Effects of a Brief Educational Program on Optimization of Fluoroscopy to Minimize Radiation Exposure During Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly performed by therapeutic endoscopists, many of whom have not received formal training in modulating fluoroscopy use to minimize radiation exposure. Exposure to ionizing radiation has significant health consequences for patients and endoscopists. We aimed to evaluate whether a 20-minute educational intervention for endoscopists would improve use of fluoroscopy and decrease ERCP-associated exposure to radiation for patients. METHODS: We collected data from 583 ERCPs, performed in California from June 2010 through November 2012; 331 were performed at baseline and 252 following endoscopist education. The educational intervention comprised a 20-minute video explaining best practices for fluoroscopy, coupled with implementation of a formal fluoroscopy time-out protocol before the ERCP was performed. Our primary outcome was the effect of the educational intervention on direct and surrogate markers of patient radiation exposure associated with ERCPs performed by high-volume endoscopists (HVEs) (200 or more ERCPs/year) vs low-volume endoscopists (LVEs) (fewer than 200 ERCPs/year). RESULTS: At baseline, total radiation dose and dose area product were significantly higher for LVEs, but there was no significant difference between HVEs and LVEs following education. Education was associated with significant reductions in median fluoroscopy time (48% reduction for HVEs vs 30% reduction for LVEs), total radiation dose (28% reduction for HVEs vs 52% for LVEs) and dose area product (35% reduction for HVEs vs 48% reduction for LVEs). All endoscopists significantly increased their use of low magnification and collimation following education. CONCLUSIONS: A 20-minute educational program with emphasis on ideal use of modifiable fluoroscopy machine settings results in an immediate and significant reduction in ERCP-associated patient radiation exposure for low-volume and high-volume endoscopists. Training programs should consider radiation education for advanced endoscopy fellows.

Adenoma miss rates associated with a 3-minute versus 6-minute colonoscopy withdrawal time: a prospective, randomized trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The 6-minute withdrawal time for colonoscopy, widely considered the standard of care, is controversial. The skill and technique of endoscopists may be as important as, or more important than, withdrawal time for adenoma detection. It is unclear whether a shorter withdrawal time with good technique yields an acceptable lesion detection rate. Our objective was to evaluate a 3-minute versus a 6-minute withdrawal time by using segmental tandem colonoscopy. METHODS: We performed a prospective, randomized trial by using 4 expert endoscopists. Patients were randomized to a 3-minute or a 6-minute initial withdrawal, each followed by a tandem second 6-minute withdrawal. All polyps were removed. The primary outcomes were adenoma miss rates (AMRs), adenomas per colonoscopy (APC) rates, and adenoma detection rates (ADRs). RESULTS: A total of 99 and 101 patients were enrolled in the 3-minute and 6-minute withdrawal groups, respectively. The AMR was significantly higher in the 3-minute withdrawal group (48.0% vs 22.9%; P = .0001). After controlling for endoscopist, patient age and/or sex, Boston Bowel Preparation Scale score, and size and/or location and/or morphology of adenoma, the AMR remained significantly higher in the 3-minute withdrawal group (odds ratio, 2.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.35-5.15; P = .0001). The ADR was similar between both groups (39.2% vs 40.6%; P = .84). However, the mean APC rate was significantly lower in the 3-minute withdrawal group (0.55 vs 0.80; P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: The AMR was significantly higher, and the APC rate was significantly lower in the 3-minute withdrawal group versus the 6-minute withdrawal group. Despite expert technique, a shorter withdrawal time is associated with an unacceptably high AMR and low APC rate. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01802008.).

