Efficacy of aggressive hydration with normal saline versus lactated Ringer's solution for the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis in high-risk patients: a randomized controlled trial.

Background and study aims Post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) is a common adverse event in high-risk patients. Current intervention known to reduce the incidence and severity of PEP include pancreatic duct stent placement, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs per rectum, and intravenous (IV) fluids. We compared aggressive normal saline (NS) vs aggressive lactated Ringer's (LR) infusion for the prevention of PEP in high-risk patients undergoing ERCP. Patients and methods Patients were randomized to receive either an aggressive infusion of NS or LR. The infusion was started at a rate of 3 mL/kg/hr and continued throughout the ERCP procedure. A 20 mL/kg bolus was given at the end of the procedure, then continued at a rate of 3 mL/kg/hr. Results A total of 136 patients were included in our analysis. The incidence of PEP was 4 % (3/72 patients) in the LR group versus 11 % (7/64 patients) in the NS group resulting in a relative risk (RR) of 0.38 (95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.10 to 1.42; P  = 0.19). The relative risk reduction (RRR) was 0.62 (95 % CI -0.41 to 0.90) along with an absolute risk reduction (ARR) of 0.07 (95 % CI -0.025 to 0.17) and an number needed to treat of 15 (95 % CI -41 to 6). Conclusions To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing aggressive IV NS to aggressive IV LR in high-risk patients. The incidence of PEP was lower in the group receiving an aggressive LR infusion (4 %) compared to NS infusion (11 %). However, the difference was not statistically significant likely due to poor accrual thereby impacting the power of the study.

Colonic Granular Cell Tumor: An Endoscopic and Histopathologic Review with Case Illustration.

Granular cell tumors (GCTs) are rare and benign tumors that can occur at any anatomical site. GCTs are thought to originate from nerve cells, particularly Schwann cells. Their name derives from the fact that an accumulation of cytoplasmic lysosomes imparts the tumor with a granular appearance. They are most commonly observed in the oral cavity, skin and subcutaneous tissue, breast, and respiratory tract. Granular cell tumors rarely affect the gastrointestinal tract. We report a 58-year-old female with a past medical history of hypertension, mitral valve prolapse, and depression who presented for surveillance colonoscopy. A single firm sessile polypoid lesion, with overlying pale tan color mucosa, measuring approximately 1 to 1.5 cm, was found in the ascending colon. Biopsy of the nodule followed by histopathology was positive for S100 and CD68, but negative for AE1/AE3, CD117, smooth muscle actin, and desmin, consistent with the diagnosis of GCT. We review the clinicopathologic features of GCTs.

Perioperative Medicine: A Burgeoning Field with Profound Importance to a Modern Clinician.

AIMS AND SCOPE This article serves in introducing the readers to the developing field of perioperative medicine. We have made an effort to come up with the latest management guidelines covering multiple subspecialties in form of a special supplement. This compendium in perioperative medicine serves as a comprehensive guide to a practicing clinician, in managing patients with various medical comorbidities undergoing surgical procedures and avoiding common pitfalls.

Transverse colon schwannoma treated by endoscopic mucosal resection: A case report.

Gastrointestinal (GI) schwannoma is one of the rarest tumors of the GI tract. We herein describe the case of a 70-year-old female patient who presented for surveillance colonoscopy. The examination detected a 1-cm polyp that was removed by snare cautery polypectomy. Immune and histochemical staining revealed spindle cells that were positive for S-100 and vimentin, but negative for CD34 and smooth muscle actin, consistent with GI schwannoma. This case is noteworthy as GI schwannomas usually present in the stomach, making the finding of a colonic schwannoma of clinical interest. Furthermore, the present case was treated by removing the tumor endoscopically, in contrast to more invasive methods.

A Giant Primary Retroperitoneal Serous Cystadenoma: Case Report and Review of Retroperitoneal Cysts.

