Long-term outcome of endoscopic balloon dilation in obstructive gastrointestinal Crohn's disease: a prospective long-term study

Background The short- and long-term results of balloon dilation therapy in Crohn's patients with non-anastomotic obstructive gastrointestinal lesions are investigated.Materials and methods Fifty-five patients with Crohn's disease who had obstructive gastrointestinal lesions were treated prospectively by endoscopic balloon dilation.Short-term results Eight of the initial dilations were unsuccessful giving no symptomatic relief (14.5%).Long-term results The subjects of the long-term prognosis were 40 cases followed up for more than 6 months (average 37 months) and their strictures were non-anastomotic in more than half (59%). Avoidance of surgery, was possible in 31 of 40 patients (78%). Surgery was avoided in 92%, 81% and 77% of patients after one, two, and three years, respectively (Kaplan-Meier's method). There was no difference in long-term outcome between anastomotic strictures and strictures in the absence of prior surgery.Conclusion Our results suggest that, (1) strictures in the absence of prior surgery might be treated in this way as well as anastomotic strictures; (2) if followed for a prolonged time period, more than 70% of patients, who have undergone balloon dilation for obstructive gastrointestinal Crohn's disease, may be able to avoid surgery.     

贲门失弛缓症内镜下球囊扩张治疗及复发的预测因素

目的 :观察球囊扩张治疗贲门失弛缓症的疗效及复发率 ,探讨贲门失弛缓症球囊扩张治疗后复发的预测因素。方法 :应用球囊扩张治疗并随访半年以上 ,比较复发组与非复发组在性别、年龄、病程、食管最大径、球囊扩张直径、球囊扩张类型及扩张时间等方面的差异 ,并进行多因素Logistic回归分析。结果 :球囊扩张治疗贲门失弛缓症有效率为 10 0 % ,复发率为 2 3.3% ,复发组与非复发组在年龄及病程两方面存在差异 ,病程的回归系数为 - 1.35 8(P <0 .0 5 )。结论 :球囊扩张术是治疗贲门失弛缓症有效的方法 ,但存在一定的复发率 ,病程是贲门失弛缓症球囊扩张治疗后复发的唯一预测因素。     

Crohn's Disease: Course, Treatment and Long Term Prognosis

The course, treatment and outcome of Crohn's disease affecting174 patients diagnosed more than 20 years ago and followed for20 to 45 years are reported. Fifty patients died, 23 relatedto Crohn's disease, against an expected 33, giving an increasedmortality risk of 1.5 for the series. Flstulae of varying typeoccurring in 38 per cent of patients were successfully treatedusually by excision and had no significant adverse effect uponthe long term prognosis. The incidence of suicide and dementiaappeared to be increased. Amyloid disease, obstructive uropathyand osteomalacia were other important complications. Definitivesurgical operations averaged 2.5 per patient and after the firstfive years following diagnosis varied between 5 and 7 per centof those at risk each year for the next 20 years. Recurrencerates were similar after any of the first five operations ona patient for the first 10 years after any operation. Therewas no evidence that the chance of operation was increased ormade to recur more frequently by the performance of such anoperation. All but two of the 121 living patients (three lost to follow-up)with a mean duration since diagnosis of 28 years were leadinga normal life free from physical restrictions from Crohn's diseasethough three were mentally handicapped, 21 had radiologicalabnormality (recurrence), mostly longstanding, and 16 had lessthan 200 cm small intestine remaining. Specific therapy (corticosterolds 58 patients, sulphasalazine11 patients and azathioprine four patients) was used at sometime in only one third of the series so that such treatmentdid not appear necessary to produce good results in the majority.It is concluded that the indications for corticosteroid therapyare limited and that at present the joint efforts of physicianand surgeon with adequate supportive therapy and well timedsurgical resection produce the best results. An optimistic attitudeto the eventual outcome is justified.     

Does Dysphagia Indicate Recurrence of Benign Esophageal Strictures?

