Pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy: a comparison between the two pancreaticojejunostomy methods for approximating the pancreatic parenchyma to the jejunal seromuscular layer: interrupted vs continuous stitches. World J Gastroenterol. 2007;13:5351-5356. [PMID: 17879405 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.13.6296]

Practical guide to the management of acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is characterised by inflammation of the exocrine pancreas and is associated with acinar cell injury and both a local and systemic inflammatory response. AP may range in severity from self-limiting, characterised by mild pancreatic oedema, to severe systemic inflammation with pancreatic necrosis, organ failure and death. Several international guidelines have been developed including those from the joint International Association of Pancreatology and American Pancreatic Association, American College of Gastroenterology and British Society of Gastroenterology. Here we discuss current diagnostic and management challenges and address the common dilemmas in AP.

Etiology, clinical features and management of acute recurrent pancreatitis

OBJECTIVE

To study the etiology and clinical features of acute recurrent pancreatitis (ARP) and to determine its optimal management and outcomes.

METHODS

ARP cases among acute pancreatitis patients who were admitted to the West China Hospital, Sichuan University from January 2008 to December 2012 were retrospectively collected. Their etiology, clinical features, treatments and outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of all pancreatitis patients, 8.9% were classified as ARP. The proportions of mild and severe diseases were 85.7% and 14.3%, respectively. The common etiological factors were biliogenic (31.0%), alcohol (26.2%), hyperlipidemia (21.4%) and pancreaticobiliary malformation (15.4%). At first 46 cases were cryptogenic and among them 36 were subsequently confirmed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). Among the hyperlipidemic ARP patients, 72.2% failed to routinely monitor and control serum lipids. ERCP was performed in 88 cases, and 48 also required an endoscopic sphincterotomy or calculus removal. Twenty-two patients underwent cholangiopancreatic duct stent placement, and pancreatic necrosectomy was performed on eight severe cases. The overall outcomes indicate that 8.3% of the cases progressed to chronic pancreatitis and 33.3% of the cases receiving etiological treatment were recurrence-free. There were no deaths in this study.

CONCLUSIONS

The etiological factors of ARP are similar to those of acute pancreatitis at the first attack. The management of ARP should be fully considered based on etiological investigation.

Metformin induced acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis frequently presents with abdomen pain but may presents with various skin manifestations as rash and rarely, pancreatic panniculitis. Metformin, one of the most effective and valuable oral hypoglycemic agents in the biguanide class was linked to acute pancreatitis in few cases. Here, we report a case of metformin induce acute pancreatitis in young healthy man with normal renal function.

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis: results from the hospital-based Berlin case-control surveillance study of 102 cases

BACKGROUND

Drug toxicity is a well-known cause of acute pancreatitis (AP). Although many drugs have been associated with AP, the magnitude of the risk of most of them remains largely unknown.

AIM

To determine the pancreatotoxic risk of a wide range of drugs.

METHODS

The hospital-based Berlin case-control surveillance study, including all 51 Berlin hospitals in a hospital network, ascertained 102 cases with idiopathic AP (IAP) and 750 controls between 2002 and 2011. Patients with IAP were thoroughly validated using anamnestic, clinical or laboratory data. Drug exposure was obtained in a face-to-face interview. Possible drug aetiology was assessed in individual patients through a standardised causality assessment applying the criteria of the World Health Organization. Drug risks were further quantified [odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)] in a case-control design with unconditional logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The pancreatotoxic risk of several drugs, including azathioprine (OR 5.1; 95% CI 1.9-13.5), fenofibrate (OR 12.2; 95% CI 2.3-69.1), mesalazine (OR 3.3; 95% CI 1.1-9.5) or angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, was corroborated by case-control analysis and causality assessment. Causality assessment suggested a pancreatotoxic potential, among others, for mercaptopurine or the seldom reported leflunomide, and alluded to a novel risk for tocilizumab. Case-control analysis showed an increased risk for two phytotherapeutics: harpagophytum and valerian radix.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study quantified the pancreatotoxic risk of different drugs and phytotherapeutics. The findings corroborate previous results from the literature but also indicate risks for substances not previously reported, highlighting the need for further controlled studies on pancreatic toxicity.

Thrombocytopenia represents a risk for deterioration of liver function after radiofrequency ablation in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND/AIMS

We evaluated changes in liver function parameters and risk factors for the deterioration of liver function 12 months after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) therapy in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

METHODS

The subjects in this retrospective study comprised 102 patients with HCC who had undergone RFA therapy and exhibited no recurrence of HCC 12 months thereafter. Serial changes in serum total bilirubin and albumin, prothrombin time, and Child-Pugh score were evaluated before RFA and 3, 6, 9, and 12 months thereafter. Deterioration of liver function was defined when the Child-Pugh score increased by at least 2 at 12 months after RFA therapy. We determined the factors related to aggravation of liver function after RFA therapy.

RESULTS

Liver function had deteriorated 12 months after RFA in 29 patients (28.4%). Serum albumin levels decreased significantly from before (3.7±0.1 g/dL, mean±SD) to 12 months after RFA therapy (3.3±0.1 g/dL, P=0.002). The Child-Pugh score increased significantly during the same time period (from 6.1±0.2 to 7.2±0.3, P<0.001). Pre-RFA thrombocytopenia (≤100,000/mm(3)) was revealed as a significant risk factor for the deterioration of liver function after RFA. However, no patients had episodes of bleeding as a complication of RFA.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the liver-function parameters, serum albumin level was markedly decreased in HCC patients over the course of 24 months after RFA therapy. A pre-RFA thrombocytopenia represents a major risk factor for the deterioration of liver function.

How do I manage post-polypectomy bleeding?

Colonoscopic polypectomy is an effective method for prevention of colorectal cancer and has become one of the most common procedures worldwide. Most colorectal polyps can be removed safely by various polypectomy techniques; however, serious complications can occur. Postpolypectomy bleeding is the most common complication of colonoscopic polypectomy, accounting for 0.3% to 6.1% of polypectomy. This issue summarizes various endoscopic techniques to treat postpolypectomy bleeding.

Incidence and predictors of postpolypectomy bleeding in colorectal polyps larger than 10 mm

BACKGROUND

It is well-established that the risk of postpolypectomy bleeding (PPB) increases with polyp size, but little is known about the factors that predict PPB in polyps larger than 10 mm.

AIM

The aim of this study is to assess the incidence and risk factors for PPB in colorectal polyps larger than 10 mm.

METHODS

A historical cohort study was carried out in an open access endoscopy unit from January 2007 to December 2008. Endoscopic polypectomy was performed in 1894 (28%) patients. Clinical records of patients with polyps of at least 10 mm were reviewed. Data on demographics, comorbidity, polyp-related features, and resection technique were collected. The incidence of immediate bleeding (during polypectomy) and delayed bleeding (up to 1 month later) was assessed.

RESULTS

A total of 424 large polyps (median size=12 mm; P₂₅-P₇₅: 10-16 mm) were resected. Thirty-five episodes of PPB occurred in 33 (7.8%) polyps, of which 12 (2.8%) were delayed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that a polyp size of at least 14 mm was the most important predictor of PPB [odds ratio (OR) 3.17, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.492-6.751, P=0.003], compared with the presence of a villous architecture (OR 2.23, 95% CI 1.056-4.705, P=0.035) or high-grade dysplasia (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.305-6.692, P=0.009).

CONCLUSION

In the current study, the rate of PPB was almost 8% in polyps larger than 10 mm, occurring in most cases during the endoscopic procedure. A polyp of size at least 14 mm was the most important predictor for PPB. Prospective studies are needed to determine whether preventive endoscopic therapy may reduce PPB in these patients.

Evidence-based decompression in malignant biliary obstruction

As recent advances in chemotherapy and surgical treatment have improved outcomes in patients with biliary cancers, the search for an optimal strategy for relief of their obstructive jaundice has become even more important. Without satisfactory relief of biliary obstruction, many patients would be ineligible for treatment. We review all prospective randomized trials and recent retrospective non-randomized studies for evidence that would support such a strategy. For distal malignant biliary obstruction, an optimal strategy would be insertion of metallic stents either endoscopically or percutaneously. Evidence shows that a metallic stent inserted percutaneously has better outcomes than plastic stents inserted endoscopically. For malignant hilar obstruction, percutaneous biliary drainage with or without metallic stents is preferred.

Can serum interleukin-2 receptor alpha predict lymph node metastasis in early gastric cancer?

Purpose

Although local resection like endoscopic mucosal resection for early gastric cancer is accepted as a treatment option, one of the most important drawbacks of such an approach is the inability to predictlymph node metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the serum soluble receptor alpha for interleukin-2 (IL-2Rα) level as a predictor of lymph node metastasis in the patients with early gastric cancer.