Primary retroperitoneal serous cystadenomas (PRSCs) are rare cystic lesions whose pathogenesis is currently not well understood. Although the vast majority of tumors are benign, early recognition and resection is necessary to avoid malignant transformation, rupture, and secondary infection. Here we present the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented with confusion, visual hallucinations, and a history of fall. As part of the work-up for abdominal distension, computed tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis was performed, which revealed a right-sided retroperitoneal cystic lesion measuring 26.6 × 16.7 cm in size. The lesion was resected laparoscopically, and the surgical specimen measured 28 × 17 cm. Histology revealed a serous cystadenoma. The postsurgical course was uneventful, and no radiological recurrence was noted on 3 months follow-up. Very few primary retroperitoneal cystic lesions have been reported in the literature. Most lesions are benign and predominantly occur in females. They may remain asymptomatic for long periods of time and are usually discovered when they reach very large in size. In rare cases, these lesions may have malignant potential. Diagnosis of PRSC should be considered in the differential diagnosis of all retroperitoneal cysts.

Interval Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Rectum.

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the rectum is a rare clinical entity with an incidence rate of 0.1-0.25% per 1,000 cases. Though its etiology and pathogenesis remains unclear, it has been associated with chronic inflammation and infections. Herein, we report a case of an 82-year-old female who presented with a 2-month history of worsening abdominal pain, hematochezia, and bilateral inguinal lymphadenopathy with right-sided purulent discharge. Two years prior, she had had an unremarkable screening colonoscopy which met all quality indicators. Abdominal CT scan showed an irregular rectal mass with bulky pelvic and retroperitoneal adenopathy. Colonoscopy revealed one large circumferential nonobstructing lesion in the rectum. Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed its origin from the rectal wall with an enlarged perirectal lymph node. Cold biopsy followed by histopathology revealed SCC of the rectum.

Pyloric Gland Metaplasia of the Ileocecal Valve: Clinicopathologic Correlates of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Pyloric gland metaplasia of the ileocecal valve, in the setting of Crohn's disease, is an unusual clinical entity. Though its etiology and pathogenesis remains unclear, metaplastic changes have been associated with chronic inflammation and inflammatory bowel disease. Herein, we report a case of a 23-year-old male who presented for surveillance colonoscopy after being diagnosed with Crohn's disease four years ago. Diagnostic colonoscopy revealed stenosis of the ileocecal valve as well as a 5 mm polypoid circumferential non-obstructing lesion. Excisional biopsy followed by histopathology revealed pyloric metaplasia and non-necrotizing epithelioid cell granuloma. We discuss the clinical significance of pyloric gland metaplasia of the ileocecal valve in the context of inflammatory bowel disease.

Primary Jejunal Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Bilateral Ovarian Metastasis.

Small intestinal tumors are rare with adenocarcinoma of the small intestine accounting for less than 2% of all gastrointestinal cancers. Primary jejunal adenocarcinoma constitutes a minute portion of small intestine adenocarcinomas. Clinically, this cancer presents at latter stages of its progression, mainly due to vague and non-specific symptoms, and the difficulty encountered in accessing the jejunum on upper endoscopy. Diagnosis of jejunal adenocarcinoma is usually inconclusive with the use of computed tomography (CT) scan, small bowel series, or upper endoscopy. Laparoscopy followed by frozen section biopsy provides a definitive diagnosis. In the past decade, balloon-assisted enteroscopy (BAE) and capsule endoscopy have become popular as useful modalities for diagnosing small bowel diseases. Wide excisional jejunectomy is the only treatment option with an estimated 5-year survival of 40-65%. Physicians are advised to suspect jejunal adenocarcinoma as a differential diagnosis in patients who present with non-specific symptoms of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, weight loss, anemia, gastrointestinal bleeding or signs of small bowel obstruction. We present a rare case of a 37-year-old woman with suspected bilateral ovarian masses, which was immunohistochemically confirmed as primary jejunal adenocarcinoma with bilateral ovarian metastasis.

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Radiofrequency Ablation of the Pancreatic Tumors: A Promising Tool in Management of Pancreatic Tumors.

