Hemorrhages of the upper gastrointestinal tract. A comparison of the diagnostic accuracy between endoscopic and radiological examinations

One hundred and forty-eight patients admitted for upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, but excluding esophageal varices, underwent optic fibre gastroscopy at the time of admission and were then examined using a barium meal after a 24-48 h interval. The aim of the study was to compare the sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of the two tests. A correct diagnosis was obtained using both procedures in 58.2% of cases. Endoscopy provided an accurate diagnosis in 35.1% of patients, whereas gastrointestinal x-rays showed the exact site of the lesion in only 6.7% of cases. Endoscopy had a sensitivity of 92.5% compared with 60.7% for the barium meal. Endoscopy also had a higher level of specificity (100%) versus the barium meal (33.3%). The results obtained from the pathological examination of specimens confirmed the accuracy of endoscopy. In conclusion, early endoscopy is a reliable procedure in the emergency assessment of the hemorrhaging patient; routine x-ray examination does not appear to add additional information and may be reserved for subsequent use if endoscopy gives doubtful or misleading indications of the site of bleeding.     

Management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a district hospital

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to assess the management of acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a district hospital and to compare these results with national guidelines and the published literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective and retrospective study included 112 patients, mean age 66 years, who presented with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding between July 2004 and February 2005. All patients were assigned a Rockall risk assessment score. RESULTS: The surgical on-call teams managed all the patients according to an agreed protocol. Forty-nine patients had a Rockall score > or =4. Endoscopy was performed in all patients, with 60% accomplished within the first 24 hours. The most common cause found was peptic ulcer (30%). Therapeutic endoscopy was undertaken in 10 patients (9%) with a success rate of 70%. Open surgery was performed in 3 patients. One patient died after having surgery and the Rockall score was >5. Of the patients admitted with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding, 90.2% were discharged without complication. Eleven patients died (9.8%) and all of them from the high risk group with Rockall scores > or =5. Their mean hospital stay was 17.8 days (range, 2-43 days). CONCLUSION: High-standard results in acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be achieved in a district hospital. The management, including the use of the operating theater facilities with operative and anesthetic support, was safe and efficient. A 24-hour-a-day endoscopy service is important to achieve early diagnosis and to plan management. A protocol and early endoscopy improve clinical outcome and reduce mortality, which occurred mostly among elderly patients with high risk scores. It is advisable to introduce the Rockall scoring system in practice.     

Early laparoscopy as a routine procedure in the management of acute abdominal pain: a review of 1,320 patients

Background Acute abdominal pain is a common cause for presentation to the emergency room and hospital admission. Many of these patients will undergo exploration for suspected appendicitis, but in 20–35% of cases a normal appendix is found. Because of the limited access provided by the gridiron incision, a definitive diagnosis may not be found. Other patients may be treated conservatively and discharged, only to return with recurrent pain or more definitive symptoms of pathology. In patients with acute abdominal pain, early laparoscopy is an accurate means of both making a definitive diagnosis and avoiding a delay in the diagnosis.Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of 1,320 consecutive patients with acute abdominal pain over a 62-month period. All patients underwent diagnostic laparoscopy within 48 h of admission. We evaluated the initial clinical diagnosis, the laparoscopic diagnosis, and the subsequent outcome in this group of patients. Individuals with abdominal trauma were excluded from the study, and all patients were >12 years of age.Results A definitive diagnosis was made in 90% of patients after diagnostic laparoscopy. Laparoscopy changed the clinical diagnosis in 30% of cases. (83%) of patients underwent a laparoscopic operation for management of their condition at the time of diagnosis. In 92 patients (7%), conversion to laparotomy was required to manage their condition. Peritonitis was present in 180 patients; of 110 of them had appendicitis. Twelve patients developed complications related to the diagnostic laparoscopy or the laparoscopic operation, and there was one postoperative death due to a perforated gastric malignancy. Mean operating time was 30 min (range, 17–90)Conclusion Early diagnostic laparoscopy and treatment results in the accurate, prompt, and efficient management of acute abdominal pain. This technique reduces the rate of unnecessary laparotomy and right iliac fossa gridiron incisions and increases the diagnostic accuracy in these patients. This treatment method is feasible where facilities are available to accommodate the workload and there are practitioners with the requisite expertise.     