Prospective evaluation of bacteremia rates and infectious complications among patients undergoing single-operator choledochoscopy during ERCP.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Choledochoscopy is increasingly performed during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) for direct bile duct visualization. Choledochoscopy necessitates irrigation of the bile duct with water or saline, which may increase intrabiliary pressure and consequently the risks of bacteremia and cholangitis. The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the risk of bacteremia and infectious complications in patients undergoing single-operator choledochoscopy (SOC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients requiring ERCP with SOC at two tertiary care centers were enrolled prospectively. Blood cultures were obtained immediately before the ERCP, after completion of the ERCP portion of the procedure (to determine ERCP-related bacteremia), and 15 minutes after completion of SOC. RESULTS: A total of 72 patients (mean age 64 years; 51.4 % male) underwent ERCP with SOC. True positive blood cultures were noted in 20 patients (27.8 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 17.86 % - 39.59 %), of whom 6 patients (8.3 %; 95 %CI 3.12 % - 17.26 %) had transient bacteremia following ERCP. Of 14 patients (19.4 %; 95 %CI 11.05 % - 30.46 %) with sustained bacteremia following ERCP or SOC, 10 patients (13.9 %; 95 %CI 6.86 % - 24.06 %) had sustained bacteremia related to SOC. Despite the use of post-procedure intravenous antibiotic administration, seven patients (9.7 %; 95 %CI 3.99 - 19.01 %) required further antibiotic treatment for infectious complications, three of whom (4.2 %; 95 %CI 0.86 % - 11.69 %) were hospitalized in order to receive intravenous antibiotic therapy. CONCLUSION: The bacteremia associated with ERCP with SOC and the subsequent risk of hospitalization for infectious complications suggest that preprocedure antibiotic prophylaxis should be considered for patients undergoing SOC, particularly in older patients and those with prior stent placement or undergoing intraductal stone lithotripsy. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinical trials.gov (NCT01414400).

Outcomes of repeat colonoscopy in patients with polyps referred for surgery without biopsy-proven cancer.

BACKGROUND: Despite advances in endoscopic treatment, many colonic adenomas are still referred for surgical resection. There is a paucity of data on the suitability of these lesions for endoscopic treatment. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the results of routine repeat colonoscopy in patients referred for surgical resection of colon polyps without biopsy-proven cancer. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: Patients referred to a colorectal surgeon for surgical resection of a polyp without biopsy-proven cancer. INTERVENTIONS: Repeat colonoscopy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The rate of successful endoscopic treatment. RESULTS: There were 38 lesions in 36 patients; 71% of the lesions were noncancerous and were successfully treated endoscopically. In 26% of the lesions, previous removal was attempted by the referring physician but was unsuccessful. The adenoma recurrence rate was 50%, but all recurrences were treated endoscopically and none were cancerous. Two patients were admitted for overnight observation. There were no major adverse events. LIMITATIONS: Single center, retrospective. CONCLUSIONS: In the absence of biopsy-proven invasive cancer, it is appropriate to reevaluate patients referred for surgical resection by repeat colonoscopy at an expert center.

Enteral stents: from esophagus to colon.

Because of significant advances in endoscopic techniques and the development of high-quality stents, endoscopic enteral stent placement is increasingly being performed for the management of malignant GI obstruction. Palliative stenting is now routinely performed for malignant esophageal, gastric, duodenal, and colon obstruction. In addition to palliative indications, preoperative stenting in the colon may be performed as a bridge to surgery to achieve immediate decompression and convert an emergent surgery into an elective, 1-stage procedure.The realm of enteral stenting has recently expanded to include management of benign conditions such as leaks, fistulas, and benign strictures in the GI tract. Further research is required to study the use of enteral stents in benign conditions and to adequately compare endoscopic stent placement with surgical intervention. Promising new technologies such as biodegradable stents and drug-eluting stents also require further investigation. With continued innovation in endoscopic techniques and stenting devices, the field of enteral stenting is likely to expand further, with an increase in indications and improvement in outcomes.

Ehrlichiosis presenting with toxic shock-like syndrome and secondary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.

Human monocytotropic ehrlichios is a tick borne illness caused by Ehrlichia chaffeensis. Ehrlichiosis presenting with septic shock and severe azotemia is rare, and may be seen in immunocompromised individuals. We present a case of ehrlichia induced toxic shock like syndrome in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis on disease modifying agents. He also had oliguric renal failure requiring dialysis on presentation and later found to have Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis secondary to severe ehrlichia sepsis.

Pulmonary complications of cirrhosis.

