Current practice of periprocedural haematological management for patients undergoing image-guided procedures.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate current UK practice of periprocedural haematological management for image-guided procedures in relation to Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society guidelines, which provide recommendations according to bleeding risk of procedures from Category 1 (lowest) to 3 (highest). METHODS: Survey of practice in UK radiology departments conducted over a 1-year period RESULTS: 48 radiology departments responded. The percentage of departments that stop antithrombotics pre-procedurally are as follows (for Category 1, 2 and 3, respectively): aspirin (31.3%, 43.8%, 54.2%); clopidogrel (54.2%, 68.8%, 72.9%); therapeutic low-molecular-weight heparin (56.3%, 77.1%, 75.0%). The percentage of departments that perform pre-procedural laboratory testing are as follows (for Category 1, 2 and 3, respectively): international normalized ratio (INR; 81.3%, 95.8%, 93.8%); activated partial thrombin time ratio (APTTR; 60.4%, 75.0%, 93.8%); platelet (77.1%, 91.7%, 95.7%); haemoglobin (70.8%, 85.4%, 87.5%). Mean threshold (standard deviation) of laboratory results for conducting procedures (Level 1, 2 and 3, respectively) are as follows: INR [1.53 (0.197), 1.47 (0.186), 1.47 (0.188)]; APTTR [1.50 (0.392), 1.50 (0.339), 1.48 (0.344)]; platelet count (x10(3) cells per microlitre) [74.4 (28.7), 79.9 (29.1), 80.5 (29.3)]; haemoglobin (grams per decilitre) [9.05 (1.40), 9.00 (1.33), 8.92 (1.21)]. No department practices conformed to current recommendations for (1) pre-procedural cessation of antithrombotics and (2) pre-procedural laboratory testing. Two (4.2%) department practices conformed to recommendations for thresholds of haematological parameters. CONCLUSION: Current peri-procedural haematological management is variable and often does not conform to existing recommendations. Further research into the impact of this variation in practice on patient outcome is required. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study demonstrates wide variation in practice in haematological management for image-guided procedures.

Percutaneous cystgastrostomy as a single-step procedure.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the success of percutaneous transgastric cystgastrostomy as a single-step procedure. We performed a retrospective analysis of single-step percutaneous transgastric cystgastrostomy carried out in 12 patients (8 male, 4 female; mean age 44 years; range 21-70 years), between 2002 and 2007, with large symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts for whom up to 1-year follow-up data (mean 10 months) were available. All pseudocysts were drained by single-step percutaneous cystgastrostomy with the placement of either one or two stents. The procedure was completed successfully in all 12 patients. The pseudocysts showed complete resolution on further imaging in 7 of 12 patients with either enteric passage of the stent or stent removal by endoscopy. In 2 of 12 patients, the pseudocysts showed complete resolution on imaging, with the stents still noted in situ. In 2 of 12 patients, the pseudocysts became infected after 1 month and required surgical intervention. In 1 of 12 patients, the pseudocyst showed partial resolution on imaging, but subsequently reaccumulated and later required external drainage. In our experience, percutaneous cystgastrostomy as a single-step procedure has a high success rate and good short-term outcomes over 1-year follow-up and should be considered in the treatment of large symptomatic cysts.

Urological injuries following trauma.

Blunt renal trauma is the third most common injury in abdominal trauma following splenic and hepatic injuries, respectively. In the majority, such injuries are associated with other abdominal organ injuries. As urological injuries are not usually life-threatening, and clinical signs and symptoms are non-specific, diagnosis is often delayed. We present a practical approach to the diagnosis and management of these injuries based on our experience in a busy inner city trauma hospital with a review of the current evidence-based practice. Diagnostic imaging signs are illustrated.

Transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts: long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transvaginal aspiration of ovarian cysts has been advocated as a viable alternative to surgery in patients who are high-risk surgical candidates. We describe a retrospective study evaluating the results of transvaginal aspirations of benign ovarian cysts in patients at increased surgical risk, focusing on long-term follow-up for recurrence of the cyst and/or development of malignancy. METHODS: Twenty-four women with ovarian cysts underwent 34 transvaginal drainages between October 1998 and December 2004. All patients were referred following diagnosis of a persistent ovarian cyst with a benign appearance on ultrasound. All patients were unsuitable candidates for surgery (history of previous pelvic surgery, n = 21; high risk for anesthesia, n = 1; and unsuitable for laparoscopy due to obesity, n = 2). Patients with a history of pregnancy, acute abdominal symptoms, or previous gynecologic malignancy were excluded. A 20G x 20 cm Chiba needle was used for transvaginal aspiration using an endocavity probe (Acuson XP, Mountain View, CA, USA; Siemens Sololine, Erlangen, Germany) and intravenous sedoanalgesia. Cysts were aspirated to dryness. RESULTS: Long-term follow-up of patients was performed and revealed a recurrence rate of 75%. Eighty-three percent of cysts on the left and 42% of those on the right recurred. Nine of 15 (60%) patients with recurrence required further intervention. Two of 9 underwent surgical intervention only, 4 of 9 had repeat transvaginal aspiration(s) performed, and 3 of 9 had a combination of both transvaginal aspiration and surgery. No patient developed ovarian malignancy. CONCLUSION: Transvaginal cyst aspiration has many advantages including short hospital stay, rapid recovery, excellent patient tolerance, and a low rate of procedure-related complications. Our study demonstrates that ovarian cyst recurrence following transvaginal drainage is a more significant problem than previously documented, especially if the cyst is on the left side. However, when recurrences do occur, repeat transvaginal aspirations may be considered in the symptomatic patient.

