Increasing use of therapeutic apheresis as a liver-saving modality

Introduction

Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is used for temporary support of liver function in patients presenting with early graft dysfunction after liver transplantation (LT) or liver surgery. We analyzed the effect of therapeutic apheresis on patients with liver disease.

CT引导下经皮穿刺置管引流在胰腺术后腹腔感染患者中的应用疗效

目的 探讨CT引导下经皮穿刺置管引流应用于胰腺术后腹腔感染的可行性、安全性及疗效。方法 回顾性纳入胰腺术后腹腔积液合并感染并接受CT引导下经皮穿刺置管引流的患者,分析穿刺置管对患者腹腔积液感染的治疗效果。结果 纳入8例胰腺术后患者,术后均出现腹腔积液合并腹腔感染。共完成10次CT引导下穿刺置管引流,置管13根,穿刺成功率100%。穿刺管引流液淀粉酶含量较高者达92.3%(12/13),细菌培养阳性率达100%,联合应用抗生素治疗后均治愈。结论 CT引导下经皮穿刺置管引流是胰腺术后腹腔积液感染治疗的重要手段,安全有效、创伤小。     

Single-session alcohol sclerotherapy of symptomatic liver cysts using 10–20 min of ethanol exposure: no recurrence at 2–16 years of follow-up

Purpose

To assess long-term results after single-session alcohol sclerotherapy of symptomatic benign liver cysts performed with maximum 20 min of exposure to alcohol.

Methods

We included 47 patients aged 32–88 years (42 women, 5 men) with 51 benign non-parasitic liver cysts that were exposed to ethanol for 7–20 min in a single sclerotherapy session and were followed for at least 24 months. Each cyst was emptied before injecting ethanol (10% of cyst volume, but maximum 100 mL) into it. The patient rotated from side to side to facilitate contact between ethanol and the whole cyst wall. Pre-treatment cyst volume was defined as the volume of aspirated cyst fluid after complete emptying of the cyst. Follow-up cyst volume was estimated based on computed tomography images.

Results

Cyst volumes were 30–4900 (median 520) mL at pre-treatment and 0–230 (median 1) mL at 24–193 (median 56) months follow-up, a reduction of 83–100% (median 99.7%). No cyst required repeated treatment during the follow-up. Median volume reduction was 99.7% at median 49 months of follow-up for 35 cysts exposed to ethanol for 7–10 min vs. 99.6% at median 75 months of follow-up for 16 cysts exposed for 20 min (p = 0.83, Mann–Whitney test). Ethanol intoxication occurred in one patient. There were no other complications except for pain.

Conclusion

Long-term results of single-session alcohol sclerotherapy performed with maximum 20 min of exposure to ethanol were satisfactory with no sign of recurrence of cyst fluid.

     

Drainage of deep pelvic abscesses using therapeutic echo endoscopy

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of endosonographically guided transrectal aspiration and drainage by plastic stent of deep pelvic abscesses, using a therapeutic echo endoscope device. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between September 2000 and June 2001, 12 patients (nine men, three women, mean age 67 years) were treated for a perirectal or a pelvic abscess using an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) technique. The drainage of these fluid collections was performed under EUS guidance, using therapeutic EUS scopes with a large working channel. RESULTS: No major complication occurred during this study. Transrectal stent insertion succeeded in nine patients. In three patients, only aspiration was possible. Among the nine patients in whom a stent was successfully introduced into the fluid collection, complete drainage without relapse was achieved in eight patients (mean follow-up 10.6 months, range 6-14 months). The stent was removed endoscopically after 3 to 6 months. Drainage was incomplete in one patient (with a large abscess, diameter > 8 cm), who subsequently underwent surgical drainage. However, two out of the three patients in whom aspiration alone was performed developed a recurrence of the abscess and required surgical treatment. CONCLUSION: EUS-guided drainage of deep pelvic abscesses could offer an alternative treatment to surgery in the management of these postoperative complications.     

