Endoscopic Reduction of Acute Gastric Volvulus in a Child

Abstract: An 11-year-old girl with cerebral palsy was admitted with complaints of frequent vomiting and upper abdominal distension. After plain X-ray examination and upper gastrointestinal contrast study, she was diagnosed as having acute mesenterioaxial volvulus of the stomach. Endoscopic reduction was successfully performed. We describe herein the technical details of the endoscopic reduction in this rare case. In non-infant pediatric patients with primary gastric volvulus, we recommend that endoscopic reduction be considered prior to surgical intervention.     

Buried Bumper Syndrome as a Rare Complication of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy

Abstract: Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG), which can be performed under local anesthesia and does not require laparotomy, has become an accepted means of providing long-term nutritional support for patients who cannot swallow. PEG can be successfully performed in 10–20 minutes with minimal invasion. Although the incidences are low, some complications with PEG have been reported. We describe herein a patient who developed an early complication of PEG in which the internal bumper became buried in the gastric wall. The buried bumper was immediately removed under local anesthesia, and a new PEG tube was successfully placed. There have also been reports of tube migration into the appears to result from excessive traction on the tube with subsequent ischemic necrosis of the gastric mucosa and pressure necrosis. Careful management of the tube is needed prevent this complication.     

Endoscopic management of chronic organoaxial volvulus of the stomach

Endoscopic correction of the chronic organoaxial volvulus of the stomach was attempted in seven cases of primary and three cases of secondary volvulus. Endoscopic correction was successful in six cases of primary volvulus and one case of volvulus secondary to duodenal carcinoma. This paper describes the details of the technique of endoscopic correction of gastric volvulus, and documentation of correction of the volvulus by barium meal study with a follow-up of 5-26 months.     

Endoscopic band ligation for postpolypectomy gastric bleeding

We report a case of a patient in whom endoscopic band ligation was achieved for postpolypectomy gastric bleeding. A 76‐year‐old man visited our hospital because of anemia. Endoscopy revealed a gastric polyp, approximately 12 mm in diameter, on the lesser curvature in the distal gastric body. The polyp was considered to be the source of chronic anemia and was therefore removed by using standard careful snare‐cautery polypectomy technique. Four days later, follow‐up endoscopy was performed to evaluate the postpolypectomy site, and an active bleeding postpolypectomy ulcer was identified. Initial attempts to achieve hemostasis with ethanol injection were unsuccessful. Immediate hemostasis was obtained with a subsequent endoscopic band ligation device. There has been no recurrent bleeding. Endoscopic band ligation might be a good treatment modality for the treatment of a postpolypectomy gastric bleeding lesion.     

Endoscopic Resection of Gastric Plasmacytoma

Gastric plasmacytoma is a rare form of extramedullary plasmacytoma. It is usually diagnosed with a barium meal or endoscopy for various gastrointestinal symptoms. Most gastric plasmacytomas are treated by surgical resection, even when they are confined to gastric mucosal lamina propria or submucosa, that is, in the early stages. We present here a case of gastric plasmacytoma showing an endoscopic feature of submucosal tumor approximately 2.5 cm in diameter, found through an X‐ray study in a mass screening. Endoscopic ultrasonography revealed a hypoechoic tumor located in the submucosal layer, and the tumor appeared to be safely excised by routineendoscopic resection. In order to obtain histlogical diagnosis, we resected the tumor, which was diagnosed as a plasmacytoma. The patient did not shown any sign of local and/or generalized recurrence during follow up for 2.5 years. We have not found a successful case of endoscopic resection of gastric plasmacytoma reported previously.     

Strangulated volvulus of the sigmoid colon with inviable mucosal appearance in a non-surgical patient. Endoscopic devolvulation.

Colonoscopy is presently always performed before surgical management of a volvulus in the sigmoid colon. It leads to know the viability of the mucosa and, when possible, to resolve the volvulus conservatively. Besides, with endoscopic control, we can place a decompression tube proximal to the volvulated sigmoid colon, favouring a non-surgical resolution. With this conservative approach it is possible to overcome the acute period, and to restore the viability of the sigmoid wall, waiting for a definitive surgical management with less morbidity and mortality. Only with endoscopy, revolvulation does occur in 35-50% of cases. We present the clinical case of a sigmoid volvulus with compromised sigmoid wall in an 82-year-old man with several clinical problems contraindicating surgery. Endoscopic devolvulation with tube placement was adequate to resolve this sigmoid volvulus.     

