Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-obtained bile culture in acute cholangitis: retrospective analysis of bile cultures and risk factors in a tertiary care center.

BACKGROUND: Collection of bile aspirate during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is essential to identify pathogens responsible for acute cholangitis. Limited data are available on the risk factors for the presence of multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO) in bile. METHODS: We conducted this retrospective, single-center study to assess the prevalence and susceptibility rates of bacteria in bile cultures, and the risk factors for the presence of pathogens, MDRO, and fungi in bile. All consecutive patients who underwent biliary drainage for acute cholangitis from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. RESULTS: 443/1610 ERCPs were performed for acute cholangitis. Bile culture was collected in 91.4% (405/443), of which 86.7% were positive. Most common isolates were Enterococcus faecalis (37.6%) and Escherichia coli (32.8%). Vancomycin resistance was found in 9.9% of Enterococcus species (spp.); extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) and carbapenemases in 11.2% and 0.9% of Enterobacteriaceae, respectively. The empiric antimicrobial therapy was changed in 26.4% (n = 107) of cases, with a clinical response in 90.7%. In multivariate analysis, biliary stenting was an independent risk factor for positive bile culture (odds ratio [OR] 9.43; P < 0.01). Independent risk factors for MDRO in bile were patient age>60 years (OR 2.51; P = 0.03), previous sphincterotomy (OR 2.57; P = 0.02), and biliary stenting (OR 2.80; P < 0.01). Previous sphincterotomy was the only risk factor for isolation of fungi in bile (OR 1.61; P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed an increasing prevalence of Enterococcus spp. and MDRO. Bile cultures should be routinely collected in cholangitis and in patients with repeated ERCPs to allow more efficient antimicrobial treatment.

Digital single-operator pancreatoscopy for the treatment of symptomatic pancreatic duct stones: a prospective multicenter cohort trial.

BACKGROUND: Digital single-operator pancreatoscopy (DSOP)-guided lithotripsy is a novel treatment modality for pancreatic endotherapy, with demonstrated technical success in retrospective series of between 88 % and 100 %. The aim of this prospective multicenter trial was to systematically evaluate DSOP in patients with chronic pancreatitis and symptomatic pancreatic duct stones. METHODS: Patients with symptomatic chronic pancreatitis and three or fewer stones ≥ 5mm in the main pancreatic duct (MPD) of the pancreatic head or body were included. The primary end point was complete stone clearance (CSC) in three or fewer treatment sessions with DSOP. Current guidelines recommend extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for MPD stones > 5 mm. A performance goal was developed to show that the CSC rate of MPD stones using DSOP was above what has been previously reported for ESWL. Secondary end points were pain relief measured with the Izbicki pain score (IPS), number of interventions, and serious adverse events (SAEs). RESULTS: 40 chronic pancreatitis patients were included. CSC was achieved in 90 % of patients (36/40) on intention-to-treat analysis, after a mean (SD) of 1.36 (0.64) interventions (53 procedures in total). The mean (SD) baseline IPS decreased from 55.3 (46.2) to 10.9 (18.3). Overall pain relief was achieved in 82.4 % (28/34) after 6 months of follow-up, with complete pain relief in 61.8 % (21/34) and partial pain relief in 20.6 % (7/34). SAEs occurred in 12.5 % of patients (5/40), with all treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: DSOP-guided endotherapy is effective and safe for the treatment of symptomatic MPD stones in highly selected patients with chronic pancreatitis. It significantly reduces pain and could be considered as an alternative to standard ERCP techniques for MPD stone treatment in these patients.

[Diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders - Significance of the new Chicago classification v4.0]. / Diagnostik von Motilitätsstörungen des Ösophagus ­ Bedeutung der neuen Chicago-Klassifikation v4.0.

