Effectiveness and safety of EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy using lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS): a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDD) is emerging as an alternative technique for biliary drainage in patients who fail conventional endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) are being increasingly used for CDD. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of CDD using LAMS. METHODS: We performed a systematic search of multiple databases through May 2019 to identify studies on CDD using covered self-expanding metal stents. Pooled rates of technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and recurrent jaundice associated with CDD using LAMS were estimated. A subgroup analysis was performed based on use of LAMS with electrocautery-enhanced delivery system (EC-LAMS). RESULTS: Seven studies on CDD using LAMS (with 284 patients) were included in the meta-analysis. Pooled rates of technical and clinical success (per-protocol analysis) were 95.7% (95% CI 93.2-98.1) and 95.9% (95% CI 92.8-98.9), respectively. Pooled rate of post-procedure adverse events was 5.2% (95% CI 2.6-7.9). Pooled rate of recurrent jaundice was 8.7% (95% CI 4.5-12.8). On subgroup analysis of CDD using EC-LAMS (5 studies with 201 patients), the pooled rates of technical and clinical success (per-protocol analysis) were 93.8% (95% CI 90.4-97.1) and 95.9% (95% CI 91.9-99.9), respectively. Pooled rate of post-procedure adverse events was 5.6% (95% CI 1.7-9.5). Pooled rate of recurrent jaundice was 11.3% (95% CI 6.9-15.7). Heterogeneity (I2) was low to moderate in the analyses. CONCLUSION: CDD using LAMS/EC-LAMS is an effective and safe technique for biliary decompression in patients who failed ERCP. Further studies are needed to assess CDD using LAMS as primary treatment modality for biliary obstruction.

Beyond palliation: using EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy with a lumen-apposing metal stent as a bridge to surgery. a case series.

We present five cases of pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PPPD) after endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD) using a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) as a bridge to surgery in patients with resectable distal malignant biliary obstruction and failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The patients underwent an EUS-CD using EC-LAMS, the bile duct being accessed using the transbulbar approach. The technical success rate of EUS-CD was 100%. No procedure-related adverse events occurred. All patients underwent PPPD with a technical success rate of 100%. The presence of a transduodenal LAMS did not impede surgery. No biliary or duodenal fistula occurred in the patients. Pancreatic fistulas with late bleeding were observed in two patients (one fatal). These few cases indicate that PPPD after EUS-CD using LAMS is feasible and safe. EUS-CD should be performed irrespective of the stage of the disease, also for patients fit for surgery. Additional larger prospective studies are required to confirm this preliminary data, in particular for possible interference with postoperative outcomes.

Oesophageal stent placement to treat a massive iatrogenic duodenal defect after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Iatrogenic duodenal injury occurring during laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is managed surgically, though rarely a large, persistent fistula is refractory to surgical interventions. We present the case of a 40-year-old woman transferred to our centre following elective LC for a reported perforated duodenal ulcer. An uncontained leak was found to originate from a 1.5 cm duodenal defect, with no evidence of ulceration. A duodenostomy tube was placed. One month after abdominal closure, the patient continued to have a persistent, large duodenal fistula. A through-the-scope covered oesophageal stent was placed under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance. Five weeks later, it was successfully retrieved and no subsequent extravasation of contrast from the duodenum was noted. Unrecognised iatrogenic duodenal injuries sustained during LC can be catastrophic. In cases of massive duodenal defects and high-output biliary fistula uncontrolled after surgical intervention, endoscopic-guided and fluoroscopic-guided placement of a fully covered oesophageal stent may be lifesaving.

Endoscopic ultrasound-assisted transmural cholecystoduodenostomy or cholecystogastrostomy as a bridge for per-oral cholecystoscopy therapy using double-flanged fully covered metal stent.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) has become the 'gold standard' for the treatment of symptomatic gallstones. Innovative methods are being introduced, and these procedures include transgastric or transcolonic endoscopic cholecystectomy. However, before clinical implementation, instruments still need modification, and a more convenient treatment is still needed. Moreover, some gallbladders still have good functionality and cholecystectomy may be associated with various complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate the trans-gastrointestinal tract cholecystoscopy technique in the treatment of gallbladder disease without cholecystectomy. METHOD: Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided cholecystoduodenostomy or cholecystogastrostomy with the placement of a double-flanged fully covered metal stent was performed and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) was also performed during this procedure for those patients with accompanying common bile duct stones. One or two weeks later the stent was removed and an endoscope was advanced into the gallbladder via the fistula, and cholecystolithotomy or polyp resection was performed. Four weeks later gallbladder was assessed by abdominal ultrasound. RESULTS: EUS guided cholecystoduodenostomy (n = 3) or cholecystogastrostomy (n = 4) with double flanged mental stent deployment was successfully performed in all of 7 patients. After the procedure, fistulas had formed in each of the patients and the stents were removed. Endoscopic cholecystolithotomy(7) and polyps resection(2) were successfully performed through the fistulas. Common bile duct stones were also successfully removed in 5 patients. The ultrasound examination of the gallbladder 4 weeks later showed no stones remaining and also showed satisfactory functioning of the gallbladder. CONCLUSION: The EUS-guided placement of a novel metal stent is a safe and simple approach for performing an endoscopic cholecystoduodenostomy or cholecystogastrostomy, which can subsequently allow procedures to be performed for treating biliary disease, including cholecystolithotomy.

