Eficacia y seguridad del drenaje endoscópico transmural en pacientes con colecciones líquidas pancreáticas sintomáticas no tributarios a drenaje endoscópico transpapilar / Efficacy and safety of transmural endoscopic drainage in patients with symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections not amenable to transpapillary endoscopic drainage

ANTECEDENTES: En el marco de la metodología ad hoc para evaluar solicitudes de tecnologías sanitarias, aprobada mediante Resolución de Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación N° 111-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021 y ampliada mediante Resolución de Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación N° 97-IETSI-ESSALUD2022, se ha elaborado el presente dictamen sobre la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del drenaje endoscópico transmural en pacientes con colecciones líquidas pancreáticas (CLP) sintomáticas no tributarios a drenaje endoscópico transpapilar. ASPECTOS GENERALES Los aspectos relacionados con la epidemiología, etiología, clasificación, y sintomatología de las CLP han sido previamente detallados en el Dictamen Preliminar de Evaluación de Tecnología Sanitaria N° 002-DETS-IETSI-2021 Eficacia y Seguridad del drenaje endoscópico con prótesis LAMS en pacientes adultos con colecciones líquidas pancreáticas sintomáticas (Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación 2021). 3 Tipo de drenaje realizado a partir de la colocación de un stent a nivel de la papila (ampolla de Vater). Este sitio anatómico se encuentra posicionado en la unión entre el conducto biliar y el conducto pancreático, y es donde se produce el vaciamiento de la bilis y enzimas digestivas hacia el intestino delgado. El drenaje de las CLP sintomáticas puede ser realizado mediante los abordajes quirúrgico, percutáneo y endoscópico (Mahapatra and Garg 2019). Sin embargo, los especialistas solicitantes de la institución, señalan que el abordaje endoscópico podría ofrecer un mejor balance riesgo beneficio, con menor tiempo de recuperación, y menor tasa de complicaciones relacionadas, al ser un método menos invasivo que los procedimientos de drenaje quirúrgico y percutáneo. El drenaje endoscópico puede ser realizado por vía transmural o transpapilar3, o una combinación de ambas; sin embargo, la aplicación del drenaje transpapilar requiere que exista comunicación entre la CLP y el conducto pancreático principal, lo cual no ocurre en todos los casos (Tan et al. 2021). Así, en escenarios donde el drenaje transpapilar, ya sea de forma individual o combinada, no es posible, se puede optar por el drenaje de tipo transmural. METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva con el objetivo de identificar la mejor evidencia sobre la eficacia y seguridad del drenaje endoscópico transmural en pacientes con CLP sintomáticas no tributarios a drenaje endoscópico transpapilar. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, The Cochrane Library. Web of Science y LILACS. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda manual en Google y dentro de las páginas web pertenecientes a grupos que realizan ETS y G PC, incluyendo el IETSI, Centro Nacional de Excelencia Tecnológica en Salud (CENETEC), National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), la Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's (AHRQ), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), The Guidelines International Network (GIN), National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA), Comissáo Nacional de Incorporaóáo de Tecnologias no Sistema Único de Saúde (CONITEC), Instituto de Evaluación Tecnológica en Salud (IETS), Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS), Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Instituto de Calidad y Eficiencia en la Atención de la Salud (lOWiG, por sus siglas en alemán), y Hauté Autorité de Santé (HAS). Además, se realizó una búsqueda de GPC en las páginas web de las principales t\sociedades o instituciones especializadas el manejo de patologías de la cavidad .11 abdominal y gastrointestinales, tales como: European Society of Gastrointestinal . Endoscopy (ESGE), American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), World Gastroenterology Organisation (WGO), y la American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE). Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda en las páginas web de ClinicalTrials.govy la International Clinical Trials Registry Platform, en busca de estudios clínicos en curso o aún no publicados. RESULTADOS: Luego de la búsqueda bibliográfica con fecha 07 de julio del 2022, se incluyeron cuatro GPC, y tres E0. Las GPC incluidas fueron elaboradas por: la Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (KSGE), la Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy of India/Indian Endoscopic Ultrasound Club (SGEI/EUS Club), y la European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) (Shah et al. 2021, Oh et al. 2021, Arvanitakis et al. 2018, Dumonceau et al. 2019). Finalmente, se incluyeron tres EO comparativos: Kumar et al. 2014 (Kumar, Conwell, and Thompson 2014), Keane et al. 2016 (Keane et al. 2016), y Tan et al. 2018 (Tan et al. 2018). No se identificaron ETS, revisiones sistemáticas (RS) con o sin metanálisis (MA), ni ECA que cumplieran con los criterios de inclusión para la presente evaluación. CONCLUSIÓN: Por todo lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación aprueba la incorporación del drenaje endoscópico transmural como procedimiento, para su uso en pacientes adultos con necrosis amuralladas sintomáticas, no tributarios a drenaje endoscópico transpapilar. Cabe señalar que, para poder utilizar este procedimiento en la institución, se requiere de la evaluación previa de la eficacia y seguridad comparativa de los dispositivos que permiten la aplicación del drenaje transmural, para determinar técnicamente cual sería la que ofrece el mayor beneficio clínico para la población de interés. En cuanto a la población de pacientes con pseudoquistes pancreáticos sintomáticos, no tributarios a drenaje transpapilar, no se aprueba el uso de drenaje transmural, debido a que, no se identificaron argumentos técnicos suficientes para sustentar su uso en estos pacientes.