Esophageal motility disorders are diseases in which there are malfunctions of the act of swallowing due to a change in neuromuscular structures. The main symptom is therefore dysphagia for solid and/or liquid foods, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, and weight loss. Esophageal manometry is the gold standard in diagnostics. Endoscopy and radiology serve to exclude inflammatory or malignant changes. With the introduction of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders has improved and led to a new classification with the Chicago Classification, which has been modified several times in the last decade, most recently in 2021 with the Chicago Classification v4.0. Compared to the previous version 3.0, there are some important changes that are presented based on the most important esophageal motility disorders in everyday clinical practice.

[Therapy of esophageal motility disorders]. / Therapieoptionen von primären Motilitätsstörungen des Ösophagus.

Esophageal motility disorders are diseases in which there are malfunctions of the act of swallowing due to a change in neuromuscular structures. The main symptom is therefore dysphagia for solid and/or liquid foods, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, and weight loss. Esophageal manometry is the gold standard in diagnostics. Endoscopy and radiology serve to exclude inflammatory or malignant changes. With the introduction of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders has improved and led to a new classification with the Chicago Classification, which has been modified several times in the last decade, most recently in 2020 with the Chicago Classification v4.0. Compared to the previous version 3.0, there are some important changes that are presented based on the most important esophageal motility disorders in everyday clinical practice.

[Diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders - Significance of the new Chicago classification v4.0]. / Diagnostik von Motilitätsstörungen des Ösophagus ­ Bedeutung der neuen Chicago-Klassifikation v4.0.

Esophageal motility disorders are diseases in which there are malfunctions of the act of swallowing due to a change in neuromuscular structures. The main symptom is therefore dysphagia for solid and/or liquid foods, often accompanied by symptoms such as chest pain, regurgitation, heartburn, and weight loss. Esophageal manometry is the gold standard in diagnostics. Endoscopy and radiology serve to exclude inflammatory or malignant changes. With the introduction of high-resolution esophageal manometry (HRM), the diagnosis of esophageal motility disorders has improved and led to a new classification with the Chicago Classification, which has been modified several times in the last decade, most recently in 2021 with the Chicago Classification v4.0. Compared to the previous version 3.0, there are some important changes that are presented based on the most important esophageal motility disorders in everyday clinical practice.

Gastric enterochromaffin-like cell changes in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1.

BACKGROUND: Gastric enterochromaffin-like cell (ECL) tumours can occur in patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), especially in those affected by Zollinger Ellison syndrome (ZES). Since the prevalence of ECL lesions is not well defined yet, the present study evaluated the presence and extent of ECL lesions in MEN1 patients with and without ZES. METHODS: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 patients being part of a regular screening program (2014-2018) underwent gastroduodenoscopies with biopsies of the stomach and determination of serum gastrin and chromogranin A levels. Haematoxylin- and immunostaining with chromogranin A, gastrin and VMAT I and II (vesicular monoamine transporter I and II) of the biopsies were performed. RESULTS: Thirty-eight MEN1 patients, of whom 16 (42%) were diagnosed and treated earlier for ZES, were analysed. In ten of 16 (62.5%) ZES patients, a locally scattered, mixed image of diffuse, linear and micronodular mild hyperplasia was present. In addition, two of these patients (13%) showed small (max 1.5 mm in size) intramucosal ECL tumours. Neither ECL changes, nor tumours were found in MEN1 patients without ZES (n = 22). In MEN1/ZES patients, the median serum gastrin level was significantly elevated compared to MEN1 patients without ZES (206 pg/ml vs. 30.5 pg/ml, p < .001). A subgroup analysis of the serum gastrin and chromogranin A levels of MEN1/ZES patients with or without ECL hyperplasia did not show significant differences (gastrin level: p = .302, chromogranin A: p = .464). CONCLUSION: Enterochromaffin-like cell hyperplasia and gastric carcinoids occur only in MEN1 patients with ZES, but less frequently than reported.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage in biliary strictures after liver transplantation: Long-term outcome predictors and influence on patient survival.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Biliary strictures are common complications after orthotopic liver transplantation. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography evolved as standard and percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage as alternative therapy. This study analysed predictors of long-term success of biliary strictures after endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and/or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and its impact on patient survival. METHODS: All adult patients with biliary strictures receiving endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and/or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage between 2009 and 2015 at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf were retrospectively analysed. Potential predictors of long-term success (≥12 months) were identified by univariate and logistic regression analyses. Patient survival was analysed by Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: Hundred and sixteen patients were treated with endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and/or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage, including 67 patients with anastomotic strictures, 22 with nonanastomotic strictures and 27 with both stricture types. Eighty-five patients received endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, 17 percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage and 14 both techniques. Long-term success was achieved in 60 patients (52%). Predictors of treatment failure were a preinterventional C-reactive protein >8 g/dL in anastomotic strictures (P = 0.039) and a body mass index ≤21 kg/m2 in nonanastomotic strictures (P = 0.021). In patients who received endoscopic retrograde cholangiography only, balloon dilatation of anastomotic strictures with larger diameters favoured success (P = 0.015). Achievement of long-term success was associated with prolonged patient survival in anastomotic strictures (P = 0.036) and nonanastomotic strictures (P = 0.025), but not in combined strictures (P = 0.739). CONCLUSION: In post-orthotopic liver transplantation biliary strictures treated by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and/or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage, patient BMI and preinterventional C-reactive protein may influence prognosis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with larger balloon diameter may favour success in anastomotic strictures. Long-term success by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography and/or percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage is associated with superior survival in patients with anastomotic strictures and nonanastomotic strictures only.

