Transgastric cholecystectomy: transgastric accessibility to the gallbladder improved with the SEMF method and a novel multibending therapeutic endoscope

BACKGROUND: Transgastric cholecystectomy is thought to technically and anatomically challenge a single entry flexible endoscopic approach. OBJECTIVES: To examine the feasibility of a transgastric-only cholecystectomy, endoscope performance in an upper-abdominal operation, and the usefulness of an offset gastrotomy. STUDY DESIGN: Animal survival study. SETTING: Animal research laboratory. PATIENTS: Six domestic pigs. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Transgastric access to the gallbladder and technical feasibility of unassisted transgastric cholecystectomy. INTERVENTIONS: A cephalad submucosal tunnel was created in the anterior gastric wall with a high-pressure CO2 injection. An EMR-cap myotomy was performed distally within the submucosal space and created an offset gastrotomy. An endoscope was inserted into the peritoneal cavity through the myotomy. Access to the gallbladder was compared by using a multibending therapeutic endoscope (R-scope), with a standard double-channel endoscope. A cholecystectomy was performed by using both types of endoscopes. The myotomy site was sealed with the overlying mucosal flap. The mucosal entry point was closed with clips or tissue anchors. RESULTS: A standard double-channel endoscope could access the gallbladder in 2 of 4 attempts. A multibending endoscope accessed the gallbladder in all 4 attempts, including 2 pigs in which the standard scope failed to access the gallbladder. In 4 pigs, a cholecystectomy was completed. Two pigs died during surgery, with air embolization observed in 1. Two pigs survived a planned 1-week survival period. CONCLUSIONS: Transgastric cholecystectomy is technically feasible. Transgastric access to the gallbladder may be improved by using submucosal endoscopy with an offset exit gastrotomy by means of the mucosal flap safety-valve technique and a multibending gastroscope.     

Clinical results of observation of the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope

Background and Aim: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy through the oral cavity of patients who have undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) causes some distress and puts these patients at risk of aspiration pneumonia. The aim of this study was to evaluate results for the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope. Methods: The study subjects were 43 patients, who underwent exchange of a PEG button or tube, 20‐French or more in diameter. After PEG buttons or tubes were extracted from the gastrostomy tract, an ultrathin endoscope was inserted through the gastrostomy tract. The stomach and the duodenal bulb were observed and the esophagus was observed in retrograde passage. A new PEG button or tube was then inserted. The rate of successful insertion into the esophagus and duodenal bulb, the observation of the gastrostomy site in retroversion in the stomach, and the endoscopic findings were analyzed. Results: Ninety‐nine examinations were carried out. The esophagus could be observed in 95 (96.0%), the duodenum in 92 (92.9%) and the gastrostomy site in the stomach in all. Gastric polyps were detected in four patients, gastric erosions in two, reflux esophagitis in two, polypoid lesion at the gastrostomy tract in two, gastric ulcer scar in one, duodenal ulcer scar in one, early gastric cancer in one and recurrent esophageal cancer in one. Neither discomfort nor complications occurred during transgastrostomic endoscopy. Conclusions: Observation of the upper gastrointestinal tract by transgastrostomic endoscopy using an ultrathin endoscope during a gastrostomy button or tube replacement may be useful and safe.     

A Case of Acute Organoaxial Gastric Volvulus Treated by Endoscopic Reduction and Fixation with the Use of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Device

Abstract: Acute organoaxial gastric volvulus with paraesophageal hernia was detected by upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in a 75-year-old female patient. Endoscopic reduction of gastric volvulus was initially performed and a nasogastric tube was inserted into the jejunum. The introduction of oral intake resulted in vomiting and a barium meal study suggested recurrence of gastric volvulus. Endoscopic reduction was then performed, and a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube was inserted to anchor the stomach to the anterior abdominal wall. The tube was removed 15 weeks later, and the patient has remained asymptomatic to date.     

Endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique for ulcerative early gastric cancer

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is an effective treatment modality for early gastric cancer (EGC), though the submucosal fibrosis found in ulcerative EGC is an obstacle for successful treatment. This report presents two cases of ulcerative EGC in two males, 73- and 80-year-old, with severe fibrosis. As endoscopic ultrasonography suggested that the EGCs had invaded the submucosal layer, the endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique was utilized for complete resection of the lesions. Although surgical gastrectomy was originally scheduled, the two patients had severe coronary heart disease, and surgeries were refused because of the risks associated with their heart conditions. The endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique procedures described in these cases were performed under conscious sedation, and were completed within 30 min. The complete en bloc resection of EGC using endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique was possible with a free resection margin, and no other complications were noted during the procedure. This is the first known report concerning the use of the endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique salvage technique for treatment of ulcerative EGC. We demonstrate that endoscopic submucosal tunnel dissection salvage technique it is a feasible method showing several advantages over endoscopic submucosal dissection for cases of EGC with fibrosis.     

四种内镜下尼龙绳结扎法处理上消化道黏膜下肿瘤的疗效评价

目的 评价内镜下尼龙绳结扎技术治疗上消化道黏膜下肿瘤的临床疗效与安全性.方法 选择位于食管、胃、十二指肠的黏膜下肿瘤,采用内镜下尼龙绳结扎治疗,包括直接结扎、透明帽辅助结扎、双通道内镜结扎以及联合黏膜下剥离术（ESD）结扎.术后内镜随访,评价治疗效果与安全性.结果 自2006年6月至2008年12月共入选128例黏膜下肿瘤患者,食管28例,胃82例,十二指肠18例.3例采用直接结扎法,105例采用透明帽辅助结扎法,8例采用双通道内镜结扎法,12例联合ESD结扎.111例患者接受内镜随访,16例病灶（14.4%）较前明显缩小,16例（14.4%）尼龙绳未脱落,其余71例（63.9%）病人病灶完全消失,治疗有效率为92.8%.均未出现迟发性穿孔、出血等并发症.结论 内镜下尼龙绳结扎联合其他辅助方法治疗上消化道黏膜下肿瘤是安全及有效的.     

NATURAL ORIFICE TRANSLUMENAL ENDOSCOPIC SURGERY FOR PREOPERATIVE STAGING IN A PANCREATIC CANCER PATIENT

Background: Many experimental studies have shown the technical feasibility of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES). We report the first clinical application of natural orifice transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy in Japan for preoperative staging in a patient with pancreatic cancer. Methods: A submucosal tunnel was created for safe peritoneal access and secure closure of the gastric‐incision site. Results: Transgastric peritoneoscopy provided an excellent view and allowed approach to various areas of the abdominal cavity. After confirmation of operative curability, the patient underwent an open standard operation without complication. Conclusions: Natural orifice transgastric endoscopic peritoneoscopy for cancer staging using the submucosal tunnel technique appears to be feasible and safe.     

Successful biliary drainage using a metal stent through the gastric stoma

We report a case of biliary drainage for malignant stricture using a metal stent with an ultrathin endoscope through the gastric stoma. A 78-year-old female was referred to our hospital for jaundice and fever. She had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) for esophageal obstruction after radiation therapy for cancer of the pharynx. Abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography showed a 3-cm enhanced mass in the middle bile duct and dilatation of the intra-hepatic bile duct. We initially performed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) with a trans-oral approach. However, neither the side-viewing endoscope nor the ultrathin endoscope passed through the esophageal orifice. Thus, we eventually performed ERCP via the PEG stoma using an ultrathin endoscope. We performed biliary drainage with a 6F introducer self-expanding metal stent. The cytology findings obtained by brush cytology showed malignancy. Her laboratory results were restored to normal levels after drainage and no complication occurred.     

经内镜切除消化道黏膜下肿瘤

目的 探讨内镜切除消化道黏膜下肿瘤(SMT)的疗效、安全性以及切除前内镜超声检查(EUS)的价值。方法 SMT71例中食管36例，胃29例，十二指肠和直肠各3例，64例(90．1％)治疗前行EUS检查。SMT大小6～20mm，平均14．2mm。55例用双活检管道内镜行黏膜切除术(EMR)，把持钳剥离SMT后，将其切除；6例先用圈套器在SMT基底部勒紧，再注入生理盐水，切除SMT；10例≤10mm的用透明帽吸引法切除。结果 71例SMT中68例(95．8％)内镜下完全切除；2例(1例异位胰腺、1例胃平滑肌瘤)病变残留(4周时胃镜发现)；l例直肠平滑肌瘤，未能切除改行外科手术。67例平均随访18．7个月未见复发。组织学诊断平滑肌瘤51例(71．8％)，颗粒细胞瘤、纤维瘤、异位胰腺、脂肪瘤、间质瘤和类癌共15例(21．1％)，5例(7．0％)间叶肿瘤未做免疫染色，不能确定组织来源。并发症：9例局部少量出血，1例胃间质瘤切除后胃穿孔。结论 内镜切除SMT是一种较安全、有效的方法，并可获得组织学诊断，EUS对内镜治疔SMT选择适应证有重要的价值。     

ENDOSCOPIC PROCEDURE UNDER IRRIGATION

Background: Endoscopic therapy is often difficult to achieve particularly when the field of view of the lesion is poor due to contamination of mucus and blood. We developed five different types of end hoods that facilitate endoscopic procedures by simultaneously allowing various treatments and irrigation of the site. Methods: The end‐hood pieces were fabricated by drilling a side hole in the cap portion of conventional transparent hoods, then the irrigation tube was glued to the exterior surface of the hole. The fabricated transparent hood was placed at the tip of the endoscope. Results: Types 1 and 2 were useful for upper‐gastrointestinal (GI) hemorrhage, type 3 for lower‐GI hemorrhage, type 4 for endoscopic submucosal dissection and type 5 for endoscopic mucosal resection. Conclusions: With this method, endoscopic procedure is easy and economical, as therapeutic procedures can be performed under irrigation using a conventional endoscopy.     

Continent ileostomy: A new technique in the dog

Summary A new technique for constructing a continent ileostomy has been tested in the dog. The terminal ileum is divided 10 cm from the ileocecal valve, and the distal stump is closed. The last 35 cm of the proximal stump of ileum are used: the proximal 30 cm portion is used to prepare a reservoir ileostomy according to Kock's method, while the distal 5 cm portion is used to form the stoma. The outlet of the reservoir is sutured to the abdominal skin and is provided with a magnetic sealing device formed by a magnetic ring coated with Palacos which is implanted in the abdominal wall; the magnetic outside cover seals the stoma. Eight dogs were provided with this type of ileostomy. The observation periods did not exceed six weeks. The dogs wore the magnetic covers for 10 to 12 hours a day. Full continence was obtained in all dogs but one, in which the ring had to be explanted because of infection. Radiologic examination performed 30 days after the operation with orally administered barium demonstrated great increases in the capacities of the reservoirs and full continence of the stomas. Intrareservoir pressures recorded during infusion of fluid in the ileostomy pouches demonstrated the absence of pressure waves, even when 600 ml of fluid were introduced.     

PEG ileus

Summary A case of small bowel obstruction due to a lodged percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube inner bumper is described. Most probably inner bumper lodgement in the terminal ileum is related to its size. Laparotomy was required to remove the bumper and relieve the obstruction. We suggest that all percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy bumpers be retrieved endoscopically when the PEG tube is removed or replaced unless a collapsible inner bumper is used.     

The buried bumper syndrome: an early complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy

This paper reports on buried bumper syndrome that is an early complication of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy. The patient, a 69-year-old woman with impaired conversation due to Alzheimer's disease, was unable to swallow safely. She had undergone percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in the standard manner, and it had allowed her to be cared for in her own home. The patient's family had followed the instructions accompanying the device without difficulty until 5 days before presentation, when they noticed leakage around the tube. On examination, the stoma site was reddish, and at endoscopy, we were unable to confirm the internal bumper. Instead, there was a raised mound and a central small round concave area of gastric mucosa without ulceration and edema. Fluid under pressure could not be injected through the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube. The internal bumper had become embedded in the anterior abdominal wall. In this case, the first percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was removed with incision of abdominal wall under local anesthesia for a short period, and a second percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy was created, without difficulty. Therefore, we should take greater care when we carry out percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy in patients with dementia and without paralysis of the upper extremities.     

Rendezvous gastrotomy technique using direct percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for transgastric cholecystectomy in hybrid natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery

Background/purpose

Transgastric access is a major route in natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES); gastrotomy should be performed unless it would damage surrounding organs in the peritoneal cavity. This article describes a novel rendezvous gastrotomy technique over a direct percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

Methods

In six live porcines, the gastrotomy involved applying a direct PEG through the abdominal wall into the stomach and exchanging to a needle trocar. An endoscopic balloon catheter was passed through the trocar by rendezvous technique. Then the inflated balloon and endoscope were advanced to the peritoneal cavity through the gastrotomy. Transgastric cholecystectomy was performed with a hybrid needle grasper through the same percutaneous site and the gastrotomy was closed with endoscopic clips.

Results

The rendezvous gastrotomy technique could reduce guidewire exchange. The success rate was 100% (6/6). Mean times for transgastric peritoneoscopy and cholecystectomy were 25.5 and 83.5 min. Mortality and morbidity was 0%. The addition of the extra trocar was unnecessary in all procedures.

Discussions/conclusions

The advantage of this introduction system includes the creation of controlled gastric perforation, which is easier to close. It provides reliable transgastric access and increases safety. It simplifies transgastric NOTES and provides less invasive hybrid NOTES procedure.     

Transgastric long tube placement following percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for severe chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction related to systemic sclerosis

Medical management of systemic sclerosis (SSc)-associated chronic intestinal pseudo- obstruction (CIPO) has often proved inadequate. Percutaneous endoscopic colostomy (PEC) has been proposed as a method of treatment, but it is associated with a relatively high incidence of serious complications. We report herein a very severe case of SSc-associated CIPO in which complications were successfully controlled by long tube placement via a gastrostomy. Transgastric long tube placement may offer a relatively safe alternative to PEC in treating severe SSc-associated CIPO.     

Laparoscopic-Assisted Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

There are a variety of techniques for gastrostomy tube placement. Endoscopic and radiologic approaches have almost entirely superseded surgical placement. However, an aging population and significant advancements in modern healthcare have resulted in patients with increasingly complex medical issues or postsurgical anatomy. The rising prevalence of obesity has also created technical challenges for proceduralists of many specialties. When patients with these comorbidities develop the need for long-term enteral nutrition and feeding tube placement, standard approaches such as percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) by endoscopists and percutaneous image-guided gastrostomy (PIG) by interventional radiologists may be technically difficult or impossible. For these challenging situations, laparoscopic-assisted PEG (LAPEG) is an alternative option. LAPEG combines the advantages of PEG with direct intraperitoneal visualization, helping ensure a safe tube placement tract free of intervening organs or structures. In this review, we highlight some of the important factors of first-line gastrostomy techniques, with an emphasis on the utility and procedural technique of LAPEG when they are not feasible.     

Experimental studies of transgastric gallbladder surgery: cholecystectomy and cholecystogastric anastomosis (videos)

BACKGROUND: Transgastric flexible endoscopic surgery might offer advantages over open and laparoscopic surgery. The aim of this study was to develop methods for performing transgastric biliary endosurgery. METHODS: Cholecystectomies and biliary anastomoses were performed in 8 anesthetized pigs (27-30 kg) in nonsurvival studies. Two endoscopes passed perorally were inserted through the stomach wall after needle-knife incision. Endoscope-induced pneumoperitoneum allowed viewing and manipulation of the gallbladder with both endoscopes independently. The cystic duct was dissected, clipped, and transected. Cholecystectomy was performed with one of two methods: either by using two endoscopes, or a single endoscope and a 5-mm-diameter grasping instrument inserted transabdominally. Clips and sutures were used to attach the gallbladder to the stomach wall, and an incision was made to form a cholecystogastrostomy. In survival experiments in 8 pigs, transgastric incisions were closed with endoscopic sutures. RESULTS: The gallbladder was successfully removed in 8 pigs (nonsurvival experiments). The time for the procedure ranged from 2.5 hours to 40 minutes and decreased with experience. At postmortem examination, clips placed on the cystic duct and the artery were secure. An anastomosis was successfully formed between gallbladder and stomach in 3 pigs. In 8 pigs, full-thickness incisions in the stomach wall were closed with two to 4 stitches. All 8 pigs survived (median follow-up, 22 days; range 14-28 days). CONCLUSIONS: Transgastric gallbladder surgery, including cholecystectomy and biliary anastomosis, is feasible. Full-thickness gastric incisions were safely closed in survival studies. The efficacy and the safety of transgastric surgery merits further study.     