Endoscopic Versus Laparoscopic Drainage of Pancreatic Pseudocysts: a Cost-effectiveness Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Both endoscopic and laparoscopic interventions have a high therapeutic success rate in the management of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts; however, neither has been established as the gold standard. METHODS: A decision tree analysis was performed to examine the costs and outcomes of intervening on pancreatic pseudocysts endoscopically versus laparoscopically. Within the model, a theoretical patient cohort was separated into two treatment arms: endoscopic drainage and laparoscopic drainage. Variables within the model were selected from the published literature. Medicare reimbursements rates (US$) were used to represent costs accumulated during a 3-month perioperative period. Effectiveness was characterized by quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs). A willingness-to-pay of $100,000 per 1 year of perfect health (1 QALY) gained was used as the cost-effectiveness threshold. The model was validated using one-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Endoscopic management of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts was the dominant strategy, producing 0.22 QALYs more while saving $23,976.37 in comparison to laparoscopic management. This result was further validated by one-way, two-way, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: For patients presenting with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts amenable to either endoscopic or laparoscopic management, endoscopic drainage should be considered first-line therapy.

Endoscopic versus surgical treatment for pancreatic pseudocysts: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to compare surgical and endoscopic treatment for pancreatic pseudocyst (PP). METHODS: The researchers did a search in Medline, EMBASE, Scielo/Lilacs, and Cochrane electronic databases for studies comparing surgical and endoscopic drainage of PP s in adult patients. Then, the extracted data were used to perform a meta-analysis. The outcomes were therapeutic success, drainage-related adverse events, general adverse events, recurrence rate, cost, and time of hospitalization. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between treatment success rate (risk difference [RD] -0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.20,0.01]; P = .07), drainage-related adverse events (RD -0.02; 95% CI [-0.04,0.08]; P = .48), general adverse events (RD -0.05; 95% CI [-0.12, 0.02]; P = .13) and recurrence (RD: 0.02; 95% CI [-0.04,0.07]; P = .58) between surgical and endoscopic treatment.Regarding time of hospitalization, the endoscopic group had better results (RD: -4.23; 95% CI [-5.18, -3.29]; P < .00001). When it comes to treatment cost, the endoscopic arm also had better outcomes (RD: -4.68; 95% CI [-5.43,-3.94]; P < .00001). CONCLUSION: There is no significant difference between surgical and endoscopic treatment success rates, adverse events and recurrence for PP. However, time of hospitalization and treatment costs were lower in the endoscopic group.