Early adverse events of per-oral endoscopic myotomy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The recently developed technique of per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been shown to be effective for the therapy of esophageal motility disorders. Limited information is available about POEM adverse events (AEs). METHODS: POEM was performed on 241 patients (58% male; mean age, 47.4 ± 16.4 years) under general anesthesia over 61 months. The main outcome was the rate of intra- and post-procedural AEs. Post-procedural checks comprised clinical and laboratory examinations and endoscopy, with further follow-ups performed at 3, 6, and 12 months. RESULTS: Of the 241 procedures, 238 were successfully completed (mean procedure time, 100.2 ± 39.5 min). Reasons for abortion were excessive submucosal fibrosis preventing submucosal tunneling. Three patients had severe procedural-related AEs (SAE rate, 1.2%); 1 case of pneumothorax required intra-procedural drainage, and 2 patients had delayed SAEs (1 ischemic gastric cardia perforation and 1 hemothorax, both leading to surgery). The overall rate of minor AEs was 31.1%, mainly prolonged intra-procedural bleeding (>15 min hemostasis) and defects of the mucosa overlying the tunnel; none led to clinically relevant signs or symptoms. Patients experiencing any AE had a significantly prolonged hospital stay (P = .037) and a trend toward prolonged procedure time (P = .094). Neck/upper thoracic emphysema and free abdominal air were noted in 31.5% and 35.7%, respectively (95.3% drained), but without relevant sequelae. CONCLUSIONS: POEM has a low rate of SAEs; minor AEs are more frequent but lack a consistent definition. Therefore, based on our experience and literature analysis, we suggest a classification of AEs for POEM. (Clinical trials registration number: NCT01405417.).

Temoporfin improves efficacy of photodynamic therapy in advanced biliary tract carcinoma: A multicenter prospective phase II study.