The role of CT-guided percutaneous drainage of loculated air collections: an institutional experience

Objective

The purpose of this study is to describe our experience with the role of CT-guided percutaneous drainage of loculated intra-abdominal collections consisting entirely of gas.

Materials and methods

An IRB-approved retrospective study analyzing patients with air-only intra-abdominal collections over an 8-year period was undertaken. Seven patients referred for percutaneous drainage were included. Size of collections, subsequent development of fluid, and microbiological yield were determined. Clinical outcome was also analyzed.

Results

Out of 2835 patients referred for percutaneous drainage between 2004 and 2012, seven patients (5M, 2F; average age 63, range 54–85) met criteria for inclusion with CT showing air-only collections. Percutaneous drain placement (five 8 Fr, one 10 Fr, and one 12 Fr) using Seldinger technique was performed. Four patients (57%) had recently undergone surgery (2 Whipple, 1 colectomy, 1 hepatic resection) while two (29%) had a remote surgery (1 abdominoperineal resection, 1 sigmoidectomy). Despite the lack of detectable fluid on the original CT, 6 patients (86%) had air and fluid aspirated at drainage, 5 (83%) of the aspirates developed positive microbacterial cultures. Four patients (57%) presented with fever at the time of the initial scan, all of whom had positive cultures from aspirated fluid. Four patients (57%) had leukocytosis, all of whom had positive cultures from aspirated fluid.

Conclusions

Although relatively rare in occurrence, patients with air-only intra-abdominal collections with signs of infection should be considered for percutaneous management similar to that of conventional infected fluid collections. Although fluid is not visible on CT, these collections can produce fluid that contains organisms.

     

Percutaneous, computed tomography-guided drainage of deep pelvic abscesses via a transgluteal approach: a report on 30 cases and a review of the literature

Aim

Percutaneous drainage of abdominal and pelvic abscesses is a first-line alternative to surgery. Anterior and lateral approaches are limited by the presence of obstacles, such as the pelvic bones, bowel, bladder, and iliac vessels. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, tolerability, and efficacy of a percutaneous, transgluteal approach by reviewing our clinical experience and the literature.

Materials and methods

We reviewed demographic, clinical and morphological data in the medical records of 30 patients having undergone percutaneous, computed tomography (CT)-guided, transgluteal drainage. In particular, we studied the duration of catheter drainage, the types of microorganisms in biological fluid cultures, complications related to procedures and the patient’s short-term treatment outcome.

Results

From January 2005 to October 2011, 345 patients underwent CT-guided percutaneous drainage of pelvis abscesses in our institution. A transgluteal approach was adopted in 30 cases (10 women and 20 men; mean age: 52.6 [range 14–88]). The fluid collections were related to post-operative complications in 26 patients (86.7 %) and inflammatory or infectious intra-abdominal disease in the remaining 4 patients (acute diverticulitis: n = 2; appendicitis: n = 1; Crohn’s disease: n = 1) (13.3 %). The mean duration of drainage was 8.7 days (range 3–33). Laboratory cultures were positive in 27 patients (90 %) and Escherichia coli was the most frequently present microorganism (in 77.8 % of the positive samples). A transpiriformis approach (n = 5) was more frequently associated with immediate procedural pain (n = 3). No major complications were observed, either during or after the transgluteal procedure. Drainage was successful in 29 patients (96.7 %). One patient died from massive, acute cerebral stroke 14 days after drainage.

Conclusion

When an anterior approach is unfeasible, transgluteal, percutaneous, CT-guided drainage is a safe, well tolerated and effective procedure. Major complications are rare. This type of drainage is an alternative to surgery for the treatment of deep pelvic abscesses (especially for post-surgical collections).     

