Intra-operative enteroscopy for the identification of obscure bleeding source caused by gastrointestinal angiodysplasias: through a balloon-tip trocar is better.

AIM: Intra-operative enteroscopy (IE) is a valid diagnostic tool which can be adopted in order to identify the precise location of bleeding gastrointestinal angiodysplasias (GIADs) of the small bowel. We describe a novel IE technique that may increase the diagnostic yield by maintaining a steady distension of the bowel and that prevents microtrauma to the intestinal mucosa and spillage of enteric content into the operative field. METHODS: After laparotomy, a centimetric transverse enterotomy is performed approximately at the middle of the small bowel. A 12-mm trocar with balloon is then introduced and insufflated. The small bowel is gently distended by carbon dioxide insufflation. Through the trocar, a paediatric colonscope is then inserted and the enteroscopy is performed either retrogradely to the duodenum or anterogradely to the caecum. Once located, surgery is tailored to the precise site of bleeding, with a consequent sparing of intestinal resection. RESULTS: IE with 12-mm trocar with balloon was adopted in four elderly patients undergoing surgery for bleeding GIADs. The length of small bowel resection ranged from 10 to 200 cm, depending on the number of GIADs. Operating time ranged from 210 to 275 min. Intra-operative blood loss was nil. No patient developed organ-space or wound infections. There was no recurrence of bleeding from the midgut. CONCLUSION: Performing IE through a balloon trocar may increase the diagnostic accuracy of the procedure with the benefit of reducing the risk of traumatic injury to the bowel and the risk of surgical site infection.

Non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed in children: surgical experience with emphasis on management challenges.

PURPOSE: This exclusively surgical series on pediatric non-variceal gastrointestinal bleed (NVGIB) defines three levels of bleed site and describes etiology, bleed severity, diagnostic algorithm, and surgical management for each bleed site. Management challenges are detailed. METHODS: Patients aged ≤ 18 years treated surgically for NVGIB were analysed. RESULTS: Bleed site (n = 87) was classified as: upper gastrointestinal bleed (UGIB; n = 11); small bowel bleed (SBB: n = 52); and lower GIB (n = 24). Four etiology-based groups were identified: lesions with ectopic gastric mucosa (EGM; n = 33), tumours (n = 23), ulcers (n = 21), and vascular pathology (n = 8). Bleed severity spectrum was: acute severe bleed (n = 12); subacute overt bleed (n = 59); and occult GIB (n = 16). Preoperative diagnosis was obtained in all UGIB and LGIB lesions. Eighty-two percent of surgical SB lesions were diagnosed preoperatively on Tc99m pertechnetate scan, computed tomography enterography-angiography, and capsule endoscopy; remaining 18% were diagnosed at laparotomy with intra-operative enteroscopy (IOE). Surgical management was tailored to bleed site, severity, and etiology. Indications of IOE and approach to management challenges are detailed. CONCLUSIONS: The commonest site-specific bleed etiologies were duodenal ulcers for UGIB, EGM lesions for SBB, and tumours for LGIB. SBB presented diagnostic challenge. Diagnostic algorithm was tailored to bleed site, age-specific etiology, bleed severity, and associated abdominal/systemic symptoms. Management challenges were acute severe bleed, occult GIB, SBB, obscure GIB, and rare etiologies. IOE has a useful role in SBB management.