Outcomes of Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt and Gastric Coronary Vein Embolization for Variceal Bleeding in Cirrhotic Portal Hypertension.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with gastric coronary vein embolization (GCVE) for cirrhotic portal hypertensive variceal bleeding and compare outcomes of first-line with second-line treatment, coil with glue, and single-covered with double stents.Methods: Fifteen patients received TIPS plus GCVE as the first-line treatment for secondary prophylaxis of variceal bleeding, and 45 received it as second-line treatment. Preoperative and postoperative quantitative variables were compared using a paired t test. The incidence of survival rate, re-bleeding, hepatic encephalopathy, and shunt dysfunction were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: The portal venous pressure was significantly decreased from 39.0 ± 5.0 mm Hg to 22.5 ± 4.4 mm Hg (P≤0.001) after TIPS treatment. After 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months re-bleeding rates were 1.6%, 3.3%, 6.6%, 13.3%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. Shunt dysfunction rates were 5%, 0%, 10%, 16.6%, 1.6%, and 5%, respectively. Hepatic encephalopathy rates were 3.3%, 1.6%, 3.3%, 6.6%, 0%, and 0%, respectively. And survival rates were 100%, 100%, 100%, 96.6%, 93.3%, and 88.3% respectively. In comparative analysis, statistically significant differences were seen in re-bleeding between the first-line and second-line treatment groups (26.6% vs 24.4%, log-rank P=0.012), and survival rates between single-covered and double stent (3.7% vs 16.1%, log-rang (P=0.043).Conclusion: The results suggest that TIPS combined with GCVE is effective and safer in the treatment of cirrhotic portal hypertensive variceal bleeding. The use of TIP plus GCVE as first-line treatment, may be preferable for high-risk re-bleeding, and more than 25 mm Hg portal venous pressure with repeated variceal bleeding. However, the sample size was small. Therefore, large, randomized, controlled, multidisciplinary center studies are needed for further evaluation.

Preliminary application of brachytherapy with double-strand 125I seeds and biliary drainage for malignant obstructive jaundice.

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of brachytherapy with double-strand 125I seeds and biliary drainage for malignant obstructive jaundice. METHODS AND MATERIALS: 42 patients with obstructive jaundice because of extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma were enrolled. 22 patients (group A) received a biliary stent with common drainage tube implantation, and 20 patients (group B) received a biliary stent with double-strand 125I seeds radiotherapy drainage tube placement. The length, location and pathological stage of biliary stricture were recorded in the two groups. Total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), IgA, IgG, IgM, alanine aminotransferase and white blood cell (WBC) count were measured before and after percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD). Tumor diameter was measured before and three months after PTCD, and the difference were calculated. Stent patency time, survival time, and complications were recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the length, location and pathological stage of biliary stenosis between the two groups. There was no significant difference in TBIL, DBIL, IgA, IgG, IgM, alanine aminotransferase and WBC count between the two groups before or after PTCD (P > 0.05). Three months after PTCD, tumors growth in group A and tumors shrinkage in group B. The difference in tumor size between the two groups before and after PTCD was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The average stent patency times in groups A and B were 3.55 ± 0.76 months and 8.76 ± 1.85 months, respectively (P < 0.05). The average survival times in groups A and B were 133.5 ± 27.8 days and 252.5 ± 114.5 days, respectively (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of complications between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Double-strand 125I seeds radiotherapy biliary drainage tubes can safely and effectively control tumors, prolong the patency of biliary stents, and prolong patient survival.

