Interventional endoscopic ultrasonography for pancreatic cancer

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) represents the combination of endoscopy and intraluminal ultrasonography. This allows use of a high-frequency transducer (5-20 MHz) that, due to the short distance to the target lesion, provides ultrasonographic images of higher resolution than those obtained from other imaging modalities, including multiple-detector-row-computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and positron emission tomography. EUS is now a widely accepted modality for diagnosing pancreatic diseases. However, the most important limitation of EUS has been the lack of specificity in differentiating between benign and malignant changes. In 1992, EUS-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) of lesions in the pancreas head was introduced into clinical practice, using a curved linear-array echoendoscope. Since then, EUS has evolved from EUS imaging to EUS-FNA and wider applications. Interventional EUS for pancreatic cancer includes EUS-FNA, EUS-guided fine needle injection, EUS-guided biliary drainage and anastomosis, EUS-guided celiac neurolysis, radiofrequency ablation, brachytherapy, and delivery of a growing number of anti-tumor agents. This review focuses on interventional EUS, including EUS-FNA and therapeutic EUS for pancreatic cancer.     

Role of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performedbefore laparoscopic cholecystectomy in 312 patients, with successfulresults in 287 patients (92.0%). Common bile duct stones werediagnosed in 26 of the 287 patients (9.1%). In eight of thesepatients, the diagnosis had not been suspected from the clinicalor laboratory data or results of ultrasonography. Endoscopicsphincterotomy with stone removal was successful in all 23 patientswho underwent this procedure. Anatomical variations were detectedin 7 patients (2.4%), including origin of the cystic duct fromthe right hepatic duct and the accessory bile duct, and anomalousarrangement of the pancreaticobiliary ducts and choledochocele.Pancreaticobiliary malignancies were also diagnosed in 3 patients.The morbidity rate with diagnostic ERCP was only 0.7%. PreoperativeERCP proved highly useful and safe for determining biliary anatomy,and for detecting unsuspected stones or malignancies.     

Endoscopic approach to the diagnosis of pancreatic cystic tumor

Because of the aging of the population, prevalence of medical checkups, and advances in imaging studies, the number of pancreatic cystic lesions detected has increased. Once these lesions are detected, neoplastic cysts should be differentiated from non-neoplastic cysts. Furthermore, because of the malignant potential of some neoplastic pancreatic cysts, further differentiation between benign and malignant cysts should be made regardless of their size. Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has a very high diagnostic performance for pancreatic cystic lesions among the various imaging modalities, EUS findings alone are insufficient for the differentiation of pancreatic cysts and diagnosis of malignancy. In addition, cytology by EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has a high specificity but a low sensitivity for diagnosing malignancy in pancreatic cystic tumors. The levels of amylase, lipase, and tumor markers in pancreatic cystic fluid are considered auxiliary parameters for diagnosis of benign and malignant cysts, and a definitive diagnosis of malignancy using these parameters is difficult. Thus, in addition to EUS, cytology by EUS-FNA, and cystic fluid analysis, new techniques based on EUS-guided through-the-needle imaging, such as confocal laser endomicroscopy and cystoscopy, have been explored in recent years.     

Endoscopic papillectomy for ampullary adenomatous lesions: A literature review

Ampullary adenomatous lesions of the gastrointestinal tract are rare and can be asymptomatic. Therefore, ampullary adenomas with malignant potential require prompt removal, regardless of whether they are adenomatous or carcinomatous lesions. Endoscopic papillectomy is a safe and effective alternative therapy to surgery to treat duodenal papillary lesions in selected patients. Accurate preoperative diagnosis and staging of ampullary adenomatous lesions are critical for predicting prognosis and determining the most appropriate therapeutic approach. Furthermore, the management and prevention of adverse events and endoscopic treatment for remnant or recurrent lesions and surveillance are essential for successful endoscopic management of ampullary adenomatous lesions. This literature review was based on PubMed and MEDLINE and focused on recent advancements in the endoscopic papillectomy technique to provide a comprehensive view of endoscopic papillectomy to treat ampullary adenomatous lesions.     