Evaluation of Endoscopic Naso-biliary Drainage Established without Endoscopic Sphincterotomy for Malignant Obstructive Jaundice

Abstract: Endoscopic naso-biliary drainage (ENBD) without endoscopic sphincterotoyny (ES) was carried out using 7.2 Fr naso-biliary tubes in 36 patients with malignant obstructive jaundice. The success rate of this method was SO .4% (37/16 cases). The effectiveness of ENBD without ES in terms of lowering total bilirubin values was good or excellent in 24 out of 29 cases (82.8%). Complications were observed in 1 out of 37 cases (10.8%);fortunately, none were as severe as perforation or bleeding. After ENBD established without ES serum amylase levels increased makcdly in 7 cases (17.9%), but these increases were transient and decveased vapidly. Endoscopic internal bilio-duodenal drainage established without ES was also successfully performed, using 10 or 12 Fr endoprosthetic tirbes, in 6 cases of malignant obstructive jaundice. Amylase levels after this procedure did not show any significant elevation. This fact suggests that compression of the pancreatic orifice by the naso-biliary tube dose not cause hyperamylaseynia. Endoscopic biliary drainage established without ES is an effective, safe, and simple method which can be applied to patients with malignant obstructive jaundice.     

A Case of Gastric Lipoma Removed by Endoscopic Polypectomy

Abstract: A rare case of gastric lipoma removed by endoscopic polypectomy is presented herein. A 64-year-old female was found to have a polypoid lesion in the stomach on periodic X-ray examination. Endoscopy revealed a submucosal tumor located on the posterior wall of the antrum. Endoscopic ultrasonography demonstrated a homogeneous, hyperechoic mass continuous with the submucosal layer, suggesting a lipoma. Because the likelihood of the tumor ultimately causing obstruction or prolapse into the duodenum was high, endoscopic polypectomy was performed. There were no complications. The histological examination revealed a mass of mature adipose tissue underneath the normal mucosa, which was consistent with the diagnosis made prior to polypectomy. The preferred treatment for gastric lipomas to date has been surgical excision, because the diagnosis is difficult to make prior to treatment. In the literature, only 17 cases undergoing endoscopic treatment for gastric lipomas have been reported. Endoscopic ultrasonography and computed tomography apparently facilitate preoperative diagnosis of lipomas.     

Endoscopic treatment of acute gastric volvulus causing cardiac tamponade

Acute gastric volvulus occurs when the stomach, or part of the stomach, rotates more than 180 degrees, creating a closed-loop obstruction, which eventually leads to ischemia and strangulation. Acute gastric volvulus may occur in association with a diaphragmatic defect, diaphragmatic elevation of any cause, tumors of the pancreas and stomach, trauma, and congenital abnormalities of mesenteric fixation. We describe an unusual case of an acute gastric volvulus causing cardiac tamponade, which was successfully treated by endoscopic reduction of the gastric volvulus.     

Gastric volvulus and wandering spleen

Although rare in childhood, gastric volvulus and wandering spleen share a common etiology: congenital absence of intraperitoneal visceral attachments. We report an unusual case of a patient who presented with three episodes of intractable vomiting and abdominal mass but no abdominal pain. A diagnosis could not be made until the third episode because the gastric volvulus resolved each time on placement of a nasogastric (NG) tube before any further tests could be done. During the third episode, diagnostic imaging was performed before inserting an NG tube, and the diagnosis of a mesenteroaxial gastric volvulus and an abnormally positioned spleen was made. Although both conditions are caused by abnormalities of fixation, the association of gastric volvulus and wandering spleen has been reported only once before.     

Successful Endoscopic Band Ligation for Treatment of Postpolypectomy Hemorrhage

We describe a case of large pedunculated tubulovillous adenoma of the stomach associated with postpolypectomy hemorrhage, which was successfully treated by endoscopic band ligation. The case study involved a 60‐year‐old Japanese woman with a pedunculated polyp with a slightly lobular surface, measuring 25 mm in diameter. It was detected on the posterior wall of the middle body of the gastric remnant. The lesion was diagnosed as a tubulovillous adenoma by a biopsy specimen and treated by endoscopic polypectomy using the detachable snare to prevent postpolypectomy hemorrhage. There was no episode of immediate postpolypectomy hemorrhage, but hematemesis occured 18 h after the excision. Endoscopic examination of the stomach showed the mark left by bleeding on the cutting surface and the absence of the detachable snare. Endoscopic intervention by rubber band ligation was performed to prevent the recurrent bleeding. Complete hemostasis was obtained and no serious complications occured.     

