Effect of morbid obesity, gastric banding and gastric bypass on esophageal symptoms, mucosa and function.

BACKGROUND: Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are commonly associated diseases. Bariatric surgery has been shown to have various impacts on esophageal function and GERD. Our aim was to evaluate changes in symptoms, endoscopic findings, bolus passage and esophageal function in patients after primary gastric bypass surgery as compared to patients converted from gastric banding to gastric bypass. METHODS: Obese patients scheduled for laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (naïve-to-bypass) and patients who previously underwent gastric banding and were considered for conversion from gastric banding to gastric bypass (band-to-bypass) were included. Patients rated esophageal and epigastric symptoms (100 point VAS) and underwent upper endoscopy, impedance-manometry, and modified "timed barium swallow" before/after surgery. RESULTS: Data from 66 naïve-to-bypass patients (51/66, 77 % females, mean age 41.2 ± 11.1 years) and 68 band-to-bypass patients (53/68, 78 % females, mean age 43.8 ± 10.0 years) were available for analysis. Esophageal symptoms, esophagitis, esophageal motility abnormalities and impaired esophageal bolus transit were more common in patients that underwent gastric banding compared to those that underwent gastric bypass. The majority of symptoms, lesions and abnormalities induced by gastric banding were decreased by conversion to gastric bypass. Esophagitis was present in 28/68 (41 %) and 13/47 (28 %) patients in the band-to-bypass group, pre- versus postoperatively, respectively, (p < 0.05). The percentage of swallows with normal bolus transit increased following transformation from gastric band to gastric bypass (57.9 ± 4.1 and 83.6 ± 3.4 %, respectively, p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: From an esophageal perspective, gastric bypass surgery induces less motility disorders and esophageal symptoms and should be therefore favored over gastric banding in difficult to treat obese patients at risk of repeated bariatric surgery.

The role of single-balloon colonoscopy for patients with previous incomplete standard colonoscopy: Is it worth doing it?

BACKGROUND: The rate of cecal intubation is a well-recognized quality measure of successful colonoscopy. Infrequently, the standard colonoscopy techniques fail to achieve complete examination. The role of single-balloon overtube-assisted colonoscopy (SBC) in these situations has only been sparsely studied. This prospective single-center study aimed to investigate the technical success (rate of cecal intubation) and the diagnostic gain of SBC. METHODS: The study recruited consecutive patients with previous incomplete standard colonoscopy who were admitted for SBC at our tertiary center in Eastern Switzerland between February 2008 and October 2014. The primary outcome was defined as successful cecal intubation. Data on patient characteristics, indication, technical details of procedure, and outcome were collected prospectively. The Olympus enteroscope SIF-Q180 was used. RESULTS: The study included 100 consecutive patients (median age 70 years; range 38-87 years; 54 % female) who were examined using a single-balloon overtube-assisted technique. The cecal intubation rate was 98 % (98/100). The median time of total procedure was 54 min (range 15-119 min); the median time to reach the cecal pole was 27.5 min (range 4-92 min). Passage of the sigmoid colon was not possible in two cases with a fixed, angulated sigmoid colon. The diagnostic gain was 21 % regarding adenomatous polyps in the right colon. The complication rate was 2 % (2/100, minor) without need for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: This prospective patient cohort study shows that single-balloon colonoscopy is a safe and effective procedure to achieve a complete endoscopic examination in patients with a previous failed standard colonoscopy. A significant diagnostic and therapeutic gain in the right colon justifies additional procedure time.

Routine use of Hemospray for gastrointestinal bleeding: prospective two-center experience in Switzerland.

Hemospray (Cook Medical, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA) is a hemostatic agent recently introduced for the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB). To date, there is little experience with this fairly new hemostatic tool. The aim of this case series was to reflect the use and effectiveness of Hemospray as a treatment option in GIB in everyday clinical practice at two tertiary referral centers. Consecutive patients (n = 16) with active GIB of various origins were treated with Hemospray. The rate of successful initial hemostasis was 93.75 % (15 /16; salvage therapy 92.85 % [13/14]; monotherapy 100 % [2 /2]). The rebleeding rate within 7 days was 12.5 % (2/16). One patient, in whom interventional radiology also failed, had to undergo surgery as salvage therapy. The effectiveness of Hemospray in the management of GIB in various clinical situations is promising. Future multicenter randomized prospective trials for clearly defined bleeding situations are needed for greater generalizability of case series findings.