Management of acute pancreatitis in Japan: Analysis of nationwide epidemiological survey.

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an acute inflammatory disease of the exocrine pancreas. In Japan, nationwide epidemiological surveys have been conducted every 4 to 5 years by the Research Committee of Intractable Pancreatic Diseases, under the support of the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare of Japan. We reviewed the results of the nationwide surveys focusing on the severity assessment and changes in the therapeutic strategy for walled-off necrosis. The severity assessment system currently used in Japan consists of 9 prognostic factors and the imaging grade on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. By univariate analysis, all of the 9 prognostic factors were associated with AP-related death. A multivariate analysis identified 4 out of the 9 prognostic factors (base excess or shock, renal failure, systemic inflammatory response syndrome criteria, and age) that were associated with AP-related death. Receiver-operating characteristics curve analysis showed that the area under the curve was 0.82 for these 4 prognostic factors and 0.84 for the 9 prognostic factors, suggesting the comparable utility of these 4 factors in the severity assessment. We also examined the temporal changes in treatment strategy for walled-off necrosis in Japan according to the 2003, 2007, and 2011 surveys. Step-up approaches and less-invasive endoscopic therapies were uncommon in 2003 and 2007, but became popular in 2011. Mortality has been decreasing in patients who require intervention for walled-off necrosis. In conclusion, the nationwide survey revealed the comparable utility of 4 prognostic factors in the severity assessment and the increased use of less-invasive, step-up approaches with improved clinical outcomes in the management of walled-off necrosis.

EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts offers similar success and complications compared to surgical treatment but with a lower cost.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Pancreatic pseudocysts (PPC) are a complication that occurs in acute and chronic pancreatitis. They comprise 75% of cystic lesions of the pancreas. There are scarce data about surgical versus endoscopic treatment on PPC. The aim of this study was to compare both treatment modalities regarding clinical success, complication rate, recurrence, hospital stay and cost. METHODS: Retrospectively, data obtained prospectively from 2000 to 2012 were analyzed. A PPC was defined as a fluid collection in the pancreatic or peripancreatic area that had a well-defined wall and contained no solid debris or recognizable parenchymal necrosis. Clinical success was defined as complete resolution or a decrease in size of the PPC to 2 cm or smaller. RESULTS: Overall, 64 procedures in 61 patients were included: 21 (33%) cases were drained endoscopically guided by EUS and 43 (67%) cases were drained surgically. The clinical success of the endoscopic group was 90.5 versus 90.7% for the surgical group (P = 0.7), with a complication rate of 23.8 and 25.6%, respectively (P = 0.8), and a mortality rate of 0 and 2.3% for each group, respectively (P = 0.4). The hospital stay was lower for the endoscopic group: 0 (0-10) days compared with 7 (2-42) days in the surgical group (P < 0.0001). Likewise, the cost was lower in the endoscopic group (P < 0.001). The recurrence rate was similar in both groups: 9.5 and 4.5% respectively (P = 0.59). The two recurrences found in the endoscopic group were associated with stent migration, and the recurrence in the surgical group was due to the type of surgery performed (open drainage). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic treatment of PPC offers the same clinical success, recurrence, complication and mortality rate as surgical treatment but with a shorter hospital stay and lower costs.

