Retrospective observational cohort study of laparoscopic surgical strategies for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Laparoscopic surgery has been used to treat gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs). Laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) has been used when subtotal resection has been difficult, which enabled resection of these tumors. In this study, we reviewed the medical records of patients with gastric SMTs who underwent laparoscopic surgery in our hospital with the aim of reporting the surgical indications, procedures (especially for LECS), and outcomes of surgery. This study involved 55 patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery between April 2014 and March 2021. We classified the patients into two groups: laparoscopy-assisted surgery group (non-LECS group, n = 30) and LECS group (n = 25). LECS was performed in the upper stomach, in the greater curvature of the lower stomach, and in both intraluminal and intramural locations in the middle stomach. Non-LECS was selected for extraluminal and intramural tumors in the greater curvature of the upper stomach. There were no severe complications associated with the operation. There was one postoperative complication in the LECS group. The length of postoperative hospital stay did not significantly differ between the LECS and non-LECS groups. We reported the surgical procedures for gastric SMTs in our hospital. It is essential to make full use of the multiple techniques reported in this article and examine the location of the tumor to avoid excess or insufficient resection. Our review of the present case series allowed us to select the appropriate surgical approach for gastric SMTs based on the lesion location and type of development.

Analysis of Thoracoscopic Enucleation Combined with Esophagoscopy in the Prone Position for Esophageal Submucosal Tumor.

Background: Esophageal submucosal tumors (SMTs) are rare, occurring in less than 1% of esophageal neoplasms. For surgical treatment of esophageal SMTs, enucleation is usually the procedure of choice for benign tumors. This study aimed at evaluating the surgical technique and outcomes of thoracoscopic enucleation with esophagoscopy for esophageal SMTs. Methods: Patients with esophageal SMTs who underwent thoracoscopic enucleation between 2015 and 2022 were retrospectively investigated. Surgery was performed with the patient in the prone position. First, an esophagoscope was inserted, and a sodium hyaluronate solution with indigo carmine dye was injected into the submucosal layer just below the tumor. Next, under thoracoscopy, the tumor was exposed through a thoracoscopic incision and dissection of the muscularis propria and adventitia was performed at the tumor site. The colored layer resulting from the previously injected dye was identified, and tumor enucleation was performed under guidance of the dye so as not to damage the mucosa or pseudocapsule. Results: In total, 5 surgeries were performed. The mean operative time was 122.6 minutes (range 84-168 minutes), mean blood loss was 21.1 mL (range 0-80 mL), and mean postoperative hospital stay was 8 days (range 7-10 days). There were no postoperative complications. Pathological diagnosis revealed 2 cases of gastrointestinal stromal tumors, 2 cases of schwannoma, and 1 case of leiomyoma. Conclusions: We believe that this technique is a useful and safe method of performing thoracoscopic enucleation of esophageal SMTs because the injected dye provides an indicator of the resection line during enucleation.

Elective Cholecystectomy After Endoscopic Gallbladder Stenting for Acute Cholecystitis: A Propensity Score Matching Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of endoscopic gallbladder stenting (EGBS) on subsequent cholecystectomy. We retrospectively compared the surgical outcomes of EGBS, followed by elective cholecystectomy with those of immediate cholecystectomy (IC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 503 patients were included in this study. Patients who underwent EGBS as initial treatment for acute cholecystitis, followed by elective cholecystectomy, were included in the EGBS group and patients who underwent IC during hospitalization were included in the IC group. Propensity score matching analysis was used to compare the surgical outcomes. In addition, the factors that increased the amount of bleeding were examined by multivariate analysis after matching. RESULTS: Fifty-seven matched pairs were obtained after propensity matching the EGBS group and the IC group. The rate of laparoscopic cholecystectomy in the EGBS versus IC groups was 91.2% versus 49.1% ( P < 0.001). The amount of bleeding was 5 mL in the EGBS versus 188 mL in the IC group ( P < 0.001). In the EGBS and IC groups, multivariate analysis of factors associated with more blood loss revealed IC (odds ratio: 4.76, 95% CI: 1.25-20.76, P = 0.022) as an independent risk factor. CONCLUSION: EGBS as the initial treatment for acute cholecystitis and subsequent elective cholecystectomy after the inflammation has disappeared can be performed in minimally invasive procedures and safely.

Treatment of long COVID complicated by postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome-Case series research.

