EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy

BACKGROUND: The pain of chronic pancreatitis can be caused by pancreatic ductal hypertension, and endoscopic drainage of the main pancreatic duct can provide relief. When transpapillary access to a dilated portion of the main duct cannot be obtained, conventional endoscopic drainage is not possible. The use of interventional EUS to perform a pancreaticogastrostomy in such cases is described. METHODS: Four patients presented with pain and a dilated main pancreatic duct proximal to a complete obstruction. EUS was used to access the dilated duct and create a pancreaticogastrostomy. Patency of the latter was maintained by placement of a pancreaticogastric stent. OBSERVATIONS: EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy was performed without major complication. Three of 4 patients had satisfactory relief of pain at a median follow-up of 1 year. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy may be a promising new technique for pancreatic drainage and pain relief when conventional transpapillary access to the pancreatic duct is not possible.     

EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy: analysis of its efficacy to drain inaccessible pancreatic ducts

BACKGROUND: EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy (EPG) has been reported as an alternative to surgery in cases of pancreatic stricture where ERCP is unsuccessful. OBJECTIVE: We analyzed our 3-year experience with this innovative technique. DESIGN: Patients with failed ERCP for pancreatic drainage were offered EPG over a 3-year period and were followed up prospectively in terms of clinical and radiologic response. SETTING: Tertiary care center offering ERCP and interventional EUS. PATIENTS: Thirteen patients were included in this study. Seven had surgical diversion Six patients had unaltered enteral anatomy and stricture related to chronic pancreatitis (3), gallstone pancreatitis (2), and intraductal pancreatic mucinous neoplasm (1). INTERVENTION: EUS-guided puncture and opacification of the pancreatic duct was performed, creating a transgastric fistula with placement of a guidewire into the main pancreatic duct and subsequent ductal decompression with a plastic endoprosthesis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Mean main pancreatic duct size, pain score, and weight before and after intervention. RESULTS: Ten patients had successful endoprosthesis placement across the pancreaticogastric fistula. One patient underwent brush cytologic study, which diagnosed pancreatic malignancy, and underwent surgical resection. After a mean follow-up of 14 months, the mean pancreatic duct size in treated patients decreased from 4.6 to 3.0 mm (P = .01); the pain score decreased from 7.3 to 3.6 (P = .01). Complications included one case of bleeding requiring hemoclip placement and 1 case of contained perforation. LIMITATIONS: Pilot study from a single center. CONCLUSIONS: EPG is a safe and feasible alternative to surgical intervention in this subgroup of patients where conventional ERCP is not possible.     

A prospective randomized comparison of endoscopic ultrasound- and computed tomography-guided celiac plexus block for managing chronic pancreatitis pain

OBJECTIVE: Computed tomography (CT)-guided celiac plexus neurolysis has been used for controlling the chronic abdominal pain associated with intra-abdominal malignancy and chronic pancreatitis. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided celiac plexus neurolysis has been reported to have some success in controlling pain from pancreatic cancer. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy of EUS-guided celiac plexus block versus CT-guided celiac plexus block for controlling the chronic abdominal pain associated with chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: Patients enrolled were randomly assigned to EUS-guided or CT-guided celiac plexus block. Pain scores were determined pre- and postceliac block for both techniques. Follow-up was obtained by a nurse at 1 day post-block, then weekly thereafter for 24 wk. Patients also rated overall experience with these procedures. The EUS celiac block was performed with a 22-gauge sterile needle inserted into the celiac region with guidance of real-time linear array endosonography followed by injection of 10 ml of bupivacaine (0.75%) and 3 ml (40 mg) of triamcinolone on both sides of the celiac area. RESULTS: Twenty-two consecutive patients (10 men, 12 women), were ultimately enrolled in this study between 7/1/95 and 12/30/95; four patients were excluded for protocol violations. We performed EUS-guided celiac block in 10 patients and CT-guided celiac block in eight. A significant improvement in pain scores with reduction in pain medication usage occurred in 50% (five of 10) of patients having the EUS block. The mean postprocedure follow-up was 15 weeks (range: 8-24 wk). Persistent benefit was experienced by 40% of patients at 8 wk and by 30% at 24 wk. In the patients with CT block, however, only 25% (two of eight) had relief. The mean follow-up was 4 wk (range: 2-6 wk). Only 12% (one of eight) had some relief at 12 wk of follow-up. There were no complications. EUS-guided celiac block was the preferred technique among patients who experienced both techniques. A cost comparison between both celiac block techniques shows EUS to be less costly than CT. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-guided celiac block provided more persistent pain relief than CT-guided block and was the preferred technique among the subjects studied. EUS-guided celiac block appears to be a safe, effective, and less costly method for controlling the abdominal pain that can accompany chronic pancreatitis in some patients.     

