Redefining hemorrhoid therapy with endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding.

Hemorrhoids are a common and painful condition, with conventional treatments such as endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) and injection sclerotherapy often falling short due to high recurrence rates and significant post-operative pain. A clinical trial by Qu et al introduces a novel approach called endoscopic poli-docanol foam sclerobanding (EFSB). This multicenter randomized trial involved 195 patients with grade II and III internal hemorrhoids and demonstrated that EFSB significantly reduced recurrence rates and post-procedural pain while improving symptom relief and patient satisfaction compared to ERBL. The study's strengths include its robust design, comprehensive outcome evaluation, and patient-centered approach. Despite limitations such as the single-blind design and relatively short follow-up period, the findings suggest that EFSB could enhance clinical practice by offering a more effective and patient-friendly treatment option. Further research is needed to validate these results and explore the long-term benefits and cost-effectiveness of EFSB.

Intramuscular vascular malformations in pediatric patients: a retrospective study in a vascular anomalies clinic.

BACKGROUND: Intramuscular vascular malformations (IVMs) are rare developmental congenital structural abnormalities. Their clinical diagnosis is difficult, and imaging studies are essential to determine the type and extent of vessels involved. Treatment can be challenging and must be managed by a multidisciplinary team. METHODS: A descriptive, observational, retrospective, longitudinal study of clinical records of patients diagnosed with IVMs who were evaluated at the vascular anomalies clinic from January 2011 to December 2021 was performed. Demographic, clinical, imaging, diagnosis, treatment, and response data were collected. RESULTS: Seven patients (five females and two males) with a mean age of 13.66 years (standard deviation 5.82 years) were included in the study. In all cases, the clinical diagnosis was venous and lymphatic malformation. The radiological findings were dilated and tortuous vascular structures or multilobulated lesions with septa inside, with or without vascular flow; these findings allowed diagnosis in all cases. Treatment modalities included sclerotherapy in five patients, surgical resection in two, medical treatment with sirolimus in three, and surveillance in one. Subsequent clinical evolution was favorable in all patients, with decreased pain in six (partial in four and total in two) and size reduction in one patient. CONCLUSION: IVMs in our pediatric population most frequently affect the lower extremities. The main symptoms and signs were pain on exertion and volume increase. Treatment can be challenging given the extension and depth of the malformations, so a combination of therapeutic modalities may be necessary to obtain the best outcome.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las malformaciones vasculares intramusculares (MVI) son anomalías estructurales congénitas del desarrollo raras. Su diagnóstico clínico es difícil y los estudios de imagen son fundamentales para determinar su tipo y extensión. Su tratamiento puede ser un desafío y debe ser dirigido por un equipo multidisciplinario. MÉTODOS: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo y longitudinal de los expedientes clínicos de pacientes con diagnóstico de MVI que fueron valorados en la Clínica de Anomalías Vasculares desde enero 2011 a diciembre 2021. Se recolectaron datos demográficos, clínicos, imagenológicos, diagnóstico, tratamiento y respuesta al mismo. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 7 pacientes (5 mujeres y 2 hombres) con una edad media de 13.66 años (DE 5.82 años). En todos, el diagnóstico clínico fue malformación venosa y/o linfática. Los hallazgos radiológicos mediante ultrasonido y/o resonancia magnética nuclear fueron estructuras vasculares dilatadas y tortuosas o lesiones multilobuladas con septos en su interior, con o sin flujo vascular; y en todos los casos permitieron hacer el diagnóstico. El tratamiento fue escleroterapia en 5 pacientes, resección quirúrgica en 2, tratamiento con Sirolimus en 3 y vigilancia en 1. La evolución clínica posterior fue favorable en todos, con disminución del dolor en 6 (parcial en 4 y total en 2) y reducción del tamaño en 1 paciente. CONCLUSIÓN: Las MVI en nuestra población pediátrica, afectan con mayor frecuencia las extremidades inferiores. Los principales síntomas fueron dolor de esfuerzo y aumento de volumen. Su tratamiento puede ser un reto dada su extensión y profundidad, por lo que la combinación de modalidades terapéuticas puede ser necesarias para obtener el mejor desenlace.

