Use of fully covered self-expanding metal stents for the management of benign biliary conditions.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: biliary self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have the advantage of being inserted undeployed with very small sizes and provide, when fully opened, large diameters for biliary drainage. However, their use in benign conditions has been very limited, mainly because of difficulty in their extraction. We present our initial experience with a fully covered SEMS (Wallflex) for the management of benign problems of the bile duct. PATIENTS AND METHODS: in a prospective study, stents of 8 mm in diameter and 4, 6 or 8 cm long were inserted by means of ERCP. These SEMS were chosen when according to medical judgement it was thought that diameters greater than 10 French (3.3 mm) were needed for proper biliary drainage. Stents were extracted also endoscopically, several months later when deemed clinically appropriate. RESULTS: twenty biliary SEMS were inserted. Reasons for insertion were: large intrahepatic biliary fistula after hydatid cyst surgery (1), perforation of the papillary area following endoscopic sphincterotomy (2), coaxial insertion to achieve patency in obstructed uncovered stents inserted in benign conditions (3), benign strictures (7), multiple and large common bile duct stones that could not be extracted because of tapering and stricturing of the distal common bile duct (7). In all cases, successful biliary drainage was achieved and there were no complications from insertion. Stents were easily extracted after a mean time of 132 days (36-270) in place. Complete resolution of biliary problems was obtained in 14 patients (70%). CONCLUSIONS: in our initial experience, the fully covered Wallflex biliary stent was removed without any complication after being in place in the common bile duct for a mean time of over four months. Therefore, it could be used in the management of benign biliary conditions.

Utilización de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles totalmente recubiertas en procesos biliares benignos / No disponible

Introducción y objetivo: las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles biliares (PMAB) tienen la ventaja de introducirse plegadas con calibres muy pequeños y proporcionar, al abrirse completamente, diámetros grandes para el drenaje biliar. Su utilización en procesos benignos ha estado muy limitada, fundamentalmente por la dificultad en su extracción. Presentamos nuestra experiencia inicial con una PMAB totalmente recubierta (Wallflex) para tratar patología benigna de la vía biliar. Pacientes y métodos: en un estudio descriptivo prospectivo se insertaron por CPRE prótesis de 8 mm de diámetro y 4, 6 u 8 cm de longitud, cuando se consideró que para el drenaje biliar eran precisos diámetros superiores a 10 french (3,3 mm). Las prótesis se retiraron también por endoscopia varios meses después según se consideró oportuno clínicamente. Resultados: se insertaron 20 PMAB. Los motivos fueron: gran fístula biliar intrahepática tras cirugía de quiste hidatídico (1), perforación del área papilar por esfinterotomía endoscópica (2), recanalización de prótesis no recubiertas insertadas en procesos benignos (3), estenosis benignas (7), coledocolitiasis múltiples y de gran tamaño con afilamiento-estenosis del colédoco distal que no pudieron extraerse (7). En todos los casos se logró un drenaje biliar satisfactorio y no se produjeron complicaciones por la inserción. Las prótesis se extrajeron con facilidad a los 132 días de media (36-270). La resolución completa de los procesos se obtuvo en 14 pacientes (70%). Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia inicial, la prótesis Wallflex biliar totalmente recubierta pudo extraerse sin complicaciones tras permanecer en el colédoco hasta una media de más de cuatro meses, por lo que podría utilizarse en el tratamiento de procesos biliares benignos(AU)

