Endoscopic balloon dilation of gastroenteric anastomotic stricture after laparoscopic gastric bypass

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Laparoscopic gastric bypass is a recently introduced treatment option for morbid obesity, with promising initial results. Stenosis of the gastroenterostomy is a recognized complication. The efficacy and safety of endoscopic balloon dilation for the management of this type of anastomotic stenosis has not been studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 450 patients who underwent laparoscopic gastric bypass at our institution were followed prospectively. All patients had a 15 ml gastric pouch and either a 75 cm or 150 cm jejunal Roux limb depending on whether obesity was morbid (body mass index (BMI) < 50 kg/m 2) or super-morbid (BMI > 50 kg/m 2). Patients who developed symptoms compatible with stenosis of the gastrojejunostomy were referred for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. RESULTS: 14 patients, 11 women and three men, underwent a total of 27 endoscopies, with 23 balloon dilations. Their average age was 46 years (range 33 - 59 years), average preoperative BMI was 47 kg/m 2, and they presented an average of 2.7 months after surgery (range 0.3 - 15.7 months). Of the 14 patients, 13 had a stricture of the gastrojejunostomy and one patient had edema. For initial dilation, a 15 mm hydrostatic balloon was used in 12 patients and an 18 mm balloon in two patients. There was response to treatment with the 15 mm balloon in seven of the 12 patients (58 %), and they required no further dilation; in one there was a response to a further 15 mm balloon dilation; in three patients a response to subsequent 18 mm balloon dilation; and one patient required 18 mm and 25 mm balloon dilations. The two patients treated with an initial 18 mm balloon dilation required no further dilations. The average length of follow-up after successful dilation was 18 months (range 7 - 30 months). There were no complications with any of the 23 dilations performed. CONCLUSION: Stenosis of the gastroenterostomy after laparoscopic gastric bypass occurred in 3.1 % of the patients in this series. It can be successfully and safely treated with endoscopic balloon dilation with good long-term follow-up.     

带囊导管扩张术治疗良性食管狭窄

目的探讨球囊导管扩张治疗食管良性狭窄的方法和疗效。方法15例食管良性狭窄患者,食管癌术后吻合口狭窄11例,反流性食管炎下段狭窄1例,化学灼伤狭窄1例,贲门失弛缓症1例,食管裂孔疝术后狭窄1例,用球囊导管扩张治疗。结果12例治愈,经过1至28个月的随访保持临床无症状,治疗效果满意。结论本方法安全简单,安全易行又实用,是食管良性狭窄首选的治疗方法．     

Factors influencing clinical applications of endoscopic balloon dilation for benign esophageal strictures

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the safety and clinical effectiveness of a controlled radial expansion (CRE) balloon catheter in dilating benign esophageal strictures, and to assess factors influencing the effectiveness of this procedure. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From February 2000 to June 2002, 25 patients with documented benign esophageal strictures at our hospital were enrolled and treated with CRE balloon dilation. There were 17 men and eight women, with ages ranging from 30 to 82 years. The average age of the enrolled patients was 56.1 years. All of the strictures were dilated using CRE dilators under direct visualization, without fluoroscopic monitoring. The dilation diameters were planned in series up to 15 mm using a "rule of three". If dysphagia and esophageal strictures recurred during the clinical follow-up after completion of a series of dilations, additional dilation was carried out until symptomatic relief was achieved. Effective treatment was defined as the ability of patients with or without repeated dilations to maintain a solid or semisolid diet for more than 12 months. Depending on the effectiveness and duration of treatment, the patients were divided into three groups: group A, the successful group in which the initial series of dilations was effective without the need for any additional dilation for recurrent strictures or dysphagia; group B, the relapse group, in which the initial series of dilations was effective, but additional dilations were needed due to recurrent strictures or dysphagia; and group C, the group in which the initial series of dilations failed or consecutive dilations could not be carried out due to intolerance. RESULTS: The 25 patients received a total of 95 sessions of dilation (3.8 +/- 1.2 sessions per patient). There were 11 patients in group A, 11 patients in group B, and three patients in group C. The median follow-up period was 16.5 months (range 12 - 32 months). The number of initial dilations required to achieve symptomatic relief showed a negative correlation with the pre-dilation diameter of the strictures ( r = - 0.92, P < 0.01). Thinner strictures required more dilations before symptomatic relief was achieved. In addition, the stricture length in group B (5.4 +/- 3.4 cm) was significantly longer than that in group A (2.6 +/- 1.1 cm) ( P = 0.009). The overall success rate was 88 % (22 of 25), including 100 % in the 21 patients with a stricture length of less than 8 cm and 25 % in the four patients with a stricture length more than 8 cm ( P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: CRE balloon dilation without fluoroscopy is an effective treatment for esophageal strictures less than 8 cm in length. Pre-dilation diameter and stricture length are factors that influence the numbers of dilations required and the need for additional dilations.     