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) sequelae, also known as long COVID, can present with various symptoms. Among these symptoms, autonomic dysregulation, particularly postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), should be evaluated. However, previous studies on the treatment of POTS complicated by COVID-19 are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the treatment course of long COVID complicated by POTS. Methods: The medical records of patients who complained of fatigue and met the criteria for POTS diagnosis were reviewed. We evaluated the treatment days, methods and changes in fatigue score, changes in heart rate on the Schellong test, and social situation at the first and last visits. Results: Thirty-two patients with long COVID complicated by POTS were followed up (16 males; median age: 28 years). The follow-up period was 159 days, and the interval between COVID-19 onset and initial hospital attendance was 97 days. Some patients responded to ß-blocker therapy. Many patients had psychiatric symptoms that required psychiatric intervention and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescription. Changes in heart rate, performance status, and employment/education status improved from the first to the last visit. These outcomes were believed to be because of the effects of various treatment interventions and spontaneous improvements. Conclusions: Our study suggests that the condition of 94% of patients with POTS complicated by long COVID will improve within 159 days. Therefore, POTS evaluation should be considered when patients with long COVID complain of fatigue, and attention should be paid to psychological symptoms and the social context.

Presentation of unruptured right gastric aneurysm due to segmental arterial mediolysis resected laparoscopically: A case report.

INTRODUCTION: Timely diagnosis and treatment of intra-abdominal arterial aneurysms before rupture are highly recommended. We successfully prevented rupture through arterial aneurysm excision, highlighting the importance of the lack of reports on resection before rupture. CASE PRESENTATION: A 60-year-old male with previous history of ureteral stones presented complaining primarily of left-sided abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a left ureteral stone and incidentally identified a submucosal gastric tumor and right gastric artery aneurysm, leading to referral to our department. Blood tests showed no abnormalities. CT revealed a 23-mm submucosal tumor protruding outward from the middle gastric body wall. A 13-mm aneurysm was observed in the right gastric artery, and no other aneurysms were detected, including intracranially. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a smooth elevation covered by normal mucosa in the middle gastric body. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration resulted in a diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) and surgery. We performed simultaneous surgery involving laparoscopic local resection of the gastric GIST and identification and excision of the right gastric artery aneurysm due to its enlargement (7 mm on CT conducted six years ago). The patient's postoperative course was uneventful, and he was discharged on postoperative day 6. Pathological examination confirmed a diagnosis of segmental arterial mediolysis. DISCUSSION: Intra-abdominal arterial aneurysms affect approximately 1 % of the population. Splenic artery aneurysms are the most common at 58.7 %, whereas the gastric artery and gastroepiploic artery account for only 4.7 %. CONCLUSION: Right gastric artery aneurysms are exceedingly rare, with no reported cases of successful resection before rupture.

Thoracoscopic esophagectomy with subcarinal lymph node dissection in the prone position for esophageal cancer with a right top pulmonary vein.

The right top pulmonary vein (RTPV), a rare pulmonary vein (PV) variant draining the right upper lobe, arises independently from the right superior PV, travels posterior to the right bronchial tree and drains directly into the left atrium (LA) or another PV. We report an RTPV discovered on preoperative computed tomography (CT) scanning in a 60-y-old man who subsequently underwent prone thoracoscopic esophagectomy and subcarinal lymph node dissection. The preoperative CT scan showed an anomalous vessel 7.8 mm in diameter arising from the right upper lobe, running posterior to the right main bronchus (RMB), and draining directly into the LA. To our best knowledge, this is the largest reported RTPV (7.8 mm in diameter) and is an extremely rare variant, passing posterior to the RMB and draining into the LA.

[A Case of Rhabdomyolysis Caused by Oxaliplatin during Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy].

The patient was a 50-year-old male. At the age of 48 years, he had undergone total gastrectomy and right hemicolectomy simultaneously for gastric and ascending colon cancers. Since adjuvant chemotherapy has become common practice for patients with ascending colon cancer, capecitabine was administered for 6 months. One year and 6 months after the surgery, he was diagnosed with recurrence of the ascending colon cancer at the anastomotic site and underwent local colectomy. Considering he was pathologically diagnosed as pT4a, mFOLFOX6 therapy was prescribed as postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. On the day the 11th course of treatment was initiated, the patient complained of weakness; however, his blood test results showed no abnormalities; therefore, he was followed-up as an outpatient. Three days later, he presented to the hospital with exacerbated symptoms and was diagnosed with rhabdomyolysis due to a marked increase in CK(2,031 U/L). Rhabdomyolysis was determined to be the adverse effect of oxaliplatin because out of all the drugs prescribed to the patient, this condition is listed as a side effect only in oxaliplatin's package insert. Fortunately, outpatient treatment was enough to alleviate rhabdomyolysis. Subsequently, adjuvant chemotherapy was completed without oxaliplatin. The patient has been followed-up without recurrence for 9 months after the surgery.