Ex vivo comparison of the lumen-apposing properties of EUS-specific stents (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several EUS-specific stents have become available. It has been claimed that some of these stents have lumen-apposing properties, but objective data measuring such properties are not available. The aim of this study is to measure the lumen-apposing force (LAF) of these stents. METHODS: The LAF of 3 EUS-specific metallic stents (stents A, N, and S) were compared in an ex vivo setting. Four types of anastomoses were performed with the stents including cholecysto-duodenal, cholecysto-gastric, gastro-gastric, and gastro-jejunal and compared with a hand-sewn (HS) equivalent of the anastomosis. The outcome parameter was the LAF created by each type of stent. RESULTS: Sixty-four anastomoses were created. The overall mean (standard deviation) LAFs were significantly higher for stents A and S (P < .001). This difference persisted regardless of the type of anastomosis: gastro-gastric (P = .002), gastro-jejunal (P = .005), cholecysto-gastric (P = .002), and cholecysto-jejunal (P = .003). The differences in LAF created by each type of stent across different types of anastomoses were also compared. A trend to significance was observed in the anastomoses created by stent N (P = .064) and stent A (P =.052); a significant difference in LAF was observed among different anastomoses created by stent S (P = .015). The LAF created by HS anastomosis was significantly higher than that for all stents across all anastomoses. CONCLUSIONS: Stents A and S had a higher LAF. The use of these stents should be considered when performing EUS-guided transmural luminal anastomoses in non-adherent organs. Further studies are required to confirm the clinical efficacies of these EUS-specific stents.

Different possible surgical managements of caustic ingestion: diagnostic laparoscopy for Zargar's grade 3a lesions and a new technique of "Duodenal Damage Control" with "4-tubes ostomy" and duodenal wash-out as an option for extensive 3b lesions in unstable patients.

In the present study, we have described two possible approaches in the management of caustic injuries. Diagnostic emergency laparoscopy can be used for exploration in case of stable patients with Zargar's 3a gastric lesions and equivocal peritoneal signs. On the other hand, in case of patients with Zargar's 3b gastric lesions with perforation, diffuse peritonitis and hemodynamic instability, a new possible technique is described as an option to be used in such extensive caustic injuries: duodenal damage control with "4-tubes ostomy" for duodenal and jejunal wash-out of the caustic agent. The aim of this simple technique is to wash-out the caustic agent from the duodenum when the duodenum and Treitz are not yet gangrenous/perforated, as well as to avoid duodenal primary closure and jejuno-jejunal anastomosis over damaged tissues.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledoco-duodenostomy as an alternative to percutaneous trans-hepatic cholangiography.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) is an alternative to percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) drainage in patients with an obstructed biliary system where conventional endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) has been unsuccessful. METHODS: Five EUS-CDS procedures were reviewed to assess whether successful decompression was achieved and maintained. RESULTS: There was technical success in each instance with no immediate complications. There was a significant fall in the median bilirubin of 164 mmol/l. The median follow-up was 44 days. In one patient the stent migrated with no adverse outcome. CONCLUSION: EUS-CDS is a viable alternative to PTC with fewer complications and comparable success rates. EUS-CDS may offer a future route for novel therapeutic advances.

Intracorporeal Billroth-I anastomosis using a circular stapler by the abdominal wall lifting method in laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) has recently been accepted as a preferred surgical procedure for patient with early gastric cancer. The Billroth-I method has been performed widely because of physiologic advantages and technical simplicity. METHODS: Since September 2007, we performed standardized LADG for 35 patients with early gastric cancer. Of these 35 patients, 27 patients were reconstructed by Billroth-I anastomosis. Gastroduodenostomy was performed under direct vision for 11 patients (extracorporeal) and remaining 16 patients were anastomosed under laparoscopic vision facilitated by abdominal wall lifting with a right angle retractor (intracorporeal). RESULTS: The mean duration of the anastomosis procedure was 17 and 20 minutes in extracorporeal and intracorporeal patients, respectively. The abdominal lifting method with a right angle retractor provided a good visual field without reestablishing pneumoperitoneum. The laparoscopic fine view could prevent surrounding fatty tissues and organs from intervening between the anastomosis planes and consequently guided an accurate and safe anastomosis. Neither anastomotic-related nor pancreatic-related complication was observed in this series. CONCLUSIONS: This anastomotic technique should be useful as an easy and safe reconstruction method in LADG and is especially recommendable for less-experienced laparoscopic gastric surgeons.

Laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy in the neonate.

BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive procedures are performed in neonates for an ever-expanding list of congenital anomalies. The laparoscopic repair of duodenal atresia and stenosis in the neonate is one such indication. METHOD: We report our experience with the laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy for duodenal atresia and stenosis in the neonate over the past 4 years. A retrospective chart review was conducted on all cases of duodenal atresia and stenosis diagnosed at our center between January 2004 and January 2008. RESULTS: Seventeen neonates underwent laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy successfully during the period. Patient weight at surgery ranged from 1.35 to 3.75 kg. Most were operated on within the first week of life. Many had associated anomalies. There were no conversions to an open procedure, no intraoperative complications, and no anastomotic leaks observed. Time to full feeds averaged 12 days. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic duodenoduodenostomy in the neonate can be safely and successfully performed with excellent short-term outcome.

Role of robotic gastrectomy using da Vinci system compared with laparoscopic gastrectomy: initial experience of 20 consecutive cases.

BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery was invented to overcome the demerits of laparoscopic surgery. However, the role of robotic surgery in gastrectomy has rarely been reported. This study aimed to evaluate the use of robot-assisted distal subtotal gastrectomy to facilitate surgical training for gastric cancer. METHODS: Twenty gastric cancer patients who underwent robotic gastrectomy from July 2005 to November 2006 were compared with 20 initial patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy from May 2003 to August 2003 and 20 recent patients who underwent laparoscopic subtotal gastrectomy during the same period as the 20 robotic gastrectomy procedures by the same surgeon. RESULT: All 60 patients underwent subtotal gastrectomies with gastroduodenostomy without open or laparoscopic conversion. Operation time for robotic gastrectomy, initial laparoscopic gastrectomy, and recent laparoscopic gastrectomy was 230 min (range 171-312 min), 289.5 min (range 190-450 min), and 134.1 min (range 90-260 min). The number of retrieved lymph nodes was 35.3 +/- 10.5, 31.5 +/- 17.1, and 42.7 +/- 14.9, respectively. Hospital stay was 5.7, 7.7, and 6.2 days, respectively. Postoperative complication occurred in two patients in recent laparoscopic gastrectomy and one patient each in robotic and initial laparoscopic gastrectomy. CONCLUSION: In this context, it could be assumed that experienced laparoscopic surgeons could perform robotic gastrectomy with a certain level of skill, even in initial series.

A life-saving but inadequately discussed procedure: tube duodenostomy. Known and unknown aspects.

OBJECTIVE: The most successful method of managing the difficult duodenum, including the stump leakage, has been the tube duodenostomy technique, but it has not gained wide acceptance and is rarely used. The purpose of this study is to describe the details of the procedure for indication, technical approach, and postoperative care. METHODS: During the period from 1998 to 2006, a tube duodenostomy was performed in 31 patients for possible insecure duodenal stump closure during gastric resection, postoperative duodenal stump leakage, duodenal leak after primary closure of duodenum for perforation or injury, or anostomotic leak after choledochoduodenostomy. All of the tube duodenostomies were performed through the open end of the duodenum. We also inserted a T-tube into the common bile duct in 19 of 31 patients (61.2 %) with tube duodenostomy. RESULTS: A tube duodenostomy was performed in the primary operation in 15 of 31 patients. None of those 15 patients required a second operation, and there were no leaks and no deaths. Among the larger group (31 patients), there was one (3.2 %) duodenal stump leak after tube duodenostomy, and it ceased spontaneously; one patient had a subhepatic collection after removal of the duodenostomy tube, and three patients had associated incisional infections. Two patients died; one after a myocardial infarction and the other from irreversible sepsis. The mean length of hospital stay was 26.9 days. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that tube duodenostomy is a simple, effective, and safe method to prevent rupture of an insecure duodenal stump or to treat the leakage from the duodenal stump or primary repair on the duodenum.

Placement of a low-profile duodenostomy and jejunostomy device in five dogs.

Five male crossbred dogs successfully underwent surgical placement of button enterostomy tubes to evaluate the placement technique, maintenance and complications of these tubes. Surgical placement was quick, technically straightforward and similar to techniques used for other feeding tubes. None of the dogs experienced life-threatening complications during the 10 month follow-up period. One device required replacement as it was removed by the dog before a permanent fistula had formed. Open tubes due to loose safety plugs and focal cellulitis surrounding the exit sites of these tubes were noted in all dogs. The button tube may be a feasible option for long-term nutritional support in patients with pancreatic, hepatobiliary or gastrointestinal conditions.