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.     

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic balloon dilation for treatment of Crohn's disease strictures

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Strictures are a substantial cause of morbidity in patients with Crohn's disease. Endoscopic balloon dilation is a therapeutic option in limited strictures to avoid intestinal surgery, although there have been few reports regarding the long-term outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Balloon dilation was scheduled for 46 patients (26 women, 20 men; median age 34) with Crohn's-associated symptomatic and radiographically confirmed intestinal stenosis. The study plan envisaged up to four consecutive treatments within the first 2 months until relief of symptoms, and thereafter dilations depending on clinical requirements. RESULTS: Dilation was not possible in seven of the 46 patients (15 %), due to technical problems (n = 2), internal fistulas (n = 3), or absence of a stenosis (n = 2). Thirty-nine patients received at least one treatment. The site of obstruction was the ileocolonic anastomosis in 23 of the 39 patients (59 %) and surgically untreated areas in 16 patients (41 %). After the initial dilation series (median 1, interquartile range 1-2), strictures were traversed in 37 of the 39 patients (95 %). During a median follow-up period of 21 months (range 3-98 months), 24 of the 39 patients (62 %) underwent a repeat intervention, including 12 (31 %) with repeat dilation, 11 (28 %) with surgical resection, and one patient who received an intestinal stent. The cumulative percentages of patients without a repeat intervention or surgery at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months were 68 %, 48 %, 36 %, and 31 %, and 97 %, 91 %, 84 % and 75 %, respectively. Two perforations and one case of severe bleeding were seen in the 73 dilation procedures (4 %) performed. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic balloon dilation is a safe and effective method that allows surgery to be avoided in approximately 75 % of patients with Crohn's-associated short intestinal strictures. However, recurrent symptoms frequently make it necessary to repeat the procedure.     

Endoscopic treatment of benign anastomotic esophageal stenosis with electrocautery

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Stricture of the esophagus following surgical resection is uncommon. Several methods have been described for treatment of this entity, but the therapeutic success may be impaired either by poor long-term results or by poor acceptance by patients. Even the high cost of the therapeutic management may represent a problem. We describe the use of electrocautery to treat benign anastomotic esophageal stenosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Six unselected consecutive patients (four men, two women; mean age 68.3, range 54 - 82) with stenosis following esophagojejunostomy were enrolled in this trial. Postoperative stenoses were shown endoscopically (four patients) or radiographically (two patients). We performed endoscopic dilation of the strictures using electrocautery. RESULTS: In all patients we obtained dilation of the strictures, without any immediate or delayed procedure-related complication. No recurrence of the stenosis was demonstrated during a mean 24-month follow-up (range 8 - 33 months). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that endoscopic electrocautery is a safe and effective treatment for benign anastomotic esophageal stenosis.     

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.     