The utility of hyperbaric oxygen therapy to treat recurrent acute bowel obstruction after previous pelvic radiotherapy: a case series

Background and objective

Repeated episodes of acute bowel obstruction is a potential complication following pelvic radiation therapy. It has been previously thought that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may not be useful for treatment of such obstructive episodes. We report our experience with the use of HBOT for recurrent radiation-induced acute bowel obstruction.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series. Radiological imaging had excluded the presence of recurrent or new cancer. Possible predisposing causes for acute obstruction had been treated and had not led to resolution of symptoms or had been excluded.

Results

During 2007–2010, five patients with recurrent episodes of acute obstructive bowel symptoms following previous therapeutic pelvic irradiation were referred for HBOT (four females and one male; median age 56; range 48–72). The primary tumours sites were the endometrium (n?=?2), ovary, cervix and prostate (n?=?1 each), and patients were treated 2–17 (median 9)?years previously with radiotherapy. Before HBOT, patients were experiencing acute obstructive bowel symptoms at 1–6 weekly intervals. Four patients had progressive weight loss. Patients received 100 % oxygen in a multiplace hyperbaric chamber at a pressure of 2.4 atm absolute for up to 90 min once a day, 5 to 7 days weekly. All patients were initially referred for 40 sessions of HBOT. Three patients required a further extra 20 sessions for complete resolution of bowel symptoms. HBOT was well tolerated with no side effects. Patients have remained well after 6–24 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

HBOT may be an effective treatment of radiation-induced bowel obstruction and deserves prospective evaluation.     

Accuracy of Prehospital Intravenous Fluid Volume Measurement by Emergency Medical Services

Prehospital treatment protocols call for intravenous (IV) fluid for patients with shock, yet the measurement accuracy of administered fluid volume is unknown. The purpose of the current study was to assess the accuracy of documented and self-reported fluid volumes administered to medical patients by paramedics during prehospital care. We conducted a pilot, observational study nested within a parent cohort study of prehospital biomarkers in a single EMS agency transporting patients to a tertiary care hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania over 8 months. Among eligible nontrauma, noncardiac arrest patients, we studied the self-reported IV fluid volume on ED arrival by paramedics, documented fluid volume in the EMS record, and compared those to the mass-derived fluid volume. We quantified the absolute error between methods, and determined EMS transport times or initial prehospital systolic blood pressure had any effect on error. We enrolled 50 patients who received prehospital IV fluid and had mass-derived fluid volume measured at ED arrival. Of these, 21 (42%) patients had IV fluid volume subsequently documented in EMS records. The median mass-derived fluid volume was 393 mL [IQR: 264–618 mL]. Mass-derived volume was similar for subjects who did (386 mL, IQR: 271–642 mL) or did not (399 mL, IQR: 253–602) have documented fluid administration (p > 0.05). The median self-reported fluid volume was 250 mL [IQR: 150–500 mL] and did not differ by documentation (p > 0.05). The median absolute error comparing self-reported to mass-derived fluid volume was 109 mL [IQR: 41–205 mL], and less than 250 mL in more than 80% of subjects. The median absolute error comparing documented fluid to mass-derived fluid volume was 142 mL [IQR: 64–265 mL], and was less than 250 mL in 71% of subjects. No difference in absolute error for either self-reported or document fluid volumes were modified by transport time or prehospital systolic blood pressure. Prehospital IV fluid administration is variably documented by EMS, and when recorded is typically within 250 mL of mass-derived fluid volume.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with indeterminate adherence using temporary covered metal stents

Transenteric drainage of a pancreatic fluid collection (PFC) with poor adherence to the bowel wall risks leakage and perforation. Elimination of tract dilation and the use of a fully covered self-expanding metal stent (FCSEMS) may improve safety. We evaluated endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of PFCs using a one-step access device followed by placement of a FCSEMS. Eighteen patients (12 males; median age 50) with PFCs (median size 135 mm) meeting the criteria for indeterminate adherence were enrolled. After 7 - 10 days, the FCSEMSs were removed and exchanged for double-pigtail stents. When indicated, tract dilation and endoscopy-guided cyst debridement was performed. FCSEMS placement was technically successful in all patients without complications. Median procedure time was 37.5 minutes. Cystgastrostomy dilation resulted in dehiscence in one patient and was treated with repeat FCSEMS placement. Cyst resolution was achieved in 78 % of patients. FCSEMS placement without tract dilation enables safe initial drainage of PFCs with indeterminate adherence.     