Frequency, manifestations and management of bezoars in ileal pouches

Background and Aim To evaluate the frequency, diagnosis and management of ileal pouch bezoars. Methods Patients diagnosed with ileal pouch bezoars at the P ouch C enter at Cleveland Clinic from 2002 to 2013 were included. Demographic, clinical and endoscopic features, management and outcomes were evaluated. Results Twelve patients with ileal pouch bezoars were enrolled, including five (0.4%) of 1390 patients with J ­pouch and seven (13.0%) of 54 with continent ileostomy (P < 0.001). Males accounted for 25% (n = 3) of the cohort. Mean age at time of detection was 61.5 ± 10.3 years. Of the 12 patients, six (50.0%) had phytobezoars, four (33.3%) had lithobezoars, one (8.3%) had pharmacobezoar and one (8.3%) had a retained­J ackson­P ratt drain. Median number of harvested bezoars was one (range: 1­224), and mean diameter was 4.0 ± 2.4 cm. Bezoars were located at the pouch body in eight (66.7%) patients, pouch inlet in two (16.7%), pouch­anal anastomosis in one (8.3%) and efferent limb in one (8.3%). Ten patients (83.3%) were symptomatic, including seven (58.3%) with partial bowel obstructive symptoms. Eleven patients (91.7%) were initially managed with endoscopic treatment including basket, R othN et® , mechanical lithotripsy T ripod and snares. After a median of one (1­3) endoscopic therapy, bezoars were successfully removed in seven patients (58.3%). Surgical intervention was required in the remaining five patients (41.7%). Conclusions Ileal pouch bezoars appeared to be more frequently encountered in patients with continent ileostomies than in those with J ­pouches. Endoscopic management seemed to be effective in some patients, whereas surgical intervention was needed in others.

[Assessment and treatment of acute pancreatitis. Position document of the Catalan Society of Gastroenterology, Catalan Society of Surgery and Catalan Society of the Pancreas]. / Valoración y tratamiento de la pancreatitis aguda. Documento de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia, Societat Catalana de Cirurgia y Societat Catalana de Pàncrees.

The incidence of acute pancreatitis (AP) is increasing. AP is one of the gastrointestinal diseases that most frequently requires hospital admission in affected individuals. In the last few years, considerable scientific evidence has led to substantial changes in the medical and surgical treatment of this disease. New knowledge of the physiopathology of AP indicates that its severity is influenced by its systemic effects (organ failure), especially if the disease is persistent, and also by local complications (fluid collections or necrosis), especially if these become infected. Treatment should be personalized and depends on the patient's clinical status, the location of the necrosis, and disease stage.

Equal efficacy of endoscopic and surgical cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage in a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Although surgery is the standard technique for drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts, use of endoscopic methods is increasing. We performed a single-center, open-label, randomized trial to compare endoscopic and surgical cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage. METHODS: Patients with pancreatic pseudocysts underwent endoscopic (n = 20) or surgical cystogastrostomy (n = 20). The primary end point was pseudocyst recurrence after a 24-month follow-up period. Secondary end points were treatment success or failure, complications, re-interventions, length of hospital stay, physical and mental health scores, and total costs. RESULTS: At the end of the follow-up period, none of the patients who received endoscopic therapy had a pseudocyst recurrence, compared with 1 patient treated surgically. There were no differences in treatment successes, complications, or re-interventions between the groups. However, the length of hospital stay was shorter for patients who underwent endoscopic cystogastrostomy (median, 2 days, vs 6 days in the surgery group; P < .001). Although there were no differences in physical component scores and mental health component scores (MCS) between groups at baseline on the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form General Survey questionnaire, longitudinal analysis showed significantly better physical component scores (P = .019) and mental health component scores (P = .025) for the endoscopy treatment group. The total mean cost was lower for patients managed by endoscopy than surgery ($7011 vs $15,052; P = .003). CONCLUSIONS: In a randomized trial comparing endoscopic and surgical cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocyst drainage, none of the patients in the endoscopy group had pseudocyst recurrence during the follow-up period, therefore there is no evidence that surgical cystogastrostomy is superior. However, endoscopic treatment was associated with shorter hospital stays, better physical and mental health of patients, and lower cost. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00826501.

Molecular analysis of cyst fluid aspiration in the diagnosis and risk assessment of cystic lesions of the pancreas.