纤维支气管镜下支气管球囊扩张术治疗良性支气管狭窄

目的评价局麻下采用纤维支气管镜(纤支镜)介导下支气管球囊扩张术治疗19例良性支气管狭窄的疗效和安全性。方法对19例良性支气管狭窄患者,根据狭窄部位、长度选择不同型号的球囊导管,实施球囊扩张术。于术前和最后一次球囊扩张术后当天,对狭窄段支气管直径、气促评分进行评估,测定FEV1、FVC值,并对患者进行随访。结果19例患者平均接受球囊扩张(2.3±1.3)次,均操作成功,扩张后支气管管径较前明显增大,症状明显缓解,即刻疗效达100%。术后狭窄段支气管直径、气促评分、肺功能指标(FEV1、FVC)均明显改善,无严重并发症。随访6￣32个月,远期疗效达84.2%。结论局麻下纤支镜介导的支气管球囊扩张治疗良性支气管狭窄简便、快速、安全、有效,值得临床推广应用。     

Tuberculous stricture of the urinary tract: Antegrade balloon dilation and ureteral stenting

In eight patients with tuberculous strictures of the urinary tract, antegrade balloon dilation and ureteral stenting was attempted. In six patients, antegrade balloon dilation was successfully performed; however, the procedure was aborted in the remaining two patients due to the failure in passing a guidewire through the stenotic lesions. In six patients in whom balloon dilation and ureteral stenting were performed, a total of nine stenotic lesions were dilated. Those were four ureteric lesions, two lesions of ureteropelvic junctions, two lesions of ureterovesical junctions, and a lesion of calyceal infundibulum. In all six patients in whom balloon dilation and ureteral stenting was successfully accomplished, intravenous urograms obtained 9–31 months after the procedure showed improvements both in contrast media excretion and in prestenotic dilatation. Antegrade balloon dilation of the urinary tract combined with ureteral stenting was an effective technique for the management of stenoses secondary to tuberculosis of the urinary tract.     

Treatment of benign esophageal stricture by Eder-Puestow or balloon dilators: a comparison between randomized and prospective nonrandomized trials.

To determine whether the natural history of strictures is affected by the type of dilator used to treat newly diagnosed peptic strictures, we designed a prospective randomized trial to compare the results after Eder-Puestow or Medi-Tech balloon dilation. We entered 31 patients into the trial. We also prospectively followed up all 92 nonrandomized patients who underwent their first dilation for a benign stricture during the same period as the prospective randomized trial. The nonrandomized patients also underwent dilation with either the Eder-Puestow or the balloon technique at the discretion of the gastroenterologist performing the endoscopy. We found no statistically significant differences in the immediate or long-term results of the two methods among the randomized, nonrandomized, and overall combined groups. All but 1 of the 123 patients had immediate relief of dysphagia. Within each group of patients, the probability of remaining free of dysphagia 1 year after the initial dilation was approximately 20%, and the probability of not requiring a second dilation was approximately 65% with either technique. Major (esophageal rupture) and minor (bleeding or chest pain) complications occurred in 1% and 5% of the patients and 0.4% and 3% of the total dilation procedures, respectively. The esophageal rupture and four of six minor complications occurred after repeated dilations. Five of the six minor complications occurred with use of the Eder-Puestow dilators. We conclude that Eder-Puestow and balloon dilations of benign esophageal strictures are associated with similar outcomes, but repeated dilations and the Eder-Puestow technique may be associated with an increased risk of complications.     