Submucosal endoscopy

Submucosal surgery has emerged over the past decade as a safe and effective treatment for both benign and malignant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Endoscopic creation of a submucosal tunnel or flap allows for access to various muscular structures as well as en bloc resection of muscle- and mucosa-based lesions. Per oral endoscopic myotomy for the treatment of achalasia is supported by robust data on safety and short-term outcomes with promising long-term outcomes data. Per oral pyloromyotomy uses the experience gained from per oral endoscopic myotomy in the treatment of gastroparesis, a chronic disease that often proves challenging to effectively treat. A submucosal tunnel or dissection is created to remove tumors of the submucosa in addition to removing early stage cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, providing an alternative to the higher morbidity surgical approaches to resection. Submucosal surgery is an innovative approach to the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal diseases traditionally treated by open and laparoscopic surgical techniques.     

Colonic metaplasia with colonic-type polyps on an ileostomy stoma in polyposis coli

A unique case is reported in which chronic physical and chemical irritation of an ileostomy stoma (after proctocolectomy for polyposis coli) was associated with colonic metaplasia and formation of colonic-type tubular adenomas on the external surface of the ileostomy. The remainder of the terminal ileum and the upper gastrointestinal tract were normal, with no evidence of Gardner's syndrome. This case demonstrates that even metaplastic colonic epithelium is susceptible to the formation of adenomas in polyposis coli patients.     

Esophageal obstruction due to extensive intramural esophageal dissection: diagnosis and treatment using an endoscopic ''rendezvous'' technique

Intramural esophageal dissection is an uncommon condition which usually responds to conservative management. We report an unusual case of extensive dissection resulting in complete esophageal obstruction, and which required endoscopic therapy. Diagnosis was made using two endoscopes: the transoral endoscope was in the false esophageal lumen, while a second endoscope inserted through a pre-existing gastrostomy was in the true esophageal lumen. Endoscopic needle knife incision of the entire mucosal septum resolved the patient's symptoms, and was performed without complication. The literature is reviewed for current knowledge of this condition. We also propose that 'intramural esophageal dissection' should be the preferred name for this condition, which at present is known by many names.     

Advantages of endoscopic submucosal dissection over conventional endoscopic mucosal resection

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection is an established method for treating intramucosal gastric neoplasms. Conventional endoscopic mucosal resection has predominantly been performed using strip biopsy, but local recurrence sometimes occurs due to such piecemeal resection. Endoscopic submucosal dissection has recently been performed in Japan using new devices such as an insulation-tip diathermic knife. The efficacy and problems associated with endoscopic submucosal dissection were evaluated by comparison with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection. METHODS: Treatment consisted of conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for 48 lesions from January 1999 to October 2002, and endoscopic submucosal dissection for 59 lesions from November 2002 to June 2005. Endoscopic submucosal dissection was performed using an insulation-tip diathermic knife and flex and hook knives, as appropriate. RESULTS: For lesions >or=11 mm in size, en bloc resection rates were significantly higher with endoscopic submucosal dissection than with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection, but treatment time was significantly longer. En bloc resection rates were higher with endoscopic submucosal dissection than with conventional endoscopic mucosal resection in all areas. Treatment of lesions in the upper one-third of the stomach took a long time using endoscopic submucosal dissection, and intraoperative bleeding was frequent. However, en bloc resection rates and intraoperative bleeding with endoscopic submucosal dissection were improved using various knives. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection can take a long time, but is superior to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection for treating intramucosal gastric neoplasms.