Factors and outcomes associated with pancreatic duct disruption in patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis

Background and aimsAcute necrotizing pancreatitis (ANP) can affect main pancreatic duct (MPD) as well as parenchyma. However, the incidence and outcomes of MPD disruption has not been well studied in the setting of ANP.MethodsThis retrospective study investigated 84 of 465 patients with ANP who underwent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and/or endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The MPD disruption group was subclassified into complete and partial disruption.ResultsMPD disruption was documented in 38% (32/84) of the ANP patients. Extensive necrosis, enlarging/refractory pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs), persistence of amylase-rich output from percutaneous drainage, and amylase-rich ascites/pleural effusion were more frequently associated with MPD disruption. Hospital stay was prolonged (mean 55 vs. 29 days) and recurrence of PFCs (41% vs. 14%) was more frequent in the MPD disruption group, although mortality did not differ between ANP patients with and without MPD disruption. Subgroup analysis between complete disruption (n = 14) and partial disruption (n = 18) revealed a more frequent association of extensive necrosis and full-thickness glandular necrosis with complete disruption. The success rate of endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic stenting across the stricture site was lower in complete disruption (20% vs. 92%). Patients with complete MPD disruption also showed a high rate of PFC recurrence (71% vs. 17%) and required surgery more often (43% vs. 6%).ConclusionsMPD disruption is not uncommon in patients with ANP with clinical suspicion on ductal disruption. Associated MPD disruption may influence morbidity, but not mortality of patients with ANP. Complete MPD disruption is often treated by surgery, whereas partial MPD disruption can be managed successfully with endoscopic transpapillary stenting and/or transmural drainage. Further prospective studies are needed to study these items.     

Outcome of pancreatic ascites in patients with tropical calcific pancreatitis managed using a uniform treatment protocol

Pancreatic ascites or internal pancreatic fistula is a known complication of chronic pancreatitis. This condition is associated with considerable morbidity and mortality. The management approach of pancreatic ascites in tropical calcific pancreatitis is infrequently reported owing to the low incidence of this condition. Between December 2005 and June 2007, 11 patients with pancreatic ascites with tropical calcific pancreatitis (male:female 7:4, mean age 29.5 [14.2] years) were treated. A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent endotherapy and surgery for this condition based on an institutional protocol was performed. The end point was resolution of pancreatic ascites and relief of symptoms. All patients had pancreatic ascites, and one patient also had pancreatic pleural effusion. Endoscopic transpapillary stenting was possible in nine patients (81%). Identification of site of leak and placement of an endoscopic stent across the PD disruption was possible in five (45%) patients. All these patients had relief of ascites. Mean number of endotherapy sessions required before control of ascites was 1.8. Among the remaining four (36.6%) patients who had ERCP, placement of stent across the leak was unsuccessful; however stenting helped stabilize the general condition and nutritional status. These four patients and two patients who failed ERP underwent lateral pancreatojejunostomy surgery. Morbidity was observed in three patients who underwent surgery and one patient died due to sepsis and hemorrhage. All patients who had surgical drainage had complete relief of ascites and symptoms. In patients with pancreatic ascites in tropical calcific pancreatitis endotherapy and transpapillary stenting helps in resolution of ascites in nearly half of the patients. In the remaining patients preliminary conservative management followed by surgical pancreatic ductal drainage provides good relief of symptoms.     

EUS-Guided Celiac Plexus Neurolysis for Pain due to Chronic Pancreatitis or Pancreatic Cancer Pain: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of EUS-guided CPN for pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. An initial search identified 1,439 reference articles, of which 130 relevant articles were selected and reviewed. Data was extracted from 8 studies (N = 283) for EUS-guided CPN for pain due to pancreatic cancer and nine studies for chronic pancreatitis (N = 376) which met the inclusion criteria. With EUS-guided CPN, the pooled proportion of patients with pancreatic cancer that showed pain relief was 80.12% (95% CI = 74.47–85.22). In patients with pain due to chronic pancreatitis, EUS-guided CPN provided pain relief in 59.45% (95% CI = 54.51–64.30). In conclusion, EUS-guided CPN offers a safe alternative technique for pain relief in patients with chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer. In patients with pain due to chronic pancreatitis, better techniques or injected materials are needed to improve the response.     