Treatment of aortic thrombosis with retrievable stent filter and thrombolysis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The retrievable stent filter (RSF) has been previously used for the treatment of vena cava thrombosis. In this study, the RSF was implanted to treat aortic thrombosis and then withdrawn. CASE PRESENTATION: A 47-years-old woman presented with severe abdominal pain and fever. Computed tomography showed massive mural thrombosis in the thoracic and abdominal aorta complicated by portal venous thrombosis. The RSF was implanted, a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt was established and a thrombolytic catheter was inserted for portal vein thrombolysis. The aortic thrombus was successfully compressed and fixed without thrombosis. After 15 days, abdominal pain had ceased, the abdominal aortic thrombus was mostly dissolved and the RSF was retrieved. Catheter angiography confirmed the recovery of portal vein thrombosis. CONCLUSIONS: The RSF was able to compress and fix aortic thrombus without the usual complications of stenting after removal.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and intraductal radiofrequency ablation combined with biliary stent placement for malignant biliary obstruction.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and feasibility of percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) and intraductal radiofrequency (RF) ablation combined with biliary stent placement for malignant biliary obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data from patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction who underwent PTC, intraductal RF ablation, and biliary stent placement (n = 12) or PTC and biliary stent placement only (control group; n = 14) were reviewed. Postoperative complications, jaundice remission, and stent patency were assessed. RESULTS: All procedures were successful. No severe complications (eg, biliary bleeding, perforation) occurred. Two experimental group patients developed cholangitis, which resolved with conservative treatment. The 1-week jaundice remission and 3-month stent patency rates were similar in both groups, but the 6-month stent patency rate was higher in the experimental group (P < .05). In the experimental group, one death occurred as a result of gastrointestinal hemorrhage (unrelated to stent placement) by 3 months, and there were two cases of recurrent jaundice by 6 months. The latter two patients underwent repeat PTC, ablation, and stent placement. In the control group, one death occurred as a result of hepatic failure caused by progressive jaundice at 3 months, and another death resulted from disseminated intravascular coagulation caused by jaundice recurrence at 138 days after stent placement. In addition, seven patients developed jaundice recurrence (50-151 d after stent placement). PTC and repeat stent placement were performed in these patients. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and intraductal RF ablation combined with biliary stent placement for malignant biliary obstruction is safe and feasible and effectively prolongs stent patency time.

Endovascular embolization for managing anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Anastomotic bleeding is an infrequent but life-threatening complication after stapled digestive tract anastomosis. Endovascular embolization is one of the available treatments, but precise clinical outcomes are yet to be evaluated. PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of endovascular embolization for managing anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were diagnosed with anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis by digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Curative effect was summed for analysis. RESULTS: All bleeding arteries were located in the stoma and were identified by contrast agent spillover by DSA. The offending arteries were superselectively catheterized and embolized with microcoils and/or gelatin sponge particles. Laboratory examinations showed normal hemoglobin and red blood cell counts when the patients' abdominal cavity drainage tubes stopped draining blood. The follow-up period was 3.2-84.7 months (median, 19.7 months). Four patients died during this time, of which two had cholangiocarcinoma, one had gastric cancer with tumor recurrence and multiple organ failure, and the final patient had a subarachnoid hemorrhage 4 months after embolization. In the surviving patients, no rebleeding occurred after embolization and no additional intervention or surgery was required. CONCLUSION: Endovascular embolization is safe and effective for managing anastomotic bleeding after stapled digestive tract anastomosis.

Balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction for the treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction for the treatment of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six cases of digital subtraction angiography-confirmed CVST were treated with balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction. Active treatment of primary disease was carried out after cerebral venous sinus recanalization, and the subsequent anticoagulant therapy lasted for 6 months. RESULTS: Recanalization of the cerebral venous sinus was achieved in all 26 patients, and no endovascular treatment-related complications occurred during or after the procedure. At discharge, the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of the patients had improved from an average of 12.3 points to 15 points, and clinical symptoms were improved in 100% of the patients. Follow-up times ranged from 12-62 months (mean follow-up time of 42.3 months) and no thrombus re-formation or new neurological deficits occurred during that time. CONCLUSION: Based on our small study population, balloon dilatation and thrombus extraction appears to be a safe and effective treatment for cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. However, further research is needed to confirm this.