Comparison of the effect of combination therapies in the treatment of large varicose ulcers: A real-world cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: The primary treatment for varicose ulcers is to address the underlying cause of venous hypertension, additionally, split-thickness skin transplantation (ST) is an effective option for large ulcers. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of venous surgery with or without split-thickness ST in the management of varicose ulcers (diameter ≥6 cm). METHODS: Patients with varicose ulcers between 2013 and 2023 were included in the real-world retrospective cohort study. The endovenous microwave ablation/endovenous laser ablation-high ligation-foam sclerotherapy-compression therapy + ST group (EMA/EVLA-CT-HL-FS + ST) consisted of 32 patients, while the EMA/EVLA-CT-HL-FS group consisted of 48 patients. RESULTS: A difference in ulcer healing time was found between the two groups (the hazard ratio [HR] was 4.4, 95% CI [2.3-8.2], P < 0.0001). However, the healing rate did not differ between the two groups at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. CONCLUSION: ST has been shown to expedite ulcer healing and ameliorate the symptoms of VVs in the early stages of treatment, while its intermediate to long-term efficacy for ulcer healing and overall patient quality of life may be limited.

Vascular malformations in pediatric patients: 10-year experience of a vascular anomalies clinic.

BACKGROUND: Vascular malformations (VaMs) are caused by errors in vascular morphogenesis. Diagnosis and treatment can be complex. Few specialized centers care for these patients, and limited literature exists regarding their characteristics and clinical course. The vascular anomalies clinic (VAC) at the Instituto Nacional de Pediatría (National Institute for Pediatrics) is a multidisciplinary team and has been a reference center for patients with VaMs since 2012. We sought to describe the characteristics of patients cared for at the VAC, types of VaMs, treatments used, and clinical course. METHODS: This was a descriptive, observational, retrospective, and cross-sectional study conducted from 2012 to 2022. RESULTS: We included 435 patients with VaMs; the median age of presentation was 1 month. The most frequent signs and symptoms were increased volume (97.2%), superficial color change (65.5%), and pain (43.3%). The most common VaMs were lymphatic (36.7%) and venolymphatic (18.3%). Sclerotherapy was the most frequent treatment (73.4%), followed by medical treatment with sirolimus (18.5%); response to both was excellent/good in > 85% of cases. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study of children with VaMs, we found that low-flow malformations were the most common, and sclerotherapy and sirolimus were the most frequently used treatments. The therapeutic response was excellent/good in most cases.

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las malformaciones vasculares (MaV) son secundarias a errores en la morfogénesis vascular. El diagnóstico y tratamiento puede ser complejo. Existen pocos centros especializados en su atención y escasa literatura respecto a características y evolución clínica. La Clínica de Anomalías Vasculares (CAV) del Instituto Nacional de Pediatría es un equipo multidisciplinario y centro de referencia para estos pacientes desde 2012. Buscamos describir las características de los pacientes atendidos en la CAV, tipo de MaV, tratamiento y evolución clínica. MÉTODOS: Estudio descriptivo, observacional, retrospectivo y transversal del periodo 2012 al 2022. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 435 pacientes con MaV, con edad mediana de presentación de 1 mes de vida. Los síntomas y signos más reportados fueron aumento de volumen (97.2%), cambio en coloración de la piel (65.5%) y dolor (43.3%). Las MaV más comunes fueron linfáticas (36.7%), siguiéndoles las venolinfáticas (18.3%). La escleroterapia fue el tratamiento más frecuente (73.4%) y el tratamiento médico más utilizado fue sirolimus (18.5%), ambos con excelente/buena respuesta en > 85% de los pacientes. CONCLUSIONES: En este estudio retrospectivo de niños con MaV encontramos que las más frecuentes son de bajo flujo y el tratamiento más usado escleroterapia y sirolimus. La respuesta terapéutica de la mayoría fue excelente/buena.

Comparing mechanochemical endovenous ablation using Flebogrif with endovenous laser ablation in the treatment of primary great saphenous vein incompetence: protocol for a multicentre, open-label, non-inferiority, observer-blinded, randomised controlled trial (REBORN trial).

