Endoscopic mucosal resection of lateral spreading tumors of the colon using a novel solution.

Lateral spreading tumors (LSTs) of the colon are lesions over 10 mm in diameter that are low in height and grow superficially. They are increasingly being diagnosed in Western cohorts. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of dextrose 50% solution in the endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of LSTs. The study population consisted of 21 patients with LSTs of the colorectum. The mean size of the LSTs was 23.52+/-13.60 mm. Dextrose 50% solution was injected, via a variceal needle, into the submucosa to lift up the LST sufficiently from the proper muscle layer. Subsequently, a snare was positioned around the lesion and then closed while being pressed against the mucosa, with suction being applied to draw the lesion into the snare. Blended current was used for resection. If necessary, a piecemeal technique was used to achieve complete resection. Immediate and delayed complications were recorded. After the EMR, patients were followed up at 3, 6, and 12 months or later, using total colonoscopy. Endoscopic resection was completed in all LSTs. Of the 21 LSTs, 15 (71.4%) were resected en bloc and 6 (28.6%) piecemeal. The mean amount of injected dextrose 50% solution was 14.86+/-9.13 mL. One patient (4.78%) had immediate bleeding after EMR, which was stopped endoscopically. Histologic examination of resected LSTs showed adenoma with high-grade dysplasia 9 (42.9%), adenoma with low-grade dysplasia 10 (47.6%), and invasive carcinoma 2 (9.5%). Twenty patients were followed up for 37.9+/-24.03 months. Local recurrent disease was detected in 4 patients (20%), all within 6 months of the index EMR. These recurrent lesions were completely resected endoscopically. The contribution of submucosal injection of dextrose 50% is significant for a safe and efficient EMR of LSTs of the colorectum.

Treatment of a duodenal perforation secondary to an endoscopic sphincterotomy with clips.

Perforation is one of the most serious complications of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) necessitating immediate surgical intervention. We present a case of successful management of such a complication with endoclipping. A 85-year-old woman developed duodenal perforation after ES. The perforation was identified early and its closure was achieved using three metallic clips in a single session. There was no procedure-related morbidity or complications and our patient was discharged from hospital 10 d later. Endoclipping of duodenal perforation induced by ES is a safe, effective and alternative to surgery treatment.

The administration of cisapride as an adjuvant to PEG-electrolyte solution for colonic cleansing: a double-blind randomized study.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Traditional bowel preparation before colonoscopy involves lavage with approximately 4L of polyethylene glycol (PEG)-electrolyte solution. Only a few studies have been published evaluating the use of cisapride in routine bowel preparation. METHODOLOGY: We conducted a blinded, placebo-controlled trial with the prokinetic agent, cisapride, in addition to standard PEG-electrolyte lavage. Of 115 patients undergoing colonoscopy, 58 were randomized (double-blind) to PEG plus cisapride (10 mg per os thrice per day three days before the procedure and one 10-mg dose on the morning of the procedure) and 57 to PEG plus a placebo of identical appearance. The adequacy of the preparation was scored on a four-point grading scale for each anatomic-segment and for the overall impression. A questionnaire was also used to assess each patient's symptoms during lavage. RESULTS: The difference in the overall score between the two groups was not significant (p=0.21). The quality of bowel preparation was significantly better in transverse (p=0.001), ascending (p=0.0053), and cecum (p=0.0001) in the cisapride group than in the placebo group. The differences in symptoms scores between the two groups were not significant in nausea, abdominal cramps and bloating but there was improvement in symptom score of vomiting in cisapride group (p=0.0422). CONCLUSIONS: The administration of cisapride to patients undergoing colonic lavage may be an effective adjuvant to PEG-electrolyte solution particularly with respect to increase patient acceptability.

Colopathy associated with the systemic use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications. An underestimated entity.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Adverse effects of NSAIDs (nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) on the upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestine are well described. Evidence is also accumulating that implicate NSAIDs in inducing and exacerbating damage in the distal gastrointestinal tract. In this article we describe eight cases of colonic inflammation associated with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug administration; our aim is to stress the importance of an underestimated entity by clinicians. METHODOLOGY: Over a five-year period at two clinics, eight cases of NSAID-colopathy have been diagnosed. Crohn's disease, ulcerative and infections colitis have been excluded from this analysis. In all these subjects a careful drug history has been taken in a prospective manner and colonic inflammation appeared to be directly related to NSAID administration. There was a time interval (mean: 20 months) between initiation of treatment with NSAID and presentation with diarrhea, rectal hemorrhage and tenesmus. RESULTS: A correct diagnosis of colopathy associated with NSAIDs administration was made on careful drug history, pathological findings, stool cultures and biochemical changes which were insignificant, in contrast to the protracted troublesome symptoms. Resolution of symptoms was observed on discontinuation of NSAID medication. CONCLUSIONS: Our report is further evidence that NSAIDs administration is associated with significant mucosal injury in the distal gastrointestinal tract, despite is underestimated by most physicians.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula. METHODOLOGY: In a retrospective study we analyzed 87 patients who underwent endoscopic sphincterotomy for cholangitis; the cholangitis considered "acalculus", when outlining the extra- and intrahepatic bile ducts, we could not observe any intraluminal defect or stricture, and during the clearing of the bile ducts with the balloon, after endoscopic sphincterotomy, there was no evidence of stones, fragments of stones or sludge. Patients who had undergone previous endoscopic sphincterotomy, or who had additional pancreatobiliary diseases were excluded from this study. There were 11 patients with "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula, and sufficient clinical data available for this study. RESULTS: Nine patients presented pain, fever, and jaundice. In two patients diagnosis was established via the test of abnormal liver biochemistry. Seven patients had positive blood cultures and three of them developed confusion and hypotension. Endoscopic sphincterotomy succeeded in all cases; no evidence of stones, fragments of stones or sludge was recorded during the clearing of bile ducts, after endoscopic sphincterotomy, with the balloon. Five patients presented mild post-endoscopic sphincterotomy complications successfully treated. In the follow-up period, from 4 months to 7 years after endoscopic sphincterotomy, none of the patients developed symptoms of cholangitis. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend endoscopic sphincterotomy in patients with "acalculus" cholangitis associated with juxtapapillary diverticula, despite the absence of obvious obstruction, and the possible morbidity which is inherent with an invasive procedure like endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Topical 0.5% nifedipine vs. lateral internal sphincterotomy for the treatment of chronic anal fissure: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the local application of 0.5% nifedipine ointment vs. lateral internal sphincterotomy in the healing of chronic anal fissure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-four patients with symptomatic chronic anal fissures were randomly assigned to 0.5% nifedipine ointment (n=32) every 8 h for 8 weeks or lateral internal sphincterotomy (n=32). Both groups received stool softeners and fiber supplements and were assessed at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. Long-term outcomes were determined after a median follow-up of 19 months (nifedipine group) and 20.5 months (lateral internal sphincterotomy group). RESULTS: Complete healing at 8 weeks was achieved in 30 out of 31 patients (96.7%) in the nifedipine group and 32 out of 32 patients (100%) in the lateral internal sphincterotomy group (p=0.49). The overall healing rates at the end of follow-up were 28 out of 30 (93%) vs. 32 out of 32 (100%) in the nifedipine and sphincterotomy groups respectively (p=0.48). Two of the 30 patients in the nifedipine group relapsed whereas none in the sphincterotomy group did. Sixteen patients (50%) developed side effects in the nifedipine group, compared with six patients (18.7%) in the sphincterotomy group. CONCLUSIONS: Topical application of 0.5% nifedipine ointment represents a new, promising, easily handled, effective alternative to lateral internal sphincterotomy.