Clinical outcomes of acute pancreatitis in elderly patients: An experience of single tertiary center.

BACKGROUND: Although well understanding the course of diseases in geriatric population is of paramount importance in order to provide the optimal treatment, there is only a few studies with controversial results that have been conducted about the course and outcomes of acute pancreatitis (AP) in elderly. We aimed to compare clinical outcomes of AP disease in geriatric age group and to evaluate the risk factors affecting outcomes. METHODS: A total of 336 patients diagnosed with AP, hospitalized and followed-up in our hospital between July/2013-February/2019 were included in this study. Patients aged 65 years and over were assessed as elderly population. Patients' demographic data, comorbidities, duration of hospitalization, local systemic complications, and mortality rates were documented. RESULTS: 196(58.3%) of the patients were female with a mean age of 54.1 ± 17.9 years. The number of patients was 114(33.9%) in the elderly group and 222(66.1%) in the non-elderly group. Although there was no significant difference between both groups in terms of abscess, pseudocyst and necrosis, pancreatic necrosis and systemic complications were higher in the elderly group (p < 0.05). The durations of oral intake and hospitalization were longer, the mortality rate and severity of AP according to the Ranson and Atlanta criteria were significantly higher in the geriatric population (p < 0.05). In addition, age and severity of AP were found to be independent predictive factors of developing complications. CONCLUSIONS: Early recognition of AP is important in the geriatric population. Clinical and laboratory investigations, and early diagnosis in severe patients will be largely helpful in providing close follow-up and the optimal treatment.

Endoscopic versus laparoscopic drainage of pseudocyst and walled-off necrosis following acute pancreatitis: a randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic fluid collections (PFC) may develop following acute pancreatitis (AP). Endoscopic and laparoscopic internal drainage are accepted modalities for drainage of PFCs but have not been compared in a randomized trial. Our objective was to compare endoscopic and laparoscopic internal drainage of pseudocyst/walled-off necrosis following AP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with symptomatic pseudocysts or walled-off necrosis suitable for laparoscopic and endoscopic transmural internal drainage were randomized to either modality in a randomized controlled trial. Endoscopic drainage comprised of per-oral transluminal cystogastrostomy. Additionally, endoscopic lavage and necrosectomy were done following a step-up approach for infected collections. Surgical laparoscopic cystogastrostomy was done for drainage, lavage, and necrosectomy. Primary outcome was resolution of PFCs by the intended modality and secondary outcome was complications. RESULTS: Sixty patients were randomized, 30 each to laparoscopic and endoscopic drainage. Both groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. The initial success rate was 83.3% in the laparoscopic and 76.6% in the endoscopic group (p = 0.7) after the index intervention. The overall success rate of 93.3% (28/30) and 90% (27/30) in the laparoscopic and endoscopic groups respectively was also similar (p = 1.0). Two patients in the laparoscopic group required endoscopic cystogastrostomy for persistent collections. Similarly, two patients in the endoscopic group required laparoscopic drainage. Postoperative complications were comparable between the groups except for higher post-procedure infection in the endoscopic group (19 vs. 9; p = 0.01) requiring endoscopic re-intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic and laparoscopic techniques have similar efficacy for internal drainage of suitable pancreatic fluid collections with < 30% debris. The choice of procedure should depend on available expertise and patient preference.

Two's a Charm: Endoscopic Therapy of Multiple Pancreatic Pseudocysts.

Pancreatic pseudocysts commonly complicate acute pancreatitis. They can evolve either asymptomatically or with important symptoms. Treatment can be surgical, endoscopic, or percutaneous. The authors present a case report of a 78-year-old man who developed symptoms of an acute abdomen during hospitalization. A CT scan showed two pancreatic pseudocysts (diameters 10 cm and 7.5 cm) that were successfully drained endoscopically. Multiple pancreatic pseudocysts can be treated successfully via an endoscopic approach.

Management of pancreatic collections: an update.

Pancreatic fluid collections frequently occur in the context of moderate and severe acute pancreatitis, and may also appear as a complication of chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic surgery or trauma. It is essential to adhere to the Atlanta classification nomenclature that subclassifies them into four categories (acute peripancreatic fluid collections, acute necrotic collections, pseudocysts, and walled-off necrosis) since it has an impact on prognosis and management. Pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis are encapsulated pancreatic fluid collections characterized by a surrounding inflammatory wall, which typically develops three to four weeks after the onset of acute pancreatitis. Most pancreatic fluid collections resolve spontaneously and do not require intervention. However, when they become symptomatic or complicated drainage is indicated, and endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage has become first-line treatment of encapsulated collections. Drainage of pseudocysts is relatively straightforward due to their liquid content. However, in walled-off necrosis the presence of solid necrotic debris can make treatment more challenging and therefore multidisciplinary management in experienced centers is recommended, being a step-up approach the current standard of care. In this review, we aim to address the management of pancreatic fluid collections with an especial focus on endoscopic drainage.

