[Endoscopic treatment of recurrent Zenker diverticulum and postoperative esophageal stricture]

Zenker diverticulum is a rare disease accounting for 1.5-5% of esophageal diverticula. For a long time, surgical treatment of Zenker pharyngoesophageal diverticula implied open diverticulectomy via cervical approach. However, this intervention is characterized by high postoperative morbidity and recurrence rate. Oral endoscopic minimally invasive cricopharyngoesophagomyotomy has become widespread over the past 10 years. We present a 55-year-old female who underwent endoscopic treatment for recurrent Zenker diverticulum and postoperative esophageal stricture. We obtained favorable result in a patient with recurrent Zenker diverticulum after previous open surgeries complicated by esophageal stricture. Endoscopic management eliminated recurrent diverticulum and esophageal stricture, as well as improved the quality of life. Endoscopic approach is preferable for pharynoesophageal diverticula compared to traditional surgical diverticulectomy. Obvious advantages of this technique are stable functional result, low incidence of complications and mortality, short-term postoperative period with fast rehabilitation. Extended myotomy is essential for successful oral endoscopic cricopharyngoesophagomyotomy.

[Hybrid laparo-endoscopic access for giant fibrovascular esophageal polyp: a case report]

Fibrovascular polyp is a rare non-epithelial esophageal tumor arising from submucosal layer and consisting of connective and adipose tissue, as well large number of vessels. Large tumors can cause dysphagia, vomiting, chest pain, shortness of breath and/or asthma, while giant neoplasms are potentially life threatening. Despite active introduction of minimally invasive treatment of patients with non-epithelial gastrointestinal tumors, there are still difficulties in surgical treatment of fibrovascular polyps. The patient with a giant fibrovascular esophageal polyp presented with cough, discomfort in the throat, impaired swallowing and episode of tumor migration into oropharynx. Examination confirmed giant highly vascularized esophageal fibrovascular polyp. A novel hybrid surgical technique (endoscopic submucosal dissection with laparoscopic removal of tumor) was applied. Eight-month follow-up revealed no complications. Favorable clinical result was achieved. A hybrid laparo-endoscopic approach in the treatment of patients with large fibrovascular polyps minimizes perioperative risks and improves postoperative outcomes.

[Difficulties in diagnosis of neuroendocrine tumors of the gastrointestinal tract]

We present diagnosis and complex minimally invasive surgical treatment of a patient with long-standing neuroendocrine tumor of the upper gastrointestinal tract. We followed-up a 50-year-old female patient after endoscopic resection of polypoid neoplasm of the stomach for 2 non-organ retroperitoneal neoplasms in the area of hepatogastric ligament. After a comprehensive examination and minimally invasive surgery including laparoscopic resection of retroperitoneal neoplasms, immunohistochemical examination, PET-CT and targeted endoscopic ultrasound of the stomach, we diagnosed a highly differentiated gastric neuroendocrine tumor with metastases into lymph nodes of hepatogastric ligament. Combination of endoscopic and morphological diagnosis with rigorous histological examination of specimen provided correct diagnosis and reasonable strategy of aggressive minimally invasive surgical treatment.

[Complex endoscopic treatment of a patient with a large adenoma of the major duodenal papilla, choledocholithiasis and stricture of the common bile duct]

Incidence of adenomas of the major duodenal papilla has increased in recent years due to widespread endoscopic screening. These adenomas require resection due to high risk of malignant transformation. Currently, minimally invasive endoscopic interventions are often considered as an alternative to surgical treatment. Combination of major duodenal papilla neoplasms with choledocholithiasis and bile duct strictures are particularly difficult for endoscopic treatment. A 56-year-old patient underwent complex endoscopic treatment for a large adenoma of the major duodenal papilla spreading to duodenal walls and distal segment of the common bile duct combined with choledocholithiasis and stricture of the common bile duct. The patient underwent complex minimally invasive treatment with endoscopic lithoextraction, fragment-by-fragment removal of the neoplasm with intra-ductal ablation of residual adenomatous tissue and subsequent staged biliary stenting for the stricture of the common bile duct, as well as stenting of the main pancreatic duct for prevention of pancreatitis. An integrated approach to the treatment of a patient with a large adenoma of the major duodenal papilla, choledocholithiasis and stricture of the common bile duct provided clinical success without complications and the need for long-term rehabilitation.