Pulmonary vascular complications of liver disease comprise two distinct clinical entities: hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS-microvascular dilatation and angiogenesis) and portopulmonary hypertension (POPH-vasoconstriction and remodeling in resistance vessels). These complications occur in similar pathophysiologic environments and may share pathogenic mechanisms. HPS is found in 15% to 30% of patients with cirrhosis and its presence increases mortality and the risks of liver transplantation, particularly when hypoxemia is present. Contrast echocardiography and arterial blood gas analysis are required to establish the diagnosis. No medical therapies are available, although liver transplantation is effective in reversing the syndrome. POPH is found in 4% to 8% of patients undergoing liver transplantation evaluation, and the presence of moderate to severe disease significantly increases perioperative transplant mortality. Transthoracic echocardiography is recommended for screening and right-heart catheterization is required to establish the diagnosis. Medical therapies are increasingly effective in improving pulmonary vascular hemodynamics in POPH and may result in better perioperative outcomes.

Serial pulse oximetry in hepatopulmonary syndrome.

BACKGROUND/AIM: The natural history of hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is poorly characterized and how hypoxemia develops and progresses over time is unclear. We evaluated oxygenation over time in advanced liver disease patients with and without HPS using serial pulse oximetry. METHODS: Data from a prospective cohort of patients evaluated for liver transplantation were analyzed. All patients with significant cardiopulmonary disease were excluded and patients with and without HPS were compared. Arterial oxygen saturation measurements with pulse oximetry (SpO(2)) were recorded serially from initial evaluation until transplantation or last clinic visit on record. Patients with SpO(2) measurements at ≥ 2 visits were included. RESULTS: A total of 22 HPS patients were compared to 32 non-HPS patients (18 with intrapulmonary vasodilation on contrast echocardiography, CE) over a mean duration of 20 months and 4 SpO(2) measurements. HPS patients had lower SpO(2) at baseline (96.8 vs. 98.4%, P = 0.02) and at end of follow-up (95.8 vs. 98.2%, P = 0.02), and were more likely to have a ≥ 2% reduction (P = 0.04) and faster decline in SpO(2) as compared to non-HPS patients (F = 2.2, P = 0.04). HPS patients with lower SpO(2) and/or PO(2) at baseline appeared more likely to worsen over time. There was no difference in SpO(2) over time between the 2 non-HPS subgroups (- or +CE). CONCLUSIONS: HPS patients have a significant decline in SpO(2) over time compared to non-HPS patients, and therefore, pulse oximetry may be useful for monitoring cirrhotics for development or worsening of HPS. Presence of intrapulmonary vasodilation in the absence of hypoxemia does not appear to affect SpO(2) over time.

Pulmonary complications in cirrhosis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize the pulmonary complications seen in cirrhosis. RECENT FINDINGS: The definition of portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) has been refined to exclude cardiac disease. POPH may be treated with a variety of agents; inhaled agents are particularly useful in the peri-transplant period. Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) remains refractory to medical therapy. SUMMARY: Cirrhosis may be complicated by one of two pulmonary vascular complications, portopulmonary hypertension (POPH) and hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS). POPH is a syndrome of increased vascular resistance, initiated by pulmonary vascular spasm. HPS is caused by intrapulmonary arteriovenous shunting with resultant hypoxemia. Both conditions are associated with portal hypertension, but are unrelated to the degree of portal hypertension, the nature or severity of the liver disease, and are associated with mortality in excess of the model for end-stage liver disease score. POPH is usually responsive to vasodilators, while HPS remains resistant to therapeutic agents. Both conditions are improved or cured by liver transplantation.

Infections of the biliary tract.

Infection of the biliary tract, or cholangitis, is a potentially life-threatening condition. Bile duct stones are the most common cause of biliary obstruction predisposing to cholangitis. The key components in the pathogenesis of cholangitis are biliary obstruction and biliary infection. Several underlying mechanisms of bactibilia have been proposed. Characteristic clinical features of cholangitis include abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice. A combination of clinical features with laboratory tests and imaging studies are frequently used to diagnose cholangitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the best diagnostic test. Less invasive imaging tests may be performed initially in clinically stable patients with uncertain diagnoses.

