Contemporary Outcomes of Transduodenal Sphincteroplasty: the Importance of Surgical Quality.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is managed primarily by endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES); however, surgical transduodenal sphincteroplasty (TDS) is a treatment option for select patients. In our high-volume pancreatico-biliary practice, we have observed variable outcomes among TDS patients; therefore, we sought to determine preoperative predictors of durable improvement in quality of life. METHODS: SOD patients treated by TDS between January 2006 and December 2015 were studied. The primary outcome measure was long-term changes in quality of life after sphincteroplasty. The secondary outcome measure examined postoperative outcomes, including postoperative complications, need for repeat procedures, and readmission rates. Perioperative data were abstracted, and the SF-36 quality-of-life (QoL) survey was administered. Standard statistical analysis included non-parametric methods to examine bivariate associations. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients had an average follow-up duration of 6.7 (± 2.9) years. Thirty (34%) patients were naïve to endoscopic therapy. Patients with prior endoscopy averaged 2.1 procedures (range 1 to 13) prior to surgery. Perioperative morbidity was 27%; one postoperative death was caused by severe acute pancreatitis. Twenty-nine (33%) patients required subsequent biliary-pancreatic procedures. QoL analysis from available patients showed that 66% were improved or much improved. With multivariable analysis including SOD type and prior endoscopic instrumentation, freedom from surgical complication was the only variable that correlated significantly with a good outcome (p < 0.02). CONCLUSION: Surgical transduodenal sphincteroplasty provides durable symptom management for select patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. Minimizing surgical complications optimizes long-term outcomes.

Transduodenal Sphincteroplasty: A Visual Case Study.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction is a challenging and rare clinical entity resulting in pancreatobiliary pain and stasis of bile and pancreatic juice. This problem was classically treated with surgical therapy, but as classification of the disease has changed and newer methods of endoscopic evaluation and therapy have evolved, operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty is now generally reserved as a final therapeutic option for these patients. In this video and manuscript, we describe our approach to operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty in a patient with type I Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. METHODS: A 50-year-old female with history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented with episodic right-upper-quadrant and epigastric abdominal pain with associated documented elevations in liver chemistries. Preoperative cross-sectional imaging demonstrated dilation of her common bile duct. After multidisciplinary discussion, the decision was made to pursue operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty. RESULTS: All key operative steps of the transduodenal sphincteroplasty are demonstrated in the embedded video. Key operative steps include laparotomy, generous Kocher maneuver, and duodenotomy over the ampulla, allowing access for sequential biliary and pancreatic sphincterotomies and sphincteroplasties with absorbable suture. The duodenotomy and abdominal fascia are then closed. Our patient underwent sequential diet advancement and was discharged to home on postoperative day five. At clinic follow-up, pancreatobiliary-type pain had resolved. CONCLUSION: The embedded video demonstrates a case of operative transduodenal sphincteroplasty, which can provide durable results in appropriate patient populations.

Recurrent ascending cholangitis with acute pancreatitis and pancreatic atrophy caused by a juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum: A case report and literature review.

RATIONALE: Intermittent combined pancreaticobiliary obstruction may lead to multiple episodes of ascending cholangitis and pancreatitis, usually due to choledocholithiasis or periampullary mass. However, one of the rare causes is periampullary or juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum. Although duodenal diverticula are relatively common in the general population, the overwhelming majority are asymptomatic. Duodenal diverticula can cause combined pancreaticobiliary obstruction through multiple mechanisms such as stasis-induced primary choledocholithiasis, stasis-induced intradiverticular enterolith, or longstanding diverticulitis, causing stenosing fibrosing papillitis or a combination of more than one of these mechanisms. Herein, I report a case of Lemmel syndrome due to a combination of multiple mechanisms and review the available literature on the epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, diagnostic work-up, and management of juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum. PATIENT CONCERNS: Multiple episodes of abdominal pain, jaundice, anorexia, fever, and significant unintentional weight loss. DIAGNOSES AND INTERVENTIONS: Primary choledocholithiasis, recurrent ascending cholangitis, recurrent acute pancreatitis, and pancreatic atrophy due to giant juxtapapillary duodenal diverticulum, with unsuccessful endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography that was completely resolved after open transduodenal sphincteroplasty and septoplasty, transampullary and transcystic common bile duct exploration and stone extraction, and duodenal diverticular inversion. OUTCOME: Complete resolution of combined pancreaticobiliary obstruction without recurrence for 2 years after surgery. LESSONS: Surgeons should be aware of such rare syndromes to avoid misdiagnosis and delayed or inappropriate management. Furthermore, they should understand the different available operative options for cases that are refractory to endoscopic approach.

Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction After Gastric Bypass: Surgical or Endoscopic Therapy?

BACKGROUND: Management of Sphincter of Oddi Dysfunction (SOD) requires advanced techniques (endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography via gastrostomy [GERCP]) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) for obesity. Transduodenal sphincteroplasty (TS) is also performed yet carries the risks of surgery. We hypothesized that TS would have increased morbidity and mortality but provide a more durable remission of symptoms. METHODS: All patients between 2005 and 2016 with RYGB for obesity undergoing endoscopic or surgical management for type I or II SOD were included in the study. Patients with type III SOD, or who underwent RYGB for nonobesity indications, were excluded. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients were identified. GERCP was initially performed in 17 patients, whereas TS was performed in 21. Thirty-day mortality was 0% in our cohort, and 30-d morbidity was similar between GERCP and TS (29% versus 10%; P = 0.207). Resolution of symptoms after initial therapy was seen in 41% of GERCP (7/17) and 67% of TS (14/21) (P = 0.190), respectively, and overall after 35% (8/23) and 64% (16/24) of procedures performed (P = 0.042). Symptom resolution, as defined by the median ratio of days of total remission by total days of observed follow-up, was shorter after initial and all interventions with GERCP compared with TS (0.67 versus 1.00, P = 0.036 and 0.52 versus 1.00, P = 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic and surgical treatment of SOD had similar morbidity and mortality. However, treatment success and duration of remission was higher in those treated with surgery.

A new method for treating fecal incontinence by implanting stem cells derived from human adipose tissue: preliminary findings of a randomized double-blind clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Anal sphincter defects are a major cause of fecal incontinence causing negative effects on daily life, social interactions, and mental health. Because human adipose-derived stromal/stem cells (hADSCs) are easier and safer to access, secrete high levels of growth factor, and have the potential to differentiate into muscle cells, we investigated the ability of hADSCs to improve anal sphincter incontinence. METHODS: The present randomized double-blind clinical trial was performed on patients with sphincter defects. They were categorized into a cell group (n = 9) and a control group (n = 9). Either 6 × 106 hADSCs per 3 ml suspended in phosphate buffer saline (treatment) or 3 ml phosphate buffer saline (placebo) was injected. Two months after surgery, the Wexner score, endorectal sonography, and electromyography (EMG) results were recorded. RESULTS: Comparing Wexner scores in the cell group and the control group showed no significant difference. In our EMG and endorectal sonography analysis using ImageJ/Fiji 1.46 software, the ratio of the area occupied by the muscle to total area of the lesion showed a 7.91% increase in the cell group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The results of the current study show that injection of hADSCs during repair surgery for fecal incontinence may cause replacement of fibrous tissue, which acts as a mechanical support to muscle tissue with contractile function. This is a key point in treatment of fecal incontinence especially in the long term and may be a major step forward. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials IRCT2016022826316N2 . Retrospectively registered 7 May 2016.

Post-cholecystectomy syndrome and sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: past, present and future.

INTRODUCTION: Post-cholecystectomy syndrome and the concept of a causal relationship to sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, despite the controversy, has presented a clinically relevant conflict for decades. Historically surgeons, and now gastroenterologists have expended tremendous efforts towards trying to better understand the dilemma that is confounded by unique patient phenotypes. Areas covered: This review encompasses the literature from a century of experience on the topic of post-cholecystectomy syndrome. Relevant historical and anecdotal experiences are examined in the setting of insights from evaluation of recently available controlled data. Expert commentary: Historical observations and recent data suggest that patients with post-cholecystectomy syndrome can be categorized as follows. Patients with sphincter of Oddi stenosis will most often benefit from treatment with sphincterotomy. Patients with classic biliary pain and some objective evidence of biliary obstruction may have a sphincter of Oddi disorder and should be considered for endoscopic evaluation and therapy. Patients with atypical post-cholecystectomy pain, without any evidence consistent with biliary obstruction, and/or with evidence for another diagnosis or dysfunction should not undergo ERCP.