Malignant biliary stenosis: conventional cytology versus DNA image cytometry.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to evaluate the utility of image cytometry (ICM)-DNA analysis on cytological brush specimens in improving the sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for biliary neoplasias. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with 89 samples of biliary tree brushing from a stenosis were included in this prospective study. Conventional cytology (CC) and DNA ploidy using ICM of the brushing were performed. Benign or malignant findings were confirmed by surgical exploration or a clinical follow-up of at least 12 months. RESULTS: Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical follow-up in 44 cases and surgical investigation or histology in 41 cases. A definitive diagnosis of the smears resulted in 40 malignant and 49 benign diagnoses. The sensitivity was 0.666 for CC and 0.658 for ICM, and the specificity was 0.920 and 0.937, respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) was 0.866 for CC and 0.900 for ICM. McNemar's test did not reveal a significant difference between CC and ICM (P=0.803). Agreement of the two methods was found in 73 samples, raising specificity to 0.998 but not sensitivity (0.725). CONCLUSIONS: ICM-DNA seems not to improve significantly the PPV and NPV for detecting neoplasias of the biliary tract compared to CC. Nevertheless a clinical advantage can be seen in the agreement of the two methods in diagnosing dysplasia or cancer, since it did not show false positive results.

Evaluation of endoscopy in localizing transgastric access for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in humans.

BACKGROUND: To date, transgastric access in humans for natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been poorly evaluated. OBJECTIVE: To compare endoscopic visualization of the transgastric access point with the laparoscopically defined ideal entrance to the peritoneal cavity. DESIGN: Prospective pilot study in humans. SETTING: Single tertiary-care center. PATIENTS: This study involved 31 patients referred for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. INTERVENTION: Access points were marked by endoscopy alone, endoscopy combined with diaphanoscopy, and endoscopy after pneumoperitoneum. Points were correlated with a laparoscopically visualized, previously defined ideal access area. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: To choose the appropriate access point within the laparoscopically defined ideal access area to the peritoneal cavity away from major vessels and adjacent organs, by using endoscopy and to establish landmarks for the endoscopist, look for a learning curve, and identify potential problems. RESULTS: The percentage of access points within the laparoscopically defined ideal area was 35.5% with endoscopy alone, 13.8% using the diaphanoscopy method, and 45.2% after transcutaneous pneumoperitoneum. A safe access point (> or = 3 cm from major gastric vessels) could be achieved with the 3 techniques in 83.9%, 65.5%, and 87.1% of patients, respectively. A positive learning curve for endoscopic localization was identified before (P = .008) and after (P = .014) pneumoperitoneum. Virtual complications were greater in obese patients. LIMITATIONS: This was a small pilot study with hypothetical complications and problems, because actual transgastric access was not performed. The criteria for an ideal access area were very strict. CONCLUSION: Endoscopy, especially with the use of pneumoperitoneum, can reliably locate a safe transgastric entrance point. However, the endoscopically chosen site correlates poorly with the ideal laparoscopically determined site for transgastric access.

Endosonographic radial tumor thickness after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy to predict response and survival in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer: a prospective multicenter phase ll study by the Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK 75/02).