Endoscopic management of nonlifting colon polyps.

Background and Study Aims. The nonlifting polyp sign of invasive colon cancer is considered highly sensitive and specific for cancer extending beyond the mid-submucosa. However, prior interventions can cause adenomas to become nonlifting due to fibrosis. It is unclear whether nonlifting adenomas can be successfully treated endoscopically. The aim of this study was to evaluate outcomes in a referral practice incorporating a standardized protocol of attempted endoscopic resection of nonlifting lesions previously treated by biopsy, polypectomy, surgery, or tattoo placement. Patients and Methods. Retrospective review of patients undergoing colonoscopy by one endoscopist at two hospitals found to have nonlifting lesions from prior interventions. Lesions with biopsy proven invasive cancer or definite endoscopic features of invasive cancer were excluded. Lesions ≥ 8 mm were routinely injected with saline prior to attempted endoscopic resection. Polypectomy was performed using a stiff snare, followed by argon plasma coagulation (APC) if necessary. Results. 26 patients each had a single nonlifting lesion with a history of prior intervention. Endoscopic resection was completed in 25 (96%). 22 required snare resection and APC. 1 patient had invasive cancer and was referred for surgery. The recurrence rate on follow-up colonoscopy was 26%. All of the recurrences were successfully treated endoscopically. There was 1 postprocedure bleed (4%), no perforations, and no other complications. Conclusions. The majority of adenomas that are nonlifting after prior interventions can be treated successfully and safely by a combination of piecemeal polypectomy and ablation. Although recurrence rates are high at 26%, these too can be successfully treated endoscopically.

Management of gastrointestinal stromal tumors: looking beyond the knife. An update on the role of adjuvant and neoadjuvant imatinib therapy.

BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have traditionally been treated with surgical resection alone resulting in high rates of recurrence. However, the discovery of imatinib efficacy in GIST has revolutionized its management. DISCUSSION: Imatinib may be used as neoadjuvant therapy with the goal of reducing tumor size, minimizing surgical morbidity and, in some cases, rendering inoperable cases operable. In addition, imatinib use in the adjuvant setting to eradicate micrometastases and prevent recurrence has shown promising results in reducing relapse rates. Appropriate patient selection and optimal dose and duration of imatinib therapy remain undecided and require further investigation. We present a literature review and a case report of our patient with a symptomatic gastric GIST managed successfully utilizing neoadjuvant imatinib therapy, laparoscopic limited resection, and adjuvant imatinib therapy.

Pulmonary diseases and the liver.

Chronic liver disease is associated with many pulmonary complications. Several, including hepatopulmonary syndrome, portopulmonary hypertension, and hepatic hydrothorax have been extensively reviewed. However, hepatobiliary manifestations of primary pulmonary diseases have received less attention. This review focuses on hepatobiliary complications of respiratory failure, cystic fibrosis, α-1 antitrypsin deficiency, sarcoidosis, and tuberculosis.

Primary and secondary prophylaxis of gastric variceal bleeding.

Gastric variceal bleeding is a common problem in patients with cirrhosis and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Management is complex and includes pharmacotherapy, endoscopic therapy, and shunt placement. Recent studies indicate that endoscopic therapy with tissue adhesives has similar hemostasis rates and outcomes in terms of mortality as shunt placement but has a lower complication rate and therefore could be considered the first line therapy for acute bleeding and secondary prophylaxis of gastric varices.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus: nevirapine hepatotoxicity revisited.

Vanishing bile duct syndrome (VBDS) refers to a group of disorders characterized by prolonged cholestasis as a result of destruction and disappearance of intrahepatic bile ducts. Multiple etiologies have been indentified including infections, neoplastic disorders, autoimmune conditions and drugs. The natural history of this condition is variable and may involve resolution of cholestasis or progression with irreversible damage. VBDS is extremely rare in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients and anti-retroviral therapy has never been implicated as a cause. We encountered a young pregnant female with HIV and VBDS secondary to anti-retroviral therapy. Here, we report her clinical course and outcome.