Objective. Radiofrequency ablation is a well-established antitumor treatment and is recognized as one of the least invasive therapeutic modalities for pancreatic neoplasm. Endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (EUS-RFA) delivery can be used to treat both pancreatic cancer and asymptomatic premalignant pancreatic neoplasms and may serve as a less invasive alternative to surgical resection. This is an appealing option that may result in less morbidity and mortality. The aim of this review was to summarize and evaluate the clinical and technical effectiveness of EUS-guided RFA of pancreatic neoplasms. Methods. A through literature review was performed to identify the studies describing this novel technique. In this review article, we have summarized human case series. The indications, techniques, limitations, and complications reported are discussed. Results. A total of six studies were included. Overall, a 100% technical success rate was reported in human studies. Complications related to endoscopic ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation delivery have been described; however, few cases have presented life-threatening outcomes. Conclusion. We believe that this novel technique can be a safe and effective alternative approach in the management of selected patients.

Impact of glycemic control on colonoscopy outcomes: bowel preparation and polyp detection.

BACKGROUND: The negative effect of diabetes mellitus (DM) on the colonoscopy preparation has been previously established. Metabolic syndrome has been shown to increase risk for malignancy and possibly for premalignant lesions. This study aimed to investigate the impact of DM control on colonoscopy outcomes including bowel preparation and adenoma detection rate (ADR). METHODS: We included patients with DM who underwent colonoscopy in our hospital and had a documented glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) within 3 months. Patients were categorized into three groups based on their HbA1C level. The clinical and endoscopic data were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Our cohort included 352 DM patients. The mean age was 63.5 years. When patients were analyzed based on HBA1C, bowel preparation was poor in 46.7% of patients with good glycemic control, 52.1% of patients with fair control and 50% of patients with poor control. ADR was 24.3% in patients with good glycemic control, 20.2% in patients with fair glycemic control and 27.1% in patients with poor glycemic control. There was no statistically significant difference in the quality of preparation or adenoma detection amongst the groups. CONCLUSION: The degree of glycemic control did not impact the quality of bowel preparation or ADR.

Peroral endoscopic reduction of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis after bariatric surgery: Techniques and efficacy.

AIM: To investigate the techniques and efficacy of peroral endoscopic reduction of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis after bariatric surgery. METHODS: An extensive English language literature search was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, Medscape and Google to identify peer-reviewed original and review articles using the keywords "bariatric endoscopic suturing", "overstitch bariatric surgery", "endoscopic anastomotic reduction", "bariatric surgery", "gastric bypass", "obesity", "weight loss". We identified articles describing technical feasibility, safety, efficacy, and adverse outcomes of overstitch endoscopic suturing system for transoral outlet reduction in patients with weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). All studies that contained material applicable to the topic were considered. Retrieved peer-reviewed original and review articles were reviewed by the authors and the data extracted using a standardized collection tool. Data were analyzed using statistical analysis as percentages of the event. RESULTS: Four original published articles which met our search criteria were pooled. The total number cases were fifty-nine with a mean age of 46.75 years (34-63 years). Eight of the patients included in those studies were males (13.6%) and fifty-one were females (86.4%). The mean time elapsed since the primary bypass surgery was 5.75 years. The average pre-endoscopic procedure body mass index (BMI) was 38.68 (27.5-48.5). Mean body weight regained post-RYGB surgery was 13.4 kg from their post-RYGB nadir. The average pouch length at the initial upper endoscopy was 5.75 cm (2-14 cm). The pre-intervention anastomotic diameter was averaged at 24.85 mm (8-40 mm). Average procedure time was 74 min (50-164 min). Mean post endoscopic intervention anastomotic diameter was 8 mm (3-15 mm). Weight reduction at 3 to 4 mo post revision noted to be an average of 10.1 kg. Average overall post revision BMI was recorded at 37.7. The combined technical and clinical success rate was 94.9% (56/59) among studied participants. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic suturing can be technically feasible, effective and safe for transoral outlet reduction in patients with weight regain following RYGB.

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome with Proximal Esophageal Web.