BACKGROUND: EUS response assessment in patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy (CRT) is limited by disintegration of the involved anatomic structures. OBJECTIVE: Predictive and prognostic values of a prospectively defined maximum tumor thickness (MTT). DESIGN: Prospective open-label phase ll study (SAKK 75/02). SETTING: Multicenter, nationwide. PATIENTS: Of 66 patients with primary CRT, 56 underwent en bloc esophagectomy. INTERVENTIONS: EUS-measured MTT before and 2-5 weeks after CRT (yMTT). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Cutoffs: (1) absolute thickness (yMTT) after CRT < or = 6 mm; (2) relative reduction compared with baseline (ratio yMTT/MTT) < or = 50%. Correlation between EUS measurements and histopathologic tumor regression grade (TRG) and overall survival (OS). RESULTS: Sixteen of 56 patients were not included for EUS evaluation (10 severe stenosis, 5 MTT not measured, 1 intolerance to second EUS). Characteristics (n = 40) were as follow: median age, 60 years; squamous cell carcinoma, 42%; and adenocarcinoma (AC), 58%. Initial stage was: 10 T2N1, 3 T3N0, 26 T3N1, 1 T3Nx; 14 of 23 AC Siewert type 1. Wilcoxon rank sum test showed significant correlation of TRG1 with yMTT < or = 6 mm (P = .008) and yMTT/MTT < or = 50% (P = .003). The effect of yMTT on TRG1 was significant (P = .0193; odds ratio, 0.687 [95% CI, 0.502-0.941]). The predefined cutoff of < or = 6 mm for yMTT was predictive for TRG1 (P = .0037; Fisher exact test). After a median follow-up of 28.6 months, there was a clear trend for benefit in OS with yMTT < or = 6 mm and yMTT/MTT < or = 50%. LIMITATIONS: Small sample size. CONCLUSION: In a multicenter setting, MTT measured by EUS after CRT was highly predictive for response and showed a clear trend for predicting survival.

Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) has excellent diagnostic accuracy in differentiating focal liver lesions: results from a Swiss tertiary gastroenterological centre.

INTRODUCTION: Focal liver lesions (FLLs) are common on conventional ultrasound. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is highly accurate for differentiating between benign and malignant FLLs, with an accuracy comparable to that of contrast-enhanced CT and contrast-enhanced MRI. Notably, there is no evidence supporting the routine use of CEUS for evaluating benign and malignant FLLs in Switzerland. In this study, we assessed the use of CEUS in a clinical routine setting in a tertiary Swiss gastroenterology centre. METHODS: We analysed all CEUS investigations performed on new or unclear FLLs in our department between November 2011 and March 2013. In all patients, the CEUS results (benign versus malignant FLLs) were compared with CT or MRI findings. To avoid interobserver variation, CEUS was performed by a single experienced gastroenterologist using one ultrasound device (Acuson Sequoia 512®, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). All patients were examined using the intravenous application of 1.5–2 ml Sonovue®. An FLL with arterial enhancement with wash-out in any vascular phase was defined as a malignant FLL. Malignant FLLs were confirmed by histology. RESULTS: The study included 112 patients. None of them experienced side effects after injection of Sonovue®. The final diagnoses included malignant FLLs (n = 37) and benign FLLs (n = 75) that ranged in size from 7 to 120 mm. The biopsy-proven malignant FLLs (n = 37) included hepatocellular carcinoma, metastatic cancers, peripheral cholangiocarcinoma and primary B-cell lymphoma. CEUS correctly identified 36 out of 37 malignant FLLs, showing a sensitivity of 96–97.2% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 94.1–98.5%. In contrast, CT/MRI did not identify three metastatic cancers, one HCC, one peripheral cholangiocarcinoma and one primary lymphoma in the liver as malignant FLLs, resulting in a sensitivity of 80.6–80.9% and an NPV of 78.9–89.8%. All these malignant FLLs were correctly classified by CEUS. CONCLUSIONS: In daily clinical practice, CEUS is a fast imaging tool which uses a renal-independent contrast agent and shows excellent accuracy for differentiating between malignant and benign FLLs in about five minutes. The use of CEUS helps to avoid false negative results from CT/MRI and improves sensitivity. CEUS should be the first diagnostic step for investigating new or unclear FLLs.

Endoscopic dilation of complete oesophageal obstructions with a combined antegrade-retrograde rendezvous technique.

