High rate of post-ERCP pancreatitis in patients undergoing endoscopic treatment of benign biliary stricture.

INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Endoscopic treatment is the best option for patients with postsurgical stricture of main biliary duct. There is scarce information about the incidence of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications in this condition. The aim was to evaluate the incidence of complications and the associated risk factors in patients undergoing ERCP for postcholecystectomy biliary stricture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective analysis of patients with postsurgical stenosis of main biliary duct was carried out. Rate of post-ERCP complications was determined and the associated risk factors were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 25 patients were included. The success rate of endoscopic treatment was 92% (n=23). Two patients had recurrence of stricture with median follow-up of 23 months (range, 0.3 to 65.4 mo). Five patients (20%) developed acute pancreatitis after ERCP. No risk factors were detected in multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Incidence of post-ERCP pancreatitis is high in patients with biliary stricture associated with surgical procedures.

Efficacy and tolerability of low-volume (2 L) versus single- (4 L) versus split-dose (2 L + 2 L) polyethylene glycol bowel preparation for colonoscopy: randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of a low-volume (2-L) polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimen for colonoscopy compared to single (4-L) or split-dose (2-L + 2-L) regimens. METHODS: In-hospital patients who were candidates for colonoscopy were randomly assigned to: group 1 single-dose (PEG 4 L the day before the study, n = 60); group 2: split-dose (2 L the day before and 2 L on the day of the procedure, n = 61); and group 3: low-volume 2-L PEG solution (the day of the procedure, n = 59). A blinded evaluation of the quality of colonic preparation was assessed by the Boston bowel preparation scale. RESULTS: Satisfactory bowel preparation of the right colon was more frequently reported for group 3 than for group 1 (70% vs 53%, P = 0.045), in the transverse colon it was 82% versus 69% (P = 0.032), and on the left side of the colon it was 80% versus 67.7% (P = 0.028). Compared to group 2, satisfactory bowel preparation in group 3 was similar in the transverse colon and left colon. Nausea, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort were less frequent in patients of group 3. Patients in group 3 had fewer sleep disorders and fewer hours of sleep loss compared to patients in the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: Preparation with 2 L caused less abdominal discomfort and fewer sleep disorders. The split dose had a better quality of preparation in the right colon. Both preparations were clearly better than the 4-L preparation.

Diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of rectal retroflexion: a prospective, single-blind study conducted in three centers.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: No clear data have been established and validated regarding whether rectal retroflexion has an important and therapeutic impact. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact of rectal retroflexion compared with straight view examination. METHODS: A prospective single-blind study was conducted. Consecutive patients evaluated between October 2011 and April 2012 were included. RESULTS: A total of 934 patients (542 women, 58%) were included. The mean age was 57.4±14.8 years. Retroflexion was successful in 917 patients (98.2%). Distinct lesions in the anorectal area were detected in 32 patients (3.4%), of which 10 (1%) were identified only on retroflex view and 22 (2.4%) on both straight and retroflex views. Of the 32 identified lesions, 16 (50%) were polyps, nine (28.1%) were angiodysplasias, six (18.8%) were ulcers, and one (3.1%) was a flat lesion. All 10 patients (1%) in whom lesions were detected only by rectal retroflexion showed a therapeutic impact. CONCLUSIONS: Rectal retroflexion has minimal diagnostic yield and therapeutic impact. However, its low rate of major complications and the possibility of detecting lesions undetectable by straight viewing justify its use.