Background and aim: biliary self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have the advantage of being inserted undeployed with very small sizes and provide, when fully opened, large diameters for biliary drainage. However, their use in benign conditions has been very limited, mainly because of difficulty in their extraction. We present our initial experience with a fully covered SEMS (Wallflex) for the management of benign problems of the bile duct. Patients and methods: in a prospective study, stents of 8 mm in diameter and 4, 6 or 8 cm long were inserted by means of ERCP. These SEMS were chosen when according to medical judgement it was thought that diameters greater than 10 French (3.3 mm) were needed for proper biliary drainage. Stents were extracted also endoscopically, several months later when deemed clinically appropriate. Results: twenty biliary SEMS were inserted. Reasons for insertion were: large intrahepatic biliary fistula after hydatid cyst surgery (1), perforation of the papillary area following endoscopic sphincterotomy (2), coaxial insertion to achieve patency in obstructed uncovered stents inserted in benign conditions (3), benign strictures (7), multiple and large common bile duct stones that could not be extracted because of tapering and stricturing of the distal common bile duct (7). In all cases, successful biliary drainage was achieved and there were no complications from insertion. Stents were easily extracted after a mean time of 132 days (36- 270) in place. Complete resolution of biliary problems was obtained in 14 patients (70%). Conclusions: in our initial experience, the fully covered Wallflex biliary stent was removed without any complication after being in place in the common bile duct for a mean time of over four months. Therefore, it could be used in the management of benign biliary conditions(AU)

Biliary sphincterotomy dilation for the extraction of difficult common bile duct stones

Background and aim: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) with biliary sphincterotomy (BS) is the usualmethod for extracting common bile duct stones. However, followingBS and by means of extraction balloons and Dormia baskets acomplete bile duct clearance cannot be achieved in all cases. Wepresent a study on the impact that hydrostatic balloon dilation of aprevious BS (BSD) may have in the extraction rate of choledocholithiasis.Patients and methods: a prospective study which included 91consecutive patients diagnosed with choledocholithiasis who underwentERCP. For stone removal, extraction balloons and Dormia basketswere used, and when necessary BSD was employed.Results: complete bile duct clearance was achieved in 86/91(94.5%) patients. BSD was used in 30 (33%) cases. In these cases,extraction was complete in 29/30 (97%); 23 (76%) patients in theBSD group had anatomic difficulties or bleeding disorders. Themost frequently used hydrostatic balloon diameter was 15 mm(60%). There were 7 (7.6%) complications: two self-limited hemorrhageepisodes in the BSD group and one episode of cholangitis,one of pancreatitis, and three of bleeding in the group inwhich BSD was not used.Conclusions: BSD is a very valuable tool for extracting commonbile duct stones. In our experience, there has been an increasein the extraction rate from 73% (Rev Esp Enferm Dig2002; 94: 340-50) to 94.5% (p = 0.0001, OR 0.1, CI 0.05-0.45), with no increase in complications(AU)

[Palliative management of malignant gastric outlet obstruction with endoscopically inserted self-expanding metal stents].

AIM AND BACKGROUND: the insertion of self-expanding metal stents to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction is a minimally invasive procedure that is being increasingly used. We discuss experience with this technique in a level-II hospital in the Spanish National Health System. PATIENTS AND METHODS: a retrospective five-year study (2003-2007) was conducted in 23 patients who underwent 27 procedures aimed at resolving malignant gastric outlet obstruction (mean, 0.45 procedures per month) using endoscopically inserted noncovered stents (Wallstent and Wallflex). RESULTS: insertion was technically feasible in all 27 (100%) attempts, with satisfactory clinical results in 25 cases (92.5%). Endoscopy alone was used 10 times (37%), and both endoscopy and fluoroscopy on 17 (63%) occasions. After stent insertion, one patient was intervened for treatment, and a patient with an unsuccessful prosthesis received a palliative surgical bypass. Four stents became obstructed by tumoral ingrowth, and patency was reestablished by inserting a new stent. Obstructive jaundice caused by stents covering the papilla of Vater occurred in three cases. There were no other complications or mortality due to the procedure. Mean survival was 104 days (range 28-400, SD +/- 94). CONCLUSIONS: in our experience endoscopic insertion of self-expanding metal stents appears to be a safe and efficient palliative method for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, and can be performed successfully in a center with our characteristics.

Long-term follow-up of patients with small-bowel angiodysplasia on capsule endoscopy. Determinants of a higher clinical impact and rebleeding rate.

BACKGROUND: the clinical impact of small-bowel angiodysplasia has not been defined. We present a prospective study to determine the features of individuals with a higher risk of rebleeding or a worse clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: thirty patients with angiodysplasia found on CE were included and followed for 12 months. Angiodysplasia were classified by their size as small ( 10 mm). We also studied angiodysplasia lesion numbers in each patient. Rebleeding was defined as a hemoglobin drop of more than 2 g/dl in the absence of melena or hematochezia in the case of occult GI bleeding, or with any or both manifestations. RESULTS: a therapeutic procedure was carried out in 13 patients (43.4%). Individuals with large angiodysplasia had higher transfusion requirements, a higher proportion of therapeutic procedure performed after CE, lower hemoglobin concentration, and a lower rebleeding rate. Patients with ten or more angiodysplasia lesions had also higher transfusion requirements and lower hemoglobin levels, but we found no differences in the number of therapeutic procedures or rebleeding rate between both groups. On follow up rebleeding was detected in 5 patients (16.7%), all of them with small angiodysplasias. Rebleeding was more frequent in patients who did not receive further interventions (23.53 vs. 7.69%; p = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS: angiodysplasia size >or= 10 mm determines a worse clinical impact and more possibilities of receiving a therapeutic procedure. Our findings support that patients with large lesions would benefit from therapeutic interventions with a reduction in rebleeding rate.

Tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción tumoral del vaciamiento gástrico con prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles insertadas endoscópicamente / No disponible

Antecedentes y objetivo: la inserción de prótesis metálicas autoexpandiblespara paliar la obstrucción tumoral del vaciamiento gástricoes un procedimiento mínimamente invasivo, que cada vez seutiliza con más frecuencia. Presentamos la experiencia de esta técnicaen un hospital de nivel II del Sistema Nacional de Salud.Pacientes y métodos: estudio retrospectivo de un periodo decinco años (2003-2007), en los que se trató de resolver la obstruccióntumoral del vaciamiento gástrico en 27 ocasiones a 23 pacientes(media de 0,45 procedimientos por mes), mediante la inserciónendoscópica de prótesis no recubiertas (Wallstent® y Wallflex®).Resultados: la inserción fue técnicamente posible en el 100%de los 27 intentos. Se obtuvo un buen resultado clínico en 25 ocasiones(92,5%). Se utilizó sólo endoscopia 10 (37%) veces y en lasotras 17 (63%) también fluoroscopia. Tras la inserción de la prótesisse intervino a un paciente con intención curativa y a otro, enel que la prótesis no funcionó, para realizar una derivación paliativa.Cuatro prótesis se obstruyeron por crecimiento tumoral, recanalizándosemediante la inserción de nuevas prótesis. En tres ocasionesse produjo ictericia obstructiva en prótesis que cubrían lapapila de Vater. No hubo otras complicaciones. Tampoco mortalidadderivada del procedimiento. La media de supervivencia fuede 104 días (rango 28-400, DE ± 94).Conclusiones: en nuestra experiencia, la inserción endoscópicade prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles parece un método seguroy eficaz en el tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción tumoraldel vaciamiento gástrico y puede llevarse a cabo con éxito en uncentro de nuestras características

Aim and background: the insertion of self-expanding metalstents to palliate malignant gastric outlet obstruction is a minimallyinvasive procedure that is being increasingly used. We discussexperience with this technique in a level-II hospital in the SpanishNational Health System.Patients and methods: a retrospective five-year study(2003-2007) was conducted in 23 patients who underwent 27procedures aimed at resolving malignant gastric outlet obstruction(mean, 0.45 procedures per month) using endoscopically insertednoncovered stents (Wallstent® and Wallflex®).Results: insertion was technically feasible in all 27 (100%) attempts,with satisfactory clinical results in 25 cases (92.5%). Endoscopyalone was used 10 times (37%), and both endoscopy andfluoroscopy on 17 (63%) occasions. After stent insertion, one patientwas intervened for treatment, and a patient with an unsuccessfulprosthesis received a palliative surgical bypass. Four stentsbecame obstructed by tumoral ingrowth, and patency was reestablishedby inserting a new stent. Obstructive jaundice caused bystents covering the papilla of Vater occurred in three cases. Therewere no other complications or mortality due to the procedure.Mean survival was 104 days (range 28-400, SD ± 94).Conclusions: In our experience endoscopic insertion of selfexpandingmetal stents appears to be a safe and efficient palliativemethod for malignant gastric outlet obstruction, and can be performedsuccessfully in a center with our characteristics

Extracción de cálculo coledociano de gran tamaño con esfinterotomía biliar seguida de dilatación de la papila con balón hidrostático / No disponible

No disponible

Long-term follow-up of patients with small bowel angiodysplasia on capsule endoscopy. Determinants of a higher clinical impact and rebleeding rate

Introducción: no se ha definido con exactitud el impacto clínicode las angiodisplasias del intestino delgado. Presentamos un estudioprospectivo para determinar las características de los individuos conmayor riesgo de recidiva hemorrágica o peor evolución clínica.Pacientes y métodos: en este estudio se incluyeron treintapacientes con angiodisplasias, halladas con la cápsula endoscópica,que fueron seguidos durante 12 meses. Las lesiones se clasificaronpor su tamaño en pequeñas (≤ 10 mm) o grandes (> 10mm). Estudiamos también el número de angiodisplasias en cadapaciente. La recidiva hemorrágica se definió como una caída enlas cifras de hemoglobina de 2 g/dl, en ausencia de melenas o hematoqueciapara la hemorragia de origen oscuro o en presenciade cualquiera de estas manifestaciones.Resultados: se realizaron procedimientos terapéuticos en 13pacientes (43,4%). Los pacientes con angiodisplasias grandes tuvieronmayores requerimientos transfusionales, un mayor númerode procedimientos diagnósticos realizados tras la cápsula endoscópica,cifras inferiores de hemoglobina y menor tasa de recidivahemorrágica. Los pacientes con diez o más angiodisplasias recibierontambién más transfusiones y presentaron cifras inferioresde hemoglobina, pero no hubo diferencias en los procedimientosterapéuticos o recidiva hemorrágica entre ambos grupos. En el seguimiento,la recidiva hemorrágica se detectó en 5 pacientes(16,7%), todos con angiodisplasias pequeñas. Esta fue más frecuenteen pacientes que no recibieron tratamiento (23,53 vs.7,69%; p = 0,037).Conclusiones: el tamaño >= 10 mm de las angiodisplasias determinaun mayor impacto clínico y más posibilidades de recibirtratamiento. Nuestros hallazgos indican que pacientes con lesionesde mayor tamaño se beneficiarían de procedimientos terapéuticoscon una reducción de la tasa de recidiva hemorrágica

Background: the clinical impact of small-bowel angiodysplasiahas not been defined. We present a prospective study to determinethe features of individuals with a higher risk of rebleeding ora worse clinical outcome.Patients and methods: thirty patients with angiodysplasiafound on CE were included and followed for 12 months. Angiodysplasiawere classified by their size as small (≤ 10 mm) orlarge (> 10 mm). We also studied angiodysplasia lesion numbersin each patient. Rebleeding was defined as a hemoglobin drop ofmore than 2 g/dl in the absence of melena or hematochezia inthe case of occult GI bleeding, or with any or both manifestations.Results: a therapeutic procedure was carried out in 13 patients(43.4%). Individuals with large angiodysplasia had highertransfusion requirements, a higher proportion of therapeutic procedureperformed after CE, lower hemoglobin concentration, anda lower rebleeding rate. Patients with ten or more angiodysplasialesions had also higher transfusion requirements and lower hemoglobinlevels, but we found no differences in the number of therapeuticprocedures or rebleeding rate between both groups. Onfollow up rebleeding was detected in 5 patients (16.7%), all ofthem with small angiodysplasias. Rebleeding was more frequent inpatients who did not receive further interventions (23.53 vs.7.69%; p = 0.037).Conclusions: angiodysplasia size >= 10 mm determines aworse clinical impact and more possibilities of receiving a therapeuticprocedure. Our findings support that patients with large lesionswould benefit from therapeutic interventions with a reductionin rebleeding rate

Outcomes of bile duct drainage by means of ERCP in geriatric patients / Resultados del drenaje de la vía biliar por CPRE en pacientes con edad geriátrica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is usually the procedure of choice for relieving bile duct obstruction. a large number of patients undergoing this intervention are geriatric population (aged 75 years of age and older). Our aim was to assess the efficacy of ERCP in this group of patients as compared to younger ones. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective study. All patients in whom a therapeutic biliary endoscopy had been performed over a four-year period of time (2002-2005) were included. RESULTS: 178 geriatric patients and 159 younger ones underwent ERCP. No differences were found in successful biliary drainage (97.7 vs. 98.7%), complication number (11.8 vs. 14.4%), or mortality rate (1.1 vs. 0.6%). On the other hand, more common bile duct stones were found in geriatric patients (57.3 vs. 39.6%, p = 0.004), and also more self-expanding metal stents were employed to drain malignant obstructive jaundice (47 vs. 8%, p = 0.0035). In the youngest group, more ERCPs were repeated in the same patients (4 vs. 10%, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The geriatric population showed similar success and morbidity and mortality rates when compared to younger patients in draining their bile duct by means of ERCP. Common bile duct stones were more frequently found in geriatric patients. No patients needing an ERCP should be excluded only because of their age.

Resultados del drenaje de la vía biliar por CPRE en pacientes con edad geriátrica / Outcomes of bile duct drainage by means of ERCP in geriatric patients

Antecedentes y objetivo: la colangiopancreatografía retrógradaendoscópica (CPRE) es habitualmente la técnica de elecciónpara desobstruir la vía biliar. Una gran parte de los pacientes a losque se realiza esta intervención están en edad geriátrica (mayoresde 75 años). Nuestro objetivo ha sido valorar la eficacia de laCPRE en este grupo de pacientes, comparado con los de menoredad.Pacientes y métodos: estudio retrospectivo en el que se hanincluido los pacientes a quienes se realizó terapéutica biliar endoscópicamediante CPRE en un periodo de cuatro años (2002-2005).Resultados: se realizó CPRE a 178 pacientes en edad geriátricay a 159 de menor edad. No hubo diferencias en el éxito deldrenaje biliar (97,7-98,7%), en el número de complicaciones(11,8-14,4%), ni en la mortalidad (1,1-0,6%). Por el contrario, enel grupo geriátrico hubo más coledocolitiasis (57,3-39,6%, p =0,004) y se utilizaron más prótesis metálicas autoexpandiblespara drenar la ictericia obstructiva tumoral (47-8%, p = 0,0035).En el grupo de menor edad se repitieron más CPRE a los mismospacientes (4-10%, p = 0,001).Conclusiones: el éxito y la morbimortalidad para drenar lavía biliar mediante CPRE son similares en los pacientes con edadgeriátrica y en los de edad inferior. La coledocolitiasis es más frecuenteen los pacientes mayores. No se debe excluir a ningún pacienteque precise de una CPRE sólo por la edad

Background and objective: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP) is usually the procedure of choice forrelieving bile duct obstruction. A large number of patients undergoingthis intervention are geriatric population (aged 75 years ofage and older). Our aim was to assess the efficacy of ERCP in thisgroup of patients as compared to younger ones.Patients and methods: a retrospective study. All patients inwhom a therapeutic biliary endoscopy had been performed over afour-year period of time (2002-2005) were included.Results: 178 geriatric patients and 159 younger ones underwentERCP. No differences were found in successful biliarydrainage (97.7 vs. 98.7%), complication number (11.8 vs.14.4%), or mortality rate (1.1 vs. 0.6%). On the other hand,more common bile duct stones were found in geriatric patients(57.3 vs. 39.6%, p = 0.004), and also more self-expanding metalstents were employed to drain malignant obstructive jaundice (47vs. 8%, p = 0.0035). In the youngest group, more ERCPs wererepeated in the same patients (4 vs. 10%, p = 0.001).Conclusions: the geriatric population showed similar successand morbidity & mortality rates when compared to younger patientsin draining their bile duct by means of ERCP. Common bileduct stones were more frequently found in geriatric patients. Nopatients needing an ERCP should be excluded only because oftheir age

Coledococele de pequeño tamaño como causa de dolor epigástrico crónico: diagnóstico y tratamiento mediante CPRE / Small size choledochocele as a cause of chronic epigastric pain: diagnosis and treatment by means of ERCP

El coledococele pertenece al tipo III de los quistes biliares según la clasificación de Alonso-Lej, y son considerados los quistes menos frecuentes entre ellos. La definición habitual del coledococele es la de una dilatación quística de la porción distal intramural del colédoco que protruye en la luz duodenal. La CPRE es una de las pruebas de elección tanto para su diagnóstico como para su tratamiento, especialmente cuando son pequeños y la cavidad quística está habitualmente colapsada. La distensión de la papila (“ballooning”) durante la inyección de contraste en la CPRE se considera un signo diagnóstico. Presentamos un paciente con dolor epigástrico crónico a causa de un pequeño coledococele. La Colangiografía por Resonancia Magnética no fue diagnóstica. La CPRE proporcionó el diagnóstico y el tratamiento mediante una esfinterotomía biliar

Choledochocele belongs to type III Alonso-Lej’s classification of biliary cysts and they are considered the less frequent of such cysts. The definition most often given of choledochocele is a cystic dilation of the distal intramural portion of the bile duct, protruding into the duodenal lumen. ERCP is one of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of choice, specially when they are small and the cystic cavity is usually collapsed. The ballooning of the papilla during contrast injection in ERCP is thought to be a diagnostic sign. We present a patient suffering from chronic epigastric pain due to a small choledochocele. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography failed to diagnose it. ERCP offered both diagnosis and treatment by means of biliary sphincterotomy

[Small size choledochocele as a cause of chronic epigastric pain: diagnosis and treatment by means of ERCP]. / Coledococele de pequeño tamaño como causa de dolor epigástrico crónico: diagnóstico y tratamiento mediante CPRE.

Choledochocele belongs to type III Alonso-Lej's classification of biliary cysts and they are considered the less frequent of such cysts. The definition most often given of choledochocele is a cystic dilation of the distal intramural portion of the bile duct, protruding into the duodenal lumen. ERCP is one of the diagnostic and therapeutic procedures of choice, specially when they are small and the cystic cavity is usually collapsed. The ballooning of the papilla during contrast injection in ERCP is thought to be a diagnostic sign. We present a patient suffering from chronic epigastric pain due to a small choledochocele. Magnetic Resonance Cholangiopancreatography failed to diagnose it. ERCP offered both diagnosis and treatment by means of biliary sphincterotomy.

Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A study in a small ERCP unit.

BACKGROUNDS AND AIM: endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an established procedure to drain the biliary and pancreatic ducts. Nevertheless, there are complications which seem to be more common in centers performing less than 200 ERCPs per year. Sometimes, however, due to the distribution of health resources, it is necessary to perform this technique in centers with a smaller number of procedures. We present the experience of ERCP-related complications in a small unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: this is a retrospective study on prospective data recorded during six years (1997-2002). In this period, two endoscopists working together performed 507 ERCPs, which yields an approximately average of 84 procedures per year. RESULTS: in 507 ERCPs performed during this period of time, 55 complications arose (10.85%), and four patients died (0.79%) as a consequence of the procedure. There were 28 pancreatitis (5.5%), eight post-sphincterotomy bleeding events (1.6%), seven bilioduodenal perforations (1.4%), eight sepsis episodes of biliary origin (1.6%), and other 4 different complications. There were 418 (82.4%) successful ERCPs--either diagnostic or therapeutic--,which gave rise to 46 (11%) complications. There were 89 (17.6%) failed diagnostic or therapeutic ERCPs, which gave rise to 9 (10.11%) complications (p = 0.8 between both groups). Thirty five (7%) ERCPs were exclusively diagnostic and caused 6 (17%) complications. The 187 procedures performed for choledocholithiasis originated 14 (7.4%) complications, and represented the group with the lowest morbidity rate (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: the complications rate in our center is within the range of reported figures. ERCPs performed for choledocholithiasis was associated with the lowest complications rate. The risk-benefit ratio in the anticipated, purely diagnostic ERCP must be carefully weighed due to its morbidity.

Complicaciones de la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica. Estudio en una unidad pequeña de CPRE / Complications of endoscopy retrograde cholangiopancreatography. A study in a small ERCP unit

Antecedentes y objetivo: la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) es un procedimiento consolidado para el drenaje de la vía biliar y pancreática, que, sin embargo, conlleva complicaciones. El número parece ser mayor en los centros que realizan menos de 200 CPRE anuales. No obstante, en ocasiones, la distribución de los recursos sanitarios hace preciso realizar esta técnica en centros con menor número de procedimientos. Presentamos la experiencia de las complicaciones de la CPRE en una unidad pequeña. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo sobre unos datos recogidos de forma prospectiva durante seis años (1997-2002).En este periodo, dos endoscopistas, trabajando conjuntamente, han realizado 507 CPRE, lo que corresponde a una media aproximada de 84 procedimientos anuales. Resultados: en las 507 CPRE se produjeron 55 complicaciones (10,85 por ciento) y como consecuencia de ellas, cuatro pacientes fallecieron (0,79 por ciento). Hubo 28 pancreatitis (5,5 por ciento), 8 hemorragias postesfinterotomía (1,6 por ciento), 7 perforaciones bilioduodenales (1,4 por ciento), 8 sepsis de origen biliar (1,6 por ciento) y otras 4 complicaciones varias. Las CPRE con éxito diagnóstico y terapéutico -cuando se precisó- fueron 418 (82,4 por ciento), y presentaron 46 (11 por ciento) complicaciones. Hubo 89 (17,6 por ciento) CPRE con fallo diagnóstico o terapéutico, que presentaron 9 (10,11 por ciento) complicaciones (p=0,8 entre ambos grupos). Treinta y cinco (7 por ciento) CPRE fueron exclusivamente diagnósticas, presentando 6 (17 por ciento) complicaciones. Las 187 CPRE realizadas para extraer coledocolitiasis, con 14 (7,4 por ciento) complicaciones, fueron el grupo con menor morbilidad (p=0,04).Conclusiones: la tasa de complicaciones en nuestro centro se encuentra dentro de los rangos publicados. La extracción de coledocolitiasis fue el grupo de CPRE con menos complicaciones. Por su morbilidad, debe valorarse cuidadosamente el riesgo-beneficio de las exploraciones que se prevean exclusivamente diagnósticas (AU)

[Treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction by means of endoscopic insertion of self-expandable metallic stents]. / Tratamiento de la obstrucción neoplástica del colon meciante la inserción endoscópica de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Self-expandable metallic stents are being used increasingly to treat the obstruction of different segments of the digestive tract and biliary tree. We present our centre experience on the initial resolution of malignant colorectal obstruction by means of this type of stents. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 18-month period, 13 patients patients suffering from malignant obstruction at the level of rectum, sigmoid or descending colon tried to be initially treated by means of endoscopic insertion of stents (non covered enteral Wallstents). Ten procedures were performed with both endoscopy and fluroscopy and three with only endoscopy. RESULTS: In 12 of the 13 patients (92,3%) the obstruction was solved by means of correct stent insertion. All the exclusively endoscopic procedures (without fluoroscopy) were successful. Six (50 %) patients with tumours at the rectosigmoid underwent later scheduled surgery. In the remaining six ones (a patient with an ovarian carcinoma and five with colonic adenocarcinoma) the stents were considered to be a palliative definitive treatment. Stent migration was observed in two of these patients and both were extracted endoscopically. Only one patient needed to have another stent inserted. A tumoural colo-vesical fistula developed in another patient in the palliative group, inside the previous inserted stent, and was treated by coaxial insertion of an esophageal Ultraflex. There were no other complications or mortality related to the endoscopic procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Self-expandable metallic stents might be considered, in general, as the initial treatment for the malignant obstruction at the level of rectum, sigmoid and descending colon

Tratamiento de la obstrucción neoplásica del colon mediante la inserción endoscópica de prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles / Treatment of malignant colorectal obstruction by means of endoscopic insertion of self-expandable metallic stents

Antecedentes y objetivo: Las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles están siendo utilizadas, cada vez con más frecuencia, para tratar la obstrucción de diversos segmentos del tracto digestivo y de la vía biliar. Presentamos la experiencia en nuestro centro de la resolución inicial de la obstrucción del colon, de origen tumoral, mediante este tipo de prótesis. Pacientes y métodos: Durante un período de 18 meses, se intentó resolver inicialmente la obstrucción neoplásica del colon (recto, sigma y descendente) en 13 pacientes, mediante prótesis (Wallstent enteral sin recubrir) insertadas endoscópicamente. En diez ocasiones se utilizó endoscopia y fluoroscopia, y en tres, sólo endoscopia. Resultados: La obstrucción se resolvió en 12 de los 13 pacientes (92,3 por ciento) tras la inserción correcta de las prótesis. Todos los procedimientos exclusivamente endoscópicos tuvieron éxito. En seis (50 por ciento) pacientes con neoplasias rectosigmoideas se realizó posteriormente cirugía programada. En los seis restantes (una paciente con cáncer de ovario y cinco con adenocarcinomas de colon), la prótesis se consideró como tratamiento paliativo definitivo. En dos de estos pacientes la prótesis migró, extrayéndose endoscópicamente. Sólo uno de ellos necesitó otra prótesis. En otra paciente, en el grupo paliativo, se desarrolló una fistula tumoral colo-vesical dentro de la prótesis, y se trató mediante la inserción de otra prótesis, esofágica recubierta (Ultraflex), dentro de la anterior. No hubo otras complicaciones ni mortalidad relacionada con el procedimiento endoscópico. Conclusiones: Las prótesis metálicas autoexpandibles podrían considerarse, en general, como el tratamiento inicial de la obstrucción neoplásica colónica a nivel de recto-sigma-descendente (AU)

Background and aim: Self-expandable metallic stents are being used increasingly to treat the obstruction of different segments of the digestive tract and biliary tree. We present our centre experience on the initial resolution of malignant colorectal obstruction by means of this type of stents. Patients and methods: During a 18-month period, 13 patients patients suffering from malignant obstruction at the level of rectum, sigmoid or descending colon tried to be initially treated by means of endoscopic insertion of stents (non covered enteral Wallstents). Ten procedures were performed with both endoscopy and fluroscopy and three with only endoscopy. Results: In 12 of the 13 patients (92,3%) the obstruction was solved by means of correct stent insertion. All the exclusively endoscopic procedures (without fluoroscopy) were successful. Six (50 %) patients with tumours at the rectosigmoid underwent later scheduled surgery. In the remaining six ones (a patient with an ovarian carcinoma and five with colonic adenocarcinoma) the stents were considered to be a palliative definitive treatment. Stent migration was observed in two of these patients and both were extracted endoscopically. Only one patient needed to have another stent inserted. A tumoural colo-vesical fistula developed in another patient in the palliative group, inside the previous inserted stent, and was treated by coaxial insertion of an esophageal Ultraflex. There were no other complications or mortality related to the endoscopic procedures. Conclusions: Self-expandable metallic stents might be considered, in general, as the initial treatment for the malignant obstruction at the level of rectum, sigmoid and descending colon (AU)