Endoscopic ethanol sclerotherapy in non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding still causes significant morbidity and mortality in spite of an aggressive medical and surgical approach. Endoscopic methods of treatment promise early and effective non-surgical control of bleeding. Endoscopic injection of ethanol has been used to control gastrointestinal bleeding in a prospective study of 28 high risk patients. Twenty-two had chronic ulcers (12 duodenal, 10 gastric) and six had angiodysplastic lesions (three gastric, three caecal). The 22 patients with chronic peptic ulcers were either elderly (median age 69 years) or had serious associated medical disorders (73%); 64% presented with shock. Primary haemostasis was achieved in all, but two re-bled from their ulcer. Surgery was required in one patient who re-bled 48 h after treatment and in one patient with an ulcer which perforated 45 days after injection; three patients with chronic ulcers refractory to medical therapy also underwent surgery. One patient developed a closed perforation of an antral ulcer after treatment which settled with conservative management; two patients died from causes unrelated to their ulcer. It is concluded that ethanol sclerosis is a safe, effective method for controlling bleeding from chronic peptic ulcers and angiomatous malformations.     

Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Drainage in the Management of Postoperative Pancreatic Fistula After Partial Pancreatectomy

Background: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is the most frequent and harmful complication following pancreatic surgery. Traditional management includes conservative treatment, percutaneous drainage (PD), and reoperation. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of EUS (Endoscopic ultrasound)-guided drainage by using nasocystic tubes combined with single or 2 stents for POPF.Methods: Patients who had POPF after surgery and then underwent EUS-guided drainage, from October 2016 to October 2019, were enrolled in this study. Technical success was defined as successful transgastric puncture of the peripancreatic fluid collection (PFC) and deployment of the nasocystic tube and stents. Clinical success was defined as symptomatic improvement and the resolution of the fluid collection on follow-up CT scan.Results: A total of 15 patients received EUS-guided drainage. In 13 patients, a nasocystic tube was placed in the PFC combined with a double-pigtail plastic stent. In the remaining 2 patients, a nasocystic tube and 2 stents each were inserted in place. Technical success was achieved in 15 of 15 patients (100%). Clinical success was achieved in 14 of 15 patients (93.3%). In one case, the stent was blocked on the 10th day after the procedure. The median time between surgery and EUS-guided drainage was 10 (5-32) days. The median time of hospital stay after EUS-guided drainage was 16 (11-48) days. Operation-unrelated death occurred in 1 patient (7%) during follow-up.Conclusion: EUS-guided drainage with a nasocystic tube and double-pigtail stents appears to be safe and technically feasible, and could be an alternative treatment for patients with POPF.     

Endoscopic resection of a cavernous haemangioma of the stomach

A lesion, suspected, from the endoscopic appearance, to be an isolated gastric haemangioma was incidentally detected in a 66-year-old male. At follow-up endoscopy, 5 years later, tumour size had increased and its appearance had changed with respect to previous examinations. On endoscopic ultrasonography, the tumour was solid and confined mainly to the submucosal layer of the gastric wall. Examination of biopsy specimens failed to provide any useful information. After biopsy, tumour size and the area of reddish discoloration decreased and endoscopic ultrasonography revealed multiple small cystic lesions in the tumour. Endoscopic resection was then performed with complete excision of the tumour without complications or recurrence. Pathological examination of resected tissue demonstrated cavernous haemangioma of the stomach.     

Endoscopic transgastric drainage of a gastric wall abscess after endoscopic submucosal dissection

A 63-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further examination because of an incidental finding of early gastric cancer.Endoscopic submucosal dissection(ESD)was successfully performed for complete resection of the tumor.On the first post-ESD day,the patient suddenly complained of abdominal pain after an episode of vomiting.Abdominal computed tomography(CT)showed delayed perforation after ESD.The patient was conservatively treated with an intravenous proton pump inhibitor and antibiotics.On the fifth post-ESD day,CT revealed a gastric wall abscess in the gastric body.Gastroscopy revealed a gastric fistula at the edge of the post-ESD ulcer,and pus was found flowing into the stomach.An intradrainage stent and an extradrainage nasocystic catheter were successfully inserted into the abscess for endoscopic transgastric drainage.After the procedure,the clinical symptoms and laboratory test results improved quickly.Two months later,a follow-up CT scan showed no collection of pus.Consequently,the intradrainage stent was removed.Although the gastric wall abscess recurred 2 wk after stent removal,it recovered soon after endoscopic transgastric drainage.Finally,after stent removal and oral antibiotic treatment for 1 mo,no recurrence of the gastric wall abscess was found.     