Management of multiple and large pancreatic pseudocysts by endoscopic transpapillary nasopancreatic drainage alone

OBJECTIVE: Endoscopic drainage of a single pseudocyst is a well-known treatment modality. Its role in the management of multiple pseudocysts is not well established. We evaluated the role of endoscopic transpapillary nasopancreatic drain (NPD) placement in the management of multiple and large pseudocysts. METHODS: Over 3 yr (2001-2004), endoscopic transpapillary NPD placement was attempted in 11 patients (age range 12-50 yr, 10 men) with symptomatic communicating multiple pseudocysts of pancreas (three in two and two in nine cases). A 5Fr/7Fr NPD was placed across the most distal duct disruption or into one of the pseudocysts. RESULTS: Eight patients had an underlying chronic pancreatitis and three patients had pseudocysts as sequelae of acute pancreatitis. The size of pseudocysts ranged from 2 to 14 cm (mean 7.5 cm). Eight patients (72.7%) had at least one pseudocyst more than 6 cm in size. Nine patients had a partial disruption and two patients had complete disruption of the pancreatic duct. The NPD was successfully placed in 10 of 11 (90.9%) patients. Postprocedure acute febrile illness in one patient was the only complication noted, which responded to intravenous antibiotics. All pseudocysts resolved in 4-8 wk in 7 of 7 patients with successful bridging of the most distal ductal disruption. There was no recurrence of the pseudocysts in a mean follow-up of 19.4 months. Two patients, in whom there was a complete disruption and the NPD could not bridge the disruption, required surgery for the nonresolution of pseudocysts. In one patient with partial ductal disruption that could not be bridged, there was complete resolution of one pseudocyst and a decrease in the size of the other pseudocyst from 12 to 4 cm. The NPD was replaced by a stent and both the pseudocysts resolved in 20 wk. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic transpapillary NPD placement is a safe and effective modality for the treatment of multiple and large pseudocysts, especially when there is partial ductal disruption, and the disruption can be bridged.     

EUS-assisted rendezvous stenting of the pancreatic duct for chronic calcifying pancreatitis with multiple pseudocysts.

Introduction: The best choice of endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts complicating chronic pancreatitis is currently unknown, with EUS-guided transmural drainage competing with ERCP transpapillary techniques. However, recent studies currently recommend the use of both techniques in complex cases. Case Presentation: We present the case of a 60-year-old male patient with chronic calcifying pancreatitis, with severe ductal obstruction and multiple communicating pancreatic pseudocysts. The patient presented in the emergency department with weight loss, jaundice, steatorrhea and diabetes. Initial imaging evaluation (by transabdominal US, EUS and MRCP) depicted a dilated common bile duct, intrahepatic bile ducts and dilated main pancreatic duct (up to 1 cm) with multiple stones, as well as three pseudocysts at the level of the pancreatic head and one pseudocyst at the level of the pancreatic tail. ERCP with direct cannulation and transpapillary drainage of the bile duct or pancreatic duct was unsuccessful. Consequently, a EUS-assisted rendezvous stenting of the pancreatic duct was done, with the transpapillary placement of a 5-cm stent. Biliary cannulation was also possible with the placement of a double pigtail 9-cm stent in the common bile duct. Subsequent evolution was rapidly favorable with the disappearance of the pancreatic pseudocysts on the control CT after 24 h. Conclusion: Our case clearly showed the benefit of combined draining procedures even in cases of chronic pancreatitis with multiple pseudocysts where surgical drainage was previously deemed necessary.     

Pain relief by surgery in chronic pancreatitis? Relationship between pain relief, pancreatic dysfunction, and alcohol withdrawal.