Esophageal dilatation in dysphagic patients with benign strictures is usually considered successful if the patients' dysphagia is alleviated. However, the relation between dysphagia and the diameter of a stricture is not well understood. Moreover, the dysphagia may also be caused by an underlying esophageal motor disorder. In order to compare symptoms and objective measurements of esophageal stricture, 28 patients were studied with interview and a radiologic esophagram. The latter included swallowing of a solid bolus. All patients underwent successful balloon dilatation at least one month prior to this study. Recurrence of a stricture with a diameter of less than 13 mm was diagnosed by the barium swallow in 21 patients. Recurrence of dysphagia was seen in 15 patients. Thirteen patients denied any swallowing symptoms. Chest pain was present in 9 patients. Of 15 patients with dysphagia 2 (13%) had no narrowing but severe esophageal dysmotility. Of 13 patients without dysphagia 9 (69%) had a stricture with a diameter of 13 mm or less. Of 21 patients with a stricture of 13 mm or less 14 (67%) were symptomatic while 7 (33%) were asymptomatic. Four of 11 patients with retrosternal pain had a stricture of less than 10 mm. Three patients with retrosternal pain and obstruction had severe esophageal dysmotility. Whether or not the patients have dysphagia may be more related to diet and eating habits than to the true diameter of their esophageal narrowing. We conclude that the clinical history is non-reliable for evaluating the results of esophageal stricture dilatation. In order to get an objective measurement of therapeutic outcome, barium swallow including a solid bolus is recommended.     

经口球囊扩张术治疗脑卒中后环咽肌失弛缓的疗效观察

目的 探讨经口球囊扩张术对脑卒中后环咽肌失弛缓的疗效。 方法 将32例脑卒中后环咽肌失弛缓的患者,按随机数字表法分为对照组和治疗组,每组16例。对照组给予常规吞咽康复训练,治疗组在常规康复训练的基础上增加经口球囊扩张术,疗程2周,每周6次。分别在治疗前、后采用吞咽功能评价方法和视频吞咽造影检查（VFSS）进行评定。 结果 治疗2周后,治疗组16例患者中有14例进食功能改善,对照组仅9例进食功能有改善,两组吞咽功能评价相比较,差异具有统计学意义（P<0.05）。在VFSS检查中,吞咽障碍程度评分比较,两组均较治疗前提高（P<0.05）,且治疗组较对照组提高更明显,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）;咽通过时间比较,治疗组较治疗前明显缩短(P<0.05),对照组治疗前后无明显差异(P>0.05)。 结论 经口球囊扩张术对治疗脑卒中后环咽肌失弛缓具有显著疗效。     

Management of diffuse esophageal spasm with balloon dilatation

Of 1200 patients referred to the esophageal laboratory at Guy's Hospital for investigation of suspected esophageal motility disorders, 61 (5.1%) were diagnosed as diffuse esophageal spasm. Twenty of these patients whose symptoms were severe did not respond to conservative treatment and were treated by balloon dilatation. Results were good in 14 and poor in six patients, which included one esophageal perforation. Diffuse esophageal spasm was diagnosed where more than 30% nonperistaltic activity was demonstrated by manometry. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation were normal in all cases except one. Gastroesophageal reflux was present in four of five poor responders who were examined by 24-h ambulatory pH monitoring, and in only one of 10 good responders. Three of the six patients in whom balloon dilatation was successful proceeded to full-length myotomy, with relief of symptoms in two. The indications for, and results of, balloon dilatation in this condition are discussed, and a new radiological sign is described.     

内镜下气囊扩张术治疗贲门失驰缓症

目的：探讨内镜直视下气食扩张治疗贲门失驰缓症疗效。方法：对58例经用多种药物治疗效果不佳的贲门失驰缓症的病人，应用内镜直视下气食扩张治疗。结果：经内镜下气食扩张治疗后，58例病人的吞咽困难、反流及胸痛等症状均得到明显改善，4例病人4—8个月后症状复发，经再次气食扩张后，症状消失至今。结论：内镜下气食扩张术治疗贲门失驰缓症属微创性治疗，病人易接受，扩张疗效确切，并发症少，操作简单。     

