Endoscopic therapy for infected pancreatic necrosis using fully covered self-expandable metal stents: combination of transluminal necrosectomy, transluminal and percutaneous drainage

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Endoscopic transluminal therapy has become the standard of care as a less invasive alternative to surgery. In a retrospective case series of two tertiary referral centers we report on an individualized concept combining EUS-guided drainage with self-expanding metal stents, direct transluminal debridement und percutaneous drainage.

METHODS

We treated 13 patients with infected pancreatic necrosis. Initially in all patients an EUS-guided drainage with plastic stents was performed under antibiotic protection (transduodenal: 2, transgastral: 11). After clinical consolidation (after 9.6 ± 9.4 days) a covered self-expanding metal stent (Niti-S, Taewoong medical Co., Seoul, Korea) was inserted by performing direct endoscopic necrosectomy in 2.9 ± 1.7 sessions through the stent. In cases of disrupted duct syndromes a pancreatic plastic stent was inserted (5 of 13 patients). In 5 of 13 cases additional percutaneous drainage was applied because of extended necrosis. In one patient percutaneous endoscopic drainage using the percutaneous access was needed.

RESULTS

A sustained clinical success was achieved in 12 of 13 cases (CRP before therapy 23.5 ± 14.4 mg/L, after 3.1 ± 2.6 mg/lL). Discharge occurred after 2.5 ± 22.4 days. The self-expanding metal stent was extracted after 82.5 ± 56.6 days. Mean follow up was 8.5 ± 5.9 months.

CONCLUSION

Our concept of combining transluminal drainage, direct endoscopic necrosectomy and percutaneuos drainage offers a safe and reliable alternative to surgery, even in case of extended necrosis.

[Anticoagulation in high thromboembolic risk after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation: results from the German Ablation Registry]

BACKGROUND

Catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF) is an effective therapeutic option for the treatment of symptomatic drug-refractory AF. According to current guidelines, the prevention of stroke and embolism is the most important therapeutic goal in AF and the recommendations for anticoagulation (OAC) after successful CA are based upon the CHA2DS2-VASc-Score 3. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of OAC in patients with a high risk for thromboembolic events 1 year after CA and to identify predictor variables for discontinuation of OAC.

METHODS

Between January 2007 and January 2010 13092 patients were enrolled in the study. A total of 52 German electrophysiological centers agreed to participate in this prospective multicenter registry. 41 centers included patients undergoing CA for AF. Analysis included patients who were discharged with OAC after CA and had a CHA2DS2-VASc-Score ≥ 2. A centralized 1 year follow-up (FU) was conducted via telephone.

RESULTS

1300 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. One year after CA 51.8 % of these patients were on OAC. Factors significantly associated with discontinuation of OAC included no AF recurrence in FU (adjusted odds ratio (OR): 2.14, [95 % confidence interval (CI): 1.73-2.66], P < 0.001) and paroxysmal AF (OR: 1.53 [95 % CI: 1.29-1.81], P < 0.001). Factors associated with continuation of OAK were patient age (OR per 10 years: 0.79 [95 % CI: 0.68-0.91], P = 0.002), valvular heart disease (OR: 0.67 [95 % CI: 0.48-0.92], P = 0.013), an implanted pacemaker, defibrillator or a cardiac resynchronization therapy system (OR: 0.55 [95 % CI: 0.41-0.74], P < 0.001) and neurological events in hospital or during FU (OR: 0.40 [95 % CI: 0.18-0.88], P < 0.022).

CONCLUSION

Almost half of the patients with an indication for OAC are not adequately anticoagulated one year after CA for AF. Paroxysmal AF or freedom from AF is significantly associated with discontinuation of OAC.

[The role of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in achalasia]

Achalasia is a rare motility disorder of the oesophagus. Classic achalasia is characterised by a lack of propulsive peristalsis of the distal oesophagus and incomplete relaxation of the lower oesophageal sphincter (LES). Traditionally achalasia is treated either endoscopically by pneumatic balloon dilatation or laparoscopically by Heller's myotomy. Both therapeutic procedures show a comparable effectiveness. Recently, peroral endoscopic myotomy was introduced as a new definitive treatment option. So far, this minimally invasive therapy was evaluated in a few clinical studies only. In this survey, peroral endoscopic myotomy is presented and compared to the well established surgical treatment. The diagnosis of achalasia is based on the patient's medical history and analysis of symptoms and particularly on oesophageal manometry. In addition, a barium swallow (oesophagram) and upper endoscopy are performed to rule out other reasons causing dysphagia. The patient's complaints should be recorded by use of a symptoms score. The POEM procedure starts with an incision of the mucosa at the level of the mid-oesophagus. Then, a submucosal tunnel is created distally passing approximately 2 cm over the oesophagogastric junction. After this step, myotomy of (at least) the circular muscle bundle of the distal oesophagus is performed and should be extended to a distance of 2 cm over the cardiac. Finally the mucosal entry site at the level of the mid-oesophagus is closed with endoscopic clips. First results of this technique are very promising with significant symptom relief and reduction of the mean LES pressure. In conclusion, POEM is a new, minimally invasive therapeutic option for the treatment of oesophageal achalasia. First results are very promising; long-term results and results of comparative clinical trials with established treatment methods must be awaited.