Percutaneous management of breast abscesses. An experience of 39 cases

This is a review of our experience with percutaneous drainage by means of needle aspiration or catheter drainage of breast abscesses under ultrasound (US) guidance, and a suggested management algorithm. A retrospective study of the 39 patients (36 women, 3 men; mean age: 28.9 years) with breast abscesses who were treated by percutaneous US-guided procedures over a period of 13 years (1989 to 2002) was carried out. Of the 36 women, 34 were nonlactating and two lactating. Needle aspiration was used in the cases of fluid collections < or = 3 cm and catheter drainage in fluid collections of > 3 cm. Postdrainage care and US evolutive controls were carried out on an outpatient basis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in masses unresolved after postdrainage. Mammography was performed in patients over 30 years old. In all cases, US examination revealed images of fluid collection. A single needle aspiration was sufficient in 19 cases; 3 patients needed a second aspiration to resolve the breast abscess. A total of 15 cases were resolved by means of percutaneous catheter drainage. In 2 of the 17 patients who underwent catheter drainage, the mass persisted postdrainage; histologic findings showed a chronic abscess requiring surgical intervention in one and a breast carcinoma in the second. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months. Recurrence of breast abscess occurred in 4 patients, and these were resolved by surgical excision. Percutaneous drainage procedures in breast abscesses are a safe and effective alternative to incision and drainage. Needle aspiration is employed in cases of small abscesses and catheter drainage in abscesses larger than 3 cm. Although, in chronic abscesses, the treatment of choice is surgical excision, percutaneous drainage remains as an intermediate therapeutic option.     

Head-to-head comparison of 1 week versus 6 months CMR-derived infarct size for prediction of late events after STEMI

Infarct size (IS) at 1 week after ST-elevation myocardial infarction (MI) diminishes during the first months. The incremental prognostic value of IS regression and of scar size (SS) at 6 months is unknown. We compared cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR)-derived IS at 1 week and SS at 6 months after MI for predicting late major adverse cardiac events (MACE). 250 patients underwent CMR at 1 week and 6 months after MI. IS and SS were determined as the extent of transmural late enhancement (in >50 % of wall thickness, ETLE). During 163 weeks, 23 late MACE (cardiac death, MI or readmission for heart failure after the 6 months CMR) occurred. Patients with MACE had a larger IS at 1 week (6 [4–9] vs. 3 [1–5], p < .0001) and a larger SS at 6 months (5 [2–6] vs. 3 [1–5], p = .005) than those without MACE. Late MACE rates in IS >median were higher at 1 week (14 vs. 4 %, p = .007) and in SS >median at 6 months (12 vs. 5 %, p = .053). The C-statistic for predicting late MACE of CMR at 1 week and 6 months was comparable (.720 vs. .746, p = .1). Only ETLE at 1 week (HR 1.31 95 % CI [1.14–1.52], p < .0001, per segment) independently predicted late MACE. CMR-derived SS at 6 months does not offer prognostic value beyond IS at 1 week after MI. The strongest predictor of late MACE is ETLE at 1 week.     