Since 1963, 57 consecutive patients with chronic pancreatitis, 44 of them alcoholics who had been operated upon for recurrent severe pain, have been controlled regularly for an average of 6 years. Thirty-two of them had a cyst drainage procedure (group A), and 25 had a ductal drainage procedure and/or distal pancreatectomy (group B). Ten patients died within 2 years (group A, n = 5). Lasting pain relief by surgery occurred in 19 patients only. Of 28 patients with pain relapses after surgery (group A, n = 15), however, 22 (78.6%) obtained late pain relief 1-8 years after surgery in association with marked increase of pancreatic dysfunction (group A, n = 12). Pain relief was associated with pancreatic calcifications in 71-86% of the alcoholics. Cyst drainage procedures were successful in preventing pain relapses mainly in patients with either advanced pancreatic dysfunction or in non-alcoholic pancreatitis. The data suggest that in chronic pancreatitis lasting pain relief is more often due to marked pancreatic dysfunction than to surgery. Alcohol abstinence after surgery was probably an additional factor for lasting pain relief in some patients.     

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided drainage for patients with symptomatic obstruction and enlargement of the pancreatic duct

AIM: To evaluate the use of translumenal pancreatography with placement of endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS)-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct.METHODS: This study enrolled all consecutive patients between June 2002 and April 2014 who underwent EUSguided pancreatography and subsequent placement of a drain and had symptomatic retention of fluid in the pancreatic duct after one or more previous unsuccessful attempts at endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the pancreatic duct. In all,94 patients underwent 111 interventions with one of three different approaches:(1) EUS-endoscopic retrograde drainage with a rendezvous technique;(2) EUS-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct; and(3) EUS-guided,internal,antegrade drainage of the pancreatic duct.RESULTS: The mean duration of the interventions was 21 min(range,15-69 min). Mean patient age was 54 years(range,28-87 years); the M:F sex ratio was 60:34. The technical success rate was 100%,achieving puncture of the pancreatic duct including pancreatography in 94/94 patients. In patients requiring drainage,initial placement of a drain wassuccessful in 47/83 patients(56.6%). Of these,26 patients underwent transgastric/transbulbar positioning of a stent for retrograde drainage; plastic prostheses were used in 11 and metal stents in 12. A ring drain(antegrade internal drainage) was placed in three of these 26 patients because of anastomotic stenosis after a previous surgical intervention. The remaining 21 patients with successful drain placement had transpapillary drains using the rendezvous technique; the majority(n = 19) received plastic prostheses,and only two received metal stents(covered self-expanding metal stents). The median follow-up time in the 21 patients with transpapillary drainage was 28 mo(range,1-79 mo),while that of the 26 patients with successful transgastric/transduodenal drainage was 9.5 mo(range,1-82 mo). Clinical success,as indicated by reduced or absence of further pain after the EUS-guided intervention was achieved in 68/83 patients(81.9%),including several who improved without drainage,but with manipulation of the access route.CONCLUSION: EUS-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct is a safe,feasible alternative to endoscopic retrograde drainage when the papilla cannot be reached endoscopically or catheterized.     

Endoscopic treatment of chronic pancreatitis

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopy offers an alternative to surgery for the treatment of ductal complications in patients with chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment on pain, cholestasis and pseudocysts in these patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty-nine patients (37 M, 2 F, mean age 44), were included in the study. All patients had at least one of the following criteria demonstrated by imaging tests: dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) with or without stricture (N = 13), bile duct stricture (N = 12), or pancreatic pseudocyst (N = 14) with pancreatic duct stricture (N = 11) or biliary stricture (N = 3). Pancreatic or biliary sphincterotomy, insertion of pancreatic or biliary stent, pseudocyst drainage with stent placement were performed according to ductal abnormalities. Patients were evaluated early and followed up during the stenting period, and after stent removal. RESULTS: Patients underwent a median of 3.5 endoscopic procedures with an interval of 2.2 months between 2 stenting sessions. A pancreatic or biliary stent was inserted in 25 patients with ductal abnormalities and in 11 patients with pseudocysts. Endoscopic pseudocyst drainage was performed in 6 cases. The mean stenting time was 6 months (range: 3-21). Mean follow-up after stent removal was 9.7 (2-48) months. Complications of endoscopic treatment were encountered in 7% of patients with no deaths. Pain relief was achieved after the first endoscopic procedure and during the overall stenting period in all patients. Recurrence of pain was observed after stent removal in 5/11 patients, requiring surgery in 4. Cholestasis decreased and biochemical values normalized within one month after biliary stenting. Recurrence of cholestasis was observed early after stent removal in 4/9 patients who required complementary surgical treatment. No recurrence of pancreatic pseudocyst was observed after endoscopic drainage and stent removal during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic treatment of pain from pancreatic pseudocysts or ductal strictures is effective in the short-term and in the period of ductal stenting. However, the optimal duration of the latter remains to be determined.     

