Acute cholangitis: Does malignant biliary obstruction vs choledocholithiasis etiology change the clinical presentation and outcomes?

BACKGROUND: Whether clinical outcomes of acute cholangitis (AC) vary by etiology is unclear. AIM: To compare outcomes in AC caused by malignant biliary obstruction (MBO) and common bile duct stones (CBDS). METHODS: This retrospective study included 516 patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) due to AC caused by MBO (MBO group, n = 56) and CBDS (CBDS group, n = 460). Clinical and laboratory parameters were compared between the groups. Propensity score matching (PSM) created 55 matched pairs. Confounders used in the PSM analysis were age, sex, time to ERCP, and technical success of ERCP. The primary outcome comparison was 30-d mortality. The secondary outcome comparisons were intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, length of hospital stay (LOHS), and 30-d readmission rate. RESULTS: Compared with the CBDS group, the MBO group had significantly lower body temperature, percentage of abnormal white blood cell counts, and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and creatinine. Body temperature, percent abnormal white blood cell count, and serum aspartate aminotransferase levels remained significantly lower in the MBO group in the PSM analysis. Platelet count, prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, and serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin were significantly higher in the MBO group. The MBO group had a significantly higher percentage of severe AC (33.9% vs 22.0%, P = 0.045) and received ERCP later (median, 92.5 h vs 47.4 h, P < 0.001). However, the two differences were not found in the PSM analysis. The 30-d mortality (5.4% vs 0.7%, P = 0.019), ICU admission rates (12.5% vs 4.8%, P = 0.028), 30-d readmission rates (23.2% vs 8.0%, P < 0.001), and LOHS (median, 16.5 d vs 7.0 d, P < 0.001) were significantly higher or longer in the MBO group. However, only LOHS remained significant in the PSM analysis. Multivariate analysis revealed that time to ERCP and multiple organ dysfunction were independent factors associated with 30-d mortality. CONCLUSION: MBO patients underwent ERCP later and thus had a worse prognosis than CBDS patients. Therefore, clinicians should remain vigilant in MBO patients with clinically suspected AC, and perform ERCP for biliary drainage as soon as possible.

The Impact of Metabolic Factors and Lipid-Lowering Drugs on Common Bile Duct Stone Recurrence after Endoscopic Sphincterotomy with Following Cholecystectomy.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent common bile duct stone after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is an undesirable problem, even when a following cholecystectomy is carried out. Important factors are the composition and properties of stones; the most significant etiology among these is the lipid level. While numerous studies have established the association between serum lipid levels and gallstones, no study has previously reported on recurrent common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy with following cholecystectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrospectively collected 2016 patients underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2017 in Linkou Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Finally, 303 patients whose serum lipid levels had been checked following a cholecystectomy after ERCP were included for analysis. We evaluated if metabolic factors including body weight, BMI, HbA1C, serum lipid profile, and lipid-lowering drugs may impact the rate of common bile duct stone recurrence. Furthermore, we tried to find if there is any factor that may impact time to recurrence. RESULTS: A serum HDL level ≥ 40 (p = 0.000, OR = 0.207, 95% CI = 0.114-0.376) is a protective factor, and a total cholesterol level ≥ 200 (p = 0.004, OR = 4.558, 95% CI = 1.625-12.787) is a risk factor of recurrent common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy with cholecystectomy. Lipid-lowering drugs, specifically statins, have been shown to reduce the risk of recurrence significantly (p = 0.003, OR = 0.297, 95% CI = 0.132-0.665). No factors were found to impact the time to recurrence in this study. CONCLUSIONS: The serum lipid level could influence the recurrence of common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy followed by cholecystectomy, and it appears that statins can reduce the risk of recurrence.

Efficacy of Fully Covered Self-Expandable Metal Stents for Distal Biliary Obstruction Caused by Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: Primary Metal Stent vs. Metal Stent following Plastic Stent.

Fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMSs) are inserted in patients with unresectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to resolve malignant distal bile duct obstructions. Some patients receive FCSEMSs during primary endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and others receive FCSEMSs during a later session, after the placement of a plastic stent. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of FCSEMSs for primary use or following plastic stent placement. A total of 159 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (m:f, 102:57) who had achieved clinical success underwent ERCP with the placement of FCSEMSs for palliation of obstructive jaundice. One-hundred and three patients had received FCSEMSs in a first ERCP, and 56 had received FCSEMSs after prior plastic stenting. Twenty-two patients in the primary metal stent group and 18 in the prior plastic stent group had recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO). The RBO rates and self-expandable metal stent patency duration did not differ between the two groups. An FCSEMS longer than 6 cm was identified as a risk factor for RBO in patients with PDAC. Thus, choosing an appropriate FCSEMS length is an important factor in preventing FCSEMS dysfunction in patients with PDAC with malignant distal bile-duct obstruction.

Randomized Trial Comparing Left Colon Mucus Production Using Water vs Saline During Water Exchange Colonoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: Water-assisted colonoscopy increases left colon mucus production; however, the effect of saline on mucus production is unclear. We tested the hypothesis that saline infusion may reduce mucus production in a dose-related manner. METHODS: In a randomized trial, patients were assigned to colonoscopy with CO 2 insufflation, water exchange (WE) with warm water, 25% saline, or 50% saline. The primary outcome was the Left Colon Mucus Scale (LCMS) score (5-point scale). Blood electrolytes were measured before and after saline infusion. RESULTS: A total of 296 patients with similar baseline demographics were included. The mean LCMS score for WE with water was significantly higher than that for WE with saline and CO 2 (1.4 ± 0.8 [WE water] vs 0.7 ± 0.6 [WE 25% saline] vs 0.5 ± 0.5 [WE 50% saline] vs 0.2 ± 0.4 [CO 2 ]; overall P < 0.0001), with no significant difference between the 25% and 50% saline groups. The left colon adenoma detection rate (ADR) was highest in the 50% saline group, followed by the 25% saline and the water groups (25.0% vs 18.7% vs 13.3%), but the difference was not significant. Logistic regression showed water infusion as the only predictor of moderate mucus production (odds ratio 33.3, 95% confidence interval 7.2-153.2). No acute electrolyte abnormalities were documented indicating a safe modification. DISCUSSION: The use of 25% and 50% saline significantly inhibited mucus production and numerically increased ADR in the left colon. Evaluation of the impact of mucus inhibition by saline on ADR may refine the outcomes of WE.

Risk of Metachronous Advanced Colorectal Neoplasia After Removal of Diminutive Versus Small Nonadvanced Adenomas: A Multicenter Study.

BACKGROUND: Current postpolypectomy guidelines treat 1-9 mm nonadvanced adenomas (NAAs) as carrying the same level of risk for metachronous advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACRN). AIMS: To evaluate whether small (6-9 mm) NAAs are associated with a greater risk of metachronous ACRN than diminutive (1-5 mm) NAAs. METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated 10,060 index colonoscopies performed from July 2011 to June 2019. A total of 1369 patients aged ≥ 40 years with index NAAs and having follow-up examinations were categorized into 5 groups based on size and number of index findings: Group 1, ≤ 2 diminutive NAAs (n = 655); Group 2, ≤ 2 small NAAs (n = 529); Group 3, 3-4 diminutive NAAs (n = 78); Group 4, 3-4 small NAAs (n = 65); and Group 5, 5-10 NAAs (n = 42). Size was classified based on the largest NAA. ACRN was defined as finding an advanced adenoma or colorectal cancer at follow-up. RESULTS: The absolute risk of metachronous ACRN increased from 7.2% in patients with all diminutive NAAs to 12.2% in patients with at least 1 small NAA (P = 0.002). Patients in Group 2 (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.95), Group 3 (AOR 2.40; 95% CI 1.78-4.90), Group 4 (AOR 2.77; 95% CI 1.35-5.66), and Group 5 (AOR 3.71; 95% CI 1.65-8.37) were associated with an increased risk of metachronous ACRN compared with Group 1. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with small NAAs have an increased risk of metachronous ACRN. Postpolypectomy guidelines should consider including risk stratification between small and diminutive adenomas.