[RENTGENOENDOSCOPIC INTERVENTIONS FOR BILIARY OBSTRUCTION OF NON-TUMOR GENESIS].

We analyzed the immediate and long-term results of endoscopic diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in patients on the non-tumor obstruction of the bile ducts. Application of the developed diagnostic algorithm using ultrasound, fistulocholangiography, computer and magnetic resonance imaging, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, diagnostic endoscopic papillosphincterotomy, instrumental revision of bile ducts, transduodenal holedohoscopy provided sensitive diagnostic reasons of non-tumor biliary obstruction to (94.2 +/- 1.7)%. Optimization of treatment strategy developed with the introduction of the clinic endobiliary endoscopic intervention has achieved positive results in 83.7% of patients, reducing the morbidity of 1.7%, mortality--0.9%.

Santorinicele: secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography findings before and after minor papilla sphincterotomy.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate secretin-enhanced MRCP (S-MRCP) findings of patients with pancreas divisum and Santorinicele, before and after minor papilla sphincterotomy. METHODS: S-MRCP examinations of 519 patients with suspected pancreatic disease were included. Size of the main pancreatic duct, presence and calibre of Santorinicele were evaluated. Duodenal filling was assessed on dynamic images. After sphincterotomy the same parameters and the clinical findings were re-evaluated. RESULTS: Pancreas divisum was depicted in 55/519 patients (11 %) by MRCP and an additional 26/519 by S-MRCP (total 81/519, 16 %). Santorinicele was detected in 7/81 patients (8.6 %) with pancreas divisum by MRCP and an additional 20/81 by S-MRCP (total 27/81, 33 %). Dorsal duct in patients with Santorinicele was significantly larger in the head compared with patients with only pancreas divisum (p < 0.01), in basal conditions (average 2.4 versus 1.9 mm) and after secretin administration (average 3.0 versus 2.4 mm). Duodenal filling was impaired in 11/27 patients (41 %) with Santorinicele. After sphincterotomy significant reduction in size of Santorinicele (-33 %) and dorsal duct (-17 %), increase of pancreatic juice and symptoms improvement were observed. CONCLUSION: Secretin administration increases the accuracy of MRCP in detecting Santorinicele and demonstrates the impaired duodenal filling. S-MRCP is useful to assess results of sphincterotomy. KEY POINTS: • Secretin-enhanced MRCP gives anatomical and functional information on pancreatic outflow dynamics. • Santorinicele is a cystic dilatation of the termination of the Santorini duct. • S-MRCP images are the most useful to recognize the presence of Santorinicele. • Minor papilla sphincterotomy during ERCP is indicated in patients with Santorinicele.

Successful treatment of complex cholangiolithiasis following orthotopic liver transplantation with interventional radiology.

Bile duct stones are a serious and the third most common complication of the biliary system that can occur following liver transplantation. The incidence rate of bile duct stones after liver transplantation is 1.8%-18%. The management of biliary stones is usually performed with endoscopic techniques; however, the technique may prove to be challenging in the treatment of the intrahepatic bile duct stones. We herein report a case of a 40-year-old man with rare, complex bile duct stones that were successfully eliminated with percutaneous interventional techniques. The complex bile duct stones were defined as a large number of bile stones filling the intra- and extrahepatic bile tracts, resulting in a cast formation within the biliary tree. Common complications such as hemobilia and acute pancreatitis were not present during the perioperative period. The follow-up period was 20 mo long. During the postoperative period, the patient maintained normal temperature, and normal total bilirubin and direct bilirubin levels. The patient is now living a high quality life. This case report highlights the safety and efficacy of the percutaneous interventional approach in the removal of complex bile duct stones following liver transplantation.