支气管镜下球囊扩张术治疗结核性支气管狭窄的临床价值

目的:探讨经支气管镜球囊扩张术治疗结核性支气管狭窄的临床价值。方法:对确诊为结核性支气管狭窄的患者22例进行球囊扩张治疗,充血水肿型待水肿消退后、糜烂坏死及肉芽增生型待坏死增生病灶好转后仍旧狭窄者行扩张,瘢痕型直接进行扩张,分别测定扩张术前、术后和最后一次球囊扩张治疗后狭窄段气道直径、气促评分和FEV1,对其并发症的发生情况及6¹2个月随访情况进行评价,治疗前后比较采用配对资料t检验,P<0.05有统计意义。结果:22例患者气道狭窄段直径明显增大(t=6.651,P<0.05),95.4%患者扩张术后气道直径即刻增大,其中充血水肿型、糜烂坏死型及瘢痕型扩张后均为100%,肉芽增生型扩张后75.0%。扩张后气促评分明显降低(t=5.151,P<0.05),FEV1明显增加(t=5.152,P<0.05)。经过612个月随访情况进行评价,治疗前后比较采用配对资料t检验,P<0.05有统计意义。结果:22例患者气道狭窄段直径明显增大(t=6.651,P<0.05),95.4%患者扩张术后气道直径即刻增大,其中充血水肿型、糜烂坏死型及瘢痕型扩张后均为100%,肉芽增生型扩张后75.0%。扩张后气促评分明显降低(t=5.151,P<0.05),FEV1明显增加(t=5.152,P<0.05)。经过6¹2个月随访,再狭窄率为31.8%,其中充血水肿型及糜烂坏死型均为40.0%,肉芽增生型再狭窄率为50.0%,瘢痕型再狭窄率为12.5%。22例患者均无严重并发症。结论:支气管镜下球囊扩张术是一种简单、安全、有效的治疗方法,它对以纤维瘢痕为主的结核性支气管狭窄疗效较好,而对非瘢痕性结核性支气管狭窄远期疗效不佳。     

Endoscopic treatment of benign anastomotic colorectal stenosis with electrocautery

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Benign anastomotic colorectal stenosis can occur after surgery and can require surgical or endoscopic dilation. This study aimed to investigate the use of electrocautery in this area. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We enrolled 39 consecutive patients (25 men, 14 women; mean age 61, range 48-77) suffering from anastomotic colorectal stenosis, demonstrated by colonoscopy (19 patients) or by barium enema (20 patients). We performed endoscopic dilation of the strictures with electrocautery once only in each patient. RESULTS: In all patients we obtained dilation of the strictures without any immediate or delayed procedure-related complications. No recurrence of the stenosis was demonstrated during a follow-up of a mean of 25 months (range 8-43 months). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that endoscopic electrocautery is a safe and effective treatment of anastomotic colorectal stenosis.     

Dilation of benign strictures following low anterior resection using Savary-Gilliard bougies

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Benign anastomotic strictures occur in up to 22% of patients after colorectal resections. Initially, treatment for these strictures was surgical, but nowadays endoscopic dilation techniques are preferred. This study was conducted to assess the efficacy of dilation using SavaryGilliard bougies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 1987 to 1994, 256 consecutive patients underwent low anterior resection (LAR). Twenty-one patients (8.2%) developed a stricture of the colorectal anastomosis. Follow-up data were available for 18 of these patients. The patients were treated using endoscopic Savary dilation, with bougies of increasing diameters (10-19 mm). The mean follow-up period was 19 months (1-60 months). RESULTS: Stricture symptoms presented after a mean period of 7.7 months after LAR. In three of the 18 patients, the stenosis was caused by local recurrence, and these patients were excluded from further evaluation. Normal defecation was restored in 10 of the remaining 15 patients, and symptoms disappeared. In five patients, there was only partial improvement, but only three of them required another type of treatment. Of four patients who received radiotherapy and developed a strictured anastomosis, two had successful dilations. A normal defecation pattern was never regained if more than three dilations were necessary. No complications caused by Savary dilation were observed. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, Savary dilation appeared to be a safe and effective treatment for benign anastomotic strictures after LAR. All successfully treated patients (ten of 15) required no more than three dilations. Two other patients had partial success. Only three patients required another form of treatment (two endoscopic, one surgical).     

Redilatation with the trefoil balloon catheter in 2 patients with a high degree of aortic stenosis

Percutaneous transluminal balloon valvuloplasty (PTBV) is successfully applied in the treatment of calcified aortic stenosis. However, results following redilatation have not yet been dealt with in the literature. This method was successfully used in two patients (62a m/70a f) suffering from severe sclerotic aortic stenoses. Redilatation was undertaken in the first case after one month and after four in the second. A second redilatation by balloon catheter was done upon request of the patients after a further nine months. Following this third dilatation both patients suffered from femoral thrombosis which was treated surgically in the second case, while in the first local thrombolysis was done. In the management of the first patient valve replacement had to be performed four months after the last dilatation due to renewed complaints, while the second patient showed no evidence of recurrence within three months after the last dilatation.     