Optimal Timing of Cholecystectomy for Patients with Concurrent Acute Cholecystitis and Acute Cholangitis after Successful Biliary Drainage by Interventional Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

Background: Concurrent acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis is a unique clinical situation. We tried to investigate the optimal timing of cholecystectomy after adequate biliary drainage under this condition. Methods: From January 2012 to November 2017, we retrospectively screened all in-hospitalized patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and then identified patients with concurrent acute cholecystitis and acute cholangitis from the cohort. The selected patients were stratified into two groups: one-stage intervention (OSI) group (intended laparoscopic cholecystectomy at the same hospitalization) vs. two-stage intervention (TSI) group (interval intended laparoscopic cholecystectomy). Interrogated outcomes included recurrent biliary events, length of hospitalization, and surgical outcomes. Results: There were 147 patients ultimately enrolled for analysis (OSI vs. TSI, 96 vs. 51). Regarding surgical outcomes, there was no significant difference between the OSI group and TSI group, including intraoperative blood transfusion (1.0% vs. 2.0%, p = 1.000), conversion to open procedure (3.1% vs. 7.8%, p = 0.236), postoperative complication (6.3% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.342), operation time (118.0 min vs. 125.8 min, p = 0.869), and postoperative days until discharge (3.37 days vs. 4.02 days, p = 0.643). In the RBE analysis, the OSI group presented a significantly lower incidence of overall RBE (5.2% vs. 41.2%, p < 0.001) than the TSI group. Conclusions: Patients with an initial diagnosis of concurrent acute cholecystitis and cholangitis undergoing cholecystectomy after ERCP drainage during the same hospitalization period may receive some benefit in terms of clinical outcomes.

Timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the treatment of acute cholangitis of different severity.

BACKGROUND: The optimal timing of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in acute cholangitis (AC) is uncertain, especially in patients with AC of varying severity. AIM: To report whether the timing of ERCP is associated with outcomes in AC patients with different severities. METHODS: According to the 2018 Tokyo guidelines, 683 patients who met the definite diagnostic criteria for AC were retrospectively identified. The results were first compared between patients receiving ERCP ≤ 24 h and > 24 h and then between patients receiving ERCP ≤ 48 h and > 48 h. Subgroup analyses were performed in patients with grade I, II or III AC. The primary outcome was 30-d mortality. Secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) admission rate, length of hospital stay (LOHS) and 30-d readmission rate. RESULTS: Taking 24 h as the critical value, compared with ERCP > 24 h, malignant biliary obstruction as a cause of AC was significantly less common in the ERCP ≤ 24 h group (5.2% vs 11.5%). The proportion of cardiovascular dysfunction (11.2% vs 2.6%), respiratory dysfunction (14.2% vs 5.3%), and ICU admission (11.2% vs 4%) in the ERCP ≤ 24 h group was significantly higher, while the LOHS was significantly shorter (median, 6 d vs 7 d). Stratified by the severity of AC, higher ICU admission was only observed in grade III AC and shorter LOHS was only observed in grade I and II AC. There were no significant differences in 30-d mortality between groups, either in the overall population or in patients with grade I, II or III AC. With 48 h as the critical value, compared with ERCP > 48 h, the proportion of choledocholithiasis as the cause of AC was significantly higher in the ERCP ≤ 48 h group (81.5% vs 68.3%). The ERCP ≤ 48 h group had significantly lower 30-d mortality (0 vs 1.9%) and shorter LOHS (6 d vs 8 d). Stratified by AC severity, lower 30-d mortality (0 vs 6.1%) and higher ICU admission rates (22.2% vs 10.2%) were only observed in grade III AC, and shorter LOHS was only observed in grade I and II AC. In the multivariate analysis, cardiovascular dysfunction and time to ERCP were two independent factors associated with 30-d mortality. CONCLUSION: ERCP ≤ 48 h conferred a survival benefit in patients with grade III AC. Early ERCP shortened the LOHS in patients with grade I and II AC.

Predictive factors of needle-knife pre-cut papillotomy failure in patients with difficult biliary cannulation.