Efficacy and safety of grasping forceps-assisted endoscopic resection for gastric neoplasms: A multi-centre retrospective study

BACKGROUNDEndoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is widely accepted for early gastric cancer (EGC) without lymph node metastasis, although ESD is challenging, even for small lesions, in the greater curvature (GC) of the upper (U) and middle (M) thirds of the stomach. Grasping forceps-assisted endoscopic resection (GF-ER) is a type of endoscopic mucosal resection that is performed via a double-channel endoscope. AIMTo investigate the safety and efficacy of GF-ER vs ESD in the GC of the stomach’s U and M regions.METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 506 patients who underwent ER of 522 EGC lesions in the stomach’s U and M regions in three institutions between January 2016 and May 2020. Nine lesions from eight patients who underwent GF-ER for EGC (the GF-ER group) were compared to 63 lesions from 63 patients who underwent ESD (the ESD group). We also performed a subgroup analysis of small lesions (≤ 10 mm) in 6 patients (7 lesions) from the GF-ER group and 20 patients (20 lesions) from the ESD group. RESULTSThere were no statistically significant differences between the GF-ER and ESD groups in the en bloc resection rates (100% vs 100%) and the R0 resection rates (100% vs 98.4%). The median procedure time in the GF-ER group was shorter than that in the ESD group (4.0 min vs 55.0 min, P < 0.01). There were no adverse events in the GF-ER group, although five perforations (8.0%) and 1 case of postoperative bleeding (1.6%) were observed in the ESD group. When we only considered lesions that were ≤ 10 mm, the median procedure time in the GF-ER group was still shorter than that in the ESD group (4.0 min vs 35.0 min, P < 0.01). There were no adverse events in the GF-ER group, although 1 case of perforation (1.6%) were observed in the ESD group.CONCLUSIONThese findings suggest that GF-ER may be an effective therapeutic option for small lesions in the GC of the stomach’s U and M regions.     

Endoscopic ultrasound assessment and tissue acquisition of mediastinal and abdominal lymph nodes

The differential diagnosis between benign and malignant lymph nodes (LNs) has a fundamental role in the characterization and staging of malignant conditions, as well as in subsequent patients’ management. All imaging modalities (i.e. computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging) rely mainly on size; endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) criteria based on B-mode evaluation and Doppler features fail to adequately characterize with high specificity LNs nature. The introduction of EUS-elastography and contrast-enhanced harmonic EUS are useful techniques to increase the diagnostic yield in identifying metastatic LNs, to identify which suspicious LN should require pathological characterization and, finally, to target tissue acquisition. EUS-guided tissue acquisition (EUS-TA) is increasingly being used for diagnosing lymphadenopathy whenever the characterization modifies patients’ subsequent management and when no superficial LN is accessible. Since target therapy are currently available (i.e. lung cancer, breast cancer), EUS-TA of malignant LNs could be required to identify tumor biology. In this field, both fine needle aspiration and biopsy needles are able to guarantee accurate results with almost perfect specificity and sub-optimal sensitivity. We finally propose a diagnostic algorithm based on most recent, high-level evidence for the diagnostic approach to suspected LNs assessment.     

Use of mitomycin C in endo-DCR

Objective: To evaluate the role of topical Mitomycin C in Endoscopic Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR), for the prevention of stomal stenosis.Patients: Thirty patients undergoing endoscopic DCR for chronic dacryocystitis were studied prospectively. The follow up period was 12 months.Technique: Patients were divided into two groups randomly. All of them underwent endoscopic DCR. One group was subjected to topical Mitomycin C application after surgery while the control group was not.Main outcome measures: Postoperative relief of epiphora and endoscopic documentation of the patency of the stoma were the main outcome measures.Results: 80% cases of the Mitomycin C group and 86.67% cases of the non Mitomycin C group had long-term successful results. This result is not statistically significant (p> 0.2).Conclusion: Intraoperative Mitomycin C application does not alter the long-term results in endoscopic DCR. A properly and adequately performed surgery is more vital for successful result.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle injection for oncological therapy

The minimal invasiveness and precision of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has lead to both its widespread use as a diagnostic and staging modality for gastrointestinal and pancreaticobiliary malignancies, and to its expanding role as a therapeutic modality. EUS-guided celiac plexus neurolysis is now a well-accepted modality for palliation of pain in patients with pancreatic cancer. EUS-guided ablation, brachytherapy, fiducial marker placement, and antitumor agent injection have been described as methods of performing minimally invasive oncological therapy. EUS-fine needle injection may be performed as adjunctive, alternative, or palliative treatment. This review summarizes the studies to date that have described these methods. A literature search using the PubMed/MEDLINE databases was performed. While most published studies to date are limited with disappointing outcomes, the concept of a role of EUS in oncological therapy seems promising.     