Long-acting steroid injection after endoscopic dilation of anastomotic Crohn's strictures may improve the outcome: a retrospective case series

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Endoscopic balloon dilation of Crohn's strictures is widely practised, but may not result in long-term symptomatic benefit, leading to the need for repeat dilation or surgery. It is hypothesized that long-acting steroid injection into strictures after dilation may decrease the need for further stricture dilation and improve the outcome in symptomatic patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with Crohn's disease who have had balloon dilation and triamcinolone injection performed for symptomatic anastomotic strictures were identified from endoscopy records. Case notes were reviewed to determine outcomes. RESULTS: Fourteen patients underwent a total of 26 dilations, with triamcinolone injected (median dose 20 mg, 10-40 mg) in 20 of the procedures. Seven patients (50%) had sustained remission after a single dilation and steroid injection, with a median follow-up period of 16.4 months (range 13.2-22.0 months). Four patients (28.5%) required more than one dilation (median three dilations, range two to four) to control their symptoms, with a median follow-up period of 27.8 months (range 14-32.8 months). Endoscopic management failed in three patients (21.4 %), who were referred for surgery. There were no complications due to dilation or triamcinolone injection. CONCLUSIONS: Triamcinolone injection into the stricture after dilation is safe, easy to perform, and may be a useful adjunct in the management of anastomotic Crohn's strictures. These data will require further support through a randomized and controlled trial.     

暂时性金属支架扩张与水囊扩张治疗食管、贲门癌术后吻合口良性狭窄的对比研究

搞要:目的探讨暂时性金属支架扩张治疗食管、贲门癌术后吻合口良性狭窄的远期疗效。方法支架扩张组16例,置入支架1周后取出,定期随访,如再次出现狭窄,重复支架扩张;水囊扩张组15例,水囊扩张1次,1周后再次水囊扩张1次,定期随访,再度出现狭窄则重复水囊扩张。两组均随访治疗1a。结果支架扩张组1个月内仍能正常进食者占87.4%(14/16);而水囊扩张组1个月内能正常进食者占26.7%(4/15)。支架扩张组因再度狭窄在1a内重复支架治疗平均每例2.75次(包括首次);而水囊扩张组因再度狭窄在1a内重复水囊扩张治疗平均每例9.40次(包括首次)。结论暂时性金属支架扩张在治疗食管、贲门癌术后吻合口良性狭窄的远期疗效方面明显优于水囊扩张。     

脑干卒中后吞咽障碍患者改良导管球囊扩张治疗中枢调控机制的fMRI研究

目的探讨改良球囊扩张治疗脑干卒中后上食管括约肌功能障碍患者的中枢神经调控机制。 方法选取上食管括约肌开放不全或完全不开放的脑干卒中后吞咽障碍20例，按随机数字表法分为常规治疗组和球囊扩张组，每组10例；另选取健康受试者10例设为正常组。治疗前、后，采用功能性磁共振成像检查观察3组受试者吞咽唾液时吞咽相关皮质兴奋性的变化（正常组于2组患者治疗后进行检查），并比较3组受试者治疗前、后皮质和皮质下激活情况。 结果正常组受试者双侧大脑皮质及皮质下激活广泛，脑干卒中后吞咽障碍患者脑区激活明显减少。治疗后，球囊扩张组中有7例患者恢复完全经口进食，常规治疗组仅3例恢复经口进食，且球囊扩张组患者激活脑区较组内治疗前明显增多，包括前扣带回、岛叶、辅助运动区、额叶、楔前叶等，但激活体素较低（P<0.01）；常规治疗组患者后脑区仅左侧楔前叶较组内治疗前激活增多，且激活体素仅为22（P<0.01）。 结论改良球囊扩张术可激活感觉运动皮质及皮质下吞咽相关的功能区，并通过离皮质通路来改善吞咽功能。     