Predictors of needle-knife pre-cut papillotomy (NKP) failure for patients with difficult biliary cannulation has not been reported. Between 2004 and 2016, 390 patients with difficult biliary cannulation undergoing NKP were included in this single-center study. Following NKP, deep biliary cannulation failed in 95 patients (24.4%, NKP-failure group) and succeeded in 295 patients (75.6%, NKP-success group). Patient and technique factors were used to identify the predictors of initial NKP failure. Compared with the NKP-success group, periampullary diverticulum (28.4% vs. 18%, p = 0.028), surgically altered anatomy (13.7% vs. 7.1%, p = 0.049), number of cases performed by less experienced endoscopists, and bleeding during NKP (38.9% vs. 3.4%, p < 0.001), were significantly more frequent in the NKP-failure group. On multivariate analysis, surgically altered anatomy (OR 2.374, p = 0.045), endoscopists' experience (OR 3.593, p = 0.001), and bleeding during NKP (OR 21.18, p < 0.001) were significantly associated with initial failure of NKP. In conclusion, NKP is a highly technique-sensitive procedure, as endoscopists' experience, bleeding during NKP, and surgically altered anatomy were predictors of initial NKP failure.

Risk Factors of Duodenobiliary Reflux-Related Dysfunction of Covered Biliary Metal Stents after Treatment of Duodenal Stricture in Patients with Malignant Biliary and Duodenal Obstruction.

Duodenal obstruction is often accompanied with unresectable malignant distal biliary obstruction in patients who have undergone biliary self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement. Duodenobiliary reflux (DBR) is a major cause of recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO) after covered biliary SEMS placement. We analyzed the risk factors for DBR-related SEMS dysfunction following treatment for malignant duodenal obstruction. Sixty-one patients with covered SEMS who underwent treatment for duodenal obstruction were included. We excluded patients with tumor-related stent dysfunction (n = 6) or metal stent migration (n = 1). Fifty-four patients who underwent covered biliary SEMS placement followed by duodenal metal stenting or surgical gastrojejunostomy were included. Eleven patients had DBR-related biliary SEMS dysfunction after treatment of duodenal obstruction. There was no difference between the duodenal metal stenting group and the surgical gastrojejunostomy group. Duodenal obstruction below the papilla of Vater and a score of ≤2 on the Gastric Outlet Obstruction Scoring System after treatment for duodenal obstruction were associated with DBR-related covered biliary SEMS dysfunction. Thus, creating a reliable route for ensuring good oral intake and avoiding DBR in patients with duodenal obstruction below the papilla of Vater are both important factors in preventing DBR-related covered biliary SEMS dysfunction.

Management of biliary diseases after the failure of initial needle knife precut sphincterotomy for biliary cannulation.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is not always successful even with needle knife precut sphincterotomy (NKPS). How to manage these patients with initial NKPS failure has not been well studied. We report the outcomes of patients who received endoscopic and non-endoscopic rescue treatment after the initial NKPS failure. During the 15 years from 2004 to 2018, 87 patients with initial NKPS failure received interval endoscopic treatment (IET group, n = 43), percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD group, n = 25), or bile duct surgery (BDS group, n = 19) were retrospectively studied. Compared with the PTBD group, the prevalence of choledocholithiasis was higher (69.8% vs. 16.0%, p < 0.001), and malignant bile duct stricture were lower (20.9% vs. 76.0%, p < 0.001) in the IET group. Furthermore, the IET group had a significantly longer time interval between the first and second treatment procedures (4 days vs. 2 days, p = 0.001), a lower technique success rate (79.1% vs. 100%, p = 0.021), and a shorter length of hospital stay (7 days vs. 18 days, p < 0.001). Compared to the BDS group, the only significant finding was that the patients in the IET group were older. Although not statistically significant, the complication rate was lowest in the IET group (7.0%) while highest in the BDS group (15.8%). Complications in the IET group were also mild, as compared with the other two groups. In conclusion, IET should be considered after initial failed NKPS for deep biliary cannulation before contemplating more invasive treatment such as BDS. PTBD may be the alternative therapy for patients with malignant biliary obstruction.