UNLABELLED: Photodynamic therapy using porfimer (P-PDT) improves palliation and survival in nonresectable hilar bile duct cancer. Tumoricidal penetration depth of temoporfin-PDT (T-PDT) is twice that of P-PDT. In a single-arm phase II study we investigated the safety, efficacy, survival time, and adverse events of T-PDT compared with previous data on P-PDT. Twenty-nine patients (median 71 [range 47-88] years) with nonresectable hilar bile duct cancer were treated with T-PDT (median 1 [range 1-4] sessions) plus stenting and followed up every 3 months. The PDT was well tolerated. In patients with occluded segments at baseline (n=28) a reopening of a median of 3 (range 1-7) segments could be achieved: n=16 local response and n=11 stable local disease, one progressive disease. Cholestasis and performance significantly improved when impaired at baseline. Time to local tumor progression was a median of 6.5 (2.7-41.0) months. Overall survival time was a median of 15.4 (range 4.4-62.4) months. Patients died from tumor progression (55%), cholangitis (18%), pneumonia (7%), hemobilia (7%), esophagus variceal hemorrhage (3%), and vascular diseases (10%). Adverse events were cholangitis (n=4), liver abscess (n=2), cholecystitis (n=2), phototoxic skin (n=5), and injection site reactions (n=7). Compared to previous P-PDT, T-PDT shows prolonged time to local tumor progression (median 6.5 versus 4.3 months, P<0.01), fewer PDT treatments needed (median 1 versus 3, P<0.01), a higher 6-month survival rate (83% versus 70%, P<0.01), and a trend for longer overall median survival (15.4 versus 9.3 months, P=0.72) yet not significantly different. The risk of adverse events is not increased except for (avoidable) subcutaneous phototoxicity at the injection site. CONCLUSION: Temoporfin-PDT can safely be delivered to hilar bile duct cancer patients and results in prolonged patency of hilar bile ducts, a trend for longer survival time, and similar palliation as with P-PDT.

Magnetically guided capsule versus conventional gastroscopy for upper abdominal complaints: a prospective blinded study.

OBJECTIVES: Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy is mostly performed under sedation and has a low yield of relevant gastric lesions in patients without alarm symptoms. Simpler screening tests such as capsule endoscopy could be helpful, but gastric visualization is insufficient with the current passive capsules. A magnetically guided gastric capsule was prospectively evaluated in patients with routine indications for gastroscopy. METHODS: A total of 189 symptomatic patients (105 male; mean age 53 y) from 2 French centers subsequently and blindly underwent capsule and conventional gastroscopy by 9 and 6 examiners, respectively. The final gold standard was unblinded conventional gastroscopy with biopsy under propofol sedation. Main outcome was accuracy (sensitivity/specificity) of capsule gastroscopy for diagnosis of major gastric lesions, defined as those lesions requiring conventional gastroscopy for biopsy or removal. RESULTS: Twenty-three major lesions were found in 21 patients. Capsule accuracy was 90.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 85.4%-94.3%] with a specificity of 94.1% (95% CI, 89.3%-97.1%) and a sensitivity of 61.9% (95% CI, 38%-82%). Accuracy did not correlate with lesion location, gastric luminal visibility, examiner case volume, or examination time. Of the remaining 168 patients, 94% had minor and mostly multiple lesions; the capsule made a correct diagnosis in 88.1% (95% CI, 82.2%-92.6%), with gastric visibility and lesion location in the proximal stomach having significant influence. All patients preferred capsule gastroscopy. CONCLUSIONS: In a prospective and strictly blinded study, magnetically guided capsule gastroscopy was shown to be feasible in clinical practice and was clearly preferred by patients. Improvements in capsule technology may render this technique a future alternative to gastroscopy.

Minimally invasive autopsy by using postmortem endoluminal and transluminal endoscopy and EUS.