Propofol sedation for colonoscopy with a new ultrathin or a standard endoscope: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The majority of colonoscopies in Germany are performed under conscious sedation. Previous studies reported that pediatric colonoscopes reduce the demand for sedative drugs and may improve cecal intubation. The aim of this study was to compare a new ultrathin and a standard colonoscope in terms of propofol demand during colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 203 patients were prospectively randomized to undergo colonoscopy with either a 9.5-mm ultrathin (UTC) colonoscope or a standard colonoscope of variable stiffness. Initially, 40 or 60 mg of propofol were administered according to body weight, followed by bolus injections of 20 mg as deemed necessary. Propofol was administered by a separate physician who was blinded to the endoscope used. Sedation levels were defined according to guidelines; pain and complaints were recorded on a numeric rating scale.

RESULTS

Significantly less propofol was required to reach the cecum with the UTC (adjusted mean 94.9 mg [95 % confidence interval (CI) 85.7 - 105.0] vs. 115.3 mg [95 %CI 105.8 - 124.7]; P = 0.003). The level of sedation and pain score were lower with the UTC (sedation level 1 76 % vs. 61 %; P = 0.003; pain score adjusted mean 2.0 [95 %CI 1.7 - 2.4] vs. 2.8 [95 %CI 2.5 - 3.1]; P = 0.001). The rate of ileal and cecal intubation, time to reach the cecum, number of external compressions, withdrawal time, polyp and adenoma detection rate, and patient satisfaction were not different between the two colonoscopes. The time to intubate the ileum was longer with the UTC (1.73 minutes [95 %CI 1.42 - 2.04] vs. 1.22 minutes [95 %CI 0.91 - 1.52]; P = 0.020).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a new ultrathin colonoscope was associated with reduced propofol consumption, lower patient sedation levels, and less pain than the standard colonoscope, but ileal intubation time was longer.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection plus radiofrequency ablation of neoplastic Barrett's esophagus

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early gastrointestinal tumors has been shown to achieve complete resection rates superior to endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), but at the cost of higher risk. The aim of this study was to prospectively assess the feasibility and oncological results of ESD in patients with neoplastic Barrett's esophagus in conjunction with subsequent radiofrequency ablation (RFA).

METHODS

Patients with Barrett's esophagus who had visible lesions containing high grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) or mucosal adenocarcinoma (MAC) up to 3 cm in diameter were included in the study. ESD was performed using a new waterjet-assisted system (WESD) with a HybridKnife (Erbe Elektromedizin GmbH, Tübingen, Germany). Primary outcome was the rate of complete tumor resection. RFA of residual intestinal metaplasia was offered to all patients with at least two negative follow-up endoscopies.

RESULTS

Of 30 patients (m:f = 21:9; median age 60 years) with biopsy-proven MAC (n = 24) or HGIN (n = 6) with a median diameter of 2 cm, complete resection of the targeted area was achieved in 29 patients (96.7 %; 95 % confidence interval [CI] 82 % - 99 %); en bloc resection was achieved in 27 of these patients (90.0 %; 95 %CI 74 % - 97 %). Minor delayed bleedings occurred in two patients. One patient died due to a sudden cardiac death 7 days after an uneventful WESD. Specimen histology (n = 29) revealed no neoplasia in 3 patients, HGIN in 2, MAC in 21, and submucosal cancer in 3; complete resection was histologically confirmed in only 10 of the 26 patients with HGIN or adenocarcinoma (38.5 %; 95 %CI 22 % - 57 %). However, endoscopic follow-up (median 17 months) showed complete remission of neoplasia in 27 /28 (96.4 %; 95 %CI 81 % - 99 %) patients who underwent successful WESD and were alive at 30 days. One patient underwent EMR of residual tumor. All Barrett's tissue was eradicated by ESD alone in 15 cases and by additional RFA in 8 /10 cases (not done in three patients).

CONCLUSIONS

ESD of Barrett's neoplasia is feasible and safe, but does not achieve sufficient R0 resection rates to warrant its recommended use over piecemeal EMR. In combination with RFA it can achieve complete eradication of neoplastic and non-neoplastic Barrett's epithelium. The discrepancy between insufficient oncological resection and good medium-term results needs to be studied further.

[Recommendations of the Working Group of Arrhythmias of the German Society of Cardiology on the approach to patients with Riata® and Riata ST® leads (St. Jude Medical). Nucleus of the Working Group of Arrhythmias of the German Society of Cardiology]

Riata® and Riata ST® implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA) show an increased incidence of insulation defects, particularly "inside-out" lead fracture where inner, separately insulated cables penetrate through the surrounding silicone of the lead body. The exact incidence of Riata® lead problems is not clear and seems to range between 2-4% per year in the first 5 years after implantation according to new registry data. We recommend beyond a detailed information the following care of patients with Riata® and Riata ST® leads: 1) Activation of automatic ICD alerts, 2) remote monitoring with automatic daily alerts whenever possible, 3) monthly ICD controls in patients at high risk (pacemaker dependency, history of ventricular tachyarrhythmias) and high or moderate lead-related risk (8F, 7F single coil), 3-monthly controls in moderate patient and lead-related risk, 3 to 6-monthly controls in low patient and lead-related risk (no bradycardia, no history of ventricular tachyarrhythmia). Every ICD control should include meticulous analysis of oversensing artifacts in stored electrograms (EGMs) of sustained and non-sustained ventricular tachyarrhythmias and registration of EGMs during provocation testing (pectoral muscle activity, arm movements). If electrical abnormalities are observed, reoperation with addition of a new ICD lead is recommended; lead extraction only if indicated according to current guidelines. Fluoroscopy should only be performed if electrical abnormalities are found by an experienced electrophysiologist and a high frame rate and resolution. Management of fluoroscopic abnormalities in the absence of electrical abnormalities is not clear. Therefore, routine fluoroscopy of patients with Riata® leads without electrical abnormalities is not recommended.

[Radiofrequency ablation using the HALO system in the treatment of Barrett's oesophagus]

In recent years radiofrequency ablation using the HALO system in the treatment of Barrett's oesophagus has become established. The HALO system consists of a circumferential ablation using a balloon-based electrode and a focal ablation using an endoscope-mounted bipolar electrode on an articulated platform. In combination with prior endoscopic resection radiofrequency ablation is a valuable therapeutic technique in selected patients with early Barrett's neoplasia. Clinical trials demonstrate that radiofrequency ablation is highly effective and durable, has low complication rates, preserves the functional integrity of the oesophagus, is easy to apply and the regenerating neosquamous epithelium is free of pre-existing oncogenetic alterations.

[Hypoxemia 4 month after right-sided pneumonectomy]

A 64-year-old male reported worsening dyspnea four months after right-sided pneumonectomy, due to lung cancer. Platypneu-or-thodeoxie syndrome was suspected due to a decrease in oxygen-saturation while the patient was in upright position. The shift of the right hemidiaphragm and liver caused compression of the right atrium and a shunt over a persistent foramen ovale. The right-to-left shunt was proven during right heart catheter. Interventional closure of the shunt resulted in immediate improvement of arterial oxygenation and a decrease in dyspnea.

A new partially covered nitinol stent for palliative treatment of malignant bile duct obstruction: a multicenter single-arm prospective study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Covered self-expanding metal stents (SEMSs) have proven effective for managing malignant bile duct strictures and may reduce risk of tumor ingrowth. A new nitinol partially covered biliary SEMS was prospectively evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

70 patients with inoperable extrahepatic biliary obstructions were enrolled in a prospective multicenter trial, and followed up to 6 months or death, whichever came first. Primary endpoint was adequate palliation defined as absence of recurrent biliary obstruction from partly covered SEMS placement to end of follow-up.

RESULTS

Mean age of the patients was 69 years and 52 % were men. Pancreatic carcinoma was present in 68 %. One stent was placed in 67 patients, two patients received two, and in one patient a guide wire could not traverse the stricture. In 55 % of patients the SEMS was inserted de novo and in 45 % for exchange with a plastic stent. Technical success was 97 %. At 6 months, 62 % of patients were free of obstructive symptoms; compared with baseline the mean number of symptoms per patient was significantly reduced (3.1 at baseline, 0.6 at 6 months; P < 0.0001) and total bilirubin levels dropped by 73 %. There were four cases of recurrent biliary obstruction, due to stent migration (2), tumor overgrowth (1), and sludge formation (1). Device-related complications included cholecystitis (3), right upper quadrant pain (1), and moderate pancreatitis (1). No tumor ingrowth was reported.

CONCLUSIONS

This new partially covered nitinol SEMS is easily inserted, and safe and effective in the palliation of biliary obstruction secondary to malignant bile duct strictures.

