Management of Recurrent Anastomotic Stricture and Iatrogenic Stenosis by Circular Stapler

Anastomotic stricture is an increasingly common clinical finding. It is thought to arise because of ischemia, disruption, or leakage at an anastomosis site. Its management can be difficult and strictures often are resistant to standard dilation therapy. Major corrective surgery is possible; however, it is technically challenging and not without risk. We have used a circular stapler to excise colorectal strictures, introducing the anvil of the stapler via a proximal stoma or colotomy, drawing the anvil through the stricture with a snare via a colonoscope and affixing it to the body of a circular staple gun and excising the stricture. We have with found this to be an effective treatment in appropriately selected patients.Reprint requests to: J.R.E. Rees, MRC Cancer Cell Unit, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, CB2 2XZ, Cambridge, UK. Email: jrer@hutchison-mrc.cam.ac.uk     

Early Prediction of Anastomotic Leak in Colorectal Cancer Surgery by Intramucosal pH

Purpose Adequate oxygenation is necessary for anastomotic healing, and ischemia has been found to be one of the most important factors in anastomotic leakage. This study was designed to assess the value of early postoperative intramucosal pH measurements for the prediction of anastomotic leakage in patients with colorectal anastomosis. Methods A prospective study of 90 patients with rectal or sigmoid cancer with primary anastomosis was conducted. In all patients intramucosal pH was determined by using tonometry at the anastomotic and gastric levels during the first 24 and 48 hours postoperatively. Seven other variables also were tested by univariate and multivariate analysis for any association with anastomotic leakage. Results The rate of clinical anastomotic leakage was 6.6 percent. Multivariate analysis showed that only the intramucosal pH at the anastomosis was an independent factor for the development of anastomotic leakage. The risk of leakage was 22 times higher in patients with an anastomotic intramucosal pH < 7.28 in the first 24 hours after surgery. Conclusions Measurement of anastomotic intramucosal pH in the early postoperative period can more accurately predict the risk of anastomotic leakage and benefit those patients who would need additional measures to improve the viability of the anastomosis. Presented in part at the Reunión Nacional de la Asociación Espa?ola de Coloproctologia, Vigo, Pontevedra, Spain, April 2 to 5, 2004. Reprints are not available.     

Clinical Efficacy of Endoscopic Treatment for Benign Colorectal Stricture: Balloon Dilatation versus Stenting

Background/Aims

There has been a lack of research comparing balloon dilatation and self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) placement to determine which is better for long-term clinical outcomes in patients with benign colorectal strictures. We aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and complication rates of balloon dilatation and SEMS placement for benign colorectal strictures from a variety of causes.

Methods

Between January 1999 and January 2012, a total of 43 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for benign colorectal stricture (balloon only in 29 patients, SEMS only in seven patients, and both procedures in seven patients) were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Thirty-six patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilatation, representing 65 individual sessions, and 14 patients received a total of 17 SEMS placements. The initial clinical success rates were similar in both groups (balloon vs SEMS, 89.1% vs 87.5%). Although the reobstruction rates were similar in both groups (balloon vs SEMS, 54.4% vs. 57.1%), the duration of patency was significantly longer in the balloon dilatation group compared with the SEMS group (65.5±13.3 months vs. 2.0±0.6 months, p=0.031).

Conclusions

Endoscopic balloon dilatation is safe and effective as an initial treatment for benign colorectal stricture and as an alternative treatment for recurrent strictures.     

Anticoagulant Therapy with a Selective Thrombin Inhibitor for Acute Cerebral Infarction: Usefulness of Coagulation Markers for Evaluation of Efficacy

Background: Argatroban is a selective thrombin inhibitor used for the treatment of atherothrombotic infarction. We evaluated its therapeutic effect using coagulation markers in 30 patients with cardioembolic infarction and 30 patients with atherothrombotic infarction during the immediate period after ischemic stroke. Methods: Argatroban therapy was initiated within 24 hours of the onset of stroke and the course was followed until 7 days after the start of treatment. Neurological evaluation was performed using the Hemispheric Stroke Scale (HSS). We also monitored the serial changes in activated partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, thrombin-antithrombin complex (TAT), and prothrombin fragments 1 + 2 (F1 + 2). Results: Both groups of patients showed significant improvement of HSS after 7 days of argatroban therapy (p < 0.05). Hemorrhagic infarction developed in 8 of patients with cardioembolic infarction, but no worsening of symptoms was noted in any of these patients. There was no significant prolongation of activated partial thromboplastin time or prothrombin time after 7 days, while levels of both TAT and F1 + 2 were significantly decreased from day 2. Conclusion: The decrease in TAT and F1 + 2 during argatroban therapy suggested improvement of hypercoagulability, which might explain how this drug prevents the recurrence of both ATI and CEI in the acute stage. Our findings also suggested that TAT and F1 + 2 might be useful indices for evaluation of argatroban efficacy.     