Endoscopic approach for diagnosing autoimmune pancreatitis

It is of utmost importance to differentiate autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) from pancreatic cancer (PC). Segmental AIP cases are sometimes difficult to differentiate from PC. On endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, long or skipped irregular narrowing of the main pancreatic duct (MPD), less upstream dilatation of the distal MPD, side branches derived from the narrowed portion of the MPD, absence of obstruction of the MPD, and stenosis of the intrahepatic bile duct suggest AIP rather than PC. Abundant infiltration of IgG4-positive plasma cells is frequently and rather specifically detected in the major duodenal papilla of AIP patients. IgG4-immunostaining of biopsy specimens obtained from the major duodenal papilla is useful for supporting a diagnosis of AIP with pancreatic head involvement. On endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), hyperechoic spots in the hypoechoic mass and the duct-penetrating sign suggest AIP rather than PC. EUS and intraductal ultrasonography sometimes show wall thickening of the common bile duct even in the segment in which abnormalities are not clearly observed with cholangiography in AIP patients. EUS-guided fine needle aspiration, especially EUS-guided Tru-Cut biopsy, is useful to diagnose AIP, as well as to exclude PC.     

Role of remaining ductal cephalad obstruction on the results of lateral pancreaticojejunostomy in chronic pancreatitis

AIMS: To report the results of a pancreaticojejunostomy in the treatment of chronic pancreatitis, and to assess the role of residual cephalic ductal obstruction in pain recurrence. METHODS: Thirty seven patients with painful chronic pancreatitis whose pancreatic duct diameter exceeded 6 mm were treated by lateral pancreaticojejunostomy and were retrospectively studied. Deobstruction of the cephalad portion of the main pancreatic duct was complete in 21 patients (group A), while residual obstruction was noted in 16 patients (group B). RESULTS: One patient died post-operatively (2.7%) and 6 patients underwent complications (16%) that were treated without reoperation. With a median follow-up of 52 months, 26 patients were pain free (70%). Pain recurrence occurred in 3 patients in group A (14%) who were treated medically, versus in 8 patients in group B (50%) of whom 4 needed iterative surgery. Ongoing alcoholic addiction did not influence pain recurrence, which onset significantly altered the weight increase observed after pancreaticojejunostomy. CONCLUSION: Lateral pancreaticojejunostomy has a low morbidity rate and offers long lasting pain relief in 86% of patients whose cephalad main pancreatic duct is completely deobstructed.     

Endoscopic treatment of external pancreatic fistulas: when draining the main pancreatic duct is not enough

OBJECTIVES: Transpapillary drainage of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) has been proposed for the treatment of external pancreatic fistulas (EPF) but may not suffice to treat complex cases. The aim of the present study was to explore the efficacy of various endoscopic or combined percutaneous and endoscopic techniques in the treatment of EPFs. METHODS: Sixteen patients presenting with EPFs were treated in our department. The techniques applied and patients' clinical outcome are described. RESULTS: All but three patients underwent transpapillary MPD drainage by pancreatic sphincterotomy (N = 13). Additional endoscopic procedures performed were: (a) pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) drainage (N = 5), (b) transmural drainage between the fistula path and the gastrointestinal (GI) tract (N = 5), and (c) endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pancreaticoduodenostomy because of complete pancreatic duct rupture (N = 1). Fistula closure was achieved in all patients except one, who required surgery. During a median follow-up period of 18 months (range 6-52) three patients had fistula recurrence, and two, PFC recurrence. Both conditions were cured successfully by repeated endoscopic therapy. All recurrences occurred within 3 months of initial successful treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endoscopic and percutaneous treatment appears to be safe and effective for the management of complex cases of EPFs.     

Motion--pancreatic endoscopy is useful for the pain of chronic pancreatitis: arguments for the motion.