Examinations of upper gastrointestinal bleeding - value of emergency endoscopy (author's transl)]

The treatment of the acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding can be improved by using standardized immediate actions, as there is endoscopy in emergency diagnostics. Endoscopy gives much higher certainty in pre-operative diagnostic, better possibility of planning and more exact timing of the operation. Therefore emergency endoscopy should be done in any case of acute upper gastro-intestinal bleeding.     

The role of capsule endoscopy in the study of intestinal diseases. Critical analysis and observation of the first 50 cases

The total visualization of the intestinal surface through wireless capsule endoscopy has furnished new insights for the diagnosis of intestinal diseases. The length, difficulty of access and particular morphology of this region makes a correct diagnosis of gastrointestinal diseases associated with bleeding possible only in 5% of cases. Our study was aimed at assessing the clinical impact and diagnostic outcomes of wireless capsule endoscopy through analysis of the first 50 cases observed in our Endoscopy and Coloproctology Unit. Fifty patients aged 23-85 years (mean age: 43.5) were selected for wireless endoscopy. The main indications were patients with a suspected or established diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease or malabsorption, abdominal pain, chronic diarrhoea and obscure bleeding. Patients with a clinical or radiological diagnosis of gastrointestinal stenosis, Zencker's diverticula, or colonic diverticulosis were excluded from the study. In 2 out of 8 patients with abdominal pain, erosions of the intestinal wall were detected, while in the only patient with gastrointestinal bleeding a neoplastic lesion of the right colon was accidentally diagnosed. As far as inflammatory bowel disease is concerned, in all the cases of established diagnosis of ulcerative colitis no small bowel lesions were visible at wireless endoscopy, while all the cases with silent Crohn's disease of the terminal ileum were confirmed. No cases of neoplastic lesions of the small bowel were recorded in our series either in celiac-disease patients or in patients with familial intestinal polyposis. In celiac-disease patients (N = 24) wireless capsule endoscopy allowed accurate definition of the extent of the mucosal damage. On the basis of our preliminary experience wireless capsule endoscopy would appear to warrant an important role in the management of patients with small bowel diseases, supplementing information obtained with other diagnostic techniques.     

Laparoscopy in the context of lower abdominal pain in young women

The management of lower abdominal pain in young women carries up to 45% chance of diagnostic error. Laparoscopic management may be particularly beneficial in this subset of patients. This study reviews the authors' experience with laparoscopy as a potential diagnostic and therapeutic tool in young women with lower abdominal pain. The authors analyzed 121 consecutive female patients, with a mean age of 30 years, who were evaluated from June 1995 to October 1997. All patients were managed by early laparoscopy within 24 h from the onset of symptoms. Radiographic imaging, including computed tomography and ultrasound, was performed in 79 patients (65.2%). Laparoscopy was diagnostic in all cases. In 58 patients (48%), multiple pathologic conditions were identified. Acute appendicitis was the most common diagnosis (82.6%), and benign gynecologic disorders was the predominant reason for multiple pathologic conditions (clinical evaluation was erroneous in 15% of patients). In 96% of patients, definite surgical treatment was provided laparoscopically. The mean hospitalization time was 2.0 +/- 1 days, and the mean operative time was 59.8 +/- 21 min. The overall complication rate was 2.5%. In young women, early laparoscopy can offer a safe and effective alternative for the definite diagnosis and treatment of lower abdominal pain.     