Stents in the treatment of renal artery stenosis: long-term follow-up.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the role of percutaneous stenting in the treatment of renal arterial lesions after failure of balloon angioplasty. METHODS: Two hundred ten patients (139 males; mean age 67.7 +/- 9.9 years, range 27 to 87) had 259 balloon-expandable stents (165 Palmaz and 94 Renal Bridge stents) implanted in 244 renal artery stenoses (171 ostial and 73 nonostial lesions). The patients were suffering from intractable hypertension (n = 210) and/or renal dysfunction (n = 48). The majority of the lesions (n = 234) were atheromatous in origin. Stents were implanted for suboptimal balloon dilation (n = 182, 75%), restenotic lesions (n = 27, 11%), or dissection (n = 9, 4%); 26 (11%) ostial lesions were stented primarily. Mean lesion length was 11.9 +/- 4.4 mm (range 5 to 30) and mean percent stenosis was 81.9% +/- 8.25% (range 70 to 100). RESULTS: Immediate technical success was 99% (241 of 244). Three (1.2%) major complications included one intraprocedural stent thrombosis, one arterial perforation manifesting as a perirenal hematoma 24 hours after the procedure, and one renal arterial rupture. Follow-up over a mean 25.4 +/- 22.8 months (range 1 to 96) in 185 eligible patients (209 arteries) found 24 cases of restenosis (11.4%). Primary and secondary patencies for all lesions at 60 months were 79% and 98%, respectively, with no significant differences between ostial and nonostial lesions or stent types. Hypertension was reversed in 35 (19%), improved in 112 (61%), and remained unchanged in 37 (20%). Renal function was improved in 29% (14 of 48), unchanged in 67% (32 of 48), and worse in 4% (2 of 48). CONCLUSIONS: Renal artery stenting is safe, effective, and may be an alternative to surgery, particularly in ostial lesions. Our experience shows reduction in the restenosis rate compared to conventional angioplasty. All ostial stenoses should be stented.     

TREATMENT OF ADULT PYLORIC STENOSIS: A PHARMACOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVE?

SUMMARY Patients presenting with gastric outlet obstruction require investigation and treatment by surgery or balloon dilatation. This paper presents three cases of classic pyloric stenosis due to long-standing scarring from peptic ulceration. All cases were planned for active intervention but all settled, while investigations were in progress, with omeprazole. This would suggest that there are increasing numbers of such patients who are temporised with this treatment but may present again with refractile pyloric stenosis.     

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided anterograde treatment of biliary stones following gastric bypass

Endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones in gastric bypass patients is challenging. We describe a novel method involving endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided anterograde interventions. After prior experience with EUS-guided rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and direct EUS-guided anterograde stenting for malignant biliary obstruction, we have attempted EUS-guided treatment of biliary stones as first-line therapy following gastric bypass. Our approach involves: (i) EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) puncture into an intrahepatic bile duct; (ii) EUS-guided cholangiography; (iii) guide wire advancement across the ampulla; (iv) catheter dilation of the transhepatic-transgastric access tract; (v) anterograde balloon sphincteroplasty; and (vi) anterograde advancement of stones across the ampulla using a balloon catheter. We reviewed outcomes and complications of this technique. Six patients with previous Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were referred for treatment of symptomatic choledocholithiasis. EUS-guided transhepatic puncture and cholangiography was successful in 100 %, and revealed choledocholithiasis in all patients. Tract dilation, anterograde balloon sphincteroplasty, and stone extraction were successful in four (67 %). Anterograde sphincteroplasty failed in two patients due to inability to advance the transhepatic dilation catheters. In both cases, wires were advanced down the afferent limb, and rendezvous ERCP using double-balloon enteroscopy was successful. Five patients experienced no complications. One patient in whom EUS anterograde therapy failed due to difficulty in advancing the transhepatic dilation catheter, developed a subcapsular hepatic hematoma. This was managed conservatively. Direct EUS-guided treatment of biliary stones after gastric bypass appears safe and feasible. Further studies are needed to confirm the safety and efficacy of this technique.     

