.433~0.830,P=0.002)是影响肝硬化并发食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血的独立影响因素。基于以上因素建立列线图模型,一致性指数(C-index)为0.899,校准曲线拟合良好。结论 APRI及PALBI对肝硬化并发食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血具有良好的预测价值,基于本研究构建的列线图模型可以个体化预测肝硬化患者食管胃底静脉曲张破裂出血发生率。

孤立性胃静脉曲张1例

患者女,76岁,呕血、黑便20余天,腹胀伴双下肢水肿10天,外院诊断为肝硬化、胃底静脉曲张;否认慢性病史、传染病史、家族史。查体:全腹膨隆,移动性浊音阳性;双下肢重度水肿;Child-Pugh肝功能B级。实验室检查:血红蛋白81.0 g/L,白蛋白28.4 g/L。腹部增强CT:肝脏缩小、肝裂增宽、边缘欠光整;胃底后方胃膈韧带内见侧支静脉扩张、扭曲,自胃底后方横行至小弯侧并斜行向下经直径约11 mm分流道汇入左肾静脉(图1A、1B);腹腔积液。诊断:肝硬化;胃底静脉曲张,胃-肾静脉分流;腹腔积液。