Gangliocytic paraganglioma, a rare ampullary tumour treated with open transduodenal resection and sphincteroplasty.

Gangliocytic paragangliomas are rare neuroendocrine tumours residing in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly the periampullary region. Most are benign tumours with a low malignancy rate. We report a 50-year-old man who presented with acute onset of left-upper quadrant abdominal pain with radiation to the back. An intraluminal mass at the junction of the duodenum with normal pancreatic/hepatic parenchyma was discovered on abdominal CT. Following upper endoscopy and MRI revealing a periampullary lesion, fine-needle aspiration and biopsies were. Immunohistochemistry was positive for synaptophysin and S100HU, consistent with gangliocytic paraganglioma. The benign nature of this tumour and unique anatomy of a separate opening of the pancreatic and common bile ducts led to transduodenal excision with sphincteroplasty, thereby avoiding extensive surgery. Surveillance CT every 6 months and upper endoscopy initially every 6 months (now yearly) revealed no evidence of endoscopic or histological recurrence at 3 years follow-up.

[Stenosing papillitis--a problem of miniinvasive surgery].

The results of conduction of endoscopic transpapillary interventions in 976 patients, suffering stenosing papillitis in 2000 - 2014 yrs, were summarized. In 48 (4.9%) patients complications have had occurr, all the patients are alive.

Comparison of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography between elderly and younger patients for common bile duct stones.

BACKGROUND: Choledocholithiasis is increasing in elderly subjects. The introduction of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with biliary sphincterotomy has almost replaced surgery in the treatment of this condition. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the rates of successful clearance of common bile duct stones and the endoscopic techniques used in a population aged 75 years or older compared with those in a younger age group. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of data related patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography for choledocolithiasis in the period 2010-2011. For all patients, factors such as sex, age at diagnosis, endoscopic treatment (stone extraction using baskets and balloon, mechanical lithotripsy and balloon dilatation of the ampulla, placement of a stent or a naso-biliary tube) and need of surgery were analysed. Two groups of patients were identified: patients aged <75 years (Group A) and patients aged ≥75 years (Group B). For the statistical analysis Mann-Whitney test and Fischer's Exact test were used. RESULTS: A total of 234 patients were enrolled in the study (94 in Group A, 140 in Group B). No statistically significant differences were observed as far concerns sex, previous cholecystectomy, gallbladder stones and periampullary diverticula, but only for common bile duct dilatation. Complete clearance of common bile duct stones was achieved in 230 patients (97.5%). CONCLUSIONS: The present data are in keeping with those presented in the literature, which confirm that endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a safe and effective procedure also in older patients.

Prior surgery determines islet yield and insulin requirement in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT) is safe and effective in the management of intractable pain associated with chronic pancreatitis (CP). Prevention of pancreatogenic diabetes after TP-IAT is related to islet yield from the diseased pancreas. The purpose of this study is to compare islet yield and insulin requirement in the 76 patients who underwent different surgical procedures before TP-IAT at the Medical University of South Carolina between 2009 and 2011. METHODS: Patients were grouped into four categories based on the operation they had before TP-IAT: transduodenal sphincteroplasty/no prior surgery (n=50), Whipple or Beger procedure (n=14), distal pancreatectomy (n=8), or lateral pancreaticojejunostomy (n=4). Islets were harvested from pancreases of those patients at our current good manufacturing practice facility. Total unpurified islets were transplanted into patients via portal vein infusion. Pancreatic fibrosis, islet yield, cell viability, and insulin requirement were measured. RESULTS: The pancreases of transduodenal sphincteroplasty/no prior surgery and Whipple or Beger procedure patients were less fibrotic and had higher islet yield compared with those who had distal pancreatectomy or lateral pancreaticojejunostomy. Higher islet yield also correlated with a greater diabetes-free rate and a lesser insulin requirement at the following intervals: preoperative, postoperative, and 6 months after TP-IAT. CONCLUSIONS: Prior surgery is strongly correlated with the extent of pancreatic fibrosis, islet yield, and insulin requirements in CP patients undergoing TP-IAT. The history of prior pancreatic resection and drainage procedures may be used to predict postoperative islet function and help to determine the optimal timing for TP-IAT in CP patients.