Initial 30 cholecystectomy procedures performed with the Senhance digital laparoscopy system.

PURPOSE: The Senhance digital laparoscopy system (SDLS) is a novel platform developed for digitization in endoscopic surgery. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the short-term outcome in the initial 30 consecutive patients. METHODS: SDLS cholecystectomies were performed in 30 consecutive patients (13 male, 17 female) by a single surgeon from September 2020 to March 2022. The patients' median age (range) was 77.5 (27-82) years, and median body mass index was 23.3 (19-38) kg/m2 . Four trocars were used, three of which were docked to manipulator arms of the SDLS. Surgical procedures performed with the SDLS were almost the same as those by conventional surgery. RESULTS: Median docking time, cockpit time, and operation time in minutes were 4 (3-13), 34 (13-81), and 69 (47-201), respectively. Operation time after the sixth case tended to shorten compared with that for the initial five cases. Three cases (10%) were converted to conventional laparoscopic surgery due to severe cholecystitis, but none required conversion to open surgery. Postoperative complications of Clavien-Dindo grade ≥II were not observed. CONCLUSION: This retrospective study showed that cholecystectomy using the SDLS appeared to be safe and feasible in limited cases without severe inflammation.

A nationwide certification system to increase the safety of highly advanced hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery.

BACKGROUND: To ensure that highly advanced hepatobiliary-pancreatic surgery (HBPS) is performed safely, the Japanese Society of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS) board certification system for expert surgeons established a safety committee to monitor surgical safety. METHODS: We investigated postoperative mortality rates based on summary reports of numbers and outcomes of highly advanced HBPS submitted annually by the board-certified training institutions from 2012 to 2019. We also analyzed summary reports on mortality cases submitted by institutions with high 90-day post-HBPS mortality rates and recommended site visits and surveys as necessary. RESULTS: Highly advanced HBPS was performed in 121 518 patients during the 8-year period. Thirty-day mortality rates from 2012 to 2019 were 0.92%, 0.8%, 0.61%, 0.63%, 0.70%, 0.59%, 0.48%, and 0.52%, respectively (P < .001). Ninety-day mortality rates were 2.1%, 1.82%, 1.62%, 1.28%, 1.46%, 1.22%, 1.19%, and 0.98%, respectively (P < .001). Summary reports were submitted by 20 hospitals between 2015 and 2019. Mortality rates before and after the start of report submission and audit were 5.72% and 2.79%, respectively (odds ratio 0.690, 95% confidence interval 0.487-0.977; P = .037). CONCLUSIONS: Development of a system for designation of board-certified expert surgeons and safety management improved the mortality rate associated with highly advanced HBPS.

Clinical outcomes and predictors of technical failure of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage in acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) has been performed as an alternative therapy against cholecystectomy in patients with acute cholecystitis. To date, few studies have reported the safety, efficacy, and factors affecting ETGBD. We evaluated the clinical outcomes and predictors of technical failure of ETGBD. METHODS: Patients with acute cholecystitis who underwent ETGBD were retrospectively reviewed, and consecutive patients were included in the study. The technical success rate, clinical success rate, adverse events, and the predictors associated with the technical failure of ETGBD were investigated. RESULTS: A total of 242 patients were enrolled in the study. The technical success rate of ETGBD and clinical success rate of technically successful ETGBD cases were 87% and 93%, respectively. We experienced cystic duct injury in 24 patients as an ETGBD-related adverse event, and pancreatitis in 12 patients as an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related adverse event. Multivariate analysis indicated that cystic duct injury was the independent predictor associated with the technical failure of ETGBD (odds ratio, 11; 95% confidence interval, 3.9-29; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: ETGBD was a safe and effective treatment method for acute cholecystitis with acceptable adverse events. There was no predictor based on the information from patient characteristics; however, cystic duct injury was associated with the technical failure of ETGBD.