Complications of Long-Term Indwelling Transmural Double Pigtail Stent Placement for Symptomatic Peripancreatic Fluid Collections.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic transmural drainage is performed for symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections (PPFCs). Long-term transmural double-pigtail stent (DPS) placement is useful in preventing recurrences. There are few reports on the long-term safety of DPS placement. Thus, this study aimed to examine the complications of long-term indwelling DPS for PPFCs. METHODS: Among 53 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage for symptomatic PPFCs between April 2006 and March 2017, those followed up for over one year were included. Complications of long-term indwelling DPS were examined retrospectively. RESULTS: This study enrolled 36 patients [30 men, median age 54 years (range 22-82)]. Walled-off necrosis was present in 22 cases (including 9 disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome cases) and pancreatic pseudocysts, in 14 cases. The median stenting period was 20.9 (range 0.8-142.3) months, and median observation period was 56.2 (range 12.4-147.1) months. Colon perforation due to DPS occurred in 3 cases (8.3%), at 5.8, 17.1, and 33.7 months after indwelling DPS placement; 2 cases developed perforation from the serosal side. In 1 case, the patient was treated surgically, and in 2 cases, the patients underwent endoscopic removal of the stent and showed improvement with conservative treatment. CONCLUSION: Long-term indwelling transmural DPS for symptomatic PPFCs poses a risk of intestinal perforation. Thus, if possible, it may be better to avoid long-term placement.

An Unlikely Cause of a Blunt Pancreatic Injury.

We report the case of a 17-year-old male football player with blunt abdominal trauma. Careful evaluation, including computed tomography and laboratory, revealed a pancreatic body laceration. Pancreatic injuries are relatively uncommon and associated with significant morbidity and mortality and require early diagnosis for optimal management and outcome.

Pancreatic enzyme replacement for refractory multiple large pancreatic cysts.

The case was a 47-year-old male with a long history of alcohol abuse but he had stopped drinking alcohol after the first attack of acute pancreatitis. He was referred due to recurrent pancreatitis complicated by pancreatic pseudocysts. Computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) imaging was suggestive of chronic pancreatitis and pancreatolithiasis, with multiple large pseudocysts in the head and tail of pancreas.

Management of complications of acute pancreatitis.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Acute pancreatitis can result in a number of localized complications such as pancreatic pseudocysts, walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON), and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome (DPDS). The management of these conditions has evolved over the past three decades such that minimally invasive endoscopic drainage and debridement methods are now the favored, first-line approach. This article will review the latest developments and controversies regarding the endoscopic management of these conditions. RECENT FINDINGS: For patients with pancreatic pseudocysts, it remains to be clear what the role of routine ERCP is in this population. For WON, it is clear that when expertise is available, a minimally invasive approach may be the most suitable option. There is a growing literature raising concern about LAMS-associated bleeding in this group, however. Alterations in LAMS placement and stent dwell time may reduce this risk. Lastly, recognition of the DPDS is an important factor that needs to be recognized whenever present, as these patients will require a long-term management strategy and may require multimodality intervention. SUMMARY: Despite the development of new endoscopic techniques and dedicated devices for managing pancreatic fluid collections and disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome, a number of issues remain unresolved in terms of best practice methods.

Recommendations from the United European Gastroenterology evidence-based guidelines for the diagnosis and therapy of chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: In collaboration with United European Gastroenterology, the working group on 'Harmonizing diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis across Europe' (HaPanEU) developed European guidelines for the management of chronic pancreatitis using an evidence-based approach. METHODS: Recommendations of multidisciplinary review groups based on systematic literature reviews to answer predefined clinical questions are summarised. Recommendations are graded using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system. RESULTS: Recommendations covered topics related to the clinical management of chronic pancreatitis: aetiology, diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with imaging, diagnosis of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, surgical therapy, medical therapy, endoscopic therapy, treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts, pancreatic pain, nutrition and malnutrition, diabetes mellitus and the natural course of the disease and quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: The HaPanEU/United European Gastroenterology guidelines provide evidence-based recommendations concerning key aspects of the medical and surgical management of chronic pancreatitis based on current available evidence. These recommendations should serve as a reference standard for existing management of the disease and as a guide for future clinical research. This article summarises the HaPanEU recommendations and statements.

Modern Management of Pancreatic Fluid Collections.

The last decade has seen dramatic shift in paradigm in the management of pancreatic fluid collections with the rise of endoscopic therapy over radiologic or surgical management. Endosonographic drainage is now considered the gold standard therapy for pancreatic pseudocyst. Infected pancreatic necroses are being offered endoscopic necrosectomy that has been facilitated by the arrival on the market of large diameter lumen-apposing metal stent. Severe pancreatitis or failure to thrive should receive enteral nutrition while pancreatic ductal disruption or strictures are best treated by pancreatic stenting.

Management of pancreatitis and pancreatic: fluid collections.