[Clinical value of iodine [131I] metuximab infusion combined with TACE for treatment of patients with post-intervention relapse of mid or advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical value of iodine[131I] metuximab infusion combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating cases of post-intervention relapse of mid or advanced stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: Sixty patients who were diagnosed between March 2009 and June 2010 with relapse of mid or advanced stage HCC following previous intervention with various standard clinical methods were recruited for study. The patients were randomly and equally divided into a control treatment group (CG; receiving TACE therapy alone) and an experimental treatment group (TG; receiving TACE combined with iodine [131I] metuximab injection). For all patients, licartin was first perfused into the tumor feeding artery and then the TACE procedure was performed 20 min later. Liver function markers and routine blood parameters, including alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and clotting time, were examined at one week and one month after the treatment. Enhanced computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the liver was performed at one month after treatment and thereafter on a bi-monthly follow-up schedule. The World Health Organization's tumor evaluation standard was used to assess the therapeutic effects in each group. Results of laboratory tests (pre- and post-treatment), reported complications, and side-effects were evaluated for their contributions to time of tumor progression (TTP) and survival time. RESULTS: Patients in the TG and CG groups had similar blood cell counts at pre-operative and 1-week postoperative time points. The TG group showed a significantly reduced level of AFP following treatment, but it was not significantly different from the level in the CG group. The TG group did however show significantly different levels of liver functional parameters (all P less than 0.05) and significantly higher TTP (4.84+/-4.11 vs. CG: 2.54+/-2.08 months; t = -2.13, P less than 0.05) and average survival time (7.05 vs. 5.15 months; x2 = 4.24, P = 0.039). The rates of partial response (PR), slight remission (MR), unchanged status (SD) and progressive disease (PD) were 16.7%, 37.5%, 25.0% and 20.8% in the TG group, and 8.7%, 17.4%, 21.7% and 52.2% in the CG group. The therapeutic effect rate (CR + PR + MR) and reaction rate (CR + PR + MR + SD) was significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.048). No serious adverse effects were reported. CONCLUSION: TACE combined with iodine [131I] metuximab injection is a safe and effective procedure for prolonging the survival and TTP of patients with HCC relapse following prior therapeutic intervention.

Fluoroscopic Removal of Embedded Esophageal Self-Expanding Metal Stents: Stent-in-Stent Combined with Guidewire Lasso Technique.

We report the use of the guidewire lasso technique for the removal of an embedded esophageal self-expanding metal stent (SEMS), following a failure of distal to proximal invagination by removal hook caused by stent incorporation. During a removal procedure of an embedded SEMS using the hook retrieval device, the strut fractured and the stent retained. Attempts to pull up the retained stent using hook were not effective. Thus, the lasso technique with a guidewire over the retained stent was performed and successfully removed with no procedure-related complications. The patient is alive without dysphagia after 3 months follow-up.

The impact of drug-eluting bead (vs. conventional) transarterial chemoembolization on hepatic fibrosis in treating intermediate or advanced hepatocellular carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: Limited studies have reported the impact of drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) on hepatic fibrosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study evaluated multiple hepatic fibrosis indicators, aiming to comprehensively compare the influence of DEB-TACE and conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) on hepatic fibrosis in treating HCC patients. METHODS: Intermediate/advanced HCC patients (N = 121) were divided into the DEB-TACE group (n = 62) and the cTACE group (n = 59) based on their chosen treatment. Serum hyaluronic acid (HA), pro-collagen type-III (PC-III), collagen type-IV (IV-C), and laminin (LN) were detected; aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRI) and fibrosis index based on the four factors (FIB-4) were calculated; liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was assessed by real-time shear wave elastography. RESULTS: HA, PC-III, IV-C, and LN at 1 month after the second TACE and at 12 months after the first TACE were all decreased in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Then, APRI, FIB-4, and LSM were further assessed, which also showed a decreasing trend at aforementioned timepoints in DEB-TACE group compared with cTACE group (all P < .050). Additionally, the multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that DEB-TACE (vs. cTACE) was independently associated with reduced occurrence of severe hepatic fibrosis at 12 months (OR = 0.215, 95%CI: 0.058-0.802, P = .022). Concerning the liver function indexes, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and total bilirubin after treatment were not different between the two groups (all P > .050). CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE displays attenuated hepatic fibrosis progression and noninferior tolerance compared to cTACE in treating intermediate- or advanced-stage HCC patients.

