Ileo-ileal invagination – a cause of recurrent mid-gastrointestinal bleeding: Diagnostic and endoscopic therapy by means of push-and-pull enteroscopy

The types of lesions that cause bleeding in the small bowel are similar to those found in other areas in the gastrointestinal tract, such as vascular malformations, ulcers and inflammatory lesions, neoplasms and other less common lesions like Meckel's diverticulum.

This report describes three patients with suspected mid-gastrointestinal bleeding with no significant past medical history. Before presenting to our unit the diagnostic work-up such as oesophagogastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy and radiological small bowel imaging such as conventional enteroclysis or magnet resonance imaging enteroclysis had been performed without detecting any bleeding source. Capsule endoscopy suspected an angiodysplasia in the terminal ileum in one patient, in the other two patients a polyp in the region of the ileum as the potential bleeding source was diagnosed. In all three patients, a polyp with an ulcerated tip was found with the anal push-and-pull enteroscopy. An endosocpic resection was performed in all three cases without complication with the exception of one. In this patient a perforation occured 3 days after resection and was treated surgically without further complications. Histology revealed in all three cases, a polypoid diaphragmatic invagination of the small bowel with a vast area of chronic ulceration on the tip of this pseudopolyp with infiltration of the muscularis propria.

In summary, the present paper describes the rare cases of erosive pseudopolyps after ileo-ileal invagination treated with endoscopic resection by means of push-and-pull enteroscopy.     

Usefulness of endoscopic band ligation for bleeding small bowel vascular lesions

BACKGROUND: The optimal therapy for bleeding small bowel vascular lesions is controversial. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic band ligation in this clinical condition. METHODS: Fourteen patients bleeding from angiodysplasia and 4 bleeding from Dieulafoy's lesions located in the small bowel were included in this pilot study. Endoscopic band ligation was performed by using less than 200 mBar negative pressure in suctioning the target lesion into the ligation cap just before band release. Mean follow-up was 18 months (range 6-31 months). OBSERVATIONS: Endoscopic band ligation achieved hemostasis in a single session in all patients. No adverse events occurred except for mild abdominal pain in two patients. Mortality was null, and no patient required further blood transfusion during the 40 days after endoscopic band ligation. No patient with Dieulafoy's lesion had further bleeding, whereas bleeding recurred in 6 of 14 (43%) patients with angiodysplasia during long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic band ligation is safe and effective for treatment of acutely bleeding small bowel vascular lesions. Although endoscopic band ligation is definitive therapy for Dieulafoy's lesion, long-term efficacy in the treatment of GI bleeding from angiodysplasia is limited.     

内镜超声检查在上消化道黏膜下肿瘤微创治疗中的价值研究

目的评价超声内镜检查对上消化道黏膜下肿瘤的诊断价值及指导内镜下微创治疗黏膜下肿瘤的疗效及安全性。方法经超声内镜诊断上消化道黏膜下肿瘤82例,根据黏膜下肿瘤的起源层次、大小及性质分别选择不同的内镜治疗方案,内镜治疗包括高频电凝电切术、内镜下黏膜切除术、皮圈套扎术等。标本行常规病理学及免疫组化检查。术后定期内镜随访。结果26例超声判断起源于黏膜肌层的上消化道黏膜下肿瘤行高频电凝电切术;17例起源于黏膜肌层的平坦型上消化道黏膜下肿瘤行内镜下黏膜切除术;38例起源于固有肌层和1例起源于黏膜肌层的上消化道黏膜下肿瘤行皮圈套扎术。内镜超声诊断与术后病理符合率为91．4％。术后1例出血,其余无严重并发症发生。79例术后随访3—24个月无复发。结论超声内镜能够对消化道黏膜下肿瘤进行起源和定性诊断,超声内镜为内镜微创治疗选择消化道黏膜下肿瘤适应证具有良好的指导作用,内镜治疗是消化道黏膜下肿瘤治疗的安全、有效的手段。     

Study of full-thickness endoluminal segmental resection of colon in a porcine colon model (with videos)