A prospective comparison of two types of tunneled hemodialysis catheters: the Ash Split versus the PermCath.

PURPOSE: In a prospective randomized study a standard dual-tip hemodialysis catheter (PermCath, Sherwood Medical, St. Louis, MO, USA) was compared with a newer split-lumen catheter (Ash Split, Medcomp, Harleysville, PA, USA). METHODS: Sixty-nine patients (42 men, 27 women; mean age 62 years) were randomized to receive either the Ash Split (AS) or the PermCath (PC) catheter. The catheters were inserted into the internal jugular vein. The primary outcome evaluated was blood flow measurements during the first six hemodialysis sessions. Secondary outcomes included: technical difficulties encountered at insertion, early complications and late complications requiring catheter removal or exchange. RESULTS: A total of 69 hemodialysis catheters, 33 AS and 36 PC, were successfully inserted in the internal jugular vein (right 60, left 9) of 69 patients. Mean blood flow during dialysis (Qb) was 270.75 ml/min and 261.86 ml/hr for the AS and PC groups respectively (p = 0.27). Mean duration of catheter use was 111.7 days (range 5.4-548.9 days) and 141.2 days (range 7.0-560.9 days) in the AS and PC groups respectively (p = 0.307). Catheter failures leading to removal or exchange occurred in 20 patients: 14 in the AS group and six in the PC group. Survival curves with censored endpoints (i.e., recovery, arteriovenous fistula formation, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation) showed significantly better outcome with PermCath catheters (p = 0.024). There was no significant difference in ease of insertion or early complication rates. CONCLUSION: The Ash Split catheter allows increased rates of blood flow during hemodialysis but this increase was not significant at the beginning (p = 0.21) or end (p = 0.27) of the first six hemodialysis sessions. The Ash Split catheter is more prone to minor complications, particularly dislodgment, than the PermCath catheter.

Informed consent for interventional radiology procedures: a survey detailing current European practice.

PURPOSE: Official recommendations for obtaining informed consent for interventional radiology procedures are that the patient gives their consent to the operator more than 24 hr prior to the procedure. This has significant implications for interventional radiology practice. The purpose of this study was to identify the proportion of European interventional radiologists who conform to these guidelines. METHODS: A questionnaire was designed consisting of 12 questions on current working practice and opinions regarding informed consent. These questions related to where, when and by whom consent was obtained from the patient. Questions also related to the use of formal consent forms and written patient information leaflets. Respondents were asked whether they felt patients received adequate explanation regarding indications for intervention, the procedure, alternative treatment options and complications. The questionnaire was distributed to 786 European interventional radiologists who were members of interventional societies. The anonymous replies were then entered into a database and analyzed. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-four (32.3%) questionnaires were returned. Institutions were classified as academic (56.7%), non-academic (40.5%) or private (2.8%). Depending on the procedure, in a significant proportion of patients consent was obtained in the outpatient department (22%), on the ward (65%) and in the radiology day case ward (25%), but in over half (56%) of patients consent or re-consent was obtained in the interventional suite. Fifty percent of respondents indicated that they obtain consent more than 24 hr before some procedures, in 42.9% consent is obtained on the morning of the procedure and 48.8% indicated that in some patients consent is obtained immediately before the procedure. We found that junior medical staff obtained consent in 58% of cases. Eighty-two percent of respondents do not use specific consent forms and 61% have patient information leaflets. The majority of respondents were satisfied with their level of explanation regarding indications for treatment (69.3%) and the procedure (78.7%). Fifty-nine percent felt patients understood alternative treatment options. Only 37.8% of radiologists document possible complications in the patient's chart. Comments from respondents indicated that there is insufficient time for radiologists to obtain consent in all patients. Suggestions to improve current local policies included developing the role of radiology nursing staff and the use of radiology outpatient clinics. CONCLUSIONS: More than 50% of respondents are unhappy with their policies for obtaining informed consent. Interventional societies have a role to play in advocating formal consent guidelines.

Displacement of occluded plastic endoprostheses into the duodenum during percutaneous biliary drainage: description of an under-reported technique.