Gastrointestinal stromal tumour of the duodenum: single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Primary gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs) of the duodenum are rare. The aim of this study was to review the surgical management of GISTs in this anatomically complex region. METHODS: Retrospective review from January 1999 to August 2011 of patients with primary GISTs of the duodenum. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent resection of duodenal GISTs. All operations were performed with intent to cure with negative margins of resection. The most common location of origin was the second portion of the duodenum. Local excision (n= 19), segmental resection with primary anastomosis (n= 11) and a pancreatoduodenectomy (n= 11) were performed. Two patients underwent an ampullectomy with local excision. Peri-operative mortality and overall morbidity were 0 and 12, respectively. Patients with high-risk GISTs (P= 0.008) and those who underwent a pancreatoduodenectomy (P= 0.021) were at a greater risk for morbidity. The median follow-up was 18 months. Eight patients developed recurrence. High-risk GISTs and neoplasms with ulceration had the greatest risk for recurrence (P= 0.017, P= 0.029 respectively). The actuarial 3- and 5-year survivals were 85% and 74%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The choice and type of resection depends on the proximity to the ampulla of Vater, involvement of adjacent organs and the ability to obtain negative margins. The morbidity depends on the type of procedure for GIST.

Comparison of three types of precut technique to achieve common bile duct cannulation: a retrospective analysis of 274 cases.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the success rate and complications of three precut techniques of sphincterotomy after failure of conventional techniques of cannulation of common bile duct (CBD). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2003 and October 2011, 2,903 consecutive ERCPs were performed in patients with naïve major papilla. In 283 patients in whom biliary cannulation was not achieved, precut technique was performed and these patients were included in the study. RESULTS: A total of 274 patients were included in the final analysis. Needle-knife papillotomy (NKP) was performed in 129 cases (47.1 %), suprapapillary fistulotomy (SPF) in 78 patients (28.5 %), and transpancreatic sphincterotomy (TPS) in 67 cases (24.5 %). No significant difference was observed in the initial and eventual success rate of biliary cannulation between the three groups. Overall, complications occurred in 54 patients (19.7 %), of which 33 (25.6 %) were with NKP, 6 (7.7 %) with SPF and 15 (22.4 %) with TPS, respectively, a difference statistically significant favoring the SPF group (p = 0.006). Post-procedure acute pancreatitis was developed in 27 cases (20.9 %) with NKP, compared to two cases (2.6 %) with SPF and 15 cases (22.4 %) with TPS, a difference statistically significant favoring the SPF group. No difference was observed between the groups with regard to the occurrence of post-procedure hemorrhage and perforation. CONCLUSIONS: The three types of precut sphincterotomy have no different overall CBD cannulation rates; SPF reduces post-ERCP pancreatitis risk.

Long-term symptomatic relief following surgical sphincteroplasty for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction.

INTRODUCTION: Surgical sphincteroplasty (SS) for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) can be performed primarily or following failed endoscopic therapy. The role of SS in an era of endoscopic management is unclear. This study presents long-term follow-up of patients who had undergone SS at a tertiary referral unit. METHODS: Patients were identified from a departmental database and sent post-operative questionnaires to review pain scores and satisfaction with the procedure. Indications, pre-operative interventions and complications were recorded. RESULTS: Seventeen patients underwent SS over 13 years. Thirteen patients had objective features of biliary obstruction (delayed excretion of isotope or elevated sphincter pressures). The positive predictive value, sensitivity and specificity of morphine 99mTc-TBIDA in this series was 100, 100 and 92%, respectively. There were 12 responders of whom all but one had symptomatic improvement. Median follow-up was 5.1 years. Pain was significantly lower following SS (16 ± 9 vs. 67 ± 11; p = 0.003) and median satisfaction with the procedure was high (95%). CONCLUSIONS: Excellent symptomatic pain relief following SS can be achieved in carefully selected patients. Manometry does not appear to be essential for diagnosing SOD and morphine provocation hepatic scintigraphy was used to reliably identify patients who would benefit from SS.