BACKGROUND: Virtual autopsy by using CT imaging has been introduced as an alternative to conventional autopsy and has resulted in an increase in acceptance of autopsy by relatives. Because direct inspection and tissue acquisition is not possible by imaging alone, various endoscopic techniques can be considered of complementary usefulness. OBJECTIVES: We present the first series of sequential endoscopic techniques including natural orifice transluminal access for minimally invasive autopsy. SETTING: University hospital, legal medicine department. SUBJECTS: Twenty deceased subjects. INTERVENTION: Various flexible endoscopic modalities including EUS, with biopsy or EUS-guided FNA, were attempted. This included transluminal intra-abdominal endoscopic exploration with tissue sampling in a few cases. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Completeness of inspection of the luminal and extraluminal cavity as well as tissue acquisition. RESULTS: Complete upper GI endoscopy was performed in 17 of 20 and EUS in 8 of 8 cases. In addition, transgastric intra-abdominal endoscopy was successfully performed in 5 cases. Adequate histology from biopsy and EUS-guided puncture could be obtained in case of short time intervals post mortem. In 1 case, a rupture of the gastric cardia with bleeding was diagnosed as a significant unexpected finding. New minor pathological findings were revealed on EGD (6/17), GI EUS (3/8), and transgastric inspection (4/5). LIMITATIONS: Limited number of cases for all procedures. CONCLUSION: Minimally invasive autopsy by using multiple endoscopic techniques for imaging and tissue acquisition is feasible. The significant value of this technique, in combination with virtual autopsy compared with classic autopsy, warrants further evaluation.

A novel flexible cryoprobe for EUS-guided pancreatic biopsies.

BACKGROUND: EUS-guided FNA (EUS-FNA) is an established technique for the cytologic diagnosis of pancreatic disease. Attempts to obtain adequate histologic specimens have yielded variable and mostly insufficient results. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and quality of histologic biopsy specimens obtained by using a new cryobiopsy probe and to compare them with standard EUS-FNA and (laparoscopic) trucut biopsy specimens of pancreatic tissue. DESIGN: Animal non-survival study. INTERVENTION: Eighty-four pancreatic biopsy specimens (12 per group) were obtained in 4 anesthetized pigs by using one of the following the 18-gauge flexible cryoprobe; a conventional, 19-gauge, EUS-FNA needle; or a rigid, trucut biopsy device (18 gauge). The latter, used in laparoscopic surgery, was considered as the criterion standard for obtaining histology specimens. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Specimens were evaluated for artifacts and specimen quality by a blinded pathologist who used a 7-point Likert scale to assess histologic adequacy. Biopsy size and bleeding time after biopsy also were recorded. RESULTS: The new cryoprobe was equivalent to the rigid, trucut needle and superior (P < .001) to the conventional 19-gauge FNA needles with respect to artifacts, quality of the specimen, biopsy specimen size, and bleeding. LIMITATIONS: Animal model. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided cryobiopsy was associated with better specimen quality for histologic analysis and a shorter bleeding time compared with a conventional 19-gauge FNA needle in the animal model. It is a promising new technique for histologic examination of pancreatic tissue.

Photodynamic therapy for hilar bile duct cancer: clinical evidence for improved tumoricidal tissue penetration by temoporfin.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been established for palliation of non-resectable hilar bile duct cancer (hBDC). Ablation of hBDC using porfimer (P-PDT) improves cholestasis and survival. However, the tumoricidal effect is confined to the inner 4 mm of the tumor wall. Here, we have studied whether temoporfin PDT (T-PDT) shows an efficient local response and an increased tumoricidal penetration depth. In the first stage of a phase-II trial (NCT01016002), eleven patients with hBDC (Bismuth III-IV) were treated with T-PDT plus stenting and 10 could be analyzed for local tumor response. T-PDT resulted in complete local response in n = 1 of 10 patients, partial response in n = 8 and no response in one patient (occluded right hepatic duct re-opened but positive for residual tumor cells) - indicating a tumoricidal efficacy of 90%. Four patients showed a tumoricidal depth of ≥7.5 mm. Cholestasis and palliation improved in 8 patients with an overall median survival of 18 (4.4-32.0) months after the first T-PDT. Adverse events were phototoxic skin reaction (n = 4), cholangitis (n = 3), and liver abscess (n = 3). T-PDT doubles the depth of the local tumor-ablative effect of P-PDT, is highly tumoricidal and is associated with similar rates of infectious complications and grade I and II skin phototoxicity.

Characteristics of familial pancreatic cancer families with additional colorectal carcinoma.

Familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) is a rare hereditary tumor entity with broad phenotypic heterogeneity, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC) in some families. The underlying factors for this co-occurrence are still not well evaluated. FPC families in the National Case Collection of Familial Pancreatic Cancer with an additional occurrence of CRC were analyzed regarding the phenotype, genotype and recommendation for a clinical screening program. The total cohort of 272 FPC families included 30 (11%) families with at least one CRC case. The proportion of affected family members with PDAC was 16.1% (73/451) compared to 9.3% of family members with CRC (42/451, p < 0.01). Females were affected with PDAC in 49% (36/73) and CRC in 38% (16/42). The median age of PDAC was 63 compared to 66 years in CRC, whereas 8 (26.6%) of families had an early onset of PDAC and 2 (6.7%) of CRC. Seventeen families had 2 or more affected generations with PDAC and 6 families with CRC. Eleven (9.6%) of affected patients had both PDAC and CRC. Potentially causative germline mutations (2 ATM, 1 CDKN2a, 1 MLH1, 1 PALB2) were detected in 5 of 18 (27.7%) analyzed cases. These findings provide a step forward to include the phenotypic and genotypic characteristics of FPC-CRC families for the genetic counseling and management of these families. Nevertheless, results need to be verified in a larger patient cohort beforehand.

pTEVAR of an aorto-esophageal fistula in esophageal cancer: Case report and review of the literature.

An aorto-esophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare and life-threatening situation, associated with aneurysms, foreign bodies, infiltrating tumors, and radiotherapy. The ideal management is unclear. Open surgery of AEF has a high mortality and morbidity. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of an AEF is an effective and safe emergency treatment for these patients. We describe a case of AEF due to esophageal cancer successfully treated the first time by total percutaneous TEVAR (pTEVAR). A 70-year-old male patient presented with massive hematemesis at the emergency department. The patient had a known history of esophageal cancer previously treated by radiochemotherapy which was completed 3 days before. Emergency upper gastrointestinal endoscopy failed to stop the bleeding. Subsequent contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an aorto-esophageal fistula and emergency pTEVAR was performed. The bleeding stopped directly after stent graft placement and the patient was discharged after 10 days later. He died 3 months after pTEVAR from cancer progression. pTEVAR is an effective and safe treatment option for AEF. It can be applied as a first-line treatment and offers the potential to improve survival in the emergency setting.

Complications and risk factors in 2731 diagnostic mini-laparoscopies in patients with liver disease.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Mini-laparoscopy (ML) allows macroscopic assessment and biopsy under direct vision and therefore is a valuable technique in the diagnosis of liver disease. Herein we report procedure-related complications and risk factors. METHODS: A total of 2731 consecutive patients underwent diagnostic ML at two university hospitals (June 1996-December 2007). ML was performed using standard technique with a 1.9mm optical instrument. Coagulation of the liver biopsy site was performed with APC. The following variables were analysed as risk factors for complications: platelet count (<50/nL), international normalized ratio (INR) (>1.5), Cirrhosis, signs of portal hypertension, prior abdominal surgery. RESULTS: Major complications occurred in 1.0% (n=27) of patients and these were, delayed bleeding from the liver biopsy site or abdominal wall (in 0.7% of patients) and intestinal perforation (in 0.3% of patients). Two patients died after severe haemorrhage (mortality 0.07%); the other patients recovered without sequelae. Bleeding risk was increased in patients with low platelets (OR=6.1), increased INR (OR=8.9), cirrhosis (OR=1.9) and portal hypertension (OR=2.1). Logistic regression showed a significant correlation only for the concurrence of low platelets and increased INR (P = 0.001; OR=14.1); bootstrap analysis identified INR >1.5 as significant predictor (P = 0.0002). Prior abdominal surgery did not carry a significant risk for intestinal perforation (OR=1.1; P = 0.142), unless abdominal adhesions were present (OR=9.5; P = 0.0002). None of the patients required surgery for intestinal perforation. CONCLUSION: Mini-laparoscopy is a diagnostic technique with a low complication rate. However, in patients with increased INR, low platelets or after extensive abdominal surgery, complications may occur in up to 5%.