AIM: Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) is occasionally requested in patients with an occluded plastic stent in situ. We describe a technique for dislodging the stent into the duodenum during PTBD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients (M:F, 9:3 mean age 70 years) with plastic stents in the common bile duct (CBD) underwent PTBD. Eleven patients had malignant obstruction and one patient had Mirizzi's syndrome and a large duodenal diverticulum. PTBD was performed using right lobe access in nine patients and a left hepatic access in three patients. The level of biliary obstruction was at the lower CBD in five patients, mid-CBD in four patients and upper CBD in three patients. After standard percutaneous biliary access was established, an 8mm by 4 cm balloon catheter was gently inflated alongside the upper end of the plastic stent and advanced over a stiff guidewire, towards the duodenum, to dislodge the plastic stent. RESULTS: Plastic stents were successfully dislodged in all 11 patients with malignancy and metallic stents were deployed for palliation. In nine of 11 patients with malignant lesions the PTBD dislodgement of the plastic stent and insertion of a metallic stent was carried out as a single-step procedure. In two patients with biliary sepsis, a two-step procedure was necessary. In the patient with Mirizzi's syndrome the plastic stent could not be dislodged. No complications were observed. CONCLUSION: Plastic stents, inserted at ERCP, can be dislodged in the majority of cases at PTBD using a balloon catheter inserted alongside the failed stent without complication.

Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy with and without T-fastener gastropexy: a randomized comparison study.

PURPOSE: T-fastener gastropexy is used by many interventional radiologists during percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) placement. Whether gastropexy is a prerequisite to safe gastrostomy placement is uncertain. We evaluated the use of T-fastener gastropexy versus no gastropexy for PRG in a prospective, randomized study. METHODS: Of 90 consecutive patients referred for PRG, 48 were randomly selected to receive T-fastener gastropexy (M:F, 35:13; mean age 62 years, range 20-90 years) and 42 to receive no gastropexy (M:F, 31:11; mean age 63 years, range 40-90 years). Technical difficulties and fluoroscopy times were recorded for both groups and all patients were followed up for postprocedural complications. T-fasteners were removed between 3 and 7 days after gastrostomy insertion. RESULTS: A major complication was encountered in four patients from the non-gastropexy group (10%). In these cases the guidewire and dilator "flipped" out of the stomach into the peritoneal cavity. This resulted in misplacement of the gastrostomy tube in the peritoneal cavity in two of the patients. This was discovered at the end of the procedure when a test injection of contrast medium was performed. In three of these patients the procedure was rescued and completed radiologically. One patient underwent endoscopic gastrostomy placement. Five of 48 patients (10%) who received a gastropexy had pain associated with the T-fastener sites. Six patients (13%) had skin excoriation at the T-fastener sites. No skin complications were seen in the non-gastropexy group. No statistical difference in fluoroscopy time was observed between the two groups. CONCLUSION: Our experience of PRG without T-fastener gastropexy involved a 10% incidence of serious technical complications. We suggest that T-fastener gastropexy should be performed routinely for all PRG procedures. T-fastener gastropexy has an associated minor complication of pain and skin excoriation at the gastrostomy site which resolves on removing the T-fasteners.

Predictive value of internal anal sphincter thickness for diagnosis of rectal intussusception in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine any association between a thickened internal anal sphincter (IAS) on anal endosonography and high-grade rectal intussusception on evacuation proctography in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. METHODS: Anal endosonography was performed in 20 patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and IAS thickness defined as normal or abnormal depending on age. Sphincter thickness was compared with the presence or absence of high-grade intussusception on subsequent evacuation proctography to determine any relationship between the two. RESULTS: Thirteen patients had an abnormally thick IAS, two of whom were unable to evacuate. Of the remaining 11 patients, ten showed high-grade intussusception (positive predictive value 91 per cent). Only three of seven patients with a normal IAS had high-grade intussusception (negative predictive value 57 per cent). Patients with a thick IAS were significantly more likely to have proctographic evidence of high-grade intussusception (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Sonographic findings of a thick IAS are highly predictive for high-grade rectal intussusception in patients with solitary rectal ulcer syndrome.

A comparison of methods for enhancing the detection of areas of decreased attenuation on CT caused by airways disease.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to investigate thin section CT image enhancement of subtle areas of decreased attenuation of the lung parenchyma in suspected airways disease. METHOD: Forty-seven consecutive patients with chronic sputum production underwent pulmonary function tests and high resolution CT (HRCT). Single section inspiratory (INSP), expiratory (EXP), and minimum intensity projection (MINIP) images through the lower lobes were acquired. A histogram stretch was applied to the INSP and MINIP images, generating two further image formats. The five image types were compared for the extent of decreased attenuation, observer confidence, and correlations with pulmonary function tests. RESULTS: Interobserver variation was lowest with MINIP images (mean weighted K: MINIP 0.70, INSP sections 0.65, other image formats < or =0.48). Observers were most confident with EXP and MINIP images. EXP sections identified more disease than MINIP images (p<0.001). Correlations with pulmonary function tests were similar for each image format. CONCLUSION: The HRCT changes of small airways disease are enhanced with image postprocessing. MINIP images are associated with increased observer confidence and agreement as compared with HRCT alone.