American Gastroenterological Association Institute Guideline on the Medical Management of Microscopic Colitis

This article has an accompanying continuing medical education activity on page e17. Learning Objective: Upon completion of this test, successful learners will be able to: (1) learn first-line treatment for the induction of remission in microscopic colitis; (2) identify the expected clinical benefi ts and adverse effects of induction therapy for microscopic colitis; (3) understand the in-dications for and dosing of maintenance therapy for microscopic colitis; (4) consider medications that may precipitate microscopic colitis especially in those who are refractory to medical therapy; and (5) become familiar with treatment strategies for microscopic colitis refractory to first-line therapy.

Photodynamic therapy of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) of the main pancreatic duct is usually treated by surgical excision of the affected pancreas. Nonoperative ablative therapies have not been described. We treated IPMN of the pancreatic duct with photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a patient who was a poor operative candidate. Porfimer sodium was administered intravenously, and laser light was delivered by a diffusing catheter placed in the pancreatic duct during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Imaging and biopsy findings of IPMN resolved after PDT, and symptoms also resolved. Metastatic cancer was diagnosed 2 years after PDT had been initiated. Pancreatic PDT was well tolerated in this case, and may be a therapeutic option for selected patients with IPMN of the main pancreatic duct.

Metabolic and target organ outcomes after total pancreatectomy: Mayo Clinic experience and meta-analysis of the literature.

INTRODUCTION: Total pancreatectomy (TP) has been associated with substantial metabolic abnormalities and poor glycaemic control limiting its use. Because data reported to date are limited, we evaluated outcomes related to the diabetes mellitus obligated by TP. METHODS: A case series study of all patients who underwent TP from 01/01/1985 to 12/31/2006 at Mayo Clinic was conducted. TP cases were summarized according to perioperative procedures, mortality and morbidity after TP. To complement this retrospective examination, a survey was developed to measure DM treatment modality, target organ failure and complications in patients alive in 2007. We performed a meta-analysis to compare our results with similar previous studies and provide overall estimates of outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 141 cases were studied (97 malignant diseases, 44 benign diseases). The median survival was much less for malignant pathology (2·2 vs 8·7 years, Log rank P = 0·0009). In 2007, there were 59 patients that were presumed alive and 47 (80%) responded to the survey. Mean HbA1c at last follow-up was 7·5% with 89% of respondents on a complex insulin programme (mean daily insulin requirement 35 ± 13 units). Episodic hypoglycaemia was experienced by 37 (79%); 15 (41%) experienced severe hypoglycaemia. In contrast, diabetic ketoacidosis developed in only 2 (4%). Target organ complications and chronic diarrhoea developed in 13 patients (28%) each. CONCLUSION: The primary factor determining survival after TP is the aetiology necessitating TP, i.e. pancreatic malignancy. Most respondents used complex insulin programmes, but hypoglycaemia continues to be a problem.

Dilation of proximal esophageal strictures following therapy for head and neck cancer: experience with Savary Gilliard dilators.

BACKGROUND: There is little information on dilation of proximal strictures following surgical and/or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. We studied the feasibility and efficacy of dilating proximal strictures following therapy for head and neck cancer using Savary Gilliard dilators. METHODS: Twenty-one consecutive patients with proximal strictures resulting from surgery and/or radiation therapy of head and neck cancer were studied. Savary Gilliard dilation was performed using the standard and a modified method. Dysphagia was graded before and after dilation using a 5-point scale. RESULTS: Technical success, dysphagia relief, complications, and duration of relief were noted. Technical success was achieved in 20 (95%) patients. Adequate dysphagia relief was obtained in 15/20 (75%) patients, which lasted for 4-36 weeks (median 14 weeks). There were no perforations, bleeding, or deaths. Four patients required repeat dilation after a median interval of 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Savary Gilliard dilation is a safe and effective method for dilating strictures caused by therapy for head and neck cancer.

The role of intraluminal radiotherapy and concurrent 5-fluorouracil infusion in the management of carcinoma esophagus: a pilot study.

Fifty patients with carcinoma of the esophagus were entered in a randomized pilot study to test the efficacy of intraluminal radiotherapy (ILRT) and concurrent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) infusion. The median age was 65 years, with 80% having middle third lesions; in 62%, the lesions were longer than 5 cm. After external beam therapy of 50 Gy in 5 weeks, patients were randomized to receive chemotherapy. Significant improvement in dysphagia was recorded in 76% patients with complete response in 47 cases ranging from 6 to 27 months. The overall survival at 2 years was 15% with ILRT alone versus 22% with ILRT plus 5-FU infusion.