Prophylactic 5-Fr pancreatic duct stents are superior to 3-Fr stents: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Temporary prophylactic pancreatic duct stenting effectively reduces post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis (PEP) in high-risk patients, but the optimal stent remains unclear. We compared rate of spontaneous passage, and technical difficulty of placement for 3-Fr and 5-Fr stents. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial at a single academic medical center. Patients deemed high risk for PEP randomly received 5-Fr or 3-Fr pancreatic duct stents. Primary outcome was spontaneous stent passage by 2 weeks. Secondary outcomes were ease and time for stent placement, and number of guide wires required for the entire procedure. RESULTS: Patients (69 female [89 %]; mean age 44.9 years, standard deviation [SD] 16.8) were randomly assigned to receive 5-Fr (n = 38) and 3-Fr (n = 40) stents. Indications for stenting were similar. Seven patients in the 3-Fr group actually received a 5-Fr stent, and two in the 5-Fr group had a 3-Fr stent. Spontaneous passage or non-passage was confirmed in 64 (83 %). No statistically significant difference in spontaneous passage rates was seen (5-Fr group, 68.4 %; 3-Fr group 75.0 %; P = 0.617). Non-passage rates were 10.5 % (5-Fr group) and 10.0 % (3-Fr group) ( P = 1.00). The study was stopped after a futility analysis for the primary end point. Placement of 5-Fr stents was rated easier, at a mean score of 1.8 (5-Fr) vs. 3.4 (3-Fr), P < 0.001, with a trend towards being faster, 9.2 vs. 11.1 minutes ( P = 0.355). Fewer guide wires were required for 5-Fr stent placement, 1.5 vs. 1.9 ( P = 0.002). PEP rates did not differ ( P = 0.519). CONCLUSION: Placement of 5-Fr compared to 3-Fr pancreatic duct stents for PEP prophylaxis is easier, faster, and requires fewer wires. No statistically significant difference in spontaneous passage was found between the two sizes.

ASGE guideline on the role of endoscopy in the management of benign and malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

This American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guideline provides evidence-based recommendations for the endoscopic management of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). We applied the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation methodology to address key clinical questions. These include the comparison of (1) surgical gastrojejunostomy to the placement of self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) for malignant GOO, (2) covered versus uncovered SEMS for malignant GOO, and (3) endoscopic and surgical interventions for the management of benign GOO. Recommendations provided in this document were founded on the certainty of the evidence, balance of benefits and harms, considerations of patient and caregiver preferences, resource utilization, and cost-effectiveness.

Modulation of barrier function during Fas-mediated apoptosis in human intestinal epithelial cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Intestinal epithelial cell apoptosis occurs continually without apparent permeability defects and is increased in response to intestinal inflammation. We hypothesized that increased, immune-mediated apoptosis during inflammation might result in barrier dysfunction of the epithelium. METHODS: T84 cells were cultured as a polarized monolayer and exposed to agonist antibody to Fas. Barrier function was assessed by transepithelial resistance and permeability measurements. Immunofluorescent staining was used to examine junctional protein expression. RESULTS: Fas expression is predominantly basolateral in polarized T84 monolayers. Basolateral cross-linking of the Fas receptor resulted in T84 cell apoptosis and a loss of 50% of the cells within 24 hours. Apoptosis was coincident with a decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance and increased flux of small but not large molecules. Preservation of barrier function was associated with dramatic rearrangement of tight junctions and desmosomal junctions in apoptotic monolayers. E-cadherin-mediated cell contact was maintained between intact cells in the monolayer, thus sealing gaps created by apoptotic cells. Apoptosis and barrier dysfunction could be prevented by caspase inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: Immune-mediated apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells may contribute to the permeability defects associated with inflammatory conditions of the bowel, but the intestinal epithelium is remarkably resilient in the face of apoptosis.