Prospective study on the role of the CT scan in patients with an acute abdomen

OBJECTIVES: Recent reports indicate that early CT scan (within 24 h) increases diagnostic accuracy, reduces hospital stay and mortality in patients with an acute abdomen. The aim of this study was to assess the surgeons' use of CT in patients with an acute abdomen and the impact of this on diagnostic accuracy and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients older than 25 years admitted as an emergency with acute abdominal pain were prospectively evaluated. RESULTS: Two hundred and eleven patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria including 129 women and 82 men with a mean age of 62.4 years (range 27-92 years). The correct diagnosis on admission was made in 99 (47%) patients. CT was performed in 81 (38%), including 24 who had the scan performed within 24 h of admission. The sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of CT were 86%, 79% and 84%. CT was considered to have changed clinical management in 40 patients. Fifteen patients died, and one death may have been prevented by an early CT. Five had a delay in diagnosis of a serious condition; all could have been prevented by early CT. CONCLUSION: Selective use of CT increases diagnostic accuracy and improves the management of patients with an acute abdomen. Clinical trials are necessary to assess outcome following selective vs routine use of CT in this group of patients.     

Diagnosis and management of post-cholecystectomy symptoms: the place of endoscopy and retrograde choledochopancreatography

Endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography (ERCP) was employed in 52 patients symptomatic after cholecystectomy in whom barium meal studies and intravenous cholangiography had failed to yield a diagnosis. Cannulation of the papilla of Vater was carried out in 50 of the patients in a mean time of 10 min. Diagnostic information demonstrating a pathological lesion or a normal biliary and pancreatic ductal system was obtained by means of endoscopy and ERCP in 48 cases. There were no serious complications. A pathological lesion was demonstrated in all but one of the patients presenting with jaundice, cholangitis or pancreatitis but the diagnostic yield was not as high in patients with vague upper abdominal symptoms. Endoscopy and ERCP are the investigative procedures of first choice in complex post-cholecystectomy cases in whom intravenous cholangiography fails, gives incomplete information or suggests normality in the face of continuing symptoms or clinical evidence of residual biliary disease.     

原发性十二指肠恶性肿瘤41例分析

目的　总结原发性十二指肠恶性肿瘤的常见临床类型、病理特征及诊断方法。方法　对我院 1981年 1月 - 2 0 0 2年 6月收治并经病理证实的 4 1例原发性十二指肠恶性肿瘤进行回顾性分析。结果　病理类型 :腺癌 35例 ,平滑肌肉瘤 4例 ,类癌 1例 ,淋巴瘤 1例。部位 :十二指肠第 2段 6 5 .85 % (2 7 4 1) ,其中乳头区 2 2例 ;球部 2 4 .39% (10 4 1) ;水平段 3例 ;升段 1例。常见临床症状依次为上腹痛 5 3.6 8% ,贫血4 8.78% ,黄疸 4 6 .34% ,上消化道出血 2 9.2 7% ,消瘦 2 4 .39%。诊断手段 :内镜、低张钡餐、B超、CT及MRCP等检查可提高十二指肠肿瘤的检出。结论　原发性十二指肠恶性肿瘤以腺癌为主 ,好发于第 2段 ,但第 1段并不少见 ;早期临床表现没有特异性 ,联合应用内镜及影像学检查可提高检出率     

Primary jejunogastric intussusception: A case report and review of the literature

IntroductionJejunogastric intussusception following gastric surgery is a rare complication that, if not diagnosed early, can have catastrophic outcomes.Presentation of caseWe have reported a case, never described previously, of an acute spontaneous retrograde JGI, presenting with obstruction and hematemesis, in a 70-year-old woman who has never, previously, undergone abdominal surgery.DiscussionAs in all cases of intestinal intussusception, early diagnosis is important for acute JGI as mortality rates increase from 10% when the intervention occurs within 48 h. to 50% if treatment is delayed for 96 h.The diagnosis of JGI can be determined with many imaging studies, such as endoscopy, ultrasonography (US), barium stadium and CT scan.Although JGI, up to now, has been described as a rare complication after any type of gastric surgery, this disease must, however, be suspected also in patients who have never undergone abdominal surgery, if they present with non-sedable abdominal pain associated with signs of high intestinal obstruction and hematemesis.ConclusionOur hope is to add to the available literature to aid physicians in their diagnostic work-up and in developing management plans for similar cases occurring in the future.     