肝移植受者抑郁状况及其危险因素的调查分析

目的调查术后肝移植受者的抑郁状况及其危险因素。方法将100例肝移植受者按时间段分为3组,第1组(31例)为术后1-6个月,第2组(34例)为术后7-12个月,第3组(35例)为术后1-3年,采用抑郁自评量表(self-rating depression scale,SDS)对3组肝移植受者进行现状调查。比较肝移植受者抑郁得分与国内常模得分,采用多元逐步回归分析肝移植受者抑郁的危险因素。结果肝移植受者术后抑郁总分及3个时间段抑郁得分分别高于常模,组间比较,差异具有统计学意义(均P<0.001);影响术后1-6个月、7-12个月及1-3年肝移植受者抑郁危险因素包括术后并发症、受者性别、谷丙转氨酶(alanine transaminase,ALT)异常及甲胎蛋白(alpha fetal protein,AFP)异常。结论肝移植受者抑郁水平高于一般人群,影响肝移植受者术后抑郁的危险因素包括术后并发症、受者性别、ALT及AFP指标值异常。     

Surveillance of patients with bladder cancer following cystectomy: yield of CT urography

Purpose

To determine the yield of CT urography (CTU) in the surveillance of patients with bladder cancer following cystectomy.

Materials and methods

In this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant, retrospective study of 5,404 CT urograms performed at our institution between March 2000 and February 2011, 225 CT urograms were performed in 105 patients [79 men, 26 women; mean age 65 years (43–85)] following cystectomy for bladder cancer. Median follow-up after cystectomy was 63 months (range 1–234), median time between cystectomy and CTU was 39 months (range 0–229), median follow-up after CTU was 34 months (range 1–111). CTU examinations were reviewed by two radiologists in consensus and findings were categorized into those related to surgery, locoregional recurrence, metastases, or metachronous upper tract urothelial tumor (UTT).

Findings

Findings were present in 69 (65.7 %) of 105 patients, including findings related to surgery in 60 (57.1 %) patients, locoregional recurrence or metastatic disease in 21 (20 %) patients, and UTT in 3 (2.9 %) patients. Of surgery-related findings, hydronephrosis (23/105, 21.9 %) and parastomal hernia (17/105, 16.2 %) were the most common findings. Visceral metastases (16/105, 15.2 %) and lymph node metastases (13/105, 12.4 %) were the most common manifestations of recurrent disease.

Conclusion

CTU findings in the surveillance of patients with bladder cancer after cystectomy are common and include those related to surgery, spread of the disease, and metachronous tumors. Our study supports current published guidelines on the use of CTU in these patients.     

Liver adenomatosis: serial investigation on MRI

Purpose

To describe the natural history of liver adenomatosis (LA), including complications and changes in lesion size over time.

Materials and methods

Eighteen patients with clinical diagnosis of LA were included. Clinical and biochemical information were collected. The initial and follow-up MR studies were reviewed retrospectively to determine change in lesion size and imaging features.

Results

Seventeen patients were women (94.4%). The mean age of the initial MR study was 37.0 years (18–52 years). The median size of the largest lesion was 6.7 cm (range 3.0–13.5 cm). Intratumoral bleeding was detected on MRI in 9 lesions, in 7 patients (38.8%). The median size for hemorrhagic lesions was 7.6 cm (range 4.1–13.5 cm). During the mean follow-up period of 29.4 (range 4–98) months, 10 patients had stable disease (55.6%), and 8 patients had tumor regression (44.4%). Of 8 patients who were followed without intervention, 3 patients (37.5%) had spontaneous regression. No malignant transformation or lesion progression was occurred.

Conclusion

During an over 2-year follow-up period, the majority of lesions of LA appeared to remain stable or showed tumor regression. Spontaneous tumor regression can be observed in approximately 37% of individuals in the age range of 28–53 years.     

Cardiopulmonary resuscitation among mechanically ventilated patients

Purpose

To evaluate the outcomes, including long-term survival, after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) in mechanically ventilated patients.

Methods

We analyzed Medicare data from 1994 to 2005 to identify beneficiaries who underwent in-hospital CPR. We then identified a subgroup receiving CPR one or more days after mechanical ventilation was initiated [defined by ICD-9 procedure code for intubation (96.04) or mechanical ventilation (96.7x) one or more days prior to procedure code for CPR (99.60 or 99.63)].

