Retroperitoneal duodenal perforation during endoscopic sphincterotomy: sonographic findings

A case of posterior duodenal perforation: Diagnosis and treatment strategy

BACKGROUND

Posterior duodenal perforation is a clinically rare entity with a very poor prognosis. Because of its atypical clinical manifestations, posterior duodenal perforation is prone to misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis.

CASE SUMMARY

We report a patient who was diagnosed with posterior duodenal perforation. After operation, nutritional support, and anti-infective treatment, the patient was cured and discharged.

CONCLUSION

In addition to the bulb, the rest of the duodenum is located in the retroperitoneum, so the digestive juice overflows to the retroperitoneum during the perforation of the posterior wall, which leads to the atypical clinical symptoms and signs. For patients with acute abdominal pain, it is recommended to conduct whole abdominal CT examination as soon as possible to make a clear diagnosis. For patients with a perforated duodenal wall, operation should be performed as soon as possible. Attention should be paid to the prevention and treatment of duodenal fistula. Hassan three tube decompression method is widely used, and this procedure should follow the principle of injury control and should be actively adopted in this kind of emergency.

Gastrointestinal Ultrasound (GIUS) in Intestinal Emergencies - An EFSUMB Position Paper

An interdisciplinary group of European experts summarizes the value of gastrointestinal ultrasound (GIUS) in the management of three time-critical causes of acute abdomen: bowel obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation and acute ischemic bowel disease. Based on an extensive literature review, statements for a targeted diagnostic strategy in these intestinal emergencies are presented. GIUS is best established in case of small bowel obstruction. Metanalyses and prospective studies showed a sensitivity and specificity comparable to that of computed tomography (CT) and superior to plain X-ray. GIUS may save time and radiation exposure and has the advantage of displaying bowel function directly. Gastrointestinal perforation is more challenging for less experienced investigators. Although GIUS in experienced hands has a relatively high sensitivity to establish a correct diagnosis, CT is the most sensitive method in this situation. The spectrum of intestinal ischemia ranges from self-limited ischemic colitis to fatal intestinal infarction. In acute arterial mesenteric ischemia, GIUS may provide information, but prompt CT angiography is the gold standard. On the other end of the spectrum, ischemic colitis shows typical ultrasound features that allow correct diagnosis. GIUS here has a diagnostic performance similar to CT and helps to differentiate mild from severe ischemic colitis.

Complications following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: minimal invasive surgical recommendations

Background

ERCP has a complication rate ranging between 4% and 16% such as post-ERCP pancreatitis, hemorrhage, cholangitis and perforation. Perforation rate was reported as 0.08% to 1% and mortality rate up to 1.5%. Besides, injury related death rate is 16% to 18%. In this study we aimed to present a retrospective review of our experience with post ERCP-related perforations, reveal the type of injuries and management recommendations with the minimally invasive approaches.

Methods

Medical records of 28 patients treated for ERCP-related perforations in Okmeydani Training and Research Hospital between March 2007 and March 2013 were reviewed retrospectively. Patient age, gender, comorbidities, ERCP indication, ERCP findings and details were analyzed. All previous and current clinical history, laboratory and radiological findings were used to assess the evaluation of perforations.

Results

Between March 2007 and March 2013, 2972 ERCPs were performed, 28 (0.94%) of which resulted in ERCP-related perforations. 10 of them were men (35.8%) and 18 women (64.2%). Mean age was 53.36±14.12 years with a range of 28 to 78 years. 14 (50%) patients were managed conservatively, while 14 (50%) were managed surgically. In 6 patients, laparoscopic exploration was performed due to the failure of non-surgical management. In 6 of the patients that ERCP-related perforation was suspected during or within 2 hours after ERCP, underwent to surgery primarily. There were two mortalities. The mean length of hospitalization stay was 10.46±2.83 days. The overall mortality rate was 7.1%.

Conclusion

Successful management of ERCP-related perforation requires immediate diagnosis and early decision to decide whether to manage conservatively or surgically. Although traditionally conventional surgical approaches have been suggested for the treatment of perforations, laparoscopic techniques may be used in well-chosen cases especially in type II, III and IV perforations.

Duodenal perforations after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: experience and management

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to summary the experiences and lessons from periduodenal perforations related to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST).

METHODS

A retrospective review from 2004 to 2007 identified 9 patients (0.37%) of periduodenal perforation related to ERCP/EST. Charts were reviewed for the following parameters: clinical presentation of patients, ERCP findings, diagnostic methods, treatment (surgical or conservative procedures), complications, and outcome.