Pancreatic cyst detection is increasing largely due to increasing use of cross-sectional imaging. The management of pancreatic cysts differs for true cysts, pseudocysts, mucinous cysts, nonmucinous cysts, and malignant lesions. Depending on the setting, diagnostic tests, such as cross-sectional imaging, endoscopic ultrasound, cyst fluid chemistry, and cytology, have moderate accuracy in characterizing the cyst subtype. Molecular analysis of cyst fluid aspirates has shown promise in preliminary studies and may require smaller fluid volumes than is needed for carcinoembryonic antigen level and cytology. This article reviews published studies in which molecular analysis was performed in the evaluation of pancreatic cysts. The molecular studies are compared with the conventional tests. Most studies have had moderate sample sizes (16-124) and have characterized a high proportion of patients with malignant cysts. Evaluation of molecular analysis as a diagnostic tool merits larger prospective trials with long-term follow-up of patients who are not sent to surgery. Larger cysts may meet size criteria for resection, and it is the smaller cysts for which molecular analysis may be of benefit if additional molecular testing results in a change in management.

Outcome and complications of endoscopic ultrasound guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage using combined endoprosthesis and naso-cystic drain.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Endoscopic ultrasound guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage (EUS-PPD) is increasingly being used for management of pancreatic pseudocysts. We evaluated the outcome and complications of EUS-PPD with modified combined technique by inserting both endoprosthesis and naso-cystic drain. METHODS: Forty patients referred between August 2007 and January 2010 for EUS-PPD were prospectively studied. EUS-PPD was attempted for symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts which were; (i) resistant to conservative treatment, (ii) in contact with the gastric or duodenal wall on EUS and (iii) having no bulge seen on endoscopy. Controlled radial expansion wire guided balloon dilation of the puncture tract was performed followed by insertion of a 10 French double pigtail stent and 7-Fr naso-biliary drain. The early and late outcome and complications of EUS-PPD were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-two patients had non-infected and eight had infected pseudocysts. EUS-PPD was technically successful in all. Pseudocysts resolved completely in 39 patients, while one with infected pseudocyst underwent surgical resection for bleeding in the cyst. Naso-cystic drain was removed in 39 patients after median duration of 13 days. Thereafter, the double pigtail stent was removed in all cases after median duration of 10 weeks. Pseudocyst recurred in one patient requiring a second session of EUS-PPD. All 32 patients without cystic infection were successfully treated by EUS-PPD. Seven out of eight patients (87%) with cystic infection were successfully treated by EUS-PPD. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasound guided pancreatic pseudocyst drainage with modified combined technique is safe and is associated with high success rate.

Single-step, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic incision drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst: can it be simpler, safer and more cost effective?

Conventional endotherapy for pancreatic pseudocyst involves placement of stents in the cyst cavity. We have successfully treated bulging pseudocyst in a 50 year old male by endoscopic incision drainage (EID), without insertion of endoprostheses. The presenting complaints in our patient were epigastric mass and postprandial vomiting. He had recently undergone open cholecystectomy following recovery from gallstone pancreatitis. EID was performed under general anaesthesia. Needle knife was advanced through the accessory channel of a flexible gastroscope. Cyst contents were evacuated by making 5 cm horizontal incision on the gastric indentation with dramatic relief in symptoms There is no cyst recurrence during follow up for over 3 years.

Single-step versus multi-step transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: the use of cystostome is effective and timesaving.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Pancreatic pseudocysts are a major complication of chronic and acute pancreatitis and often require endoscopic intervention. Endoscopic single-step and multi-step transmural drainage techniques have been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare technical results and clinical outcome rates of the single-step versus multi-step endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided endoscopic transmural drainage in patients with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts of >4 cm size. DESIGN: Retrospective study at an academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 38 consecutive patients comprising 42 interventions were studied: 16 patients with pancreatic pseudocysts (18 interventions) had undergone single-step EUS-guided transmural cystostome drainage between 2007 and 2010. Results were compared with a cohort of 22 patients who had submitted to multi-step EUS-guided transmural drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts in 24 cases between 2005 and 2007. RESULTS: The technical success rate for using the single-step procedure was 94% compared with multi-step procedure with 83% (n.s.). Primary clinical success rate was 88% for single-step drainage and 90% for the multi-step approach (n.s.). The mean procedure time was 36 ± 9 min in the single-step group compared with 62 ± 12 min for the multi-step access (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of single-step cystostome appears useful in managing selected patients with symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts as it is effective and timesaving.