Results

We identified 471,962 patients who received in-hospital CPR with an overall survival to hospital discharge of 18.4 % [95 % confidence interval (CI) 18.3–18.5 %]. Of those, 42,163 received CPR one or more days after mechanical ventilation initiation. Survival to hospital discharge after CPR in ventilated patients was 10.1 % (95 % CI 9.8–10.4 %), compared to 19.2 % (95 % CI 19.1–19.3 %) in non-ventilated patients (p < 0.001). Among this group, older age, race other than white, higher burden of chronic illness, and admission from a nursing facility were associated with decreased survival in multivariable analyses. Among all CPR recipients, those who were ventilated had 52 % lower odds of survival (OR 0.48, 95 % CI 0.46–0.49, p < 0.001). Median long-term survival in ventilated patients receiving CPR who survived to hospital discharge was 6.0 months (95 % CI 5.3–6.8 months), compared to 19.0 months (95 % CI 18.6–19.5 months) among the non-ventilated survivors (p < 0.001 by logrank test). Of all patients receiving CPR while ventilated, only 4.1 % were alive at 1 year.

Conclusions

Survival after in-hospital CPR is decreased among ventilated patients compared to those who are not ventilated. This information is important for clinicians, patients, and family members when discussing CPR in critically ill patients.     

Endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts: long-term outcome and procedural factors associated with safe and successful treatment

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic drainage is a widely used treatment modality for pancreatic pseudocysts and has challenged more traditional drainage techniques. This retrospective study evaluates the short-term and long-term results with this technique and aims to identify procedural modifications that may improve its safety and efficacy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts in our hospital between 1983 and 2000 were included in the study. The patients' charts were reviewed, and long-term follow-up data were obtained by written questionnaires sent to the patients at the end of the follow-up period in November 2002. RESULTS: A total of 92 patients were included (66 men, 26 women; median age 49 years). The technical success rate of the drainage procedure was 97 % and the mortality rate was 1 %. Complications occurred in 31 patients (34 %), eight of which (9 %) were major and required surgery: hemorrhage in four cases (three of which were caused by erosion of a straight endoprosthesis through the cyst wall), secondary infection in three, and perforation in one. During a median follow-up period of 43 months, 10 patients (11 %) underwent additional (nonendoscopic) treatment for a persistent cyst and five (5 %) for a recurrent cyst. Overall, endoscopic drainage was successful in 65 patients (71 %). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic drainage is an effective treatment for pancreatic pseudocysts and offers a definitive solution in almost three-quarters of the cases. The majority of major complications might have been prevented by using pigtail stents instead of straight stents and by taking a more aggressive approach to the prevention and treatment of secondary cyst infection.     

High-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for intra-abdominal desmoid tumors: a report of four cases

Desmoid tumors are rare clonal fibroblastic proliferations that can arise at abdominal or extra-abdominal sites. Complete surgical resection is the primary treatment for resectable desmoid tumors, but a high rate of local recurrence has been reported even after complete resection. For patients with a recurrent tumor, the goals of treatment are to control the recurrence, maintain quality of life, and prolong survival. Radiofrequency ablation, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other medical therapies can be used as alternative methods, but there are considerable controversies over the roles of these methods in the management of desmoid tumors. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a minimally invasive and effective method for treatment of solid tumors. We used HIFU to treat four patients with intra-abdominal desmoid tumors from June 2011 to September 2013. Post-procedural pain was seen in all patients. One patient had an intra-abdominal abscess and another suffered a slight injury to the femoral nerve. The patients were followed up for 19–46 months (mean 34 months) until April 2015. The tumor in one patient disappeared, and no tumor progression was observed in the other patients.     