Acute pancreatitis is a constant management challenge, especially with peripancreatic collection that are one of the most common complications; after the first surgical attempts that had high mortality, there had to be a new approach based in decades of acquired knowledge in physiopathology added to the development of endoscopic intervention techniques and the evolution of endoscopic devices help to establish less invasive and conservative management. This review allows us to know the last advances in the management of acute pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst and walled off necrosis, determined the right time for the management to become more invasive, even considering surgery at a final stage. It also reviews the different types of drainage of peripancreatic collections and the accessories currently in use.

Development and Use of Personalized Bacteriophage-Based Therapeutic Cocktails To Treat a Patient with a Disseminated Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Infection.

Widespread antibiotic use in clinical medicine and the livestock industry has contributed to the global spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial pathogens, including Acinetobacter baumannii We report on a method used to produce a personalized bacteriophage-based therapeutic treatment for a 68-year-old diabetic patient with necrotizing pancreatitis complicated by an MDR A. baumannii infection. Despite multiple antibiotic courses and efforts at percutaneous drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst, the patient deteriorated over a 4-month period. In the absence of effective antibiotics, two laboratories identified nine different bacteriophages with lytic activity for an A. baumannii isolate from the patient. Administration of these bacteriophages intravenously and percutaneously into the abscess cavities was associated with reversal of the patient's downward clinical trajectory, clearance of the A. baumannii infection, and a return to health. The outcome of this case suggests that the methods described here for the production of bacteriophage therapeutics could be applied to similar cases and that more concerted efforts to investigate the use of therapeutic bacteriophages for MDR bacterial infections are warranted.

EUS and related technologies for the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic disease: research gaps and opportunities-Summary of a National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases workshop.

A workshop was sponsored by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases to address the research gaps and opportunities in pancreatic EUS. The event occurred on July 26, 2017 in 4 sessions: (1) benign pancreatic diseases, (2) high-risk pancreatic diseases, (3) diagnostic and therapeutics, and (4) new technologies. The current state of knowledge was reviewed, with identification of numerous gaps in knowledge and research needs. Common themes included the need for large multicenter consortia of various pancreatic diseases to facilitate meaningful research of these entities; to standardize EUS features of different pancreatic disorders, the technique of sampling pancreatic lesions, and the performance of various therapeutic EUS procedures; and to identify high-risk disease early at the cellular level before macroscopic disease develops. The need for specialized tools and accessories to enable the safe and effective performance of therapeutic EUS procedures also was discussed.

Bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysms: management by angioembolization combined with therapeutic endoscopy.

BACKGROUND: Bleeding pancreatic pseudocysts (PPCs) are a rare but lethal complication of pancreatitis. Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is the first-line treatment of acute hemorrhage, but consensus on the definitive management of bleeding PPCs is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the combination of TAE and therapeutic endoscopy in the treatment of bleeding PPCs. METHODS: Patients with acute or chronic pancreatitis treated for bleeding PPCs in Helsinki University Hospital during 2004-2014 comprised the study group. Inpatients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis were excluded. Patients underwent TAE as the primary treatment to control the bleeding. Therapeutic endoscopy performed on an outpatient visit after TAE allowed the definitive treatment of PPCs. RESULTS: A total of 58 patients underwent TAE. Re-bleeding rate (<30 days) was 15.5 %, necessitating re-embolization on seven and surgical intervention on two patients. Overall, TAE success rate was 96.6 %. Mortality rate (<30 days) was 3.4 %. Of the 58, 47 patients were followed up for their PPCs in our unit. PPCs resolved spontaneously in 13 (27.1 %). The remaining 34 had an endoscopic treatment attempt with endoscopic draining performed on 32 and unsuccessful cannulation on two (5.9 %). Of the 32 patients with initially successful endoscopy, 7 (21.9 %) needed an additional drainage procedure (six non-surgical and one surgical). Overall success rate of non-surgical management was 91.5 %. Post-endoscopy mortality rate (<30 days) was 2.9 %. Our follow-up continued for 15 (1-75) months. By the time of data retrieval, 35 of 58 patients had died with alcohol liver disease being the most common cause of death. Five-year survival estimate was 63 %. CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding pancreatic pseudoaneurysms require non-surgical management. We need more data on the optimal timing of therapeutic endoscopy and on the role of empirical embolizations.

[Mediastinal Pancreatic Pseudocyst with Pancreatic Pleural Effusion].

A 72-year-old man with chronic alcohol related pancreatitis was admitted for dyspnea and pain at the upper body. Chest X-ray showed right massive pleural effusion. Chest and abdominal contrast enhanced thin slice computed tomography revealed the route from the pancreatic head reaching the right thoracic cavity via the esophagus hiatus and the communication between the cystic lesion and main pancreatic duct. We drained the pleural effusion that showed abnormally high amylase activity. We diagnosed his illness as mediastinal pancreatic pseudocyst with pancreatic pleural effusion. Endoscopic Nasopancreatic Drainage catheter was placed in the main pancreatic duct, and the pleural effusion disappeared.