INTRODUCTION: Endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is associated with an excellent outcome in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. However, the use of thermal ablation requires tumescent anaesthesia and is associated with a risk of thermal damage. Mechanochemical endovenous ablation (MOCA) is a non-thermal ablation (NTA) alternative, which combines mechanical endothelial damage with the infusion of a sclerosant liquid or foam. Tumescent anaesthesia is not required. Preliminary experiences with MOCA using the Clarivein device show less intraprocedural and postprocedural pain and a faster clinical improvement compared with EVLA. Flebogrif (Balton, Poland) is a relatively new MOCA device. To determine the role of MOCA using Flebogrif, a well-designed, randomised controlled clinical trial of sufficient sample size and follow-up time is required. In this article, we provide the study protocol for the REBORN trial, aiming to demonstrate that MOCA using Flebogrif is not inferior to EVLA for the outcome of anatomical success in the treatment of GSV incompetence. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This multicentre, open-label, non-inferiority, observer-blinded, randomised controlled trial randomises patients who are diagnosed with GSV incompetence and aged 18-80 years between Flebogrif and EVLA. 310 patients in 3 participating centres (Northwest Clinics Alkmaar, Skin and Vein Clinic Oosterwal Alkmaar and Red Cross Hospital Beverwijk) will be included. The primary outcome is anatomical success at 12 months. Secondary outcomes are intraprocedural pain, operation time, technical success, postprocedural pain, safety, anatomical success during other follow-up moments, complications, clinical success, aesthetic result, disease-specific quality of life, reinterventions, anterior accessory saphenous vein reflux and neovascularisation. Patients will be followed up at 1 week, 1, 6, 12, 24 and 60 month(s) after treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The institutional review board (Medical Ethical Review Committee of the Vrije Universiteit Medical Center) approved this study on 17 May 2021 under case number 2020.0740. Written informed consent is obtained by the coordinating investigator from all participants prior to study enrolment. After completion of the trial, the results will be submitted to an international scientific journal for peer-reviewed publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: Overzicht van Medisch-wetenschappelijk Onderzoek in Nederland, NL-OMON25145, previously NL9527; Centrale Commissie Mensgebonden Onderzoek, NL74491.029.20.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for the treatment of grade II-III internal hemorrhoids: A prospective, multi-center, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) is a nonsurgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids but is limited by recurrence and post-procedural pain. AIM: To evaluate satisfaction, long-term recurrence, and post-procedural pain in managing internal hemorrhoids using a combination of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy and ERBL. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized study. A total of 195 consecutive patients diagnosed with grade II-III internal hemorrhoids were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals and randomly divided into a cap-assisted endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding (EFSB) or an ERBL group. All patients were followed-up for 12 months. Symptom-based severity and post-procedural pain were assessed using a hemorrhoid severity score (HSS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Continuous variables were reported as medians and interquartile range. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five patients were enrolled, with 98 in the EFSB group. HSS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL group at 8 weeks [4.0 (3.0-5.0) vs 5.0 (4.0-6.0), P = 0.003] and 12-month [2.0 (1.0-3.0) vs 3.0 (2.0-3.0), P < 0.001] of follow-up. The prolapse recurrence rate was lower in the EFSB group at 12 months (11.2% vs 21.6%, P = 0.038). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that EFSB treatment [B = -0.915, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.301 to -0.530, P = 0.001] and rubber band number (B = 0.843, 95%CI: 0.595-1.092, P < 0.001) were negatively and independently associated with the VAS score 24 hours post-procedure. The median VAS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL [2.0 (1.0-3.0) vs 3.0 (2.0-4.0), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Cap-assisted EFSB provided long-term satisfaction and effective relief from the recurrence of prolapse and pain 24 hours post-procedure.

Endoscopic injection of lauromacrogol foam sclerotherapy for rectal cavernous hemangioma: A case report.

RATIONALE: Rectal cavernous hemangioma is a rare, benign vascular disease that seldom causes lower gastrointestinal bleeding, characterized by a high rate of misdiagnosis and missed diagnoses. Surgical treatment is considered to be relatively effective; however, it is accompanied by certain employed in the treatment of superficial hemangioma, boasting the advantages of minimally invasive surgery, including safety, effectiveness, reduced trauma, and rapid recovery. However, there is a lack of literature regarding the application of foam sclerosing agents for gastrointestinal hemangiomas. CASE CONCERNS: We present a case of a 60-year-old male who was admitted to our hospital with a history of recurrent hematochezia for >1 year and worsening symptoms for 1 week. The patient's medical history was unremarkable. DIAGNOSES: Following colonoscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and other examinations, the final diagnosis was rectal cavernous hemangioma. INTERVENTIONS: Due to the patient's refusal of surgery, endoscopic foam sclerotherapy using a lauromacrogol injection was performed after obtaining informed consent from the patient and their relatives. OUTCOMES: Post-sclerotherapy, hematochezia symptoms ceased, and no adverse reactions were observed. Two months later, colonoscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging showed that the hemangioma had almost completely disappeared, with only a small amount of tumor remnants, yielding a satisfactory curative effect. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that endoscopic injection of a lauromacrogol foam sclerosing agent is a safe, effective, and minimally invasive treatment option for gastrointestinal cavernous hemangiomas.