Surgical outcome of Mirizzi syndrome: Value of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and laparoscopic procedures.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) with associated procedures and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) have been the standard treatments for both common and rare biliary diseases. Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is a rare and complex biliary condition. We report our experience with MS treatment and investigate the value of laparoscopic procedures and ERCP in patient management. METHODS: From 2004 to 2017, 100 consecutive patients with MS were diagnosed by ERCP and underwent surgery in a referral center. Sixty patients were treated with intended LC, and 40 patients were treated with open cholecystectomy (OC). The clinical manifestations, ERCP and associated procedures, surgical procedures, and postoperative outcomes were investigated. RESULTS: The surgical mortality rate was 1%, while the surgical morbidity rate was 15%. The patients treated with intended LC suffered from less morbidity (5%). The percentage of postoperative residual biliary stones was 32% (n = 32), and only three patients underwent re-operation (laparotomy) for stone removal. The laparotomy conversion rate in the intended LC group was 16.7% (10/60). The length of hospitalization for the patients with successful LC was significantly shorter than that for the patients with conversion and intended OC. Csendes classification was a risk factor for conversion from LC to OC (type I vs types II to V, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of a laparoscopic procedure and ERCP may provide therapeutic benefits for patients with MS.

Predicting cholecystocholedochal fistulas in patients with Mirizzi syndrome undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: Mirizzi syndrome (MS) is defined as an extrinsic compression of the extrahepatic biliary system by an impacted stone in the gallbladder or the cystic duct leading to obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) could serve diagnostic and therapeutic purposes in patients with MS in addition to revealing the relationships between the cystic duct, the gallbladder, and the common bile duct (CBD). Cholecystectomy is a challenging procedure for a laparoscopic surgeon in patients with MS, and the presence of a cholecystocholedochal fistula renders preoperative diagnosis important during ERCP. AIM: To evaluate cholecystocholedochal fistulas in patients with MS during ERCP before cholecystectomy. METHODS: From 2004 to 2018, all patients diagnosed with MS during ERCP were enrolled in this study. Patients with associated malignancy or those who had already undergone cholecystectomy before ERCP were excluded. In total, 117 patients with MS diagnosed by ERCP were enrolled in this study. Among them, 21 patients with MS had cholecystocholedochal fistulas. MS was further confirmed during cholecystectomy to check if cholecystocholedochal fistulas were present. The clinical data, cholangiography, and endoscopic findings during ERCP were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Gallbladder opacification on cholangiography is more frequent in patients with MS complicated by cholecystocholedochal fistulas (P < 0.001). Pus in the CBD and stricture length of the CBD longer than 2 cm were two additional independent factors associated with MS, as demonstrated by multivariate analysis (odds ratio 5.82, P = 0.002; 0.12, P = 0.008, respectively). CONCLUSION: Gall bladder opacification is commonly seen in patients with MS with cholecystocholedochal fistulas during pre-operative ERCP. Additional findings such as pus in the CBD and stricture length of the CBD longer than 2 cm may aid the diagnosis of MS with cholecystocholedochal fistulas.

Efficacy and Adverse Effects of Self-Expandable Metal Stent Placement for Malignant Duodenal Obstruction: The Papilla of Vater as a Landmark.

PURPOSE: Self-expandable metal stents are used for malignant duodenal obstruction. Outcomes between stents placed above and below the papilla of Vater differ, and no study has investigated these differences. We evaluated the efficacy and adverse events of stent placement in these two locations and reported our experience with self-expandable metal stent placement in patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with unresectable metastatic cancers (n = 101), who underwent successful duodenal self-expandable metal stent placement between 2008 and 2018. Patients were divided into above and below the papilla of Vater groups. Patient demographics, technical and clinical outcomes, post-procedural morbidity, and stent patency were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall, 71 and 30 patients had intestinal obstruction above (including the papilla itself) and below the papilla of Vater and underwent successful stenting. Common bile duct obstruction was more common in the above-papilla group. Procedure time was similar between the groups, if an appropriate endoscope could facilitate stent placement in the below-papilla group. Both groups achieved symptomatic relief. Median stent patency duration was not significantly different between the groups; three patients had severe gastrointestinal bleeding due to postoperative vascular-enteric fistula. CONCLUSION: Self-expandable metal stents can effectively relieve symptoms of duodenal obstructions located above and below the papilla of Vater. Duodenoscopes could facilitate stent placement if the obstruction is located below the papilla of Vater; if gastrointestinal bleeding occurs postoperatively, the possibility of vascular-enteric fistula formation should be considered.

Erratum: Effect of HCV treatment response on insulin resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7995.].

Taiwanese consensus recommendations for acute pancreatitis.

