[Management of refractory ascites by the automated low flow pump system (Alfapump)]. / Prise en charge de l'ascite réfractaire par la pompe péritonéovésicale (Alfapump).

Refractory ascites affects 10% of patients with advanced cirrhosis. Recurrent ascites is commonly managed by repeat large volume paracentesis with volume expansion, and in selected patients, by the implantation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). Both approaches are associated with potential complications, including vascular traumatic injuries in the setting of paracentesis. A new automatic pump has been developed to mechanically remove ascites from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder. The benefit of this pump in terms of reduced frequency of paracentesis should be balanced by the risk of adverse events that include infection, catheter dysfunction, and renal insufficiency. The place of this new device in the management of ascites due either to portal hypertension or to cancer remains to be determined.

Recurrent Complete Pharyngo-Oesophageal Stricture Treated by Multidisciplinary Anterograde-Retrograde Endoscopic Dilation.

Complete pharyngo-oesophageal stricture (PES) after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer is a relatively rare and difficult complication to manage. Historically this condition has been treated surgically, but endoscopic approaches are now available. We present a 61-year-old man with an epidermoid carcinoma of the supraglottic stage and a micro-invasive epidermoid carcinoma of the oropharynx treated surgically and subsequently by adjuvant radiotherapy. Eight months after the end of the radiotherapy, a complete PES was diagnosed and treated with a combined anterograde-retrograde endoscopic dilation (CARD). The procedure was performed using a transoral anterograde progression with a rigid pharyngoscope and a retrograde progression with an extra-slim nasal endoscope using the percutaneous gastrostomy already in place. Using both transillumination and direct visualisation from both sides of the complete stenosis patency was restored between the neopharynx and the oesophagus. Despite the use of an endoprosthesis, the complete PES recurred and the technique had to be performed a second time. Illustrating the complexity of the case different types of endoprosthesis and several dilations had to be performed for our patient to achieve and maintain a normal oral intake. This case report illustrates that even in complicated recurrent radiation-induced complete PES a CARD can be performed safely and successfully using different types of endoprosthesis.