Unenhanced helical computed tomography in the evaluation of acute flank pain

OBJECTIVE: The diagnostic value of unenhanced helical computed tomography (CT) for the evaluation of acute flank pain is investigated in a prospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 125 patients aged 18-86 years, we performed unenhanced helical CT in addition to abdominal plain film, abdominal ultrasound and urinalysis as a diagnostic measure for acute flank pain. Ureteral calculi were confirmed or, respectively, excluded by retrograde ureteropyelography in 80 cases. In the other cases, diagnosis was verified by clinical course and/or stone asservation. RESULTS: In 91 of 125 patients the flank pain was caused by a ureteral calculus. In 67 of 91 patients with urolithiasis, stones could be collected for analysis. Helical CT was able to precisely identify 90 ureteral calculi. Abdominal plain films led to 8 false-positive and 48 false-negative findings. Thus, sensitivity of plain radiography, ultrasound and urinalysis was 47, 11 and 84% with a specificity 76, 97 and 32%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Unenhanced helical CT reaches a distinctively increased diagnostic value (sensitivity 99%, specificity 97%) in the evaluation of acute flank pain as compared to plain radiography, ultrasound and urinalysis.     

Efficiency criteria for endoscopic diagnostic in upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Endoscopy plays a major role in the evaluation of upper digestive haemorrhage. We evaluate the difficulties in the introduction of emergency endoscopy in a period of transition, regarding mentalities and errors generated by the learning curve. The study includes 512 consecutive patients admitted with upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage. We retrospectively evaluate some proposed efficiency criteria for the diagnostic endoscopy: the frequency of incomplete endoscopic evaluation (14%), frequency and causes of endoscopic diagnostic errors (3%), frequency of upper digestive haemorrhages with no detectable source (24.2%) and the indication of multiple endoscopic examination. We discuss the causes responsible for the generation of such problems as well as the dynamics of those during the evaluated period.     

腹腔镜上腹部切口疝修补术45例临床应用

目的探讨腹腔镜上腹部切口疝修补术的方法改进与效果。方法回顾性分析我院自2008年8月至2013年7月完成的腹腔镜上腹部切口疝修补术45例的病例资料。结果本组45例患者,中转开腹手术2例。关闭缺损法腹腔镜切口疝修补术35例。手术时间45—190min,平均（105±34．6）min;术后24—48h下床活动;1～3d后肠排气。术后住院时间2～17d,平均（6．5±2．8）d。39例患者随访1～56个月,有1例复发,复发率为2．6％,未发现慢性疼痛性并发症。结论腹腔镜上腹部切口疝修补术微创、并发症的发生率低、具有良好的应用前景。     

Acute Abdominal Pain: Diagnostic Impact of Immediate CT Scanning

Background Acute abdominal pain is a common diagnostic problem. This study aimed to evaluate the routinely use of contrast enhanced computed tomographic (CT) scanning early in the diagnostic process. Methods A retrospective review of 2,222 patients with acute abdominal pain who underwent contrast enhanced CT scanning within 24 h after admission. The diagnoses obtained were compared with the final diagnoses after 1 month. Results After CT scanning the following diagnoses were suggested as the primary cause of the abdominal pain: nonspecific abdominal pain 984 (44.3%), appendicitis 354 (15.9%), bowel obstruction 190 (8.6%), diverticulitis 182 (8.2%), gastrointestinal perforation 52 (2.3%), gallstone disease 64 (2.9%), pancreatitis 72 (3.2%), inflammatory bowel disease 13 (0.6%), intra-abdominal malignancy 34 (1.5%), vascular disease (including 1 completely cured patient with paradoxical embolization in the superior mesenteric artery) 33 (1.5%), urological 131 (5.9%), gynecological 54 (2.4%), miscellaneous 31 (1.4%). In 28 cases a conclusive CT examination could not be carried out. The suggested diagnoses were correct in 2,151 cases (96.8%). In 16 cases (0.7%) an incorrect diagnosis was reported, leading to 7 unnecessary laparotomies. False negative reports were obtained in 27 cases (1.2%). After CT examination 500 patients could be discharged immediately. Conclusions Contrast-enhanced CT scanning results in superior diagnostic precision in patients with acute abdominal pain. The present work supports the strategy to include this examination early in the routine diagnostic process.     