Chinese expert consensus on interventional diagnosis and management of acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas (second edition).

Acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas occur with abnormal communication between the respiratory tract and digestive tract caused by a variety of benign or malignant diseases, leading to the alimentary canal contents in the respiratory tract. Although various departments have been actively exploring advanced fistula closure techniques, including surgical methods and multimodal therapy, some of which have gotten good clinical effects, there are few large-scale evidence-based medical data to guide clinical diagnosis and treatment. The guidelines update the etiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis, and management of acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas. It has been proved that the implantation of the respiratory and digestive stent is the most important and best treatment for acquired digestive-respiratory tract fistulas. The guidelines conduct an in-depth review of the current evidence and introduce in detail the selection of stents, implantation methods, postoperative management and efficacy evaluation.

Vacuum sealing drainage combined with naso-intestinal and gastric decompression tubes for the treatment of esophagogastrostomy neck fistula.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical results of the vacuum sealing drainage (VSD) combined with a naso-intestinal nutritional tube (NIT) and a gastric decompression tube (GDT) for the treatment of esophagogastrostomy neck fistula (ENF). METHODS: From January 2018 to October 2020, twenty patients (13 men and 7 women, ages 46-72) with ENF secondary to esophagogastrostomy were treated with VSD combined with NIT and GDT. Technical and clinical success rates, the incidence of early/late complications, the time of fistula closure (TFC) and therapy-related indicators were analyzed. The Karnofsky score and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) score were compared before and after triple treatment. RESULTS: Technical and clinical success rates were 100% and 85%, respectively. Early complications occurred in 5/20 (25%) patients, and late complications occurred in 8/20 (40%) patients. The median TFC was 18 days (range 10-23). All therapy-related indicators were normalized posttreatment. The Karnofsky score and ECOG score after treatment were significantly different compared with pretreatment scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: VSD combined with NIT and GDT is a safe and effective strategy for ENF, while severe strictures warrant further research.

Is iodine-125 seed strand brachytherapy suitable for ureteral carcinoma?

BACKGROUND: Long-term conventional high-dose radiation therapy can lead to retroperitoneal fibrosis and nerve damage in patients with advanced ureteral carcinoma (UC). The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of nephrostomy combined with iodine-125 seed strand (ISS) brachytherapy for the treatment of UC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with UC were treated with nephrostomy combined with ISS brachytherapy. The following parameters were recorded: technical success rate, procedure time, complications, mean D90 (dose delivered to the 90% gross tumor volume), organ at risk (OAR) dose, local control rate (LCR), ureteral patency (UP), local tumor progression (LTP), and overall survival (OS). The hydronephrosis score (HS), visual analog score (VAS), Karnofsky score and maximum diameter (MD) were compared before and 8 weeks after the operation. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%, with a mean procedure time of 54.6 min. Three cases (14.5%) had bladder implant metastasis but no other major complications, such as ureteral perforation, infection, or severe bleeding, occurred. The mean D90 and OAR doses were 50.7 and 3.8 Gy, respectively. LCR was 100% with 28.6% UP at the 8-week evaluation. During the mean follow-up of 16.6 months, LTP occurred in 4 cases (19.1%), and the median OS was 25.0 months (95% CI 21.3-28.5). The HS, VAS, Karnofsky score and MD showed significant changes (all P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: UC can be safely and effectively treated by nephrostomy combined with ISS brachytherapy, a viable option for patients who cannot undergo or refuse surgical resection.

Giant mediastinal neuroendocrine tumor successfully resected after transarterial chemoembolization of drug-eluting embolic microspheres: A case report.