BACKGROUND: Entrapment injury of the adjacent bowel is frequently encountered during full-thickness endoluminal colon suction-resection. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to develop a technique that can create a full-thickness resection of the colon without the risk of entrapment injury to adjacent viscera. DESIGN: Pilot study. SETTING: University medical center. PATIENTS: Five pigs. INTERVENTIONS: Traction-resection of the colon was created by using a grasping forceps to pull the colon into a band ligator loaded on a double-channel endoscope, followed by the application of a band, and subsequent snare resection (n = 14). Suction-resection of the colon was created by using a double-channel endoscope loaded with a band ligator (n = 12) and a single-channel endoscope with a band ligator (n = 6). MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Number of full-thickness colon resections, frequency of the adjacent bowel and mesenteric injury, and the size of the resections were measured. RESULTS: The suction-resection technique resulted in significant injury to adjacent viscera compared with the traction-resection technique (56% vs 0%, P = .0013). The traction-resection method resulted in a significantly larger resection compared with the suction-resection method (mean +/- SEM: 2.91 +/- 0.3 cm vs 2.1 +/- 0.1 cm, P = .024). A double-channel endoscope suction-resection method resulted in a significantly larger resection compared with a single channel suction-resection technique (mean +/- SEM: 2.1 +/- 0.1 cm vs 0.91 +/- 0.2 cm, P = .0022). LIMITATIONS: None. CONCLUSIONS: The traction-resection technique is safer than the suction-resection method in removing larger specimens of the colon. In addition, the traction-resection technique reduces the risk of injury of the mesentery or adjacent small intestine.     

Endoscopic Muscularis Excavation for Subepithelial Tumors of the Esophagogastric Junction Originating from the Muscularis Propria Layer

Background

Because of complicating anatomic factors, endoscopic submucosal dissection is seldom performed in subepithelial tumors of the esophagogastric junction originating from the muscularis propria layer.

Aim

This study was designed to evaluate the feasibility of endoscopic muscularis excavation for treating subepithelial tumors of the esophagogastric junction originating from the muscularis propria layer.

Methods

Between December 2008 and December 2011, 68 patients with subepithelial tumors of the esophagogastric junction originating from the muscularis propria layer were treated with endoscopic muscularis excavation. Key steps of the procedure included the following: (1) injecting a mixture solution into the submucosal layer after making several dots around the tumor; (2) making a cross incision of the overlying mucosa, and excavating the tumor from the muscularis propria layer; (3) closing the artificial ulcer with clips after tumor removal.

Results

The mean tumor size was 16.2 mm (range 7–35 mm). Endoscopic muscularis excavation was successfully performed in 65 out of 68 cases (success rate 95.6 %). Pathological diagnosis of these tumors included leiomyoma (39 out of 68) and gastrointestinal stromal tumor (29 out of 68). Perforation occurred in seven patients (10.3 %). No massive bleeding or delayed bleeding occurred. The median follow-up period after the procedure was 23 months (range 6–42 months). No residual or recurrent tumor was detected and no stricture occurred in patients during the follow-up period.

Conclusions

Endoscopic muscularis excavation is a safe, effective and feasible procedure for providing accurate histopathologic evaluation and curative treatment for subepithelial tumors of the esophagogastric junction originating from the muscularis propria layer.     

Endoscopic resection with hypertonic saline-solution-epinephrine injection plus band ligation for large pedunculated or semipedunculated gastric polyp

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic resection of pedunculated polyps with heads 1 cm or greater in diameter presents a risk of bleeding. To minimize this complication, we performed endoscopic resection with hypertonic saline-solution-epinephrine injection plus band ligation and evaluated its safety and effectiveness. METHODS: Seventeen patients with 20 pedunculated or semipedunculated polyps with heads 1 cm or greater in diameter were treated with this technique. Conventional upper-GI endoscope, hypertonic saline-solution and epinephrine, sclerotherapy needle, and endoscopic band ligator device are needed for the procedure. OBSERVATIONS: All lesions were easily and safely resected. During this procedure, a band ligation chamber proved to be satisfactory for accurate recognition of a postpolypectomy ulcer under good visual control. No hemorrhage, perforation, or other complication occurred as a result of the use of this technique. The histologic resection margin was affected by nonneoplastic components in 6 of 20 lesions. Follow-up endoscopy 1 week later revealed a small, shallow ulcer without residual polyp in all lesions. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary study suggests that endoscopic resection with hypertonic saline-solution-epinephrine injection plus band ligation is a simple and effective method for the prevention of polypectomy-associated bleeding. Prospective trials, including randomized controlled studies, are required to evaluate the suitability of this modality for wide clinical use.     