AIM: To investigate the combined antegrade-retrograde endoscopic rendezvous technique for complete oesophageal obstruction and the swallowing outcome. METHODS: This single-centre case series includes consecutive patients who were unable to swallow due to complete oesophageal obstruction and underwent combined antegrade-retrograde endoscopic dilation (CARD) within the last 10 years. The patients' demographic characteristics, clinical parameters, endoscopic therapy, adverse events, and outcomes were obtained retrospectively. Technical success was defined as effective restoration of oesophageal patency. Swallowing success was defined as either percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)-tube independency and/or relevant improvement of oral food intake, as assessed by the functional oral intake scale (FOIS) (≥ level 3). RESULTS: The cohort consisted of six patients [five males; mean age 71 years (range, 54-74)]. All but one patient had undergone radiotherapy for head and neck or oesophageal cancer. Technical success was achieved in five out of six patients. After discharge, repeated dilations were performed in all five patients. During follow-up (median 27 mo, range, 2-115), three patients remained PEG-tube dependent. Three of four patients achieved relevant improvement of swallowing (two patients: FOIS 6, one patient: FOIS 7). One patient developed mediastinal emphysema following CARD, without a need for surgery. CONCLUSION: The CARD technique is safe and a viable alternative to high-risk blind antegrade dilation in patients with complete proximal oesophageal obstruction. Although only half of the patients remained PEG-tube independent, the majority improved their ability to swallow.

Prospective Swiss pilot study of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy in a screening population.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The adenoma detection rate (ADR) is one of the quality measures in screening colonoscopy and is crucial for reducing colorectal cancer morbidity and mortality. Up to 25 % of adenomas are missed during colonoscopy. Endocuff is an easy-to-use device that is attached like a cap to the distal tip of the colonoscope in order to optimize visualization behind the folds of the colon and increase the ADR. This is the first prospective study of Endocuff-assisted colonoscopy (EC) in a screening population with follow-up to determine the ADR and adverse events of EC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We prospectively enrolled asymptomatic patients referred for screening colonoscopy during the 4-month study period. We documented the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) score, cecal intubation rate, polyp detection rate, ADR, number of advanced adenomas, and number of adverse events. Colonoscopies were performed by five board-certified gastroenterologists. During follow-up, the patients were called 4 to 12 weeks after EC. RESULTS: A total of 104 EC procedures were performed. Cecal intubation was achieved in 99 % of the patients, with a median intubation time of 6 minutes. The polyp detection rate and ADR in our study were 72 % and 47 %, respectively, and 13.5 % of the lesions were advanced adenomas. A significant number of adenomas were detected in the right side of the colon. Considering all the adenomas and hyperplastic polyps above the sigmoid, we recommended that nearly 60 % of our patients repeat an endoscopic follow-up according to the existing Swiss guidelines. We noted no perforations or other serious adverse events, even in the patients with extensive diverticulosis. CONCLUSIONS: EC is feasible with the most commonly available colonoscopes without severe adverse events. EC seems to be a safe and effective device for increasing the ADR, including small adenomas in the right side of the colon. Therefore, this technique may be recommended in the future to increase the ADR in a screening population.

Increased detection rates of Barrett's oesophagus without rise in incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY/PRINCIPLES: The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma has quadrupled in the last 20 years. Barrett's oesophagus carries a 30- to 125-fold increased risk of developing adenocarcinoma. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence and surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus, dysplasia and adenocarcinoma in Eastern Switzerland. METHODS: Histological reports of 3659 patients (5190 oesophageal biopsies) from the St. Gallen Institute of Pathology were searched for evidence of Barrett's oesophagus (period 1989-1999). After retrospective classification according to findings on endoscopy and histology, the data were analysed with regard to surveillance intervals and incidence rates of Barrett's oesophagus, dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. RESULTS: 742 patients with Barrett's oesophagus and 100 with oesophageal adenocarcinoma were identified and followed up for a mean 1.6 (1-11) years. The average incidence of Barrett's oesophagus rose from 8.5/10(5)/yr (CI-95%: 7.4-9.7) in the first to 15.5/10(5)/yr (CI-95% 14.0-17.0) in the second 5-year period. The incidence of adenocarcinoma in our study population was 0.5% (1/97 patient years). In 207 patients (25%) with follow-up of >1 year, 9% progressed to low grade and 1% to high grade dysplasia, and 5% to adenocarcinoma. Adequacy of surveillance in BE patients rose from 54% to 87% over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: There is an increasing incidence of Barrett's oesophagus, which is not accompanied by an increase in oesophageal adenocarcinoma, in Eastern Switzerland. Surveillance of Barrett's oesophagus is often inadequate in spite of relevant findings such as dysplasia.

