Direct insertion of an ultra‐slim upper endoscope for cholangioscopy in patients undergoing choledochoduodenostomy

Direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC) using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope is one modality of POC for intraductal endoscopic evaluation and treatment of the bile duct. Choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) is one modality of biliary bypass surgery that provides a new route to the bile duct. We carried out direct POC using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope without the use of accessories in 10 patients (four sump syndromes, three bile duct strictures and three intrahepatic duct stones) previously undergoing surgical CDS. Direct POC was successful in all patients. The use of an intraductal balloon catheter was required in one patient for advancement of the endoscope into the bile duct. Distal bile ducts with sump syndromes were cleared using baskets and water irrigation under direct POC. Cholangiocarcinoma was diagnosed in one patient with hilar bile duct stricture after cholangioscopic evaluation and a targeting forceps biopsy under direct POC. Intrahepatic duct stones were successfully extracted after intraductal fragmentation under direct POC. Oozing bleeding occurred during intraductal lithotripsy but stopped spontaneously. Direct POC using an ultra‐slim upper endoscope without the assistance of accessories can easily be carried out in patients undergoing CDS.     

Topical acne treatments in Europe and the issue of antimicrobial resistance

Acne vulgaris (acne) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the sebaceous gland, characterized by follicular hyperkeratinization, excessive colonization by Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) as well as immune reactions and inflammation. Despite an armamentarium of topical treatments available including benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and azelaic acid, topical antibiotics in monotherapies, especially erythromycin and clindamycin, are still used in Europe to treat acne. This intensive use led to antimicrobial‐resistant P. acnes and staphylococci strains becoming one of the main health issues worldwide. This is an update on the current topical acne treatments available in Europe, their mechanism of action, their potential to induce antimicrobial resistance and their clinical efficacy and safety.     

输尿管部分切除术治疗原发性输尿管癌的长期随访分析

目的:探讨保留肾脏的输尿管部分切除术治疗原发性输尿管癌的长期疗效。方法:回顾性分析1999年3月~2013年2月行保留肾脏的输尿管部分切除术的31例输尿管癌患者临床资料:12例患者行输尿管膀胱再植术,19例行输尿管端端吻合术。随访14~171个月,观察术后尿路肿瘤复发率、患者总体生存率、肿瘤分期及病理分级方面分层生存率等情况。结果:术后尿路肿瘤复发率为19.35%(6/31);总体5年及10年生存率分别为77.41%、58.64%;低肿瘤分期组5年及10年生存率均为86.67%,高肿瘤分期组5年及10年生存率分别为74.93%和54.29%;低病理分级组5年及10年生存率均为76.00%,高病理分级组5年及10年生存率分别为78.26%和48.83%。结论:在严密随访下,输尿管部分切除术可以有效治疗低分期、低分级输尿管癌。