Eight Years Experience of High-Powered Endoscopic Diode Laser Therapy for Palliation of Colorectal Carcinoma

PURPOSE Endoscopic laser therapy using neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser has been shown to be effective in palliating symptoms of obstruction, bleeding, and discharge in patients with colorectal cancer. These patients usually have advanced inoperable disease at presentation or are unfit for surgery. We have used high-powered diode laser to palliate patients with inoperable colorectal cancer since 1994. This study was designed to determine the success rate of high-powered diode laser in palliating inoperable colorectal carcinoma and compare these figures with those published for Nd:YAG laser.METHODS A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing high-powered diode laser therapy for colorectal carcinoma between June 1994 and October 2002 (inclusive) at St. Georges Hospital, London, United Kingdom. Patients notes and endoscopy records were reviewed to determine the indications for treatment, success of symptom palliation, complications, and survival for each patient.RESULTS Fifty-seven patients (28 males), with a median age at first treatment of 82 (range, 51–93) years, were identified who had been palliated with high-powered diode laser therapy for colorectal carcinoma. The median number of treatments received by each patient was three (range, 1–16 treatments), with a median interval between treatments of 9.5 (range, 1–25) weeks. Lifelong palliation of symptoms occurred in 51 patients (89 percent). Major complications were two perforations and one hemorrhage, giving an overall complication rate of 5.3 percent. One of the patients who experienced perforation died, giving an overall mortality rate of 1.8 percent for the procedure. The median survival of the 51 patients palliated completely by laser therapy was 8.5 (range, 0.6–52) months, with a probability of survival at 24 months of 15 percent.CONCLUSIONS High-powered diode laser therapy is an effective method of providing palliation for obstruction, bleeding, and discharge in those patients with inoperable colorectal carcinoma. It produces results comparable to therapy with Nd:YAG laser and the equipment is cheaper, more compact, and portable.Reprints are not available.     

Neoadjuvant Therapy and Anastomotic Leak After Tumor-Specific Mesorectal Excision for Rectal Cancer

Purpose  This study was designed to evaluate whether neoadjuvant therapy is a risk factor for anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery. Methods  A retrospective review of 220 patients who underwent tumor-specific mesorectal excision for rectal cancer from 2000 to 2005 was performed. Risk factors for leak were identified by using a multivariable regression model. Results  A total of 54 patients received neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy and surgery, whereas 166 received surgery alone. No difference in clinically significant leaks was observed between the two groups (5.6 vs. 6.6 percent, P = 1). A diverting ileostomy was performed in 26.4 percent of patients who received neoadjuvant therapy compared with 9.7 percent for surgery alone (P = 0.0021). Neoadjuvant patients were more likely to have ultralow anastomoses (17.6 vs. 2.5 percent, P < 0.0001). On multivariate analysis, smoking (odds ratio, 6.37 (1.8, 22.2), P = 0.004), difficult anastomosis (odds ratio, 7.66 (1.8, 31.5), P = 0.0048), and low level of anastomosis (≤4 cm from the verge; odds ratio, 5.28 (1.05, 26.6), P = 0.044) were independently associated with anastomotic leakage. Conclusions  Significant predictors of anastomotic leak include smoking, difficult anastomosis, and level of anastomosis (≤4 cm). Neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy was not found to be significantly associated with leakage after tumor-specific mesorectal excision for rectal cancer. Read at the meeting of The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, St. Louis, Missouri, June 2 to 6, 2007.     

Endoscopy-Guided Balloon Dilation of Benign Anastomotic Strictures after Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

Background/Aims

The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic dilation for benign anastomotic stricture after radical gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients.

Methods

Gastric cancer patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation for benign anastomosis stricture after radical gastrectomy during a 6-year period were reviewed retrospectively.