Initial experience in Brazil with endoscopic submucosal dissection for early gastric cancer using insulation-tipped knife: a safety and feasibility study

Background  Endoscopic resection is an adequate treatment for subgroups of patients with early gastric cancer. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) represents a recent advance and leads to good results when adequately indicated. There is great experience with this technique in Japan and it is gaining acceptance among Western endoscopists. We present the first gastric ESD series performed in Brazil. Methods  Patients with well-differentiated adenocarcinomas macroscopically classified as early cancer, less than 30 mm with no ulcer or scar, were included. ESD was performed with an insulated-tip knife and electrosurgical unit with endocut mode. Clinicopathological aspects and morbidity were evaluated. The study was approved by the local ethics committee and informed consent was obtained from all participant subjects. Results  From October 2005 to July 2007, 160 patients received surgical treatment for gastric cancer; 44 patients (27.5%) had early gastric cancer. In this latter group, 15 procedures (ESD) were performed in 12 patients. The mean size of the lesions was 16.8 mm. Almost half of the lesions were located in the proximal third of the stomach and the mean elapsed time for the procedure was 140 min. In 80% of the cases resection was en bloc and 80% of the resections were considered curative. We had three perforations, which were managed clinically, and no bleeding. Conclusion  When adequately indicated, ESD is a safe and feasible technique.     

A multicenter retrospective study of endoscopic resection for early gastric cancer

Background The reported outcomes of endoscopic resection (ER) for early gastric cancer (EGC) remain limited to several single-institution studies. Methods A multicenter retrospective study was conducted at 11 Japanese institutions concerning their results for ER, including conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Results A total of 714 EGCs (EMR, 411; ESD, 303) in 655 consecutive patients were treated from January to December 2001. Technically, 511 of the 714 (71.6%) lesions were resected in one piece. The rate of one-piece resection with ESD (92.7%; 281/303) was significantly higher compared with that for EMR (56.0%; 230/411). Histologically, curative resection was found in 474 (66.3%) lesions. The rate of curative resection with ESD (73.6%; 223/303) was significantly higher compared with that for EMR (61.1%; 251/411). Blood transfusion because of bleeding was required in only 1 patient (0.1%) with EMR of 714 lesions. Perforation was found in 16 (2.2%). The incidence of perforation with ESD (3.6%; 11/303) was significantly higher than that with EMR (1.2%; 5/411). All complications were managed endoscopically, and there was no procedure-related mortality. The median follow-up period was 3.2 years (range, 0.5–5.0 years). In total, the 3-year cumulative residual-free/recurrence-free rate and the 3-year overall survival rate were 94.4% and 99.2%, respectively. The 3-year cumulative residual-free/recurrence-free rate in the ESD group (97.6%) was significantly higher than that in the EMR group (92.5%). Conclusion ER leads to an excellent 3-year survival in clinical practice and could be a possible standard treatment for EGC. ESD has the advantage of achieving one-piece resection and reducing local residual or recurrent tumor.     

Comparative evaluation of endoscopic with conventional septoplasty

A study was conducted to assess the merits and demerits of endoscopic septoplasty. Fifty patients having symptomatic DNS were randomly divided into two groups of 25 patients each. One group underwent endoscopic septoplasty and other group underwent conventional septoplasty. The groups were compared regarding the complaints with pack in postoperative period, relief of symptoms after surgery and complications. The symptoms complained by the patients with pack in postoperative period and complications after surgery were significantly less in endoscopic septoplasty group.     

Endoscopic Endonasal Transsphenoidal Hypophysectomy: Two Hand Versus Four Hand Technique: Our Experience

An endoscope was used in transsphenoidal surgery and eventually replaced the operating microscope as a tool for visualization. Initially patients underwent operation via a sublabial transseptal approach using a rigid endoscope in conjunction with an operating microscope. The subsequent operations were performed through a nostril using only rigid endoscopes, initially through single nostril by one surgeon (two hands) and later through both nostrils by two surgeons (four surgeons). This is a retrospective study of 96 patients who had pituitary adenomas in last ten years. Postoperatively all patients who had undergone endonasal endoscopic surgery had unobstructed nasal airways with minimal discomfort. More than half of the patients required only an overnight hospitalization.     

Endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: a prospective study

Objective

The objectives of this study are to report the results of Endonasal Dacryocystorhinostomy (EnDCR) and the role of silicon intubation in EnDCR in Indian population.

Study design

The authors conducted a prospective case series.

Methods

290 patients underwent EnDCR between January 2002 and July 2007 — 240 cases without silicon intubation and 50 cases with silicon intubation. Patients were followed up for an average of 18.6 months in first group and 5.2 months in second group. Outcome was evaluated subjectively and objectively.

Results

In EnDCR without silicon intubation, the procedure was successful in 93.3% of cases. In EnDCR with silicon intubation, the procedure was successful in 96% of cases.

Conclusion

EnDCR is a safe procedure with good success rate and has potential advantages in chronic dacryocystitis cases. The use of silicon intubation in nasolacrimal pathway helps in maintaining the patency of rhinostomy.     

Antrolith in the maxillary sinus: an unusual complication of endoscopic sinus surgery

Antrolith of the paranasal sinuses are rare entity which are usually asymptomatic, caused by calcification of a nidus and are detected incidentally on radiological examinations. We report a case which presented to us with features of pansinusitis six months after endoscopic sinus surgery. Radiological examination revealed a discrete bony density in the maxillary sinus blocking the ostiomeatal complex. The bony mass was removed endoscopically from the maxillary sinus with drainage of discharge and debris from the sinuses. Histopathological examination revealed an antrolith with bony nidus and calcium deposited around it. We present the imaging and review the present world literature on this rare complication of endoscopic sinus surgery.     

EMR and ESD: Indications,techniques and results

Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) are two well-known endoscopic resection procedures used for advance gastrointestinal lesions. As compared to standard polypectomy techniques, EMR and ESD provide wider and deeper resection margins and allow en bloc removal of lesions for more detailed pathology with curative intent for early neoplastic gastrointestinal lesions. Both procedures have their advantages and disadvantages which will be discussed in detail in this review article. Recently there have been advancements in the techniques of EMR and ESD with addition in new equipment. We will also discuss current guidelines recommending use of EMR and/or ESD in various clinical scenarios.     

超细鼻胃镜在消化道狭窄性疾病中的临床应用

目的 探讨超细鼻胃镜在消化道狭窄性病变诊断与治疗中的应用与临床价值。方法 回顾性分析2016年1月1日—2017年12月31日160例鼻胃镜在食管、胃十二指肠、结直肠狭窄性病变中的通过率、狭窄下方病变检出率及内镜下治疗的情况。结果 在102例诊断性检查中, 鼻胃镜在食管、胃十二指肠、结直肠狭窄中的通过率分别为76.92%、50.00%、88.00%;在镜身可顺利通过狭窄病变的病例中, 狭窄下方新病变检出率分别为8.89%、0、27.78%。利用鼻胃镜共完成58例消化道狭窄相关内镜下治疗, 其中46例镜身可通过狭窄病变, 通过率为79.31%。结论 在标准胃肠镜无法通过的消化道狭窄相关疾病中, 超细鼻胃镜可以显著提高内镜下诊断的完整性、准确性, 还可以用于消化道狭窄性病变的内镜下治疗。     

内镜超声检查对壶腹癌诊断价值的探讨

目的:探讨内镜超声检查(EUS)对壶腹癌的诊断价值.方法:对连续收治的26例壶腹癌全部实施内镜超声检查,并与US、HCT、MRI检查结果进行比较.结果:对照手术及病理结果,EUS对壶腹部肿瘤直接征象显示率达100%(26/26),而US、HCT、MRI分别为46.15%(12/26)、73.08%(19/26)和50.00%(13/26),EUS与US、HCT、MRI相比有显著差异(P=0.0045,P＜0.0001,P＜0.0001).结论:EUS是诊断壶腹癌的良好手段,在显示病变的直接征象具有明显优势.     

Endoscopic therapy in the management of malignant biliary obstruction

Malignant biliary obstruction is often caused by tumour within the biliary tree, or extrinsic compression. This often results in patients becoming jaundiced causing a significant associated morbidity.