The incidence of acute pancreatitis and related health care utilization are increasing. Acute pancreatitis may result in organ failure and various local complications with risks of morbidity and even mortality. Recent advances in research have provided novel insights into the assessment and management for acute pancreatitis. This consensus is developed by Taiwan Pancreas Society to provide an updated, evidence-based framework for managing acute pancreatitis.

Effect of HCV treatment response on insulin resistance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Sustained virological response (SVR) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients treated with pegylated interferon α-2a and ribavirin is associated with reduced insulin resistance (IR), measured as a reduction of homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) scores after 24 weeks of therapy, and reduced fasting serum insulin and serum glucose levels. The present meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of HCV treatment response on IR in HCV patients who achieved SVR and those who did not (non-SVR) after receiving interferon (IFN)-based therapy. The PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched using combinations of the following search terms: 'HCV', 'hepatitis C', 'interferon', 'antiviral', 'treatment response' and 'insulin resistance'. The incidence of IR, HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß, as well as fasting glucose and fasting insulin levels, were summarized in terms of basal values and values after the end of treatment for each study. A total of 8 studies were included in the final analysis. There was no significant difference in the reduction in IR between the SVR and non-SVR groups (odds ratio, 0.995; 95% CI=0.613-1.616; P=0.984). However, the SVR group had a significantly higher mean reduction in HOMA-IR (difference in means=-0.485; 95%CI=-0.713 to -0.256; P<0.001) and HOMA-ß (difference in means=-15.448; 95%CI=-23.326 to -7.570; P<0.001) compared to the non-SVR group. In conclusion, HCV patients who achieved SVR after IFN-based therapy exhibited improvement in HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß. The present results suggest that clinical management of IR and serum glucose levels may be an important way to impact the therapeutic response in HCV patients.

Comparison of polyp detection during both insertion and withdrawal versus only withdrawal of colonoscopy: A prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Polyps seen and not removed during colonoscope insertion are sometimes unable to be found during withdrawal. We aimed to evaluate whether additional inspection and polypectomy during insertion increases adenoma detection rate (ADR) compared with inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal. METHODS: A total of 421 patients aged ≥ 45 years and undergoing colonoscopy were prospectively randomized to receive inspection and polypectomy during both insertion and withdrawal (study group) or inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal (control group). The primary outcome was the ADR. Secondary outcomes included other adenoma-related parameters and procedure-related measures. RESULTS: Baseline demographics, procedure indications, preparation quality, total procedure time, sedative doses, colonoscopy difficulty, and patient discomfort were similar between the groups. The insertion time was significantly longer in the study group (11.1 ± 4.8 vs 6.2 ± 4.7 min, P < 0.0001). The withdrawal time was significantly longer in the control group (29.2 ± 9.8 vs 23.1 ± 7.9 min, P < 0.0001). There was no significant difference in the ADR (63.5% [study group] vs 68.1% [control group]), the mean adenoma per procedure (1.6 ± 2.0 vs 1.9 ± 2.4), or the mean adenoma per positive procedure (2.5 ± 2.0 vs 2.7 ± 2.5) between groups. The proximal colon ADR was significantly higher in the control group compared with the study group (56.2% vs 46.0%, P = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: Additional inspection and polypectomy during colonoscope insertion did not improve ADR compared with inspection and polypectomy entirely during withdrawal. These results do not support an additional role for routine inspection during insertion (clinical trial registration number: NCT03444090).

Risk of Renal Injury After the Use of Polyethylene Glycol for Outpatient Colonoscopy: A Prospective Observational Study.

GOAL: The goal of this study was to estimate the risk of renal injury after the use of 3-L polyethylene glycol (PEG) before outpatient colonoscopy. BACKGROUND: Population-based studies showed that the use of PEG was associated with renal injury, but this association has not been confirmed by prospective study. STUDY: Patients ≥40 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate ≥30 mL/min were screened for enrollment. Laboratory data were collected before, during, and after the colonoscopies. Patients with a ≥30% increase in baseline serum creatinine levels were followed until a peak level was detected. Renal injury included acute renal dysfunction (ARD) and acute kidney injury (AKI), defined as a 30% to 49% increase and ≥50% increase in creatinine levels compared with the baseline, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 1163 patients (mean age, 55.7 y) completed the study. Baseline and first postcolonoscopy laboratory data were obtained an average of 17.0 days before and 17.3 days after the colonoscopies were performed, respectively. Renal injury was identified in 32 patients; 26 patients (2.2%) had ARD, and 6 patients (0.5%) had AKI. All patients with renal injury recovered fully during follow-up. In the subgroup analysis, the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) before colonoscopy was statistically associated with the development of AKI (odds ratio, 6.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-35.5; P=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: This prospective study showed that the use of PEG was associated with a small risk of renal injury. NSAIDs use was statistically associated with AKI in the context of colonoscopy for which PEG was used for bowel preparation.