术中内镜在胃肠手术中的应用价值

目的：探讨术中内镜在胃肠手术中的应用价值。方法：对32例胃肠手术的患者进行了术中内镜检查，其中25例为剖腹探查，7例为术前明确诊断但术中找不到病灶或难以确定病灶的边缘者。结果：25例剖腹探查术患者24例通过术中内镜明确了诊断，分别为：胃底Dieulafoy病1例，胃溃疡1例，十二指肠平滑肌瘤3例，小肠平滑肉瘤2例，十二指肠水平部Dieulafoy病1例，十二指肠水平部平滑肌瘤2例，回肠淋巴瘤2例，小肠腺瘤性息肉2例，加肠末段溃疡2例，小肠海绵状血管瘤3例，小肠动静脉畸形4例，胰空肠吻合口出血1例。所有32例患者除1例小肠息肉和1例结肠息肉予内镜下高频电切除术、1例未找到病灶而未予特别处理外，其余28例患者均进行了病变切除。结论：应用术中内镜不仅极大地提高了病变的检出率，而且能对病变准确定位。术中内镜诊疗术是安全且有效的。     

Ligation‐assisted endoscopic enucleation for treatment of esophageal subepithelial lesions originating from the muscularis propria: a preliminary study

An innovative ligation‐assisted endoscopic enucleation (EE‐L) technique was developed for the diagnosis and treatment of esophageal subepithelial lesions (smaller than 12 mm) originating from muscularis propria by combining endoscopic band ligation and endoscopic enucleation techniques. The aim of the study was to evaluate efficacy and safety of EE‐L technique in the treatment of esophageal subepithelial lesions (smaller than 12 mm) originating from muscularis propria. Forty‐seven esophageal subepithelial lesions (smaller than 12 mm) originating from the muscularis propria in 44 patients were treated with EE‐L between September 2010 and September 2012. The lesion was first aspirated into the transparent cap attached to the tip of endoscope. The elastic band was then released around its base. The purpose of ligation was to force the lesion to assume a polypoid form with a pseudostalk. Endoscopic enucleation was then performed until the tumor was completely enucleated from muscularis propria using a hook knife and forceps. All tumors (median diameter: 8.2 ± 2.3 mm, range: 4–12 mm) were enucleated completely. Histopathology identified 45 tumors (95.7%) as leiomyoma, 2 (4.3%) tumors as gastrointestinal stromal tumor with very low risk. The mean time of the EE‐L procedure was 12.5 ± 4.6 minutes (range: 6–23 minutes). Two patients experienced self‐limiting, non‐life‐threatening hemorrhage after EE‐L. No perforation and massive hemorrhage requiring further endoscopic or surgical intervention occurred. There were no recurrences during the 6–24 months follow‐up period. EE‐L offers the option of localized treatment of small esophageal muscularis propria tumors (smaller than 12 mm) with relatively few complications and low mortality, and provides the advantage of allowing a histopathological diagnosis. All the resected lesions in this study had a benign pathology.     

EFR治疗胃固有肌层肿物25例

目的探讨内镜全层切除术(EFR)治疗源于固有肌层的胃黏膜下肿物(SMT)的疗效和安全性。方法 25例于2011年1月至2013年9月于我院接受EFR治疗的胃SMT患者纳入研究,肿瘤经EUS和增强CT检查诊断为来源于固有肌层。对其治疗结果、并发症发生情况、近期随访结果等进行回顾性分析。结果 25例均完整切除病灶,病灶长径1.0~5.5 cm,黏膜切开至黏膜切口完整缝合时间为60~180 min,使用止血夹5~30枚,住院天数3~9 d,医疗费用8 000~20 000元。术后病理诊断间质瘤22例,平滑肌瘤2例,神经鞘瘤1例,切缘均为阴性。术后无出血,1例出现腹膜炎。出院后3个月内镜复查未见病变残留、复发。结论 EFR治疗来源于固有肌层的胃SMT安全、有效,可成为胃SMT的治疗选择。     

Radiation-induced intestinal pseudoobstruction

A case of intestinal pseudoobstruction occurring 30 yr after radiation therapy is described. Mechanical causes of obstruction were excluded by laparotomy. Histology of full-thickness sections of the small bowel revealed vascular ectasia and sclerosis, serosal fibrosis, neuronal proliferation within the submucosa, and degeneration of the muscle fibers of the circular layer of the muscularis propria. On the basis of the clinical and histologic findings we conclude that, in this patient, intestinal pseudoobstruction was due to muscular and neuronal injury from abdominal irradiation.     

The role of angiotensin in the intestinal vascular response to hypotension in a canine model.

It was previously shown that the vasoconstrictory response to hypotension was similar in the mucosa of the small bowel and the colon but was significantly higher in the muscularis of the latter than that of the former. To understand the mechanism of this differential response of the muscularis of the small bowel and the colon, the present study investigated the effect of an angiotensin II inhibitor (saralasin) on the hypotension-induced vasoconstriction of the mucosa and the muscularis of these two locations of the gastrointestinal tract. Dogs were used. Hypotension was induced by hemorrhage to reduce blood pressure by 40 mm Hg. Blood flow was measured by 15-microns radiolabeled microspheres. Saralasin was infused intravenously for 20 minutes at a rate of 0.05 mg.kg-1 bolus followed by 1 microgram.kg-1.min-1. Saralasin had no effect on the basal blood flow of the mucosa or the muscularis of the small bowel or on the hypotension-induced vasoconstriction of these two layers of the small bowel. In contrast, saralasin decreased blood flow to the mucosa (-28%; P less than 0.001) and increased blood flow to the muscularis (+140%; P less than 0.001) of the colon under basal conditions and also reduced the hypotension-induced vasoconstriction of the colonic muscularis (P less than 0.01). These and supplementary data indicate that there is a difference between the small bowel and the colon in local activity of vascular angiotensin system and that this system is most active in the colonic muscularis where it plays a significant role in the vasoconstrictory response to hypotension.     

Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy: evidence of mitochondrial DNA depletion in the small intestine

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Mitochondrial neurogastrointestinal encephalomyopathy (MNGIE) is an autosomal recessive disease clinically defined by gastrointestinal dysmotility, cachexia, ptosis, ophthalmoparesis, peripheral neuropathy, white-matter changes in brain magnetic resonance imaging, and mitochondrial abnormalities. Loss-of-function mutations in thymidine phosphorylase gene induce pathologic accumulations of thymidine and deoxyuridine that in turn cause mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) defects (depletion, multiple deletions, and point mutations). Our study is aimed to define the molecular basis of gastrointestinal dysmotility in a case of MNGIE. METHODS: By using laser capture microdissection techniques, we correlated histologic features with mtDNA abnormalities in different tissue components of the gastrointestinal wall in a MNGIE patient and ten controls. RESULTS: The patient's small intestine showed marked atrophy and mitochondrial proliferation of the external layer of muscularis propria. Genetic analysis revealed selective depletion of mtDNA in the small intestine compared with esophagus, stomach, and colon, and microdissection analysis revealed that mtDNA depletion was confined to the external layer of muscularis propria. Multiple deletions were detected in the upper esophagus and skeletal muscle. Site-specific somatic point mutations were detected only at low abundance both in the muscle and nervous tissue of the gastrointestinal tract. Analysis of the gastrointestinal tract from 10 controls revealed a non-homogeneous distribution of mtDNA content; the small intestine had the lowest levels of mtDNA. CONCLUSION: Atrophy, mitochondrial proliferation, and mtDNA depletion in the external layer of muscularis propria of small intestine indicate that visceral myopathy is responsible for gastrointestinal dysmotility in this MNGIE patient.     

The pathology of diverticulosis: classical concepts and mucosal changes in diverticula

Left-sided diverticular disease affects upwards of 50% of the population over the age of 60 years in western countries and is becoming more common as the population ages. Studies from the 1960s to 1980s related its occurrence to the use of low fiber diets, and to the prolonged colonic transit time and increased intraluminal pressure associated with low-volume stools. Pulsion diverticula (pseudodiverticula) emerge through the muscularis propria of the left colon at points of penetration of the vasa recta that supply the submucosa and mucosa. Cardinal features of the sigmoid colon in diverticular disease are abnormalities of the muscularis propria, including thickening and elastosis of the teniae, shortening of the bowel, and thickening and folding of the circular muscle with the development of transverse semilunar ridges between the mesenteric and antimesenteric teniae. Complications of diverticular disease such as hemorrhage, diverticulitis, peridiverticular abscess, fistula, and perforation are well recognized.     

Diagnosis of submucosal tumor of the upper GI tract by endoscopic resection.

BACKGROUND: Submucosal tumors are frequent findings during endoscopy, although definitive diagnosis based on histologic confirmation presents some difficulties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of endoscopic resection based on endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) findings to reach a definitive diagnosis of submucosal tumor. METHODS: Fifty-four submucosal tumors of the upper gastrointestinal (GI) tract were included in this study. EUS was performed to determine the layer of origin and location of the lesion and to rule out malignancy. En bloc resection was attempted for lesions originating in the muscularis mucosa or submucosa. For tumors originating in the muscularis propria, we performed partial resection limited to the covering mucosa to expose the lesion and obtained a sample with standard biopsy forceps. RESULTS: Sufficient samples were obtained in all 54 cases. There was no perforation. Bleeding occurred in only 5 cases (9%) and was easily managed with endoscopic hemostatic methods. EUS and pathologic findings coincided in 74.1% of cases (40 of 54). Benign lesions (leiomyoma, aberrant pancreas, and others) were predominant (52 of 54), although 2 small lesions were confirmed at pathologic study to be malignant (leiomyosarcoma and leiomyoblastoma). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic resection based on EUS findings proved to be an effective and safe method to confirm the histologic diagnosis of submucosal tumor of the upper GI tract. Endoscopic resection should be considered a valuable choice for definitive management of benign submucosal tumors originating in the superficial layers.     

Golytely lavage versus a standard colonoscopy preparation. Effect on normal colonic mucosal histology

We prospectively studied the changes of colonic mucosa in patients receiving two different preparations for colonoscopic examination. Eighteen consecutive patients undergoing colonoscopy for polyps or mass lesions, properly age- and sex-matched, were randomized to receive Golytely lavage (3-4 L) or a standard preparation (48-h clear liquid diet, 240 ml of magnesium citrate and "X-Prep" senna derivative). Patients with diarrhea or inflammatory bowel disease, or both, were excluded. Biopsy specimens were obtained from normal-appearing mucosa of the right and left side of the colon (none in the distal 10 cm of rectum). Blind review of coded slides was performed with 0-3 scoring for artifact, edema and hemorrhage of the lamina propria, surface epithelial and goblet cells, crypts, and cells in the lamina propria including eosinophils and polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Statistically significant differences were found for preservation of surface epithelial and goblet cells and less edema in favor of patients receiving Golytely. We conclude that the standard form of colon preparation flattens the surface epithelial cells and depletes the goblet cells as well as causes an increase in lamina propria edema, whereas colon lavage preserves normal mucosal histology.     

"The three-lies disease": solitary rectal ulcer syndrome]

Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome is an uncommon benign condition characterized by rectal bleeding, passage of mucus, and pain. Histological features are well established as obliteration of the lamina propria by fibrosis and smooth-muscle fibers extending from a thickened muscularis mucosa to the lumen. Diagnosis can usually be made on sigmoidoscopy, and biopsies should always be taken. Ulceration is not universally present, and polypoid, non-ulcerated lesions and erythematous areas are also seen. The lesion or lesions are most often found on the anterior or anterolateral wall of the rectum, although they can also be located in the left colon and be more extensive or even circumferential. Lesions are multiple in 30 percent of cases. These are the reasons why this entity is also known as "the disease of three lies". We report a case of solitary rectal ulcer syndrome presenting at endoscopy with an erythematous area on the left side wall of the rectum.     

Pitfalls of endoscopic ultrasound staging after application of electrocautery

Patients may be referred for endosonography after endoscopic resection of polyps because of cancer identified in the histologic specimen. To assess the effects of electrocautery-induced tissue changes on tumor staging by endosonography, endosonography findings after endoscopic removal of large polyps were correlated with surgical and endoscopic pathology. Endosonography findings revealed irregular and thickened wall layers, especially in the muscularis propria with pseudopod extensions. Five of 7 patients had evidence of cancer in the endoscopic specimen. However, no residual tumor was found in the surgically resected bowel (2 patients) or in subsequent biopsies of the endoscopic resection site (3 patients). In 2 other patients, no cancer was present in the endoscopic specimen, and follow-up biopsies of the endoscopic resection site were all benign. Electrocautery-induced inflammatory changes create hypoechoic changes within the gut wall that may mimic tumor invasion. Irregularities in the muscularis propria layer cannot be relied upon to diagnose a T2 or T3 lesion by endosonography in this setting. Patients with large polyps greater than 2 cm and other mucosal lesions with malignant potential should undergo endosonography prior to endoscopic resection.     

Bowel cancer characteristics in patients with regional enteritis

We report 10 carcinomas in 8 patients with regional enteritis. Five of the cancers were in the ileum, 4 in the right colon, and 1 in the rectum. The visualized small bowel cancers appeared as benign strictures in small bowel involved by regional enteritis. Most were poorly differentiated. The colon cancers had a more typical radiographic appearance of malignancy. In some patients with small bowel cancer the malignancy was discovered only on histologic evaluation; the malignant nature of the lesion was not appreciated by radiography or gross examination at surgery.     

Endoscopic full-thickness resection for gastric submucosal tumors arising from the muscularis propria layer

AIM: To evaluate the efficacy, safety and feasibility of endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFR) for the treatment of gastric submucosal tumors (SMTs) arising from the muscularis propria.METHODS: A total of 35 gastric SMTs arising from the muscularis propria layer were resected by EFR between January 2010 and September 2013. EFR consists of five major steps: injecting normal saline into the submucosa; pre-cutting the mucosal and submucosal layers around the lesion; making a circumferential incision as deep as the muscularis propria around the lesion using endoscopic submucosal dissection and an incision into the serosal layer around the lesion with a Hook knife; a full-thickness resection of the tumor, including the serosal layer with a Hook or IT knife; and closing the gastric wall with metallic clips.RESULTS: Of the 35 gastric SMTs, 14 were located at the fundus, and 21 at the corpus. EFR removed all of the SMTs successfully, and the complete resection rate was 100%. The mean operation time was 90 min (60-155 min), the mean hospitalization time was 6.0 d (4-10 d), and the mean tumor size was 2.8 cm (2.0-4.5 cm). Pathological examination confirmed the presence of gastric stromal tumors in 25 patients, leiomyomas in 7 and gastric autonomous nerve tumors in 2. No gastric bleeding, peritonitis or abdominal abscess occurred after EFR. Postoperative contrast roentgenography on the third day detected no contrast extravasation into the abdominal cavity. The mean follow-up period was 6 mo, with no lesion residue or recurrence noted.CONCLUSION: EFR is efficacious, safe and minimally invasive for patients with gastric SMTs arising from the muscularis propria layer. This technique is able to resect deep gastric lesions while providing precise pathological information about the lesion. With the development of EFR, the indications of endoscopic resection might be extended.     

Plexosarcoma: endoscopic ultrasound and electron-microscopic characteristics of a stromal tumor

Endoscopic ultrasound is useful for managing submucosal masses; however, some of these lesions can be difficult to classify except with full histological and electron microscopic evaluation. A 72-yr-old woman was seen with upper GI bleeding. Endoscopy showed a 1.7-cm sessile ulcerated submucosal mass in the duodenal bulb. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed an echolucent submucosal mass arising from the fourth echolayer, the muscularis propria of the duodenal wall. These findings suggested that the lesion was a leiomyoma. The patient eventually had the lesion resected because of recurrent bleeding. Histologically it was a spindle cell tumor that on electron microscopy showed neuronal elements consistent with a plexosarcoma, or gastrointestinal autonomic nerve tumor. These lesions account for some one third of all gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Despite their low grade malignant histologic appearance, local recurrence or hepatic metastases occur in about 70% of patients.