Transcutaneous near-infrared spectroscopy for monitoring spinal cord ischemia: an experimental study in swine

We aimed to assess the ability of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to detect spinal cord ischemia, and to evaluate changes in regional oxygen saturation (rSO₂) following recovery of spinal cord circulation and cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Four 12-month-old female swine weighing 28.7–29.5 kg were acquired for this study. NIRS probes were placed along the midline of the upper (T6/7) and lower (T9/T10) thoracic vertebrae. The thoracic aorta was clamped distal of the left subclavian artery to induce spinal ischemia. Aortic cross-clamping was maintained for 30 min. Fifteen minutes after aortic de-clamping, the cerebrospinal fluid drainage catheter was opened to air, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage was initiated. Following aortic clamping, rSO₂ in both upper and lower regions of the spinal cord decreased by 15 % within 5 min and by 20 % within 10 min (relative change). After aortic de-clamping, rSO₂ values in both regions returned to baseline within 5 min. No changes in rSO₂ in either the upper or lower vertebrae were observed following initiation of cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Histological analysis revealed that ischemic changes had occurred in all spinal levels. NIRS may be used to detect decreases in and recovery of spinal cord circulation following aortic clamping and de-clamping, whereas it may not reflect minor changes in spinal cord circulation due to cerebrospinal fluid drainage. Further clinical studies are required to investigate the potential for NIRS as an index of spinal cord circulation.     

Self-expanding covered metallic stent treatment of esophagojejunostomy fistulas

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the outcomes of the self-expanding covered metallic stent (SECMS) therapy in the management of the postoperative anastomotic leaks that seen after total gastrectomy–esophagojejunostomy (EJ) operations.

Materials and methods

Contrast radiography and endoscopy revealed EJ fistulas in 14 patients. SECMSs were implanted both fluoroscopically and endoscopically to seal fistulas. Postoperative fistula diagnosis times, postoperative covered stent implantation times, primary success rates, clinical success rates, postinterventional oral feeding beginning times, reduction of the drainage from the surgical drains, procedure-related mortality–morbidity, and mortality related with factors other than the procedure were noted.

Results

Technical success rate was 100 %. Clinical success rate was 79 %. Reduction of the fluid from surgical drains was observed in all patients. There were no procedure-related mortality. Recurrent fistula was observed in two patients (14 %) at the third and fifth day after the intervention. In one patient (7 %), stent dislocation was observed at the 10th day after the intervention. Non procedure-related mortality was 21 %. No anastomotic stricture, no in-stent stenosis was observed during the follow up period(11.09 ± 3.21 months).

Conclusion

From the above results we concluded that SECMS treatment for EJ fistulas is a safe, effective and technically easy procedure.     

内镜黏膜下剥离术治疗早期下咽癌及癌前病变的可行性研究

目的 探讨内镜黏膜下剥离术(ESD)治疗早期下咽癌及癌前病变的可行性。方法 回顾性分析2016年2月-2018年12月在浙江省肿瘤医院内镜科行ESD治疗的10例早期下咽癌及癌前病变患者的病例资料,评价ESD治疗的安全性及有效性。结果 10例患者共计12处下咽病变行ESD治疗,病变长径0.8?～3.0?cm,平均(1.7±0.8)cm,均一次性完整切除,整块切除率100%,ESD治疗时间20～160?min,平均(65.6±46.0)min。术后并发迟发性出血1例,呼吸困难1例,经内镜及内科保守治疗后痊愈;无穿孔、皮下气肿等并发症发生。ESD术后病理提示:低级别上皮内瘤变(LGIN) 3处,高级别上皮内瘤变(HGIN)5处,中分化鳞状细胞癌(SCC)4处。除1例SCC基底切缘阳性追加放疗外,其余病变周切缘及基底切缘均阴性。中位随访时间21.5个月(5～39个月),1例患者并发食管入口狭窄,扩张后成功解除梗阻;无局部残留及复发转移。结论 ESD治疗早期下咽癌及癌前病变安全有效,值得临床推广应用。