How small is TOO small? New liver constraint is needed- Proton therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma patients with small normal liver.

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the outcomes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with small normal liver volume (NLV) treated with proton beam therapy (PBT) and introduced estimated standard liver volume (eSLV) as a new constraint. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HCC patients with NLV < 800 cm3 and no distant metastasis who received treatment in our proton center were included. The doses of PBT were mainly 72.6 Gray equivalents (GyE) in 22 fractions and 66 GyE in 10 fractions according to tumor locations. The Urata equation was used to calculate eSLV. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were treated between November 2015 and December 2016. The 1-year progression-free and overall survival rates were 40.4% and 81.8%, respectively. The 1-year in-field failure-free rate was 95.5%. NLV ranged from 483.9 to 795.8 cm3 (median = 673.8 cm3), eSLV ranged from 889.3 to 1290.0 cm3 (median = 1104.5 cm3), and the resulting NLV/eSLV ratio ranged from 44.3 to 81.2% (median = 57.7%). Non-irradiated liver volume (NILV) ranged from 232.9 to 531.6 cm3 (median = 391.2 cm3). The NILV/eSLV ratio ranged from 21.2 to 48.0% (median = 33.3%). NLV in the patients who received <30 GyE (rV30) ranged from 319.1 to 633.3 cm3 (median = 488.2 cm3), and their rV30/eSLV ratio ranged from 30.7 to 58.0%. None of our patients developed liver failure. One patient with initial abnormal liver enzyme levels developed non-classic radiation-induced liver disease (RILD). CONCLUSION: From the viewpoint of minimal liver toxicity occurring in our patients with NLV < 800 cm3, conventional liver constraints involving the use of absolute volume could not accurately predict the risk of RILD. It is reasonable to start using individualized constraints with eSLV for HCC patients undergoing PBT. According to the study results, an NILV/eSLV ratio of >20% and an rV30/eSLV ratio of >30% are acceptable.

Preoperative staging of cholangiocarcinoma and biliary carcinoma using 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography: a meta-analysis.

This meta-analysis was performed to determine the diagnostic accuracy of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (18F-FDG-PET) in assessing primary cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and CCA with lymph node and distant metastasis. A literature search for studies reporting the use of 18F-FDG-PET for preoperative work-up/staging in patients with CCA was performed. Diagnostic OR (DOR) was used as an index of diagnostic performance of FDG-PET/CT in predicting primary CCA, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. The pooled DOR was 9.34 (95% CI 4.27 to 20.42) and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was 0.8643 (SE=0.0362), indicating overall good discriminatory test performance in predicting primary CCA. Subgroup analyses based on the primary tumor site showed better diagnostic performance for intrahepatic CCA (DOR=54.44, 95% CI 13.44 to 220.49), both intrahepatic and extrahepatic CCA (DOR=32.96, 95% CI 1.41 to 768.80) and gallbladder cancer (DOR=12.93, 95% CI 1.97 to 84.80), than for extrahepatic CCA (DOR=2.55, 95% CI 0.71 to 9.20) and hilar CCA (DOR=2.75, 95% CI 0.17 to 43.72). The pooled DOR for the prediction of lymph nodes metastases in 10 studies was 11.34 (95% CI 4.79 to 26.80), with moderate heterogeneity (Cochran Q=15.14, p=0.0872, I2=40.5%). The area under the SROC curve was 0.8584 (SE=0.0729). In conclusion, 18F-FDG-PET and PET/CT were found to be accurate in the evaluation of primary tumors, lymph node metastasis, and distant metastasis in patients with CCA.