实时电刺激并球囊扩张治疗脑干卒中致环咽肌失弛缓的疗效观察

目的观察吞咽时实时神经肌肉电刺激（NMES）联合球囊扩张治疗脑干卒中致环咽肌失弛缓的疗效。 方法采用随机数字表法将30例脑干卒中致环咽肌失弛缓患者分为实验组和对照组,每组15例。实验组患者给予吞咽时实时NMES+球囊扩张治疗,对照组患者给予常规NMES+球囊扩张治疗。 结果经治疗后,两组共有26例患者恢复正常经口进食,视频吞咽造影检查(VFSS)显示患者吞咽食物时环咽肌正常开放,食物能顺利通过环咽肌,误吸消失。两组患者吞咽功能改善情况组间差异无统计学意义（P>0.05）,但两组恢复正常进食患者其平均治疗次数（Z=2.423,P=0.0201）、平均治疗天数（Z=2.116,P=0.0352）、平均治疗费用（Z=2.296,P=0.0263）组间差异均具有统计学意义（P<0.05）,且上述指标均以实验组患者相对较优。 结论吞咽时实时NMES+球囊扩张及常规NMES+球囊扩张治疗对脑干卒中致环咽肌失弛缓均具有较好疗效,并且吞咽时实时NMES+球囊扩张治疗能进一步缩短疗程、降低治疗费用。     

舌压抗阻反馈训练系统联合球囊扩张术在环咽肌失弛缓症治疗上的疗效观察

目的:研究舌压抗阻反馈训练系统联合球囊扩张术治疗环咽肌失弛缓症的疗效。方法:将环咽肌失弛缓患者30例,随机分为舌压抗阻反馈训练组、球囊扩张组以及联合组,每组10例。3组患者均予神经科药物治疗和常规吞咽功能障碍康复训练,包括冷刺激以及吞咽肌肉相关训练,门德尔松法为主的吞咽训练手段等。舌压抗阻组在此基础上应用IOPI舌压抗阻训练系统给予舌压抗阻反馈训练;球囊扩张组予以球囊扩张术,联合组予以舌压抗阻训练联合球囊扩张训练。以吞咽X线荧光透视检查(VFSS)、功能性经口进食量表(FOIS)评分做为评估手段,在治疗前以及治疗后作出功能评价,同时评估其进食方式的改变。结果:治疗后,3组患者VFSS及FOIS评分与治疗前比较均明显升高(均P<0.05);治疗后,联合组VFSS评分、FOIS评分均高于舌压组以及球囊扩张组(均P<0.05),球囊扩张组VFSS评分以及FOIS评分高于舌压组(P<0.05)。治疗后,联合组、舌压组和球囊扩张组患者治疗后经口进食比例均显著高于治疗前(均P<0.05),联合组与球囊扩张组比较差异无统计学意义,2组经口进食比例均明显高于舌压组(均P<0.05)。结论:舌压抗阻反馈训练联合球囊扩张可以改善环咽肌失弛缓症所致吞咽障碍,提高患者生活质量。     

The clinical entity of orofacial Crohn's disease

The clinical features, treatment and outcome of 29 patients with oral Crohn's disease seen over a 6-year period have been reviewed. Findings on clinical examination included labial swelling (19 patients), buccal mucosal cobblestoning (11), linear ulceration (11), lumps (five), and mucosal tags (two). Eleven patients had multiple features. Eight patients developed symptoms within the first decade of life and nine patients had symptoms for more than 4 years before diagnosis; the mean age at diagnosis was 30 (range 6-78) years. Fourteen of these patients (48 per cent) have Crohn's disease elsewhere in the alimentary tract, and in nine patients the oral disease predated the development or detection of Crohn's disease at other sites. Eight patients (25 per cent) have required no specific therapy for their oral disease and 12 have been treated with systemic corticosteroids of whom three are steroid-dependent. No other pharmacological approach to treatment has been successful and elimination diets, tried by five patients, had no effect. Oral Crohn's disease has a characteristic naked-eye appearance, may be the first or only manifestation of Crohn's disease and usually improves with oral corticosteroid treatment.     