Long-term outcomes of endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage using a novel spiral plastic stent in acute calculus cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting (EGBS) is considered for patients with contraindications to early surgery for acute calculus cholecystitis. However, evidence regarding the long-term outcomes of EGBS is insufficient to date. The aim of the study was to evaluate the feasibility of EGBS as a bridge to or alternative to surgery when there are contraindications. METHODS: We reviewed the cases of patients who underwent EGBS using a novel spiral-shaped plastic stent for acute calculus cholecystitis between January 2011 and December 2019. We retrospectively evaluated the long-term outcomes of EGBS using a novel spiral-shaped plastic stent. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were included. The clinical success rate of EGBS was 97%. After EGBS, 25 patients (surgery group) underwent elective cholecystectomy and 24 patients did not (follow-up group). In the surgery group, the median period from EGBS to surgery was 93 days. There was a single late adverse event with cholecystitis recurrence. In the follow-up group, the median follow-up period was 236 days. Late adverse events were observed in eight patients, including recurrence of cholecystitis (four patients), duodenal penetration by the distal stent end (two patients), and distal stent migration (two patient). In the follow-up group, the time to recurrence of biliary obstruction was 527 days. CONCLUSIONS: EGBS with a novel spiral-shaped plastic stent is safe and effective for long-term acute calculus cholecystitis. There is a possibility of EGBS to be a bridge to surgery and a surgical alternative for acute calculus cholecystitis in patients with contraindications to early cholecystectomy.

Lymph node recurrence and re-excision after primary tumor resection of a histiocytic sarcoma of duodenal origin: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Histiocytic sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor that is similar in characteristics to a mature histiocyte/macrophage and is a relatively new disease entity. In approximately one-third of cases, the site of origin is a lymph node; development from the gastrointestinal tract, spleen, soft tissue, and skin has further been reported. The tumor characteristics are not well-understood as reports on its clinical presentation and treatment are limited. We report a case of duodenal primary histiocytic sarcoma. CASE PRESENTATION: An elevated lesion in the second part of the duodenum was detected in a 70-year-old woman during routine examination using upper gastrointestinal tract endoscopy. Blood biochemistry findings were normal for tumor markers. No abnormal findings were observed in the blood count and biochemical examination. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a 20-mm elevated lesion with a slight depression in the center, opposite to the papilla of the descending duodenum. The biopsy showed erosions of the mucosal epithelium and inflammatory cell infiltration, but no evidence of malignancy. Ultrasound-guided endoscopy revealed an ischemic tumor of submucosal origin, and bowel biopsy suggested a histiocytic sarcoma. Distant metastasis and lymph node enlargement were absent on abdominal sonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Duodenal segmental resection was performed. Immunostaining of the excised lesion was positive for CD68, CD163, CD4, CD5, CD15, and CD45 and negative for CD1a, CD21, CD34, MPO, and S-100 protein. Ki-67 positivity was approximately 20%. Based on these findings, the diagnosis of histiocytic sarcoma was confirmed. Ten months after the surgery, a lymph node recurrence in the dorsum of the pancreatic uncus was observed. No evidence of recurrence was found in any other part; hence, we performed pancreaticoduodenectomy. Pathological findings of the excised lymph node confirmed the recurrence of histiocytic sarcoma in the lymph node. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first reported case of a duodenal primary histiocytic sarcoma with recurrence in the lymph node after the primary resection. The patient was treated for recurrence by lymph node excision and pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Low preoperative psoas muscle mass index is a risk factor for distal cholangiocarcinoma recurrence after pancreatoduodenectomy: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether preoperative muscle mass is associated with the recurrence of distal cholangiocarcinoma after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: We retrospectively examined 88 patients who had undergone PD for distal cholangiocarcinoma. The preoperative psoas muscle mass index (PMI) was measured using computed tomography as an index of muscle mass. We performed multivariate analysis of factors influencing early recurrence and developed a prognostic survival model using independent risk factors for recurrence. RESULTS: The cut-off PMI values for recurrence within 1 year of surgery, determined from the receiver operating characteristic curve, were 5.90 cm2/m2 in males and 3.98 cm2/m2 in females. Multivariate analysis of effects associated with early recurrence within 1 year indicated that low PMI (odds ratio [OR] 9.322; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.832 - 30.678; p = 0.0002) and lymph node metastasis (OR 5.474; 95% CI 1.620 - 18.497; p = 0.0062) were independent risk factors, and the median recurrence-free survival (RFS) of the low and high PMI groups were 21.6 and 81.0 months, respectively (p = 0.0214). The median RFS for zero, one, and two risk factors of low PMI and lymph node metastasis were as follows: zero variables, median not reached; one variable, 15.3 months; two variables: 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Low preoperative PMI may be a risk factor for distal cholangiocarcinoma recurrence after PD. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Institutional Review Board of St. Marianna University School of Medicine approved this study prior to commencement of data collection and analysis on October 9, 2020 (IRB no. 5006) and waived the informed consent requirement.