Application of a virtual ruler in predicting postoperative rebleeding from esophageal varices in patients with liver cirrhosis.

BACKGROUND: Esophageal variceal diameter (EVD) is one of the most important predictors of variceal bleeding, as well as an important predictor of the effectiveness of endoscopic esophageal varices (EV) treatments. EVD is currently determined using visual inspection by endoscopic operators, meaning that results can vary widely between operators. This approach also means that cases unsuitable for endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) can be complicated by postoperative hemorrhage. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the value of a virtual ruler (VR) in predicting rebleeding after the endoscopic treatment of EV in patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: We enrolled 588 patients with cirrhosis and EV (with and without gastric varices), who were treated with EVL or endoscopic injection sclerotherapy across 3 hospitals. We categorized participants into 2 groups, a nonbleeding group and a rebleeding group, according to whether they bled again after surgery. We compared basic demographic and clinical data, laboratory tests, EVD, and treatment modalities between the 2 groups. Potential risk factors for rebleeding after EV operations were analyzed using univariate and multivariable regression analyses. Correlations between esophageal variceal rebleeding and EVD were also analyzed, as was the consistency between visual EVD estimates and EVD measured using a VR. RESULTS: Child-Pugh class, albumin (ALB) levels, prothrombin time (PT), EVD (visual value), EVD (VR value), red sign, and the number of laps used for EVL showed statistically significant differences between the rebleeding and nonbleeding groups. Univariate regression analysis showed that Child-Pugh classification, ALB levels, PT, EVD (VR value), and red sign were strongly associated with rebleeding after endoscopic treatment of EV, whereas multivariable regression analysis showed that Child-Pugh classification, ALB levels, and EVD (VR value) were predictive factors for rebleeding after endoscopic treatment of EV. Differences between visual EVD estimates and VR EVD measurements were large. (Kappa value: 0.391, P < .001). However, the 2 methods showed high agreement for EVD >1 cm (87/95) CONCLUSION: EVD (VR value) can more accurately predict rebleeding rates. It can also provide a basis for selecting appropriate endoscopic treatment modalities for EV and effectively circumvent postoperative EV rebleeding.

Sclerotherapy for the intraoral ranula with bleomycin: technical considerations and preliminary experience.

Ranula is a mucous cyst that occurs in the sublingual gland (SLG) in the floor of the mouth. It can be classified into two types based on origins: One is the the lesser sublingual gland (LSLG) in the anterior segment and the Rivini duct, which is connected to it, and the other is the greater sublingual gland (GSLG) in the posterior segment. Because of the anatomical characteristics, surgical resection of the cysts carries the risk of damaging adjacent tissues and has a high recurrence rate. Intralesional injection of sclerotherapy may be a better alternative treatment. We summarized 65 cases of ranula treated with intralesional injections of bleomycin(BML). According to the origin of the ranula, 60 cases were from the LSLG and the Rivini duct, and 5 cases were from the GSLG. The results showed that 60 cases of ranula from LSLG and Rivini ducts were 100% cured during the follow-up period. The median number of injections for all patients was 1.16. All 5 cases of ranula from the GSLG did not wholly recover. This study confirmed that BLM intralesional injection is a safe and effective treatment modality for cysts from LSLG or the ducts of Rivini rather than GSLG. Therefore, before treatment, it is necessary to determine the type and origin of the cyst by characterizing its morphology to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment.

Management and Outcomes of Pediatric Lymphatic Malformations: A Systematic Review From the APSA Outcomes and Evidence-Based Practice Committee.