Simultaneous upper and lower endoscopic biopsy in the diagnosis of intestinal graft-versus-host disease

Graft-versus-host disease in the upper gastrointestinal tract presents with anorexia, vomiting, and abdominal discomfort. Because these symptoms are not specific, we have proposed that a diagnosis of upper GI GVHD requires histologic confirmation. However, the utility of upper endoscopy in the diagnosis of upper GI GVHD has not been examined. We report a retrospective analysis of 77 allogeneic bone marrow transplantation recipients who received simultaneous upper and lower GI tract biopsies. Upper GI GVHD was found in 44% of patients, of whom 59% also had a positive lower GI tract biopsy (P less than 0.001). Thirty-five percent of the patients with no clinical evidence of lower GI tract GVHD had symptomatic upper GI GVHD confirmed histologically. Patients with and without upper GI GVHD had no significant difference in their clinical symptoms or in their endoscopic findings. We found an association between upper GI and skin GVHD greater than stage I (P = 0.05), a trend to concordance between upper GI GVHD and clinical GVHD in the lower GI tract (P = 0.08), and with the overall clinical GVHD grade (P = 0.08) but no association with clinical liver involvement. Of these 77 patients, 16% had their treatment for acute GVHD changed to include systemic immunosuppression as a result of the upper GI endoscopic biopsy. In addition, 71% had other enteric pathology identified that required specific therapy. These data suggest that upper GI GVHD cannot be diagnosed accurately from its clinical presentation nor inferred from lower GI symptoms or from extraintestinal GVHD. Upper GI endoscopy with biopsy is an important tool in the diagnosis of intestinal GVHD.     

Intestinal and peritoneal tuberculosis: changing trends over 10 years and a review of 80 patients.

BACKGROUND: To establish the efficiency of minimally invasive procedures in the diagnosis and management of abdominal (intestinal and peritoneal) tuberculosis (AT), I retrospectively and then prospectively evaluated clinical, physical and laboratory findings in patients with AT at a university general-surgery clinic. Diagnostic and therapeutic options were also considered. METHODS: Data from the case records of 43 patients diagnosed with AT via laparotomy were collected and analyzed. On the basis of findings from that early analysis, a further 37 patients were studied prospectively. In the latter group, percutaneous aspiration, endoscopy and laparoscopy were used for diagnosis, except in cases with acute abdominal findings or failure of these diagnostic procedures. Morbidity and mortality rates and mean hospitalization time were evaluated for both groups. RESULTS: In the early group of 43 patients, the morbidity rate was 30%; mortality, 12%; and median hospital stay, 18.3 days (standard deviation [SD] 6.2 d). The diagnosis was confirmed by laparotomy in 18 patients in the prospective group: laparoscopy or endoscopy in 10 and percutaneous drainage of an intra-abdominal abscess in 9. Changes in our approach to diagnostic procedures in the prospective group led to decreased morbidity (11%), mortality (0) and median hospital stay (9.3 [SD 4.7] d). CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive procedures such as laparoscopic, endoscopic and percutaneous biopsy should be used for diagnosis of IPTB as a first step in diagnosis. Laparotomy should be performed only when complications develop or diagnosis remains unclear in spite of these diagnostic modalities.     

原发性小肠肿瘤的诊断与治疗:附58例报告

目的 探讨原发性小肠肿瘤的诊断及治疗方法。方法 回顾性分析58例小肠肿瘤的临床资料。结果 58例均经手术和／或病理检查证实诊断。其中良性肿瘤19例，恶性肿瘤39例。主要表现为腹痛，腹部肿块，肠梗阻及消化道出血等。术前确诊20例，其余均误诊，误诊率65．5％。本组均手术治疗，19例良性肿瘤均行肿瘤及局部肠管切除；恶性肿瘤行根治性切除28例，姑息性切除6例，捷径手术5例。术后近期死亡1例，其余均出院。恶性肿瘤的1，3，5年生存率分别为57．1％，28．6％，9．5％。结论 原发性小肠肿瘤少见，容易误诊。上消化道内镜检查、X线钡餐检查和BUS，CT及胶囊内镜检查是诊断本病的主要方法。一经诊断，应及时手术治疗。     

Abdominal ultrasound versus hepato-imino diacetic acid scan in diagnosing acute cholecystitis—what is the real benefit?