Results

Twenty-one patients developed benign strictures at the site of anastomosis. The majority of strictures occurred within 1 year after surgery (95.2%). The median duration to stenosis after surgery was 1.70 months (range, 0.17 to 23.97 months). The success rate of the first endoscopic dilation was 61.9%. Between the restenosis group (n=8) and the no restenosis group (n=13), there were no significant differences in the body mass index (22.82 kg/m² vs 22.46 kg/m²), interval to symptom onset (73.9 days vs 109.3 days), interval to treatment (84.6 days vs 115.6 days), maximal balloon diameter (14.12 mm vs 15.62 mm), number of balloon dilation sessions (1.75 vs 1.31), location of gastric cancer or type of surgery. One patient required surgery because of stricture refractory to repeated dilation.

Conclusions

Endoscopic dilation is a highly effective treatment for benign anastomotic strictures after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer and should be considered a primary intervention prior to proceeding with surgical revision.     

Percutaneous Microwave Coagulation Therapy Using Cholangioscopy for Recanalizing Self-expanding Metallic Stents Occluded by Tumor Ingrowth: Preliminary Results

Current ablative techniques for recanalizing self-expanding metallic stents occluded by tumor ingrowth are limited by the risk of perforation or destruction of the stent filament. A previous experimental study revealed that microwave coagulation therapy for recanalizing occluded metal stents would be safe and effective, and we investigated the clinical application of this procedure. In this in vivo study, microwave coagulation therapy was performed for occluded metallic stents in 5 patients with pancreatic cancer and one patient with gallbladder cancer. This procedure was performed under percutaneous cholangioscopy and fluoroscopic control. Cumulative stent patency before and after microwave coagulation was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method supplemented with the log-rank test. Tumor growing through the stent mesh was successfully removed without any complications using this technique. Analysis of stent patency did not reveal any significant difference between one session of coagulation therapy (115.0±18.4 days) and initial stent (102.3±.22.3 days). In contrast, none of the group after two sessions of this intervention was obstructed until their death. The results indicated that microwave coagulation therapy for recanalizing occluded metallic stent is effective and safe even in vivo. This procedure may be an alternative to placement of another stent through the occluded metallic stent. (Dig Endosc 1999; 11: 209–214)     

Possible Application of Microwave Coagulation Therapy for Recanalising Tumor-occluded Self-expandable Metallic Stents

Abstract: There is no consensus regarding optimal management of tumor ingrowth through self-expandable metallic stents in the biliary system. We investigated the possibility that microwave therapy could be used to treat stent occlusion. We evaluated the thermal properties of a muscle equivalent phantom subjected to microwave energy. The temperature of the phantom was continuously monitored using the probe sensor of a fiberoptic thermometer embedded into the phantom model at different distances from a microwave electrode with and without a stent in place. The temperature of the phantom increased incrementally as the power increased from 30 to 50 watts at distances 2 and 5 mm from the electrode (p<0.01). With the goal of achieving adequate local heating without excessive distant heating, the most effective power was 40 watts. There was a significantly lower rise in temperature with stent in place than that without stent at 2 and 5 mm from the electrode at 40 watts. The temperature increase when the tip of the electrode was kept in contact with the stent was significantly smaller than when the conductor tip was kept apart from the stent (p<0.05). Using this method, the microwave energy did not induce destruction of the stent filament. In a muscle equivalent phantom model, the temperature changes induced by microwave energy were consistent with possible safe and effective application of this modality to recanalization of occluded metallic stents. (Dig Endosc 1999; 11: 158–164)     

Disruption of Erythrocytes Distinguishes Fixed Cells/Tissues from Viable Cells/Tissues Following Microwave Coagulation Therapy

Microwave coagulation therapy (MCT) has recently been applied to treat hepatic tumors. However, the histological changes in the liver following MCT have not been fully elucidated. A type of cell death known as microwave fixation has been reported in areas adjacent to the microwave irradiator electrodes, and these areas are without acid phosphatase (AcP) activity. Diagnosis of microwave-fixed tissue by hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining is very difficult because morphology is well maintained for months. In an effort to clarify the histological changes and the mechanisms of microwave fixation, we performed HE staining, enzyme histochemistry for AcP, and electron microscopy in both rat and human liver samples after MCT. Although the microwave-fixed tissues maintained their structure on HE staining, membranes of microwave-fixed cells were seriously damaged and there were no apparent organelle structures in these cells on electron microscopy. Erythrocytes were also damaged in these tissues on both light and electron microscopy. The cause of microwave fixation is thought to be injury of the membrane, which is similar to coagulative necrosis. In conclusion, microwave fixation can be considered a type of coagulative necrosis without enzyme digestion. Disruption of erythrocytes on HE staining is an interesting and important diagnostic clue in distinguishing nonviable fixed tissues from viable tissues following MCT.     

氩离子凝固术治疗十二指肠息肉的临床研究

目的探讨应用氩离子凝固术(APC)治疗十二指肠息肉的疗效及安全性,并与微波治疗十二指肠息肉的效果进行比较研究。方法选择2008年12月至2013年2月经胃镜检查确诊的151例十二指肠息肉患者按治疗方式随机分为两组:APC组75例,微波治疗组76例。观察比较两组患者的息肉根除率、并发症、治疗疗程及费用。结果(1)APC组和微波治疗组的息肉根除率分别为90.6%、66.9%,差异有非常显著性(P0.01);(2)APC组治疗期间有8例出现轻度的并发症,给予对症处理后消失,微波治疗组有18例出现糜烂,7例出现上消化道出血,对症治疗后痊愈;(3)两组患者住院时间比较无统计学差异(P0.05),微波治疗组住院费用高于APC组(P0.05)。结论氩离子凝固术治疗十二指肠息肉效果明显,副作用小,安全可靠,值得临床推广应用。     

Colorectal anastomosis using a novel double-stapling technique for lower rectal carcinoma

Background The conventional double-stapling technique (DST) using a standard linear stapler horizontally is sometimes difficult to apply to an anastomosis where the pelvis is narrow or the anastomosis is ultralow. In this report, we review our experiences of a novel DST (IO-DST) that employs vertical division of the rectum using an endostapler. Materials and methods One-hundred and five consecutive patients who underwent low anterior resection for rectal carcinoma below the peritoneal reflection were enrolled into this study. The clinical, oncological, and functional outcomes were studied retrospectively. Results The median distance from the anal verge to the tumor was 5.0 cm in “high risk” T1 tumors and 6.5 cm in more-advanced tumors. More than 2 cm of distal surgical margin was obtained in 80.6% of the patients with tumors deeper than T1. The median distance from the anal verge to the anastomosis was 4.2 cm in T1 tumors and 4.0 cm in more-advanced tumors. The median blood loss was 315 ml, and the median operative time was 262 min. There was no mortality in the IO-DST. Recurrence presented in 12 (13.0%) of the patients who underwent curative surgery, with local recurrence in four patients (4.3%) during a median follow-up of 46.2 months. However, no patients experienced suture-line recurrence. The early bowel frequency was four times/day after stoma closure in patients with transient covering colostomy and 3.5 times/day in patients without colostomy. The late bowel frequency was three times/day in patients with transient covering colostomy, and two times/day in patients without colostomy. Conclusions The IO-DST is a feasible and safe procedure for facilitating lower anastomosis in rectal carcinoma below the peritoneal reflection.     

Effect of Antithrombotic Therapy on Bleeding after Argon Plasma Coagulation for Gastric Neoplasms

Background/AimsPostprocedural bleeding is known to be relatively low after argon plasma coagulation (APC) for gastric neoplasms; however, there are few studies proving the effect of antithrombotic agents. This study aimed to analyze the incidence of delayed bleeding (DB) based on antithrombotic agents administered and to identify the risk factors for DB in APC for gastric tumors.MethodsA total of 785 patients with 824 lesions underwent APC for single gastric neoplasm between January 2011 and January 2018. After exclusion, 719 and 102 lesions were classified as belonging to the non-antithrombotics (non-AT) and AT groups, respectively. The clinical outcomes were compared between the two groups, and we determined the risk factors for DB in gastric APC.ResultsOf the total 821 cases, DB occurred in 20 cases (2.4%) 17 cases in the non-AT group and three cases in the AT group (2.4% vs 2.9%, p=0.728). Multivariate analysis of the risk factors for DB confirmed the following significant, independent risk factors male sex (odds ratio, 7.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.02 to 57.69; p=0.048) and chronic kidney disease (odds ratio, 4.51; 95% confidence interval, 1.57 to 13.02; p=0.005). Thromboembolic events and perforation were not observed in all patients regardless of whether they took AT agents.ConclusionsAT therapy is acceptably safe in gastric APC because it does not significantly increase the incidence of DB. However, patients with chronic kidney disease or male sex need to receive careful follow-up on the incidence of post-APC bleeding.     

Colorectal anastomotic stenosis results of a survey of the ASCRS membership

Anastomotic stenosis is a poorly understood and underexamined complication of gastrointestinal surgery, reportedly most frequent in the coloproctostomy. In order to better define this problem, a questionnaire was sent to members of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons regarding patients with gastrointestinal anastomotic stenosis. A total of 123 patients with intestinal anastomotic stenosis were analyzed. Eighty-two anastomoses were stapled and 41 were handsewn. Nearly all stenoses occurred in the distal bowel (70 rectal, 23 sigmoid colon). Preoperative risk factors identified were obesity (28 patients) and abscess (12 patients). Incomplete “doughnuts” were noted in 12 patients. Postoperative anastomotic leaks (15 patients), pelvic infection (13 patients), and postoperative radiation (7 patients) were believed to be contributing factors. Dilatation, using a variety of techniques, was the sole treatment for 65 patients, however, intra-abdominal surgery was necessary in 34 patients. Large intestinal anastomotic stenosis probably occurs most commonly following coloproctostomy (both with handsewn and stapled anastomoses). Dilatation alone resulted in adequate treatment in most patients in the study. Major surgery was required to correct this problem in a significant number of patients (28 percent) in this series. The true incidence of anastomotic stenosis in colorectal surgery is unknown and warrants further study. Poster presentation at the meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Anaheim, California, June 12 to 17, 1988.     

Leakage After Resection and Intraperitoneal Anastomosis for Colorectal Malignancy: Analysis of Risk Factors

Purpose The study was designed to identify the risk factors associated with anastomotic leakage after an intraperitoneal large-bowel anastomosis in patients with colorectal malignancy. Methods The prospectively collected data of patients who underwent colorectal resection for malignancy with primary anastomosis above the pelvic peritoneal reflection for malignancy between 1996 and 2004 were reviewed. Thirty-five variables were evaluated using univariate and multivariate analysis. Results A total of 1,417 patients were studied and anastomotic leakage occurred in 25 patients (1.8 percent). Twenty-two patients (88 percent) required reoperation for anastomotic leakage. The hospital stay (28 vs. 10 days, P < 0.001) and mortality rate (32 vs. 4 percent, P < 0.001) of patients with anastomotic leakage were significantly increased compared with those without leakage. Multivariate analysis showed that American Society of Anesthesiologists Grade 3 to 5 (P = 0.04; odds ratio, 5.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.6–15.3) and emergency operation (P = 0.03; odds ratio, 4.6; 95 percent confidence interval, 1.9–9.8) were independent factors associated with anastomotic leakage. The risk of anastomotic leakage was 8.1 percent (odds ratio, 10.5; 95 percent confidence interval, 2.7–26.8) if both factors were present. Conclusions Intraperitoneal anastomosis after large-bowel resection is associated with a low leakage rate. Emergency surgery and a high American Society of Anesthesiologists grade are independent factors associated with an increased incidence of leakage. A temporary diverting stoma to protect the primary anastomosis or even avoidance of anastomosis could be considered for patients with the two risk factors present.     

氩离子凝固术治疗胃黏膜脱垂症的临床研究

目的 探讨应用氩离子凝固术(APC)治疗胃黏膜脱垂症的疗效及安全性,并与微波治疗胃黏膜脱垂症的效果进行比较研究.方法 选择2008年12月至2010年10月经胃镜检查确诊的140例胃黏膜脱垂症患者,按治疗方式随机分为两组:APC组69例,微波治疗组71例.观察比较两组患者的有效率、并发症、治疗疗程及费用.结果 (1)...     

Use of Intracolonic Bypass Secured by a Biodegradable Anastomotic Ring to Protect the Low Rectal Anastomosis

Purpose Because of the relatively high morbidity and mortality of anastomotic leakage in patients with low rectal cancer who receive an anterior resection, many fecal diverting methods have been introduced. This study was designed to assess the efficacy and safety of the Valtrac™-secured intracolonic bypass in protecting low rectal anastomosis and to compare the efficacy and complications of Valtrac™-secured intracolonic bypass with those of loop ileostomy. Methods From January 2002 to April 2006, 83 patients with rectal cancer who underwent elective low anterior resection received intracolonic bypass or ileostomy. Demographics, clinical features, and operative data were recorded. Results Forty-four patients (53 percent) received a Valtrac™-secured intracolonic bypass and 39 patients (47 percent) a loop ileostomy. The demographics and clinical features of the groups were similar. None of the patients developed clinical anastomotic leakage. Longer overall postoperative hospital stay (21.3 ± 5.8 days) and higher costs incurred (3.1 ± 0.9 × $1,000 U.S. dollars) were observed in the ileostomy group than in the intracolonic bypass group (12.5 ± 6.3 days, 4.4 ± 1.2 × $1,000 U.S. dollars; P < 0.05). Stoma-related complications in the ileostomy group included dermatitis (12.8 percent), bleeding (2.6 percent), and intestinal obstruction after stoma closure (5.1 percent). No complications were observed in the intracolonic bypass group except for the Valtrac™ ring discharging en bloc, which compromised fecal evacuation in two cases (4.5 percent). Conclusions The Valtrac™-secured intracolonic bypass procedure is a safe, effective, but time-limited, diverting technique to protect an elective low colorectal anastomosis. Valtrac™-secured intracolonic bypass, in contrast to loop ileostomy, avoids stoma-related complications or readmission for closure and is associated with decreased hospital time and cost. Presented at the First National Conference on Colorectal Surgery, Zhu Hai, Guang Dong, China, November 2 to 5, 2006. Reprints are not available.     

Colorectal Anastomotic Stenosis After Elective Laparoscopic Sigmoidectomy for Diverticular Disease: A Prospective Evaluation of 68 Patients

Purpose  This prospective study was designed to find the incidence of symptomatic anastomotic stenosis after elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy for diverticular disease. Methods  Sixty-eight patients who underwent elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy with double-stapling colorectal anastomosis between November 1998 and June 2007 were included. Follow-up after hospitalization was performed by using sequential rectoscopy for all patients. Symptomatic patients with anastomotic stricture were treated. Results  No patient died postoperatively and no patient had anastomotic leak or abdominal septic complication. Twenty-two patients (32 percent) had postoperative symptoms that suggested anastomotic stenosis; 12 of them (17.6 percent) eventually needed dilatation of their anastomosis (median diameter of the stenosis: 7 mm) a mean time of 176 days postoperatively. Eight patients had only one session, three patients had two sessions, and one patient had three sessions. There were no complications and all patients were symptom-free after dilatation. Age, sex, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and vascular preservation had no influence on the risk of anastomotic stenosis. Conclusions  Incidence of symptomatic anastomotic stenosis after elective laparoscopic sigmoidectomy is high (17.6 percent). No risk factor could be identified. Endoscopic dilatations were successful without complication in all cases. Regular rigid rectoscopy definitely should be part of the postoperative follow-up in symptomatic patients.     

Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy for Acquired Coagulation Inhibitors: A Critical Review

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has been used for autoimmune diseases and disorders involving autoantibodies, including coagulation inhibitors. In this review, we have evaluated the efficacy and safety of IVIG therapy for acquired coagulation inhibitors, including factor VIII inhibitor, and for acquired von Willebrand syndrome on the basis of 44 reports published between 1965 and 2005. Among 35 patients with factor VIII inhibitor, we estimated the efficacy of IVIG therapy alone (which includes complete remissions and partial responses with a clinical benefit) to be 30% (11 cases), whereas the response to combination therapy with IVIG plus immunosuppressive agents (eg, corticosteroid, cyclophosphamide) seemed to be better (approximately 70%, 33/45 cases) than with IVIG therapy alone. In acquired von Willebrand syndrome, the efficacy of IVIG therapy was estimated to be 30%. The response to IVIG therapy appears to occur rapidly, and coagulation inhibitors seem to be neutralized immediately. Moreover, severe complications or side effects rarely occur during IVIG treatment. IVIG therapy thus may be considered one choice for treating acquired coagulation inhibitors, although its efficacy improves when used in combination with immunosuppressive agents.