Effectiveness and safety of minilaparoscopy-guided spleen biopsy: a retrospective series of 57 cases.

BACKGROUND: Minilaparoscopy is an accepted method for liver biopsy. We report our experience with minilaparoscopy for splenic biopsy. METHODS: We reviewed the records of all minilaparoscopy procedures performed from 1996 to 2004 at the University of Mainz Medical Center and from 2005 to mid-2011 at the University of Hamburg Medical Center to identify patients who underwent a minilaparoscopy-guided splenic biopsy. All procedures were performed using the previously described method (2.75-mm trocar, 2.3-mm Veress needle, 1.9-mm laparoscope) with the patient under conscious sedation (midazolam/meperidine/propofol). Splenic biopsies were performed using a second trocar with an 18-G Tru-Cut needle. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) and/or fibrin glue (FG) were used to control postbiopsy bleeding. RESULTS: Fifty-seven patients underwent minilaparoscopy-guided biopsy of the spleen (27 females, 30 males; median age = 41 years, range = 16-76). A specimen suitable for histopathologic evaluation was obtained in all patients. Grouped by preprocedure indication, a definitive diagnosis was obtained in 70% (7/10) of patients who had splenic mass lesions in prior imaging (3 B-NHL, 2 hemangioma, 1 tuberculosis, 1 sarcoidosis; p < 0.01) compared to 29% (10/34) in the group with unexplained fever or suspected lymphoma (3 tuberculosis, 2 B-NHL, 1 hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, 1 sarcoidosis, 1 Still's disease, 1 EBV, 1 Q-fever) and 0/13 with unexplained splenomegaly. Focal lesions noted at laparoscopy yielded to a histologic diagnosis in 38% (11/29) of 42 patients compared to 21% (6/28) without laparoscopic abnormality (p = 0.25). Bleeding from the biopsy site was noted in 96.5% (55/57) and was classified as brisk in 9. Control of hemorrhage was achieved in all patients (APC: 47, FG: 1, APC/FG: 7). There was no postprocedure bleeding or other complications. CONCLUSION: Splenic biopsy guided by minilaparoscopy can be performed safely. Postprocedure bleeding is readily controlled with APC with or without fibrin glue. The highest diagnostic yield is in patients with focal splenic lesions.

Endoscopic full-thickness resection of submucosal gastric tumors.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) is a minimally invasive method for en bloc resection of gastrointestinal lesions, such as early cancer or submucosal tumor. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate a novel EFTR prototype device for full-thickness resection of the gastric wall containing artificial submucosal lesions. METHODS: Six artificial submucosal tumors were surgically created in the gastric submucosa by implanting 8-mm cork beads in anesthetized pigs. EFTR of the lesions was attempted using a prototype device which consists of a large transparent plastic cap, loaded onto the tip of the endoscope, into which the submucosal lesion and the surrounding gastrointestinal wall can be pulled by using suction, a grasping forceps, or a dedicated anchoring device. An over-the-scope clip (OTSC) can be deployed underneath the submucosal lesion and a pre-loaded snare is used for EFTR above the OTSC. RESULTS: The median procedure time was 15 min (interquartile range 11-22). Successful resection of the artificial submucosal lesion was achieved in 4/6 (67%) cases. Successful EFTR of the gastric wall was achieved in 3/6 (50%) cases. In all cases, the OTSC closed the EFTR site completely. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric EFTR using the novel EFTR prototype device is feasible in a live animal model. The technique can achieve a full-thickness gastric wall and submucosal tumor resection with reliable closure of the gastric wall, but further refinements of the technique and device are necessary in order to reliably resect submucosal lesions, especially larger ones.