A safe, effective, and cheap method of achieving pancreatic rest in patients with chronic pancreatitis with refractory symptoms and malnutrition.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is common. It is associated with a substantial morbidity, including malnutrition, malabsorption, pseudocysts, metabolic disturbances, and intractable abdominal pain. Approximately 5% of patients with CP are refractory to nutritional support and opiate analgesia, making management challenging.Pancreatic rest can provide symptomatic relief. However, achieving simultaneous pancreatic rest and adequate nutritional support in these patients is difficult. We describe a technique for providing nutritional support and pancreatic rest in patients with intractable symptomatic CP. METHODS: Three patients with symptomatic CP refractory to standard treatment were included in the study. All 3 patients had masses associated with the pancreas. Symptom relief and adequate nutritional support were achieved by inserting a long-term nasojejunal (NJ) tube (Flocare Bengmark, Nutricia Clinical Care, United Kingdom) under ambulatory endoscopic guidance. Data were recorded prospectively. RESULTS: Long-term NJ tube feeding achieved pancreatic rest and significant symptomatic relief while delivering adequate nutritional support. Pseudocyst size decreased substantially in 2 patients. The third patient was found to have pancreatic carcinoma after pancreaticoduodenectomy. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with symptomatic CP refractory to standard nutritional support and opiate analgesia, long-term NJ tube feeding can be a cheap, well-tolerated, safe, and effective method of providing adequate nutritional support and substantially relieving intractable symptoms.

Graded dilation technique for EUS-guided drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections: an assessment of outcomes and complications and technical proficiency (with video).

BACKGROUND: Although the utility and safety of EUS and EUS-guided FNA is well known, there is a need for more data on outcomes and complications of EUS-guided drainage procedures. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the rates of technical success, treatment success, and complications of the graded dilation technique for performing EUS-guided drainage of peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) in a large cohort of patients. Also, the technical proficiency for performing EUS-guided drainage of PFCs was evaluated. DESIGN: A prospective study of all patients undergoing EUS-guided drainage of PFC. SETTING: A tertiary-referral center. INTERVENTIONS: After passage of a 0.035-inch guidewire into the PFC by using a 19-gauge needle, graded dilation of the tract was sequentially performed by using a 4.5F ERCP cannula, a 10F ERCP inner guiding catheter, and an 8-mm balloon dilator. A transmural stent and/or drainage catheter was then deployed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To evaluate the technical success, treatment success, and complications of the graded dilation technique. Technical proficiency was evaluated by comparing the procedural duration between the first 25 cases (group A), with a later cohort of patients (group B, n = 29) who underwent EUS-guided drainage of a single PFC. RESULTS: Sixty patients (41 men; mean age 51 years [range 20-79 years], 6 multiple PFCs) underwent EUS-guided drainage of a PFC (types included 36 pseudocyst, 15 abscess, and 9 necrosis) over a 42-month period. The rates of technical and treatment success were 95% and 93%, respectively. A minor complication of stent migration was encountered in 1 of 60 patients (1.7%). There was no significant difference in patient or clinical characteristics between group A and B patients who were undergoing drainage of a single PFC. Although there was no significant difference in technical or treatment outcome, median procedural duration was significantly shorter for group B than for group A patients (25 vs 70 minutes; P < .001). Procedural duration for performing EUS-guided drainage of a single PFC was more likely to be <30 minutes in group B than in group A patients (crude odds ratio [OR] 18.8; P < .001), which remained significant (adjusted OR 11.8; P = .01), even after adjusting for patient age; serum albumin; type, location, and size of PFCs; drainage modality (stent vs stent plus drainage catheter); and site of endoscopic access for establishing drainage. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, EUS-guided drainage of a PFC could be performed safely by using the graded dilation technique, with a successful outcome in a majority of patients. Technical proficiency, with regard to procedural duration, improved significantly after the first 25 cases.