Pain is the dominant clinical problem in patients with chronic pancreatitis. It can be due to pseudocysts, as well as strictures and stones in the pancreatic ducts. Most experts agree that obstruction could cause increased pressure within the main pancreatic duct or its branches, resulting in pain. Endoscopic therapy aims to alleviate pain by reducing the pressure within the ductal system and draining pseudocysts. Approaches vary according to the specific nature of the problem, and include transgastric, transduodenal and transpapillary stenting and drainage. Additional techniques for the removal of stones from the pancreatic duct include extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy. Success rates for stone extraction and stenting of strictures are high in specialized centres that employ experienced endoscopists, but pain often recurs during long term follow-up. Complications include pancreatitis, bleeding, infection and perforation. In the case of pancreatic pseudocysts, percutaneous or even surgical drainage should be considered if septae or large amounts of debris are present within the lesion. This article describes the techniques, indications and results of endoscopic therapy of pancreatic lesions.     

Endoscopic Retrograde Pancreatography and Brushing Cytology Using a Guidewire with Special Reference to the Recanalization Method in Patients with Main Pancreatic Duct Obstruction

Abstract: We attempted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) using guidewires on 32 patients: 16 with main pancreatic duct (MPD) stricture and 16 with MPD obstruction which had been detected by ordinary ERCP. We also performed brushing cytology for pancreatic ductal lesions in 24 of these patients. In 15 of the 16 patients with a MPD stricture, an ERCP catheter was inserted up to the stricture and then the catheter was passed into the proximal MPD through the stricture using a guidewire (recanalization method). In 14 of the 16 patients with a MPD obstruction, the lesion was reached using guidewires. In addition, the recanalization method was possible in 12 of these 14 patients and the pancreatic ductal system proximal to the obstruction was visualized. ERCP using guidewires, especially using the recanalization method, allowed us to obtain detailed information, not only about the lesion itself but also on the pancreatic ductal system proximal to the lesion. Employing these methods, we obtained pancreatograms cliaracteristic of chronic pancreatitis or pancreatic cancer with a high detection rate and could evaluate whether the lesion was benign or malignant even in cases difficult to diagnose using ordinary ERCP. Furthermore, an assessment of the lesion expansion was possible to some degree with the recanalization method. The diagnostic accuracy of brushing cytology of the ductal lesion using guidewires was 79%. Although one subject experienced acute pancreatitis after these procedures, she recovered following conservative treatment. No other serious complications were observed.     

The role of endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in the treatment of traumatic pancreatic duct injury.

BACKGROUND: The status of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) is the most important determinant of the morbidity and mortality associated with pancreatic trauma. Early diagnosis and optimal treatment are critical, especially when there is MPD injury. METHODS: Twenty-three patients with pancreatic trauma were studied prospectively with respect to clinical and laboratory findings, CT, and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP). Treatment modalities and clinical outcome were assessed in relation to ERP findings. RESULTS: The pancreatic duct was injured in 14 of 23 patients (11 MPD, 3 branch duct). Contrast leakage from the MPD into peritoneal cavity at ERP confirmed MPD injury in 8 patients, who underwent surgical exploration. Three patients with leakage from a branch duct into the pancreatic parenchyma recovered with conservative treatment. Three patients in whom ERP demonstrated contrast leakage from the MPD confined to the parenchyma underwent successful transpapillary stent insertion with complete resolution of the leak at 3-month follow-up. Patients who underwent ERP more than 72 hours after trauma had a significantly higher rate of pancreas-associated complications and a tendency to remain hospitalized longer than patients who underwent ERP earlier. CONCLUSION: Early ERP is one of the most useful methods for demonstrating MPD injury. ERP assists with treatment planning based on the degree of pancreatic duct injury.     

Endotherapy in chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis(CP)is a progressive disease with irreversible changes in the pancreas.Patients commonly present with pain and with exocrine or endocrine insufficiency.All therapeutic efforts in CP are directed towards relief of pain as well as the management of associated complications.Endoscopic therapy offers many advantages in patients with CP who present with ductal calculi,strictures,ductal leaks,pseudocyst or associated biliary strictures.Endotherapy offers a high rate of success with low morbidity in properly selected patients.The procedure can be repeated and failed endotherapy is not a hindrance to subsequent surgery.Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy is helpful in patients with CP with minimal ductal changes while minor papilla sphincterotomy provides relief in patients with pancreas divisum and chronic pancreatitis.Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy is the standard of care in patients with large pancreatic ductal calculi.Long term follow up has shown pain relief in over 60%of patients.A transpapillary stent placed across the disruption provides relief in over 90%of patients with ductal leaks.Pancreatic ductal strictures are managed by single large bore stents.Multiple stents are placed for refractorystrictures.CP associated benign biliary strictures(BBS)are best treated with multiple plastic stents,as the response to a single plastic stent is poor.Covered self expanding metal stents are increasingly being used in the management of BBS though further long term studies are needed.Pseudocysts are best drained endoscopically with a success rate of 80%-95%at most centers.Endosonography(EUS)has added to the therapeutic armamentarium in the management of patients with CP.Drainage of pseudcysts,cannulation of inaccessible pancreatic ducts and celiac ganglion block in patients with intractable pain are all performed using EUS.Endotherapy should be offered as the first line of therapy in properly selected patients with CP who have failed to respond to medical therapy and require intervention.     