Prospective comparison of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration and surgical histology in upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors

STUDY AIM

To assess the accuracy of ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the differential diagnosis of gastrointestinal stroma cell tumors (GIST) from other submucosal tumors, using both cytology and histology.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective study from May 2005 to September 2008 in all patients presenting with upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors. Only patients in whom surgical resection was carried out were included in the final analysis. In cases of mesenchymal tumor, immunocytochemistry was attempted for further differentiation between GIST and non-GIST. Surgical histopathology served as the gold standard.

RESULTS

A total of 47 patients were analyzable, with a final histologic diagnosis of 35 mesenchymal tumors. Sufficient tissue for conventional cytologic diagnosis was obtained only in the 35 patients with mesenchymal tumors; in this subgroup, immunocytochemistry was possible in 46 %. If and only if enough material was available for immunocytochemistry, the sensitivity for (correct recognition of) GIST tumors was 93 %. In all 12 patients with nonmesenchymal tumors and lesions, cytology was nondiagnostic and the diagnosis had to be based on clinical suspicion and the appearance on endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). On an intention-to-diagnose basis, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) had a positive predictive value for mesenchymal tumors of 100 %, but no value for the diagnosis of other lesions; using immunocytochemistry, a GIST tumor was recognized among the mesenchymal tumors with a sensitivity of 58 % and a specificity of 8 %.

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-FNA-based cytology is safe and has only limited value for the differential diagnosis of submucosal tumors, mainly because insufficient material is harvested. Better tissue acquisition techniques are necessary for better differential diagnosis.

Comparison of standard endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) versus an optimized ESD technique for the colon: an animal study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a promising therapeutic technique for en bloc resection of large gastrointestinal tumors. However, this technique has disadvantages such as a long intervention time, complexity of the procedure, and a higher rate of complications. The primary aims of the study were to show the feasibility of ESD in the pig colon and to evaluate a new ESD technique comprising the use of a newly developed hybrid knife for colon procedures combining RF (radiofrequency) application and a distance-dependent water-jet application.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ESD was conducted at three different locations in the colon according to the computer-generated randomization list, using either the standard technique (injection needle, flex knife, and hook knife as therapeutic instruments and DRY CUT and SWIFT COAG as RF currents), or the new ESD technique (hybrid knife as the therapeutic instrument combined with the new cutting mode ENDO CUT D) in 12 healthy pigs. The perforation and bleeding rates were documented and statistically analyzed. Intervention time, resected specimen size, thermal and mechanical damage of the resection bed, and number of instrument changes required were also recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 16 and 18 ESD procedures were performed by the standard and new techniques, respectively. Complete en bloc resection was achieved in all cases. The standard ESD technique showed a perforation rate of 25 % (4/16) whereas the new ESD technique resulted in a 5.5 % perforation rate (1/18) ( P = 0.035); bleeding rates were similar. The new ESD technique was significantly safer compared with the standard ESD technique.

CONCLUSIONS

A new ESD technique for the successful en bloc resection in thin-walled regions such as pig colon has been described. This procedure is as effective as the standard procedure but is easier to handle and significantly safer.

Transthoracic esophagectomy after endoscopic mucosal resection in patients with early esophageal carcinoma

INTRODUCTION

For patients with esophageal carcinoma limited to the mucosa endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) is the therapy of choice whereas surgical resection is advocated for submucosal tumors.

METHODS

This study analyzes the histopathologic results of patients with early esophageal carcinoma who underwent EMR prior to transthoracic esophagectomy. Sixteen patients with early esophageal carcinoma and EMR as first line treatment were included in this retrospective study. Ten patients underwent transthoracic esophagectomy because of submucosal infiltration combined incomplete tumor resection at the lateral/basal resection margin. In one patient each, surgical therapy was indicated due to submucosal infiltration or incomplete resection only. Three patients underwent surgical resection due to residual neoplasia within an esophageal stenosis following EMR. Surgical specimens were examined for pT and pN stage according to the UICC.

RESULTS

Three patients had a squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and 13 patients an adenocarcinoma (AC), nine patients with a long segment Barrett's esophagus. The distribution of the pT stages was as follows: 6x pT0 (no histopathologic evidence of residual tumor), 1x pT1m1, 1x pT1m2, 3x pT1m3, 1x pT1sm1, 1x pT1sm2, 1x pT2, and 2x pT3. Three of 16 patients (18.8%) with a pT1sm1, pT2, and pT3 stage had nodal metastases. In all three patients metastatic nodes were located in the mediastinum. In two patients, a second carcinoma was detected during histopathologic work-up (1x AC in the cardia and 1x SCC in the cervical esophagus).

CONCLUSION

The data of this highly selected patients indicate that the boundary between the therapy of mucosal and submucosal tumors is not as clear as stated. Therefore, treatment of early esophageal carcinoma demands a close interdisciplinary cooperation.