Plummer-Vinson Syndrome is a condition where iron deficiency is associated with difficulty swallowing due to the presence of an esophageal web. Deficiency of iron-dependent oxidative enzymes causes gradual degradation of the pharyngeal muscles which lead to mucosal atrophy and formation of webs. Although it is a very rare condition, an increased risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma makes its identification very important. Dilation of the esophageal web using a Savary dilator is a more effective and safer approach compared to conventional balloon dilation.

Wire assisted sigmoid intubation: An alternative approach to overcome technically difficult colonic angulations.

Complete colonoscopy can sometimes prove technically challenging. Sharp colonic angulation can be one of the contributing factors. With the advancement in technology, various modalities have been employed to overcome technical difficulties. Here we describe a guidewire assisted sigmoid intubation to overcome this hurdle with limited resources.

Endoscopic closure of persistent gastrocutaneous fistulae, after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement, using the over-the-scope-clip system.

OBJECTIVES: The Over-The-Scope-Clip (OTSC) has had an evolving role in endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal wall defects, in hemostasis of primary or postinterventional bleeding, and approximation of postbariatric surgery defects. Rapid and effective closure of gastrocutaneous (GC) fistulae using this device has been recently described in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, efficacy and safety of OTSC as an effective tool in the management of persistent GC fistulae secondary to a complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placement. METHOD: In this multicenter prospective observational study, we describe our experience with OTSC in the closure of persistent GC fistulas secondary to PEG tube placement. Patients with GC fistulas were sequentially enrolled with a mean age of 84 years. Primary treatment outcome was the immediate successful closure of GC fistula and resolution of leak. Secondary outcome was no recurrence of the fistula and leaks on follow up. RESULTS: A total of 10 patients were enrolled over the study period. Mean age was 84.4 ± 8.75 years. The primary treatment outcome was achieved in all the patients undergoing this intervention. Secondary outcome was observed in 9/10 (90%) subjects. No procedural complications were reported. Larger fistulae (>2.5 cm) and those with significant fibrosis were more difficult to close with the OTSC system. The mean follow-up time after OTSC application was 43.7 ± 20.57 days. A limitation of this study was that there was no control group. CONCLUSIONS: OTSC application is a safe and effective endoscopic approach for the closure of persistent GC fistulae secondary to a complication of PEG tube placement.

Hemostatic powder spray: a new method for managing gastrointestinal bleeding.

Gastrointestinal bleeding is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. The management of gastrointestinal bleeding is often challenging, depending on its location and severity. To date, widely accepted hemostatic treatment options include injection of epinephrine and tissue adhesives such as cyanoacrylate, ablative therapy with contact modalities such as thermal coagulation with heater probe and bipolar hemostatic forceps, noncontact modalities such as photodynamic therapy and argon plasma coagulation, and mechanical hemostasis with band ligation, endoscopic hemoclips, and over-the-scope clips. These approaches, albeit effective in achieving hemostasis, are associated with a 5-10% rebleeding risk. New simple, effective, universal, and safe methods are needed to address some of the challenges posed by the current endoscopic hemostatic techniques. The use of a novel hemostatic powder spray appears to be effective and safe in controlling upper and lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Although initial reports of hemostatic powder spray as an innovative approach to manage gastrointestinal bleeding are promising, further studies are needed to support and confirm its efficacy and safety. The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical feasibility, clinical efficacy, and safety of hemostatic powder spray (Hemospray, Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA) as a new method for managing gastrointestinal bleeding. In this review article, we performed an extensive literature search summarizing case reports and case series of Hemospray for the management of gastrointestinal bleeding. Indications, features, technique, deployment, success rate, complications, and limitations are discussed. The combined technical and clinical success rate of Hemospray was 88.5% (207/234) among the human subjects and 81.8% (9/11) among the porcine models studied. Rebleeding occurred within 72 hours post-treatment in 38 patients (38/234; 16.2%) and in three porcine models (3/11; 27.3%). No procedure-related adverse events were associated with the use of Hemospray. Hemospray appears to be a safe and effective approach in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding.