New method of direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy tube placement using balloon-assisted enteroscopy with fluoroscopy.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Direct percutaneous endoscopic jejunostomy (DPEJ) is a useful method to provide nutrition to patients with a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) problems. The present study describes a new method of DPEJ using balloon-assisted-enteroscopy. METHODS: This observational, retrospective, single-arm case study conducted at a tertiary care hospital during a 15-month period included 25 patients (12 females, 13 males, mean age 54 years, age range 31-79 years) with necrotizing pancreatitis, n = 7; complex upper GI surgery, n = 6; complex fistula, n = 6; impossibility to place a gastrostomy tube, n = 5; and bowel obstruction, n = 1. The new DPEJ technique focused on three key components: (i) use of balloon-assisted overtube; (ii) use of fluoroscopy; (iii) leaving the overtube in place during the entire procedure (and also for DPEJ removal). RESULTS: Technical success was 96%. Mean time of the procedure was 30.5 min (range 24 to 45 min). Clinical success was 100% (24/24); all DPEJ could be used for their intended purpose. CONCLUSIONS: This new method of inserting a DPEJ using balloon enteroscopy and fluoroscopy was safe and successful. Future comparative studies are now warranted.

Using balloon-overtube-assisted enteroscopy for postoperative endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is technically more challenging in patients with postsurgical anatomy such as Roux-en-Y anastomosis, frequently mandating an operative intervention. Although limited, there is growing evidence that ERCP can be performed using the balloon-overtube-assisted enteroscopy (BOAE) in patients with complex postoperative anatomy. We present the technical aspects of performing ERCP with the BOAE in patients presenting with complex postsurgical anatomy having biliary problems. ERCP using the BOAE is feasible in patients with complex postsurgical anatomy, permitting diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in 80% of patients.

Development of a novel and simple ex vivo biologic ERCP training model.

BACKGROUND: Training and teaching of ERCP in biologic models has gained importance over the past decade. However, many existing models are expensive, are not widely available, or rely on live animals. OBJECTIVE: We describe a novel and simple ex vivo, biologic model for hands-on teaching. DESIGN: Ex vivo porcine study. SETTING: Experimental endoscopy unit. METHODS: Experimental study using a custom-made ex vivo biologic ERCP simulation model. This model contains 2 new key concepts: (1) formation of a duodenal sweep by using the porcine stomach and (2) use of multiple neo-papillae for endoscopic sphincterotomy and biliary stent placement. The papilla was re-created with chicken heart, and the bile ducts were built from chicken trachea. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed by using a pull-type sphincterotome. Stenting was performed with Amsterdam-type plastic stents and guidewires. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: The following definitions were used to evaluate the model: successful implantation of the neo-papilla, stability of the neo-papilla to the neo-duodenum, successful removal of the neo-papilla, and damage to the model. The following endoscopic endpoints were evaluated: successful cannulation, cannulation time, difficulties in positioning the papilla, quality of the biliary sphincterotomy, and prosthesis placement. Procedure-related adverse events such as perforation were also assessed. RESULTS: Ten neo-papillae were consecutively used in 1 duodenalized stomach. The implantation and removal of the neo-papillae were easily and successfully accomplished in all 10 cases without any damage to the duodenalized stomach. The stability of the neo-papilla on the duodenal sweep was excellent in all cases. Cannulation, biliary sphincterotomy, and stent placement could be successfully performed in 100% of cases. There was no damage and were no technical problems with the model. There were no adverse events during endoscopy (ie, perforations, stent misplacement). LIMITATIONS: Pilot study. CONCLUSION: Although further studies are necessary, this simple, novel ex vivo model appears useful for training in sphincterotomy and bile duct cannulation. Because the neo-papillae are interchangeable, repetitive sphincterotomies and other interventions can be performed using a single porcine model.

Anchoring of self-expanding metal stents using the over-the-scope clip, and a technique for subsequent removal.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Standard clips do not consistently prevent the migration of covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMS). The aims of this study were to assess the efficacy and safety of the over-the-scope clip (OTSC) system for anchoring SEMS to the esophagus, and to evaluate a novel OTSC removal technique. METHODS: This was a single-center, retrospective, cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing SEMS anchoring with OTSC. Removal of the OTSC was accomplished using an inject-and-resect technique. RESULTS: A total of 12 patients were included. The indications for endoscopic stenting were: tracheo-esophageal fistula (n = 7), postoperative leak or fistula (n = 4), perforation (n = 1). Successful application of the OTSC system was accomplished in all patients (100 %). Stent migration during follow-up (mean 3 weeks, range 2 - 4 weeks) occurred in two patients (16.7 %). After healing of the underlying condition, the stent was removed in six patients (50.0 %). In four patients (33.3 %), the anchored stent was left indefinitely in order to treat the underlying condition. There were no complications associated with deployment of the OTSC or SEMS removal. CONCLUSIONS: Although endoscopic anchoring of fully covered SEMS with the OTSC was feasible, easy to accomplish, safe, and prevented stent migration in most cases, larger studies are needed to confirm these encouraging early findings. The inject-and-resect technique was safe and efficient for OTSC and stent removal in all cases in which it was attempted.

Hemostatic effect of oxidized regenerated cellulose in an experimental gastric mucosal resection model.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: The endoscopic hemostatic therapies currently available do not always result in hemostasis of gastrointestinal bleeding. Oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) mesh is a widely available surgical hemostatic material. The aim of this study was to evaluate the hemostatic efficacy of ORC in experimental gastric hemorrhage after endoscopic resection. METHODS: This was a prospective, two-stage experimental, Phase I, proof-of-concept study. In Stage 1, eight gastric mucosal lesions were created in anticoagulated rabbits and treated with ORC (closed or open pores). In Stage 2, the endoscopic introduction and application of ORC mesh pieces were evaluated in a porcine model of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). RESULTS: In Stage 1, hemostasis was achieved in all lesions. Hemostasis was achieved more rapidly with closed-pore than open-pore ORC (24.5 vs. 66.5 seconds) (P < 0.01). At 24 hours, all lesions showed persistent hemostasis. There were no episodes of rebleeding, complications, or mortality. In Stage 2, the endoscopic introduction of ORC pieces and application with a biopsy forceps were feasible in all ESD lesions. CONCLUSIONS: ORC was an effective hemostatic agent for bleeding lesions following mucosal resection in anticoagulated rabbits. Closed-pore ORC achieved hemostasis faster than open-pore ORC. Endoscopic introduction and release of ORC were feasible.

Medición del conocimiento de bioética en residentes y médicos de base de cirugía general del Hospital General de México / Assessment of the bioethical knowledge in residents and tenure physicians of General Surgery at the General Hospital of Mexico

Objetivo: Medir el conocimiento bioético de los médicos de base y residentes de cirugía general. Sede: Hospital General de México. Diseño: Estudio prospectivo, transversal, comparativo y observacional. Análisis estadístico: Prueba t de Student y Kruskal-Wallis. Metodología: Se evaluaron 22 médicos de base y 61 residentes de los cuatro años de la especialidad de cirugía general, a los cuales se les aplicó un cuestionario basado en cuatro casos clínicos, elaborado por la Universidad de Toronto, para evaluar la capacidad de reconocer problemas bioéticos. Resultados: Se recabaron un total de 52 cuestionarios contestados (62%), 15 médicos de base con una edad promedio de 48.6 años y 37 residentes con una edad promedio de 26.5 años. Se reconoció el 12% de los problemas bioéticos presentes en los cuatro casos clínicos. El 53% de problemas relacionados a justicia, el 30% en autonomía y el 28% en beneficencia. El grupo que presentó mayor promedio total de conocimiento bioético fueron los residentes de cuarto año, seguidos de los de segundo y primer año y en último lugar los médicos de base y los residentes de tercer año. Los médicos con formación bioética previa a la respuesta de los casos clínicos reconocieron un mayor número de problemas. Conclusión: El bajo puntaje obtenido en el cuestionario se traduce en una deficiente capacidad para reconocer problemas bioéticos, tanto por médicos de base como por residentes de cirugía general.

Objective: To measure the bioethical knowledge in tenure physicians and general surgery residents. Setting: General Hospital of Mexico. Design: Prospective, cross-sectional, comparative, and observational study. Statistical analysis: Student's t and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Methodology: We evaluated 22 physicians and 61 residents of the four years of the General Surgery speciality, to whom a questionnaire based on four clinical cases, elaborated by the University of Toronto, was applied to assess their ability to recognize bioethical conflicts. Results: We obtained a total of 52 answered questionnaires (62%), 15 graduated surgeons with an age average of 48,6 years and 37 surgical residents with an age average of 26,5 years. Only 12% of the bioethics problem in the four clinical cases was clear. 53% of problems related to justice, 30% in autonomy and 28% in charity. The fourth year resident group has the major average of bioethics knowledge, followed of those of second and first year and last was the graduated surgeons and the residents of third year. The surgeons with bioethics formation recognized a greater number of problems. Conclusion: The low score obtained in the questionnaire is translated in a deficient capacity to recognize bioethics problems, as much by graduated surgeons as by residents of general surgery.