Internal pancreatic fistulas: proposal of a management algorithm based on a case series analysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Internal pancreatic fistulas (IPF) are an uncommon but well-recognized complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP) that are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Because of their low incidence, management is still controversial. The aims of this study are to report the 8-year experience with IPF management in a Brazil University-affiliated hospital and to propose a management algorithm. STUDY: A centralized diagnostic index was used to retrospectively identify all patients with IPF admitted to a teaching hospital from 1995 to 2003. The patient's medical records were reviewed for clinical features, diagnostic work-up, treatment strategies, response to therapy, and the length of hospital stay. All patients underwent contrast-enhanced computed tomography of the abdomen and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, to guide the therapeutic modality to be offered. Conservative therapy included withholding of oral feedings in conjunction with total parenteral nutrition, octreotide subcutaneously, and multiple paracentesis or thoracentesis. Interventional therapy was either endoscopic or surgical. RESULTS: IPF was identified in 11 (7.3%) of 150 patients with CP. They ranged in age from 24 to 47 years (mean 36.1), with a male to female ratio of 10:1. All patients had underlying alcoholic CP. The presentation was pancreatic ascites in 9 patients and pleural effusion in 2 cases. Five patients were undergoing the conservative treatment, all presenting main pancreatic duct (MPD) dilatation; endoscopic placement of transpapillary pancreatic duct stent was performed in 4 patients who presented partial MPD stricture or disruption; surgical therapy was performed in 2 patients exhibiting complete MPD obstruction or disruption. Stents were removed 3 to 6 weeks after initial placement. IPF resolved in 10 of 11 patients (90.9%) within 6 weeks. The resolution of IPF was faster (13 +/- 5 vs. 25 +/- 13 days, P < 0.01) and the length of hospital stay was significantly shorter (17.2 +/- 5.6 vs. 31.2 +/- 4.4 days, P < 0.01) in patients subject to interventional treatment compared with those treated conservatively. There was 1 death due to sepsis in a patient managed conservatively; no death was recorded in the interventional therapy group. There was no recurrence of IPF at a mean follow-up of 38 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that interventional therapy should be considered the best approach for the management of IPF in patients presenting MPD disruption or obstruction. Conservative therapy must be reserved for those showing MPD dilatation without ductal disruption or stricture. Early interventional therapy reduced hospital stay and convalescence, which likely resulted in lower healthcare overall costs.     

Pancreatic stenting for the preservation of pancreatic function in chronic pancreatitis with stricture

Background: Although many reports have documented pain relief achieved by pancreatic stenting, the effect of stenting on pancreatic function is less clear. In addition, the effects of stent caliber and patency have not been considered in most previous studies. Pain and pancreatic function after stenting of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) were examined. Methods: Records of 24 patients with chronic pancreatitis who had an MPD stricture treated with a 10‐Fr stent from June 1996 to June 2002 were reviewed. The average age was 57.0 ± 1 years, and the male : female ratio was 7 : 1. Eleven patients had diabetes mellitus. Stent patency, pancreatic pain and pancreatic endocrine and exocrine function were examined before stenting and 6 months after stenting. Stenting was continued for 1 year or more, with repeated stent exchange every 3 months. Results: The stent became occluded in 29% of cases, migration occurred in 15% of cases, and the 50% patency time was 125 days. Pancreatic pain was relieved by stenting in all cases. The diameter of the MPD, the Bentiromide test value, weight and body mass index were improved. Conclusion: Stenting relieves blockage of the main pancreatic duct and provides both pain relief and preservation of residual pancreatic function.