An investigation into the validity of the present classification of inflammatory bowel disease

To assess the validity of the present subdivision of patients with inflammatory bowel disease into those with Crohn's disease of the small bowel or of the colon and those with ulcerative colitis, 252 patients with inflammatory bowel disease have been studied by questionnaire and case note review. One hundred and seventy-two variables concerning the nature and frequency of symptoms in remission and relapse, the incidence of complications and results of investigation have been analysed by computer. As expected, there were many highly significant variables between patients with ulcerative colitis and those with Crohn's disease of the small bowel. The latter showed evidence of a more severe disease course with more complications. There were similar, although less marked, differences between patients with Crohn's disease of the colon and those with Crohn's disease of the small bowel. There were very few differences in disease course between patients with Crohn's disease of the colon and those with ulcerative colitis. The results suggest that while separate classification of patients with Crohn's disease of the small bowel is justified on clinical grounds, the present separation of patients with disease confined to the colon into groups labelled ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease of the colon is not. Alternative methods of classification should therefore be investigated.     

Urinary oxalate recovery after oral oxalic load: an alternative method to the quantitative determination of stool fat for the diagnosis of lipid malabsorption

Urinary oxalate concentrations were measured in 45 patients with quiescent Crohn's disease, four patients with chronic pancreatitis and five healthy subjects after a normal oxalate (150 g/day) diet, after a high-fat (150 g/day), normal oxalate diet and after and after a high-oxalate (500 mg/day) diet. Urinary oxalate concentrations were significantly (P less than 0.05) higher in patients with Crohn's disease and steatorrhoea, but not in those with chronic pancreatitis, after administrating a high-oxalate diet compared with healthy subjects. Mean oxalate values were 19.1 mg/24 h in controls compared with 65.8 mg/24 h in Crohn's disease patients. A direct correlation (r = 0.37, P less than 0.01) was established between faecal rats and urinary oxalate after oval oxalate load: this correlation (r = 0.43, P less than 0.01) is closer when only patients with Crohn's disease are considered. The study, therefore, confirmed a correlation between steatorrhoea and hyperoxaluria in patients with Crohn's disease; however, the high percentage of false positive results limits the use of urinary oxalate concentrations as a reliable indicator of lipid malabsorption. It is concluded that, at present, measurement of urinary oxalate cannot be recommended as a valid alternative to the Van de Kamer method for diagnosing lipid malabsorption.     

Efficacy of tamsulosin 0.4 mg/day in relieving double-J stent-related symptoms: a randomized controlled study

This study evaluated the efficacy of tamsulosin in improving stent-related symptoms and quality of life in patients with in-dwelling double-J ureteral stents. A total of 42 patients (15 males and 27 females) with ureteral stent placement following ureteroscopy, percutaneous nephrolithotomy or balloon dilatation, were prospectively randomized into two groups of 21 patients. Group I received 0.4 mg tamsulosin once daily for 4 weeks and group II was a non-placebo, non-treatment control. All patients completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and SF-36 questionnaires at 2 and 4 weeks post-operatively. The IPSS scores for irritative and obstructive symptoms were significantly lower in group I than group II at both 2 and 4 weeks. Among the eight domains of SF-36, role limitation due to physical health and bodily pain was significantly better in group I at 2 and 4 weeks. General health was also significantly better in group I at 2 weeks. Tamsulosin improved both urinary symptoms and quality of life without causing serious side-effects.     

Surgical therapy of achalasia after prior pneumatic dilatation]

Of 15 patients operated on for achalasia in the Department of General and Abdominal Surgery at the University of Mainz between September 1985 and April 1990, 14 were followed-up. All the patients had received an extramucous myotomy combined with Dor's semifundoplication; in twelve, one or more preoperative balloon dilatations had been performed. The results are reported in this study. The average age of the patients was 55.3 years (18 to 76 years), and the average follow-up period 21 months (six to 53 months). No postoperative complications were seen in any of the case. All patients reported appreciable improvements in their symptoms, six being completely symptom-free. Occasional dysphagia was reported in six cases, one patient had occasional, another frequent, nocturnal heartburn, which however had already presented preoperatively. In all seven cases submitted to postoperative radiological examination, the diameter of the esophagogastric junction was increased, and the diameter of the middle-third of the esophagus decreased. No gastroesophageal reflux or signs of inflammation were seen in any of the cases. The low complication rate and the high success rate despite prior balloon dilatation or bougienage support the use of Heller's operation combined with Dor's semifundoplication for the surgical treatment of achalasia after failed balloon dilatation.     