Examination of the characteristics of long-term survivors among patients with gallbladder cancer with liver metastasis who underwent surgical treatment: a retrospective multicenter study (ACRoS1406).

BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer (GBC) with liver metastasis is considered unresectable. However, there have been infrequent reports of long-term survival in patients with GBC and liver metastases. Therefore, we examined the characteristics of long-term survivors of gallbladder cancer with liver metastasis. METHODS: A retrospective multicenter study of 462 patients with GBC (mean age, 71 years; female, 51%) was performed. Although patients with pre-operatively diagnosed GBC and liver metastasis were generally excluded from resection, some cases identified during surgery were resected. RESULT: In patients with resected stage III/IV GBC (n = 193), the period 2007-2013 (vs. 2000-2006, hazard ratio 0.63), pre-operative jaundice (hazard ratio 1.70), ≥ 2 liver metastases (vs. no liver metastasis, hazard ratio 2.11), and metastasis to the peritoneum (vs. no peritoneal metastasis, hazard ratio 2.08) were independent prognostic factors for overall survival, whereas one liver metastasis (vs. no liver metastasis) was not. When examining the 5-year overall survival and median survival times by liver metastasis in patients without peritoneal metastasis or pre-operative jaundice, those with one liver metastasis (63.5%, not reached) were comparable to those without liver metastasis (40.4%, 33.0 months), and was better than those with ≥ 2 liver metastases although there was no statistical difference (16.7%, 9.0 months). According to the univariate analysis of resected patients with GBC and liver metastases (n = 26), minor hepatectomy, less blood loss, less surgery time, papillary adenocarcinoma, and T2 were significantly associated with longer survival. Morbidity of Clavien-Dindo classification ≤ 2 and received adjuvant chemotherapy were marginally not significant. Long-term survivors (n = 5) had a high frequency of T2 tumors (4/5), had small liver metastases near the gallbladder during or after surgery, underwent minor hepatectomy without postoperative complications, and received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Although there is no surgical indication for GBC with liver metastasis diagnosed pre-operatively, minor hepatectomy and postoperative chemotherapy may be an option for selected patients with T2 GBC and liver metastasis identified during or after surgery who do not have other poor prognostic factors.

Relationship between changes in symptoms and antibody titers after a single vaccination in patients with Long COVID.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is spreading worldwide; there is a need to address its sequelae known as Long COVID. This study evaluated postvaccination changes in symptoms and antibody titers in patients with Long COVID. Patients visiting the outpatient department specializing in Long COVID at our hospital were enrolled. Changes in symptoms were evaluated before and 14-21 days after first vaccination. Antibody titers were measured using ARCHITECT SARS-CoV-2 IgG II Quant at the same time. This study included 42 patients (median age: 45 years; 17 [40.5%] men). Median pre- and postvaccination antibody titers were 456 and 28,963 AU/ml, respectively. Postvaccination symptoms (fatigue, joint pain, and taste and olfactory abnormalities) were relieved, worsened, and unchanged in 7 (16.7%), 9 (21.4%), and 26 (61.9%) patients, respectively. Ratios of pre- and postvaccination antibody titers were 53, 40, and 174 in the unchanged, relief, and worsened groups, respectively. The worsened group had the significantly highest antibody titer ratio (p = 0.02). The higher increased rate of the antibody titer in the worsened group than in the nonworsened group suggests an excessive immune response to vaccination associated with worsening of sequelae. Although patients with Long COVID should be vaccinated, additional concerns should be addressed.

Double-guidewire technique for endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting.

Highlight Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting is effective for acute cholecystitis with high surgical risk. However, looping of the guidewire in the cystic duct sometimes impedes placement of the stent. Nakahara and colleagues present a case of successful endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder stenting after straightening the looped guidewire using a double-guidewire technique.