Background

Acute cholecystitis is one of the most common surgical problems, yet substantial debate remains over the utility of simple examination, abdominal ultrasound (AUS), or advanced imaging such as hepato-imino diacetic acid (HIDA) scan to support the diagnosis.

Materials and methods

The preoperative diagnostic workup of patients who underwent cholecystectomy with histologically confirmed acute cholecystitis was reviewed to calculate the sensitivity of AUS, HIDA scan, or both. In addition, the sensitivity of the commonly described ultrasonographic findings was assessed.

Results

From 2010 through 2012, 406 patients among 9087 reviewed charts presented to the emergency department with acute upper abdominal pain and met inclusion criteria. 32.5% (N = 132) of patients underwent AUS only, 11.3% (N = 46) underwent HIDA scan only, and 56.2% (N = 228) had both studies performed for workup. 52.7% (N = 214) of patients had histopathologically confirmed acute cholecystitis. The sensitivities of AUS, HIDA, and AUS combined with HIDA for acute cholecystitis were 73.3% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 66.3%–79.5%), 91.7% (95% CI = 86.2%–95.5%), and 97.7% (95% CI = 93.4%–99.5%), respectively. Although of limited sensitivity, AUS findings of sonographic Murphy sign, gallbladder distension, and gallbladder wall thickening were associated with a diagnosis of acute cholecystitis.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of AUS for diagnosing acute cholecystitis in patients with acute upper abdominal pain is limited. The addition of a HIDA scan in the diagnostic workup significantly improves sensitivity and can add valuable information in the appropriate clinical setting.     

十二指肠间质瘤的诊断与外科治疗22例报告

目的 探讨十二指肠间质瘤的临床特征、外科治疗方法.方法 回顾分析2000~2012年收治的22例十二指肠间质瘤患者的临床资料.结果 肿瘤最常见于十二指肠降部,其次为水平部、球部、升部.临床表现以上消化道出血多见,其次为腹痛、饱胀、贫血.诊断方法的选择为上消化道钡餐造影、胃镜、超声内镜及CT.22例患者均获得手术治疗.术后随访9个月至12年,其中20例获得完整随访,1年、3年生存率分别为100% 和70%.结论 十二指肠间质瘤以恶性者多见,术前诊断主要依据上腹部增强CT、胃肠道钡剂造影、胃镜以及超声内镜检查.手术切除是治疗十二指肠间质瘤有效的方法,应根据十二指肠间质瘤大小和位置采取不同的手术方式.     

Emergency laparoscopy for acute abdominal conditions: a prospective study

BACKGROUND: Currently, emergency laparoscopic surgery for acute abdominal conditions has become the favored surgical approach; therefore, we investigated the diagnostic accuracy and therapeutic efficacy of laparoscopy in acute abdominal pain in Saudi Arabian patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this prospective study, 176 patients with acute abdominal pain (113 patients with pain localized to the right iliac region [group A] and 63 patients with generalized abdominal pain [group B] underwent emergency laparoscopy between January 2002 and December 2006. We evaluated the initial clinical diagnosis, the laparoscopic diagnosis, and the outcome in these two groups of patients. RESULTS: In group A, a definitive diagnosis was established at laparoscopy in 89% of patients, and it was therapeutic in 81.4% of the patients, and in 9 patients (8%) a conversion to laparotomy was necessary a to manage their condition. In group B, the diagnosis was accurate in 87% of patients, and it was therapeutic in 79.4% of the patients, and in 5 patients (8%) a conversion to laparotomy was necessary. There was no mortality. CONCLUSIONS: The emergency laparoscopy is a diagnostic and therapeutic option in the majority of acute abdominal pain conditions.