Twenty-four vs. forty-eight weeks of re-therapy with interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin in interferon alpha monotherapy relapsers with chronic hepatitis C.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Roughly 50% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, who relapsed after a previous monotherapy with interferon alpha, will respond in a sustained fashion to 24 weeks of re-therapy with the combination of interferon alpha plus ribavirin. Whether prolonging treatment duration to 48 weeks will further increase sustained response rates remains ill defined. In this randomised controlled pilot trial we compared the efficacy and tolerability of a 24 week with that of a 48 week course of combination therapy with interferon alpha and ribavirin in interferon monotherapy relapsers with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Interferon alpha monotherapy relapsers with chronic hepatitis C were randomised to receive interferon alpha 2b (3 x 3 MIU sc weekly) and oral ribavirin (1000/1200 mg po daily) for either 24 weeks or 48 weeks. Virological response was evaluated by HCV RNA PCR at week 10 (initial response), at the end of treatment (end of- treatment response) and at the end of 24 weeks follow-up (sustained response). Only patients with negative HCV RNA at week 10 continued treatment. Adverse events were recorded at regular intervals. RESULTS: Thirty-seven patients were enrolled, 19 (6 females, median age 43) in the 24 week and 18 (5 females, median age 40) in the 48 week treatment arm. Baseline characteristics were similar in both groups. At treatment week 10, 12/19 (63%) in the 24 week group and 14/18 (78%) patients in the 48 week group had lost HCV RNA in serum (p = 0.33). All initial responders remained HCV RNA negative throughout the treatment period. Sustained response rates were 10/19 (53%) in the 24 week group and 13/18 (72%) in the 48 week group (p = 0.31). Three patients discontinued treatment early (two due to moderate adverse events, one due to non-compliance). Dose modifications were necessary in 9 patients, 4 in the 24 week and 5 in the 48 week group for anaemia, neutropenia, nausea and depression, respectively. CONCLUSION: Prolonging interferon / ribavirin combination therapy in interferon alpha monotherapy relapsers with chronic hepatitis C from 24 to 48 weeks may increase sustained response rates. Larger controlled trials using pegylated interferon alpha and ribavirin in relapsers with chronic hepatitis C seem warranted.

How is the increased risk of colorectal cancer in first-degree relatives of patients communicated?

OBJECTIVES: Compared with the general population, first-degree relatives (FDRs) of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients have a two-fold to four-fold higher risk of developing CRC. Little data is available regarding communication between doctors and CRC patients about risk to FDRs. We aimed to evaluate CRC patients' knowledge of FDRs' increased CRC risk, and FDRs' knowledge of this risk and adherence to CRC screening. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective, single-center, population-based observational study, patients aged 18-80 years who underwent surgery for CRC between January 2005 and May 2010 were asked to complete a questionnaire. A questionnaire sent to the patients' FDRs (siblings and children) asked whether they had been advised to undergo any CRC screening examination, whether they had done so, and if so, when initiated and by whom. Main outcome measurements were: CRC patients' and their FDRs' information status regarding the FDRs' increased CRC risk and screening status. RESULTS: Of 343 index patients (390 contacted, 47 deceased/moved), 134 replied to the survey (39.1% response rate). Among index patients, 82.1% (110/134) were informed about FDRs' increased CRC risk. This information was provided mainly by gastroenterologists and general practitioners (65.7 and 28.4%, respectively). Among FDRs, 85.1% (143/168) were informed about their increased CRC risk, but 69% did not undergo a screening colonoscopy. Among the FDRs more than 50 years of age, 40.8% did not undergo a screening colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: In Switzerland, CRC patients and their FDRs are well informed about FDRs' increased CRC risk. However, the majority of FDRs do not undergo the recommended CRC screening.

First report of colonoscopic closure of a gastrocolocutaneous PEG migration with over-the-scope-clip-system.

Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a common practice for long-term nutrition of patients who are unable to take oral food. We report of an 85-year old man with a history of recurrent larynx carcinoma and hemicolectomy many years ago due to unknown reason. Laryngectomy was indicated. Preoperatively a PEG was inserted endoscopically after an abdominal ultrasonography without abnormal findings. Few months after PEG insertion, the patient was evaluated for diarrhea and insufficient feeding without signs of infection or peritonism. An upper endoscopy and computed tomography scan confirmed a buried bumper syndrome with migration of the PEG tube into the colon as a rare complication. He underwent successful colonoscopic removal of the internal bumper and closure of the colonic orifice of the fistula with the over-the-scope-clip system (OTSC). OTSC is an endoscopic device for treatment of bleeding, perforation, leak and fistula in the gastrointestinal tract. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of OTSC for colonoscopic closure of a gastrocolocutaneous fistula due to a buried bumper syndrome with transcolonic PEG tube migration.

Unspecific abdominal symptoms and pneumobilia: a rare case of gastrointestinal obstruction.

The case of a 77-year-old woman with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction is presented. Transabdominal ultrasonography findings were suspicious of Bouveret's syndrome. Upper endoscopy confirmed this diagnosis. Bouveret's syndrome is a rare complication of gallstone disease caused by a bilioenteric fistula leading to gastric outlet obstruction by a gallstone and should be suspected in any patient who presents with pneumobilia without recent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography or biliary surgery.

Mind the sump! - diagnostic challenge of a rare complication of choledochoduodenostomy.

Sump syndrome is a rare long-term complication of side-to-side choledochoduodenostomy (CDD), a common surgical procedure in patients with biliary tract disease in the era before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Frequently only pneumobilia, serving as sign for functioning biliary-enteric anastomosis, is reminiscent of the former surgery. We present the case of an 81-year-old patient with sump syndrome who presented with clinical signs of ascending cholangitis, decades after the initial CDD procedure. Finally the detailed medical history that was taken very thoroughly in combination with the presence of pneumobilia led to the suspicion of sump syndrome. Sump syndrome was diagnosed by ERCP, and after endoscopic debris extraction and antibiotic treatment the patient recovered quickly. In the ERCP era little is known about CDD and its long-term complications, especially by young colleagues and trainees. Therefore this report provides an excellent opportunity to refresh the knowledge and raise awareness for this syndrome.

Multipurpose use of the over-the-scope-clip system ("Bear claw") in the gastrointestinal tract: Swiss experience in a tertiary center.

AIM: To evaluate the outcome of over-the-scope-clip system (OTSC) for endoscopic treatment of various indications in daily clinical practice in Switzerland. METHODS: This prospective, consecutive case series was conducted at a tertiary care hospital from September 2010 to January 2014. Indications for OTSC application were fistulae, anastomotic leakage, perforation, unroofed submucosal lesion for biopsy, refractory bleeding, and stent fixation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Primary technical success was defined as the adequate deployment of the OTSC on the target lesion. Clinical success was defined as resolution of the problem; for instance, no requirement for surgery or further endoscopic intervention. In cases of recurrence, retreatment of a lesion with a second intervention was possible. Complications were classified into those related to sedation, endoscopy, or deployment of the clip. RESULTS: A total of 28 OTSC system applications were carried out in 21 patients [median age 64 years (range 42-85), 33% females]. The main indications were fistulae (52%), mostly after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube removal, and anastomotic leakage after GI surgery (29%). Further indications were unroofed submucosal lesions after biopsy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or esophageal stent fixation. The OTSC treatments were applied either in the upper (48%) or lower (52%) GI tract. The mean lesion size was 8 mm (range: 2-20 mm). Primary technical success and clinical success rates were 85% and 67%, respectively. In 53% of cases, the suction method was used without accessories (e.g., twin grasper or tissue anchor). No endoscopy-related or OTSC-related complications were observed. CONCLUSION: OTSC is a useful tool for endoscopic closure of various GI lesions, including fistulae and leakages. Future randomized prospective multicenter trials are warranted.

[Malignant hypoglycaemia]. / Maligne Hypoglykämie.

We describe the case of a 19-years old patient with seizure due to severe hypoglycaemia during general practitioner consultation. Because of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia and suspected liver metastasis a neuroendocrine hormone active tumor was suspected. After liver biopsy and CT scan a neuroendocrine pancreatic tumor could be diagnosed. Afterwards oncological therapy was induced.