Neoadjuvant S-1 With Concurrent Radiotherapy Followed by Surgery for Borderline Resectable Pancreatic Cancer: A Phase II Open-label Multicenter Prospective Trial (JASPAC05).

OBJECTIVE: This study assessed whether neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy (CRT) with S-1 increases the R0 resection rate in BRPC. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Although a multidisciplinary approach that includes neoadjuvant treatment has been shown to be a better strategy for BRPC than upfront resection, a standard treatment for BRPC has not been established. METHODS: A multicenter, single-arm, phase II study was performed. Patients who fulfilled the criteria for BRPC received S-1 (40 mg/m 2 bid) and concurrent radiotherapy (50.4 Gy in 28 fractions) before surgery. The primary endpoint was the R0 resection rate. At least 40 patients were required, with a 1-sided α = 0.05 and ß = 0.05 and expected and threshold values for the primary endpoint of 30% and 10%, respectively. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were eligible, and 41 were confirmed to have definitive BRPC by a central review. CRT was completed in 50 (96%) patients and was well tolerated. The rate of grade 3/4 toxicity with CRT was 43%. The R0 resection rate was 52% among the 52 eligible patients and 63% among the 41 patients who were centrally confirmed to have BRPC. Postoperative grade III/IV adverse events according to the Clavien-Dindo classification were observed in 7.5%. Among the 41 centrally confirmed BRPC patients, the 2-year overall survival rate and median overall survival duration were 58% and 30.8 months, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: S-1 and concurrent radiotherapy seem to be feasible and effective at increasing the R0 resection rate and improving survival in patients with BRPC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: UMIN000009172.

Efficacy of endoscopic large balloon dilation extended for 2 minutes in bile duct stone removal: A multicenter retrospective study.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: There is no evidence regarding the optimal balloon dilation time during endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation (EPLBD). The study aim was to evaluate the efficacy of 2-minute extended balloon dilation for EPLBD. METHODS: Two hundred and five patients who underwent EPLBD during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for bile duct stones at three tertiary centers were included in the analysis. Clinical outcomes and the adverse events were compared between the 0-minute group (n = 94, balloon deflated immediately after waist disappearance) and the 2-minute group (n = 111, balloon dilation maintained for 2 minutes after waist disappearance). The risk factors of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) after EPLBD were assessed. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the stone removal rates and hospitalization periods between the two groups. However, the total ERCP procedure time was significantly shorter in the 2-minute group (40.6 vs 48.9 min, P = .03). The incidence of PEP was 7.4% in the 0-minute group and significantly lower at 0.9% in the 2-minute group (P = .04). Multivariate analysis identified without 2-minute extended EPLBD as a significant risk factor of PEP (OR: 9.9, P = .045). CONCLUSIONS: Extension of EPLBD for 2 minutes helped prevent PEP and shortened the procedure time.

Incidence and management of cystic duct perforation during endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Evidence regarding the incidence and clinical outcome of cystic duct perforation (CDP) during endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETGBD) is inadequate. The present study aimed to evaluate the incidence and management of CDP during ETGBD. METHODS: Between March 2011 and December 2019, 249 patients underwent initial ETGBD for acute cholecystitis. The incidence of CDP was retrospectively examined and the outcomes between the CDP and non-CDP groups were compared. RESULTS: CDP during ETGBD occurred in 23 (9.2%) of 249 patients (caused by guidewire in 15 and cannula in 8). ETGBD was successful in 10 patients following CDP. In 13 patients who failed ETGBD, 11 underwent bile duct drainage during the same session; nine patients underwent gallbladder decompression by other methods, such as percutaneous drainage. Clinical resolution for acute cholecystitis was achieved in 20 patients, and no bile peritonitis was noted. ETGBD technical success rates (45.3% vs. 91.2%, p < 0.001), ETGBD procedure times (66.5 vs. 54.8 min, p = 0.041), and hospitalization periods (24.5 vs. 18.7 days, p = 0.028) were significantly inferior in the CDP group (n = 23) compared with the non-CDP group (n = 216). There were no differences in clinical success and adverse events other than CDP between both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Cystic duct perforation reduced the ETGBD technical success rate. However, even in patients with cystic duct perforation, an improvement of acute cholecystitis was achieved by subsequent successful ETGBD or additional procedures, such as percutaneous drainage.