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in hepatic alveolar echinococcosis

Background and Aim:  Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (HAE) involves both the vascular and biliary structures of the liver. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is said to be an alternative for the diagnosis and treatment of biliary complications of HAE. We present here our experience with ERCP in HAE.
Methods:  We followed 13 patients who underwent ERCP for the treatment of biliary complications of HAE in the endoscopy unit of our clinic at Ataturk University School of Medicine, Erzurum between January 2002 and June 2008.
Results:  Eight men and five women were followed up. Mean age was 43.2 (24–64 years). All patients had non-resectable HAE. Indications for ERCP were biliary fistula in seven patients, obstructive jaundice in five patients and cholangitis in one patient. Endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) was carried out in 12 patients, and in one patient with biliary leakage, a stent was inserted into the right hepatic branch. ERCP findings were dilated common bile duct, irregular narrowing and distortion of the common bile duct and common hepatic duct, communication with the cystic cavity or biliocutaneous fistula and complete disappearance of the biliary tree above the level of the common hepatic duct or hepatic bifurcation. In patients with biliary leakage, biliary drainage decreased only in two patients after ERCP and in patients with obstructive jaundice, the high bilirubin levels decreased in only one patient.
Conclusion:  ERCP showed structural changes of the external biliary tract and ES has a limited effect on these changes and stents can be used in selected cases.     

Endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis

Background : The diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in the early stages is often problematic. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP), secretin test and computed tomography are not sensitive enough to detect the early stages of CP. The aim of this study was to investigate the features of CP in endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in patients with unexplained abdominal pain and/or suspected CP. Methods : Thirty‐four consecutive patients in whom CP was suspected after reviewing their history, abdominal ultrasonography and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings underwent EUS. Endoscopic ultrasonography was performed by an author who was aware of the history but blinded to the ERP results. Nineteen patients underwent ERP. Endoscopic ultrasonography was used to evaluate parenchymal changes (echogenic foci, echo pattern, prominent interlobular septa, lobularity, cyst and cavities) and ductal changes (dilatation, echogenicity of duct wall, irregularity, side branch ectasia, tortuousity). Results : Nine patients were found to be normal with regard to EUS examination. Abnormal studies for EUS were 25, while for ERP they were 17. The agreement between ERP and EUS was 100% in the 14 patients with moderate and severe disease. The diagnosis of early or mild CP was established with EUS in 11 patients. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, which was performed in five of the patient groups with mild disease, was normal in two patients and showed mild changes in three patients. Conclusions : Endoscopic ultrasonography may contribute to establishing the diagnosis and severity of CP found by ERP. Prospective randomized studies and long‐term follow up of patients are needed in order to determine the role of EUS in the diagnosis of early CP.     

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy,Duodenostomy and Jejunostomy for Alimentation in Gastrectomized Patients

Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) which can be accomplished with local anesthesia and without the necessity for laparotomy is now gaining popularity as a clinical treatment for patients who have difficulties in swallowing and require long term nutritional support but have an intact gut. A total of 40 patients underwent percutaneous endoscopic placement of a feeding tube in our clinic. They included 37 patients who had had PEG, 1 Percutaneous Endoscopic Duodenostomy (PED) and 2 Percutaneous Endoscopic Jejunostomy (PEJ). Of these patients, 3 had previously had a partial gastrectomy and 1 had had an esophagectomy with esophago-jejunostomy. Three patients who had undergone a previous partial gastrectomy received different procedures; 1 PEG, 1 PED and 1 PEJ, which were considered to be most appropriate for each patient. One patient with a previous esophagectomy had a PEJ. PEG, PED and PEJ for the patients who had previously undergone a gastrectomy were successfully done with great care. Our experience suggests that PEG, PED or PEJ are rapid, safe and useful procedures for patients who are a poor anesthetic or poor operative risk and can be used even for patients who have undergone previous surgery.     

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for cancers of the remnant stomach after distal gastrectomy

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early gastric cancer is less invasive than surgical resection, and if technically feasible, it may result in less long-term morbidity than does incisional surgery. However, ESD is technically difficult in patients who have had a previous distal gastrectomy. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to retrospectively assess the results of ESD of early gastric cancer in the remnant stomach. DESIGN: Case series. SETTING AND PATIENTS: A total of 31 lesions in 30 patients with early remnant gastric cancer were treated with ESD at Okayama University Hospital, Tsuyama Central Hospital, Hiroshima City Hospital, Kagawa Prefectural Central Hospital, and Mitoyo General Hospital from March 2001 to January 2007. INTERVENTION: ESD. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: En bloc resection rate, complete resection rate, operation time, and complications. RESULTS: En bloc resection and complete resection were achieved in 30 (97%) and in 23 (74%) lesions, respectively. The median operation time required for ESD in the remnant stomach was 113 minutes (range 45-450 minutes). Perforation occurred in 4 (13%). The incidence of delayed bleeding requiring blood transfusion was 0%. LIMITATION: Short duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ESD is feasible in the remnant stomach but has a relatively high complication rate and should only be performed by experienced endoscopists.