RESULTS

Nine patients who had periampullary perforations received ERCP/EST for common bile duct stones. Cannulation was considered difficult in 7 of 9 patients, and the precut technique was used. The diagnosis was made due to subcutaneous emphysema or peritonitis, and 3 patients received emergent operations (e.g., external biliary or retroperitoneal drainage), and 1 patient had a reoperation for a retroperitoneal sealed abscess. Their median length of hospital stay was 50 days. The other 6 were treated conservatively with nasal-duodenal and nasal-biliary drainage. Their median length of hospital stay was 13 days. There was no mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

The precut technical may be a risk factor of duodenal perforation. Early diagnosis of duodenal perforation is essential for an optimum outcome, and subcutaneous emphysema may be a sensitive sign. Although the management of perforation after ERCP/EST is still controversial, a selective management is proposed, based on the features of classification type. Nevertheless, duodenal and biliary drainage is essential in both surgical and conservative therapy.

Intra-peritoneal duodenal perforation caused by delayed migration of endobiliary stent: a case report

Endoscopic biliary stenting is an accepted modality of palliation of malignant biliary obstructions. Delayed stent migration causing intra-peritoneal perforation of duodenum, is a rare life threatening complication. Proximal adhesion of stent to the tumor is believed to increase the intensity of distal trauma produced by the intra-duodenal segment, preventing its adaptation to intestinal peristalsis and causing perforation. Low bacterial load and containment of leak by gut and omentum blunts the clinical features. Unexplained abdominal discomfort in stented patients should alert the clinician to its possibility, irrespective of the delay between stent placement and onset of symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment is desirable but aggressive surgical management with gastro-biliary diversion, tube duodenostomy, antibiotics, bowel rest and parenteral alimentation followed by distal alimentation, may make up for the delay in those presenting late. A case of 7 days old intra-peritoneal duodenal perforation following delayed migration (3 months) of endobiliary stent presenting with atypical features is reported. Stent's distal end was protruding through the duodenum with its proximal end in CBD. Mortality, fistulization, abscesses and sepsis are known complications but were not observed in our case. Much of the management can be done minimally invasively, if recognized early.

Retroperitoneal perforation of the duodenum from biliary stent erosion

Endoscopically placed biliary stents have supplanted surgical decompression as the preferred treatment option for patients with obstructive jaundice from advanced pancreatic cancer. An unusual complication of indewelling biliary stents is duodenal perforation into the retroperitoneum. We describe the case of a patient with end-stage pancreatic cancer who presented with an acute abdomen from erosion of a previously placed bile duct stent through the wall of the second portion of the duodenum. Although our patient presented with advanced symptoms, clinical presentations can vary from mild abdominal discomfort and general malaise to overt septic shock. Definitive diagnosis is best made with computed tomography (CT) imaging, which can detect traces of retroperitoneal air and fluid. Treatment options vary from nonoperative management with antibiotics, bowel rest, and parenteral alimentation in the most stable patients to definitive surgery with complete diversion of gastric contents and biliary flow from the affected area in patients with clinical symptoms or radiologic evidence suggesting extensive contamination. Complications of management can include duodenal fistulization, residual retroperitoneal or intrabdominal abscess, and ongoing sepsis. This report highlights the salient issues in the presentation, diagnosis, and modern management of patients with this rare complication of indwelling biliary stents.

Management of iatrogenic perforation

Iatrogenic perforation of the gastrointestinal tract is a medical emergency and is inevitable. An endoscopist must maintain a high index of suspicion despite minimal or atypical symptoms and negative radiologic studies, because perforation is a complication with tremendous morbidity and mortality. The endoscopist must know how to manage this complication appropriately and to seek immediate surgical consultation. There is ongoing controversy about when a patient should undergo nonoperative or surgical therapy. An evidence-based approach to manage iatrogenic perforation is not possible. The trend in the modern era is to less invasive, nonoperative therapy, given advancements in ICU care and antibiotics. Laparoscopy or laparoscopic-assisted (minilaparotomy) surgery is also being increasingly used with outcomes comparable with conventional laparotomy. Experience and advancements in accessories have enabled endoscopic repair of iatrogenic perforation in many situations [84]. The management algorithms provided synthesize the pertinent literature into reasonable guidelines to follow. Ultimately, an individualized approach must be taken to manage the patient with an iatrogenic perforation.