BACKGROUND: Significant variation in management strategies for lymphatic malformations (LMs) in children persists. The goal of this systematic review is to summarize outcomes for medical therapy, sclerotherapy, and surgery, and to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the treatment. METHODS: Three questions regarding LM management were generated according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Publicly available databases were queried to identify articles published from January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2021. A consensus statement of recommendations was generated in response to each question. RESULTS: The initial search identified 9326 abstracts, each reviewed by two authors. A total of 600 abstracts met selection criteria for full manuscript review with 202 subsequently utilized for extraction of data. Medical therapy, such as sirolimus, can be used as an adjunct with percutaneous treatments or surgery, or for extensive LM. Sclerotherapy can achieve partial or complete response in over 90% of patients and is most effective for macrocystic lesions. Depending on the size, extent, and location of the malformation, surgery can be considered. CONCLUSION: Evidence supporting best practices for the safety and effectiveness of management for LMs is currently of moderate quality. Many patients benefit from multi-modal treatment determined by the extent and type of LM. A multidisciplinary approach is recommended to determine the optimal individualized treatment for each patient.

Low temperature offers better foam stability.

BACKGROUND: The foam's structural longevity, linked to the effectiveness of sclerotherapy, depends on preparation conditions. The factors enhancing the treatment's effectiveness and efficacy are still under discussion. METHODS: We conducted an in vitro preclinical research, which included 144 independent trials. A total of 8 combinations involving 18 trials were designed according to settings of +4°C and room temperature (20-22°C), liquid-to-air ratios of 1/1 and 1/4, and polidocanol concentrations of 0.5% and 1% using the modified Tessari method. Our study aimed to examine the effect of air ratio, agent temperature, and polidocanol concentration on stability by assessing the foam half-time (FHT) and defining the optimal preparation conditions. RESULTS: The mean FHT was 117 ± 30.4 s. The longest FHT was in a 1:4 air-to-sclerosant ratio at +4°C, regardless of the sclerosant concentration (for %0.5 mean FHT: 146.2 ± 13.9 s, for % 1 mean FHT: 146.9 ± 18 s). There was a significant interaction among the three variables on FHT (p = 0.001). Temperature emerged as the primary factor (F(1, 136) = 124, p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.477), with lower temperatures markedly enhancing the longevity (p < 0.001). Preparation at a temperature of 4°C resulted in an extended FHT of 32.5 s compared to 22°C (95% CI: 24.06-41.04 s). CONCLUSION: The temperature, agent concentration, and gas ratio significantly influence the stability of the physician-compounded foam. The low temperature at +4°C may offer better FHT for sclerotherapy.

Comparison of two ablation procedures combined with high ligation and foam sclerotherapy and compression therapy for patients with venous leg ulcers.

AIM: To compare the ablation techniques' efficacy of endovenous microwave ablation (EMA) combined with high ligation (HL), foam sclerotherapy (FS) and compression therapy (CT) and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) combined with HL-FS-CT in the treatment of VLUs. METHOD: 301 consecutive patients with VLUs from 2013 to 2022 in a 3200-bed hospital were intervened by EMA combined with HL-FS-CT and EVLA combined with HL-FS-CT were retrospectively compared. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-four patients underwent EMA+HL-FS-CT and 167 patients underwent EVLA+HL-FS-CT. The primary outcome of the ulcer healing time was 1.45(0.75-1.5) months and 1.86(0.5-2.5) months, respectively, in the two groups (HR for ulcer healing was 1.26, 95% CI [0.96-1.66], p = 0.097). Secondary outcomes included that no significant difference was found in ulcer recurrence and GSV recanalization and complications between the two groups, and the postoperative VCSS and AVVQ were significantly lower than the baseline values in the respective groups (p = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: EMA+HL-FS-CT and EVLA+HL-FS-CT are both effective at treating VLUs. Both of the two comprehensive treatments were beneficial to the healing of ulcers, but no evidence showed which one was superior in the ulcer healing time.