Methods

Assessment of pre-operative serum IL-2Rα levels was performed on 86 patients with early gastric cancer treated by gastrectomies combined with D2 lymph node resections and 20 healthy controls at Samsung Medical Center. Data on patient age and gender, tumor size, depth of invasion, histologic differentiation, and endoscopic findings were reviewed post-operatively. The submucosal lesions were divided into three layers (sm1, sm2, and sm3) in accordance with the depth of invasion.

Results

Lymph node metastasis was observed in 16 patients (18.6%). Statistically, the serum IL-2Rα level was an important predictive factor of lymph node metastasis in undifferentiated gastric cancer, and the cut-off point for the predictive value of serum IL-2Rα level was 200 U/mL.

Conclusion

The serum IL-2Rα level might be a good predictor of lymph node metastasis in undifferentiated early gastric cancer.

The feasibility and safety of the endoscopic submucosal dissection of superficial gastric neoplastic lesions in patients with compensated liver cirrhosis: a retrospective study

Background/Aims

When undergoing endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), patients with liver cirrhosis (LC) may suffer from a high risk of bleeding, bacteremia and tissue vulnerability. There have been few reports evaluating the efficacy and safety of ESD in patients with LC.

Methods

From January 2004 to March 2010, 23 patients with LC (cirrhosis group) underwent ESD for superficial gastric neoplastic lesions. The number of patients with a liver function in the Child-Pugh classes A and B were 20 and 3, respectively. The clinical outcomes and complications were compared with 69 patients without LC (control group) that were matched for age and sex.

Results

The en bloc resection, R0 resection and en bloc plus R0 resection rates of the cirrhosis group were 82.6%, 91.3%, and 82.6%, respectively, and did not show significant differences from the rates of the control group. No local recurrence was found in either group during the follow-up period. The procedure length of time (41.0 vs 39.0 minutes), rate of bleeding (4.3% vs 7.2%) and rate of perforation (0.0% vs 1.4%) in the cirrhosis group were also comparable to the results from the control group.

Conclusions

ESD was safely performed in patients with LC, and satisfactory outcomes were achieved with high en bloc and R0 resection rates for superficial gastric neoplastic lesions.

26. Pain in chronic pancreatitis

Chronic pancreatitis is defined as a progressive inflammatory response of the pancreas that has lead to irreversible morphological changes of the parenchyma (fibrosis, loss of acini and islets of Langerhans, and formation of pancreatic stones) as well as of the pancreatic duct (stenosis and pancreatic stones). Pain is one of the most important symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. The pathogenesis of this pain can only partly be explained and it is therefore often difficult to treat this symptom. The management of pain induced by chronic pancreatitis starts with lifestyle changes and analgesics. For the pharmacological management, the three-step ladder of the World Health Organization extended with the use of co-analgesics is followed. Interventional pain management may consist of radiofrequency treatment of the nervi splanchnici, spinal cord stimulation, endoscopic stenting or stone extraction possibly in combination with lithotripsy, and surgery. To date, there are no randomized controlled trials supporting the efficacy of radiofrequency and spinal cord stimulation. The large published series reports justify a recommendation to consider these treatment options. Radiofrequency treatment, being less invasive than spinal cord stimulation, could be tested prior to considering spinal cord stimulation. There are several other treatment possibilities such as endoscopic or surgical treatment, pancreatic enzyme supplementation and administration of octreotide and antioxidants. All may have a role in the management of pain induced by chronic pancreatitis.

Recurrent and relapsing pancreatitis

Recurrent acute pancreatitis is a common clinical problem. Most cases of pancreatitis are identified by a careful history and physical examination. Despite advanced evaluation, the cause is not apparent in about 10% of cases. The etiology of recurrent acute pancreatitis appears to be multifactorial, with genetic and environmental influences playing a significant role. The strength of evidence for certain etiologies is highly variable, and natural history data are limited. Controversy exists regarding the most appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach. Recurrent acute pancreatitis often represents a continuum with chronic pancreatitis.

A case of congenital duodenal web causing duodenal stenosis in a down syndrome child: endoscopic resection with an insulated-tip knife

A 35-month-old girl visited our hospital with repetitive vomiting and abdominal distention; this was especially aggravated after the introduction of solid and semisolid foods. At 5 months of age, the patient, who had Down's syndrome, had undergone surgery for ventricular septal defect, atrial septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus, and had subsequently been frequently hospitalized for respiratory infections and other viral infectious diseases. After her admission, the abdominal distension improved with fasting and intravenous fl uid therapy. Radiograph from a small-bowel series revealed a thin fi lling defect with a dilated duodenal bulb in the distal region of the second portion of the duodenum, suggesting a duodenal web, and endoscopy revealed duodenal stenosis. We therefore performed endoscopic resection with an insulated-tip knife because of the history of prior operations, fasting problems after operations, and respiratory infections. Seven days later, scar formation was noted on the second portion of the duodenum, the scope passed well at the excision site, and no retained food material was noted on the follow-up endoscopy. After the procedure, the patient's abdominal distention and repetitive vomiting subsided, and she was discharged with the ability to eat eat an age-appropriate normal diet. There were no specifi c symptoms or other complications for 1 year after the procedure.