RATIONALE: Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the mediastinum are extremely rare. No uniform solution currently exists for the treatment of mediastinal NETs. PATIENT CONCERNS: We report the case of a 32-year-old man with symptoms of chest tightness, chest pain, cough, and panic. DIAGNOSES: Computed tomography showed that the mediastinum and right lung occupied a space with uneven enhancement. A needle biopsy revealed mediastinal NETs. An atypical carcinoid was diagnosed using immunohistochemistry. INTERVENTIONS: The patient underwent 2 similar transarterial chemoembolizations of drug-eluting embolic microsphere procedures after 5 cycles of etoposide and cisplatin chemotherapy. The patient underwent successful surgical resection 2 months after the operation. OUTCOMES: The patient's quality of life was significantly improved, without chest tightness, chest pain, or other symptoms. At the 1-year follow-up, the patient had no tumor recurrence. LESSONS: For large mediastinal NETs with poor chemotherapy effects, surgical resection is safe and feasible after down-staging treatment via arterial chemoembolization of drug-eluting embolic microspheres.

Managing occluded stents in biliary obstruction using radiofrequency ablation combined with 125I-strand brachytherapy.

PURPOSE: We aimed to assess the effectiveness of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (PRFA) combined with iodine-125 (125I) seed strand brachytherapy (125I-BT) for treatment of occluded biliary stents. METHODS: From November 2015 to September 2017, 13 consecutive patients with occluded biliary metal stents, implanted for malignant obstruction, underwent PRFA combined with 125I-BT to reopen the bile duct. Data included clinical and technical success, stent patency, complications, and overall survival. RESULTS: The clinical and technical success rates were both 100%. One month after treatment, the total serum bilirubin level had decreased significantly (P < 0.001). Early complications of cholangitis or hemobilia were experienced by one patient each. Three patients (23.1%) had late complications, including two cases of cholangitis and one case of cholecystitis. During the mean follow-up of 233±82.9 days (range, 88-365 days), the stent patency time was 239±26.5 days (95% CI, 187-291 days), and the 6-month stent patency rate was 68.4%. Five patents died; the mean survival time was 298±30.1 days (95% CI, 239-358 days). The 6-month survival rate was 83%. CONCLUSION: PRFA therapy combined with 125I-BT is feasible and safe for patients with occluded metal stents placed for malignant biliary obstruction. Nevertheless, randomized controlled trails are needed to confirm the effectiveness of this new approach.

Efficacy and Safety of the Arsenic Trioxide/Lipiodol Emulsion in the Transcatheter Arterial Chemoembolization Combined with Apatinib in the Treatment of Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

Purpose: The goal of this study was to assess the clinical efficacy and safety of the arsenic trioxide (ATO)/lipiodol emulsion in the transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with apatinib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods: From December 2015 to February 2017, a total of 87 patients were consecutively enrolled and underwent ATO-TACE (aTACE) combined with apatinib in the treatment of advanced HCC. The treatment response and adverse events were assessed at the first month and third month after aTACE therapy. Progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and treatment-related adverse events were also analyzed. Results: 87 patients (57 men; 30 women) were enrolled in the present study. Compared to that at the pre-aTACE examination, the levels of AST and ALT were elevated at the first week after procedure (65.84 U/L ± 22.93 U/L vs. 54.15 U/L ± 19.60 U/L, p=0.032; 63.44 U/L ± 22.50 U/L vs. 51.60 U/L ± 13.89 U/L, p=0.027, respectively). Most of the adverse events were grade 1 or 2 according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Event (CTCAE). Of the exception, 4 persons (2%) did have grade 3 hand-foot skin reactions, 1 (1%) had grade 3 diarrhea, 1 (1%) had grade 3 hypertension, and 3 (3%) had grade 3 proteinuria and forced to reduce the dose of apatinib by half. The survival analysis of the combination with aTACE and apatinib therapy found that the median PFS was 10.2 months (95% CI: 8.543-11.857), and the median OS was 23.300 months (95% CI: 20.833-25.767). Additionally, both univariate and multivariate Cox regression revealed that the tumor burden (≤50%) and the patients without portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) significantly impacted the patient's PFS and OS and were related to better survival. Conclusion: aTACE combined with apatinib is a safe and promising treatment approach for patients with advanced HCC. Additionally, tumor burden (≤50%) and the patients without PVTT are associated with better PFS and OS.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with simultaneous DynaCT-guided microwave ablation in the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the method and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with simultaneous DynaCT-guided Microwave ablation (MWA) for the treatment of small hepatocellular carcinoma (SHCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: From June 2015 to May 2017, a total of 28 consecutive patients with SHCC received single treatment of TACE and 23 subjects received a combination treatment of TACE with simultaneous DynaCT-guided MWA. Following 1 month of treatment, the tumor response was assessed using the mRECIST criteria and the outcomes were analyzed including intervention-associated complications, changes in liver function, imaging response, and progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. The rates of CR (65%) in the combined TACE and MWA group were higher than those of the TACE group (46%). The rate of common adverse events, such as liver abscess, spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and liver dysfunction, in the combined TACE and MWA group (56%) was comparable to the corresponding rate of the TACE group (P > 0.411). The median and mean PFS of the TACE group were significantly lower than those of the combined TACE and MWA group (19.00 months vs. 29.00 months, 21.076 months vs. 24.693 months, p = 0.019, log-rank test). CONCLUSION: Stereotactic DynaCT-guided MWA is a safe and effective method for the treatment of SHCC, which usually provides an effective tumor puncture path, notably for lesions that cannot be detected following TACE. Overall, the data suggested that this treatment method could improve the clinical outcome of patients with SHCC.

The Effect of a Subsequent Pregnancy After Ovarian Vein Embolization in Patients with Infertility Caused by Pelvic Congestion Syndrome.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To report the effect of pregnancy on patients who have undergone pelvic vein embolization with pelvic congestion syndrome, which was suspected to be the only cause of infertility. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from a total of 12 women (mean age: 36.5 ± 4.3 years, range: 29-45 years) were collected between May 2013 and June 2016. Transvenous embolization with fibre platinum coils combined with anhydrous alcohol was performed in unilateral or bilateral ovarian veins after the diagnosis of venous varices confirmed by transvaginal ultrasound or pelvic venography. The follow-up time was 2-3 years. The primary outcomes of this study were the technical procedure and clinical effect, especially the pregnancy rate and complications. RESULTS: The successful embolization rate was 100% with no significant complications during or after embolization. Ovarian vein embolization was performed unilaterally (7/12, 58.3%) or bilaterally (5/12, 41.7%). A total of 66.7% (8/12) of women had a subsequent pregnancy and complete pelvic pain relief, and 33.3% (4/12) of patients had partial pain relief. The numeric pain perception scores improved from 6.7 ± 1.1 to 2.7 ± 1.2 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ovarian varices may be associated with infertility in some patients, and embolization of ovarian varices is a safe and effective method for those trying to become pregnant.

Chinese expert consensus on diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory-digestive tract fistulas.

Acquired respiratory-digestive tract fistulas occur with abnormal communication between the airways and digestive tract, causing the interflow of gas and liquid. Despite advances in surgical methods and the development of multimodal therapy in recent years, patients with acquired respiratory-digestive tract fistulas continue to exhibit unfavorable clinical outcomes. Therefore, in order to guide clinical practice in China, the Respiratory and Cancer Intervention Alliance of the Beijing Health Promotion Association organized a group of experienced experts in the field to develop this consensus document. Based on a study of clinical application and expert experience in the diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory-digestive tract fistulas at home and abroad, an Expert Consensus was developed. The panelists recruited comprised experts in pulmonology, oncology, thoracic surgery, interventional radiology, and gastroenterology. PubMed, Chinese Biology Abstract, Chinese Academic Journal, and Wanfang databases were used to identify relevant articles. The guidelines address etiology, classification, pathogenesis, diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory-digestive tract fistulas. The statements on treatment focus on the indications for different procedures, technical aspects, and preprocedural, post-procedural and complication management. The proposed guidelines for the diagnosis and management of acquired respiratory-digestive tract fistulas are the first to be published by Chinese experts. These guidelines provide an in-depth review of the current evidence and standard of diagnosis and management.