Surgery versus sclerotherapy versus combined therapy in head and neck lymphatic malformations in the pediatric population: systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: To systematically review current literature on the treatment of lymphatic malformations (LMs) of the head and neck to guide treatment strategy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of literature until 16 November 2021 was performed on treatments of LMs in the head and neck. RESULTS: Out of 9044 articles, 54 studies were eligible for inclusion with 26 studies providing detailed participant data. A total number of 1573 patients with a mean age of 21.22 months were analysed. Comparative meta-analysis did not reveal significant differences two proportions of volume reduction (≥ 50% and 100%) between sclerotherapy and surgical treatment. Regression demonstrated that positive predictors for volume reduction were surgery 17 (95% CI 0.26-34; p = 0.047) and treatment of macrocystic lesions 19 (95% CI 5.5-32; p = 0.006). Treatment of mixed lesions also demonstrated a trend towards achieving a greater volume reduction (p = 0.052). A higher de Serres stage of the lesion had a negative effect on the amount of volume reduction - 3.7 (95% CI - 7.0 to - 0.35; p = 0.030). CONCLUSION: This comprehensive meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference in volume reduction between various treatment modalities at study level. However, individual patient data indicated that surgery and larger cyst types are associated with a significant higher percentage of volume reduction, whereas a higher de Serres stage negatively impacted the amount of volume reduction. These findings can be used for patient counseling and treatment planning based on cyst type and de Serres stage. However volume reduction constitutes just one objective within a more complex treatment spectrum.

The efficacy of sclerotherapy as the initial treatment in patients with bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesion of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND: Dieulafoy's lesion (DL) is a rare and important cause of acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB), however, there is a lack of clear guidelines focus on the endoscopic hemostasis treatment for DL. Sclerotherapy, as the ANVUGIB guideline recommended endoscopic hemostasis method, is widely used in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to investigate the efficacy of sclerotherapy as the initial treatment for Dieulafoy's lesion of the upper gastrointestinal tract (UDL). METHODS: Patients with UDL who underwent the ANVUGIB standard endoscopic hemostasis between April 2007 and January 2023 were enrolled. The endoscopic therapy method was left to the discretion of the endoscopist. RESULTS: In total, 219 patients were finally obtained, with 74 (33.8%) receiving sclerotherapy and 145 (66.2%) receiving other standard endoscopic therapy. The rebleeding within 30 days was significantly lower in the sclerotherapy group compared to the other standard group (5.8% vs. 16.8%, p = 0.047). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of successful hemostasis rate (93.2% vs. 94.5%, p = 0.713), median number of red blood cell transfusions (3.5 vs. 4.0 units, p = 0.257), median hospital stay (8.0 vs. 8.0 days, p = 0.103), transferred to ICU rate (8.1% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.598), the need for embolization or surgery rate (12.2% vs. 9.7%, p = 0.567) and 30-day mortality (0 vs. 2.1%, p = 0.553). In addition, we found no difference in efficacy between sclerotherapy alone and combination (3.1% vs. 8.1%, p = 0.714). Further analysis revealed that thermocoagulation for hemostasis was associated with a higher rate of rebleeding (28.6% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.042) and longer hospital stay (11.5 vs. 7.5 days, p = 0.005) compared to sclerotherapy alone. CONCLUSION: Sclerotherapy represents an effective endoscopic therapy for both alone and combined use in patients with upper gastrointestinal Dieulafoy's lesion. Therefore, sclerotherapy could be considered as initial treatment in patients with bleeding of UDL.

Efficacy and safety of antegrade sclerotherapy for varicocele in pediatric patients: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: Antegrade sclerotherapy (Tauber's) procedure has been extensively used for the minimally-invasive treatment of varicocele; however, the results in the pediatric population are less defined. This systematic review evaluates the efficacy and safety of antegrade sclerotherapy for varicocele in the pediatric population. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The review was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. Systematic research of available literature in English language from 1980 until May 2022 was conducted through EMBASE, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and NIH Registry of Clinical Trials. For each study, information was gathered regarding the study design, the inclusion/exclusion criteria, the indications for treatment, the success rate and the complications. When available, the details about sperm analysis were reported. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The 10 studies were included in the final sample (564 patients). Median age of patients ranged 13.3-15.3 years. The indications for scleroembolization varied in the different studies, while most studies included patients with clinical G2-G3 varicocele and clinical symptoms or testicular asymmetry. The treatment was successful in 88%-98% of the patients, while the complication rate was <5%. CONCLUSION: Tauber's sclerotherapy is a safe and effective treatment for varicocele also in the pediatric population. Further studies with standardized inclusion criteria are needed to provide higher level of evidence and compare the outcomes of antegrade sclerotherapy with the other available techniques.