Drug-induced acute pancreatitis related to medications commonly used in gastroenterology

BACKGROUND

With the growing number of pharmacological agents available nowadays, the gastrointestinal drug-induced side effects become more common than ever. However, drug-induced pancreatitis belongs to rather seldom reported adverse drug reactions, probably because of the difficulty in proving the relationship between an inflammation of the pancreas and the pharmacotherapy with a certain drug.

AIM

The aim of this review is to draw attention to an infrequent but real problem of drug-induced acute pancreatitis associated with medications commonly used in the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders.

METHODOLOGY

For the purpose of that the PubMed database was searched using the keywords "drug-induced pancreatitis", "drug-associated pancreatitis", "acute pancreatitis", "pancreatitis" in various combinations and relevant literature was reviewed.

RESULTS

A substantial number of drugs commonly prescribed for gastrointestinal disorders are known to cause acute pancreatitis. Case reports and review articles published so far draw attention to medications already known to cause drug-induced pancreatic damage as well as implicate new drugs. Generally, the etiopathological mechanisms involved in drug-induced pancreatitis remain unclear. It is difficult to establish or rule out definitely such unwanted event, especially in patients taking numerous medications prescribed for multiple comorbidities.

CONCLUSION

Pharmacological agents are among etiologic factors that should be considered in all patients presenting with signs and symptoms consistent with acute pancreatitis. The diagnosis of drug-induced AP is often difficult to established. Therefore a high index of suspicion and thorough drug history are crucial for making the final diagnosis.

Frequency and predictive factors of lymph node metastasis in mucosal cancer

Purpose

The incidence of lymph node metastasis has been reported to range from 2.6 to 4.8% in early stage gastric cancer with mucosal invasion (T1a cancer). Lymph node metastasis in early stage gastric cancer is known as an important predictive factor. We analyzed the prediction factors of lymph node metastasis in T1a cancer.

Materials and Methods

A total of 9,912 patients underwent radical gastrectomy due to gastric cancer from October 1994 to July 2006 in the Department Of Surgery at Samsung Medical Center. We did a retrospective analysis of 2,524 patients of these patients, ones for whom the cancer was confined within the mucosa.

Results

Among the 2,524 patients, 57 (2.2%) were diagnosed with lymph node metastasis, and of these, cancer staging was as follows: 41 were N1, 8 were N2, and 8 were N3a. Univariate analysis of clinicopathological factors showed that the following factors were significant predictors of metastasis: tumor size larger than 4 cm, the presence of middle and lower stomach cancer, poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and signet-ring cell carcinoma, diffuse type cancer (by the Lauren classification), and lymphatic invasion. Multivariate analysis showed that lymphatic invasion and tumor larger than 4 cm were significant factors with P<0.001 and P=0.024, respectively.

Conclusions

The frequency of lymph node metastasis is extremely low in early gastric cancer with mucosal invasion. However, when lymphatic invasion is present or the tumor is larger than 4 cm, there is a greater likelihood of lymph node metastasis. In such cases, surgical treatments should be done to prevent disease recurrence.

Controversies and appraisals about gastrointestinal reconstruction in pancreatoduodenectomy

Gastrointestinal reconstruction has been considered to be closely related to postoperative morbidity, mortality and quality of life of the patients who undergo pancreatoduodenectomy (PD). For more than half a century, the scholars all around the world have offered numerous operative modifications and new procedures to improve the alimentary reconstruction for PD, but the effect and appraisal of these methods have always been controversial. In recent years many large prospective randomized controlled trials have been reported and the questions above have been re-studied based on the meta-analysis, which enables us to have a correct understanding about these questions for the first time. This article summarized newest research findings, and carried out the synthesis contrast analysis of the main methods of digestive canal reconstruction for PD such as pancreaticojejunostomy (PJ) versus pancreaticogastrostomy (PG), the child type or Roux-en-Y technique, pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD) and the classic Whipple procedure (WPD), duct-to- mucosa anastomosis versus end-to-end invaginated PD, etc. The objective effects of these commonly clinically used procedures are discussed in this paper.