Balloon dilatation of anastomotic intestinal stenoses: long-term results

Since 1983 we have treated 59 consecutive patients with anastomotic intestinal strictures. In 43 cases the stenosis was located in the esophagus, and in 16 cases in the colon. The balloon catheter was positioned under fluoroscopic and endoscopic control. The number of dilatations required by each patient ranged from one to five, with 47% of our patients receiving only one session, and 23% two sessions. We had no initial treatment failures. We observed stricture relapse in 10.1% of our cases, occurring within two to five months. In these patients repeat dilatation was 100% successful. We had no significant complications. All the patients with esophageal stricture were able to eat solid food after dilatation. Long-term results and relapse-free intervals have been assessed on a clinical basis with a mean follow-up of 26.5 months. Balloon dilatation would seem a safe and reliable method of treating anastomotic strictures, with special emphasis on stenosis with a small diameter, and tortuosity of the gut.     

Stent retriever for dilation of pancreatic and bile duct strictures. brand@uke.uni-hamburg.de

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Dilation of high grade strictures of pancreatic or biliary ducts using dilating or balloon catheters may fail. We evaluated the efficacy of the 7-Fr Soehendra Stent Retriever used as a dilator. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Following sphincterotomy, the stricture was first negotiated with a 260 cm long 0.032-inch J-type Terumo wire. Dilation was then attempted using a 7-Fr dilating catheter. If the stricture could not be traversed, the 7-Fr Stent Retriever was inserted over the Terumo wire to dilate the stricture. Between May 1996 and January 1997, the Stent Retriever was used for dilation in 32 patients with biliary or pancreatic duct strictures. RESULTS: The indication for therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was symptomatic chronic pancreatitis in 21 patients (twelve men, nine women; mean age 45.7, range 26-70). The mean length (+/-SD) of the pancreatic duct strictures was 20mm+/-10 (range 3-55) with a prestenotic ductal diameter of 9mm+/-2 (range 2-15). Out of 21 patients, nine suffered from pancreaticolithiasis and were treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy. All but three patients underwent successful stenting in the same session. Another 11 patients (four men, seven women; mean age 67.4, range 47-85) had cholestasis because of benign or malignant bile duct strictures. The mean length of the strictures was 20mm+/-5 (range 3-40), and the mean prestenotic diameter was 10mm+/-5 (range 4-21). Stenting was easily done in all of these patients in the same session. Symptom relief was observed within the first week after stenting in all patients with a biliary or pancreatic stricture. In seven cases, material for cytological examination was obtained from the bile duct, which revealed malignancy in two cases. There was no complication associated with the use of the Stent Retriever. One subcapsular liver perforation was caused by the guide wire and occurred prior to the use of the Retriever. CONCLUSIONS: Tight pancreatic and bile duct strictures can be dilated successfully with the Stent Retriever. The procedure is of low risk. In addition, tissue sampling is possible in some cases.     

Use of endoscopy in peptic ulcer disease

The diagnosis and treatment of acute bleeding caused by peptic ulcer disease has been greatly facilitated by fiberoptic endoscopy. The basic differentiation between malignant and benign gastric ulcer requires endoscopic confirmation with biopsy. The management of bleeding from peptic ulceration can be enhanced by endoscopic examination as can the prediction of risk for recurrent bleeding or need for surgical intervention. Various therapeutic maneuvers can be performed endoscopically, including monopolar and multipolar cautery, laser and heater probe therapy, and injection of vasoconstrictors to control bleeding. Endoscopic balloon dilation for the management of gastric outlet obstruction is often effective.