不同方法行单支架处理右冠状动脉后三叉病变的临床分析

目的 对比研究不同步骤方法单支架治疗右冠状动脉后三叉真性分叉病变的临床有效性和安全性。方法 选取行冠状动脉造影显示为右冠状动脉后三叉真性分叉病变,并且为冠状动脉单支病变的冠心病患者,根据介入手术步骤分为球囊对吻扩张组（A组）和无球囊对吻扩张组（B组）;A组又分为支架前球囊对吻扩张组（A1组）、支架后球囊对吻扩张组（A2组）。观察介入并发症发生率、X线暴露时间及造影剂用量、术后1年的临床主要不良心脏事件及术后1年支架内再狭窄情况。结果 A2组比A1组术中并发症慢血流、心绞痛及术后1年造影显示冠状动脉血流不达TIMI3级发生率更低（P＜0.05）。A组较B组术中并发症慢血流、心绞痛及术后1年造影显示冠状动脉血流不达TIMI3级发生率更低（P＜0.05）。各组介入X线暴露时间及造影剂用量差异无统计学意义。结论 单支架治疗右冠后三叉真性分叉病变时采取球囊对吻扩张较无球囊对吻扩张治疗术后1年临床主要不良心脏事件发生率更低;其中支架后球囊对吻扩张较支架前球囊对吻扩张的介入方法并发症发生率及术后1年的临床主要不良心脏事件发生率更低。     

The type and frequency of fetal renal disorders and management of renal pelvis dilatation.

OBJECTIVE: This study describes the frequency of sonographically detected fetal renal disorders, the correlation of fetal renal pelvis dilatation (RPD) with the need for postnatal surgery, and proposed management of RPD. METHODS: The study population consisted of 342 fetuses with prospectively identified isolated renal abnormalities and known follow-up. Fetuses with RPD were considered separately with respect to underlying renal disease, postnatal testing, and the need for surgical correction. Obstructive RPD was defined as the need for surgical treatment. Nonobstructive RPD included those cases that required no therapy. The correlation between prenatal RPD and the need for postnatal evaluation was examined. RESULTS: Renal pelvis dilatation was the primary postnatal sonographic finding in 66.4% of cases. The remainder were distributed between multicystic dysplastic kidney, duplication malformations, and reflux, with a smaller number of other diagnoses. Renal pelvis dilatation in the obstructive group was significantly greater than in the nonobstructive group. However, 10% of fetuses with maximum RPD of 10 mm or less had an obstructive process, whereas 58% of fetuses with RPD of greater than 10 mm did not have obstruction. There were no cases in which preterm delivery was necessitated by RPD. CONCLUSIONS: Renal pelvis dilatation is the most common fetal renal abnormality. The greater the RPD, the more likely it is due to obstruction. However, the overlap between obstruction and no obstruction dictates postnatal evaluation. In that RPD, regardless of degree, did not change the timing of delivery, a single follow-up sonographic examination either late in pregnancy or after delivery is considered adequate for follow-up of RPD detected earlier in pregnancy.     

逆行球囊导管扩张治疗输尿管狭窄

目的 评价逆行球囊导管扩张输尿管狭窄的治疗效果。方法 对１６例输尿管狭窄的病人（８例吻合口狭窄,５例炎性狭窄,３例先天性狭窄）进行了２２次扩张,其中６例一次扩张无效后作了第二扩张,分别在术后１月、６月进行静脉肾盂造影（ＩＶＰ）和肾功能复查。结果 ＩＶＰ显示病人肾盂积水状况改善表明有效。１６例病人术后１月、６月的有效率均是６２％（１０／１６）。６例有症状的病人中５例半年后恢复正常,５例血清尿素氮（Ｎ