EUS versus surgical cyst-gastrostomy for management of pancreatic pseudocysts.

BACKGROUND: Although EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy is increasingly being performed, there are no studies that compare the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness with surgical cyst-gastrostomy. OBJECTIVES: To compare the clinical outcomes of EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy with surgical cyst-gastrostomy for the management of patients with uncomplicated pancreatic pseudocysts and to perform a cost analysis of each treatment modality. DESIGN: A retrospective case-controlled study. SETTING: A tertiary-referral center. PATIENTS: Consecutive patients with uncomplicated pancreatic pseudocysts managed by surgical and EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy. METHODS: An independent observer blinded to all clinic outcomes matched each patient who underwent a surgical cyst-gastrostomy with 2 patients who underwent an EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy for age, etiology of pancreatitis, and the size of the pseudocyst. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Rates of treatment success, complications, and reinterventions; length of postprocedure hospital stay; and cost associated with each treatment modality. RESULTS: Ten patients (6 men; mean age 42.3 years, range 22-65 years) who underwent surgical cyst-gastrostomy were matched with 20 patients who underwent an EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy. There were no significant differences in demographics, major comorbidities, and clinical characteristics between both cohorts. Although there were no significant differences in rates of treatment success (100% vs 95%, P = .36), procedural complications (none in either cohort), or reinterventions (10% vs 0%, P = .13) between surgery versus an EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy, the mean length of a postprocedure hospital stay for an EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy was significantly shorter than for surgical cyst-gastrostomy (2.65 vs 6.5 days, P = .008). The average direct cost per case for EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy was significantly less when compared with surgical cyst-gastrostomy ($9077 vs $14,815, P = .01), which corresponded to a cost savings of $5738 per patient. LIMITATIONS: Retrospective, nonrandomized design; patients with pancreatic abscess or necrosis were not evaluated; a limited sample size and a short duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided cyst-gastrostomy should be considered as a first-line treatment approach for patients with uncomplicated pancreatic pseudocysts, because the procedure is cost saving and is associated with a shorter length of a postprocedure hospital stay when compared with surgical cyst-gastrostomy. There was no significant difference in clinical outcomes between both treatment modalities.

Radiologic assessment of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

The capabilities of various imaging modalities, including CT, MRI, and ultrasound, have markedly increased over recent years. This has translated into improved detection and improved characterization of various pathologic processes. This article discusses the current role of imaging in the evaluation of acute and chronic pancreatitis. CT remains a major focal point in issues related to acute pancreatitis, whereas MRI (and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography) plays a larger role in chronic pancreatitis.

[Ultrasonographic assessment of chronic pancreatitis severity. Pancreatic index].

AIM: To introduce the pancreatic index assessing severity of chronic pancreatitis (CP). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Ultrasonography was made in 28 patients with clinically documented diagnosis of CP. A total of 6 groups of ultrasonographic signs served the basis for calculation of scores for a complex formalized semiquantitative criterion--the pancreatic index (PI). Ultrasonographic signs--the size of the head, calcinates, structure, maximal size of the ductus pancreaticus, pseudocysts, etc. were assessed in scores from 1 to 3. Severity of the disease was classified according to total PI. RESULTS: The following correlation was found between severity of CP and the PI: in mild CP--57%, in moderate CP--71%, in severe CP--66%. CONCLUSION: Ultrasonographic PI objectively evaluates severity of CP course.