[Diagnosis and surgical treatment of a patient with Castleman disease]

Castleman disease (CD) is a benign lymphoproliferative disease. Small prevalence and diverse clinical course of disease makes it difficult to standardize diagnostics and treatment. Currently, the number of CD patients has increased with improvement in the quality of examination. Therefore, differential diagnosis of this disease is important. We present a young patient with CD and retroperitoneal non-organ neoplasm. Despite a thorough preoperative examination, the final diagnosis was established only after histological examination of surgical specimen. We discuss the diagnosis and surgical treatment of a patient with unicentric type of CD.

[Laparoscopic reconstructive Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy]

Intraoperative damage to the bile ducts following laparoscopic cholecystectomy is still one of the urgent problems of modern minimally invasive surgery. In some cases, these complications lead to patient disability, deterioration in their quality of life and need for redo surgery including technically difficult procedures. Modern endoscopic technologies are essential in the treatment of postoperative benign strictures of the common bile duct. These approaches can heal some patients after intraoperative bile duct trauma. Nevertheless, endoscopic treatment is ineffective or impossible in some clinical situations. Reconstructive Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy through laparotomy is a preferable procedure in these patients for many years. However, we report successful laparoscopic reconstructive Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy in a patient with postoperative stricture of the common bile duct Halperin type 0.

[Hybrid laparo-endoscopic gastric resection for non-epithelial pyloric tumor]

In January 2020, a patient with a gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the antrum located in close proximity to the pylorus underwent a hybrid laparo-endoscopic organ-sparing gastric resection. There were no intraoperative and postoperative complications. Control endoscopic and X-ray examination of the stomach confirmed normal motor and evacuation function of the stomach. To date, follow-up period is more than 1.5 years. The patient has no complaints. This case demonstrates clear advantages of hybrid access in certain clinical situations, such as localization in anatomically difficult areas and near functional sphincters. Surgical approach ensured pylorus-sparing resection with favorable postoperative result.

[Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for large esophageal leiomyoma: technical aspects and risk of complications]

We analyzed the technical aspects and risk of possible complications after submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection for large esophageal leiomyoma. A patient with a 4-cm non-epithelial esophageal tumor underwent STER procedure in June 2018. Surgery time was 130 min. There were no intraoperative complications. Postoperative period was complicated with mediastinitis with reactive pneumonia and pleural effusion accompanied by episodes of hyperthermia up to 38°C for 5 days. The patient was discharged in 12 days after complete resolution of pneumonia confirmed by chest X-ray. Contrast-enhanced examination after 3 postoperative days revealed no contrast agent leakage outside the esophagus. The previously applied clips were visualized. Endoscopic examination in 3 months after surgery visualized postoperative scar without signs of deformation and narrowing of the esophagus. No complaints were observed throughout 3.5-year follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

This report demonstrates the advantages of tunnel dissection ensuring organ-sparing procedure with the best functional result. However, intra- and postoperative complications are possible after STER. The risk of complications and complexity of surgery depend on transverse size (>3.5 cm), shape and localization of tumor. Larger neoplasm is accompanied by more difficult surgery and higher risk of complications. Therefore, adequate selection of patients for STER is essential.

[Endoscopy-assisted dilatational tracheostomy in patients with COVID-19]

OBJECTIVE

To summarize an experience of endoscopy-assisted dilatational tracheostomies in patients with COVID-19.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 31 endoscopy-assisted dilatational tracheostomies in patients with COVID-19 for the period from April 17 to June 10, 2020 (11 women and 19 men). Mean age of patients was 66.7 years (range 48-87). Tracheostomy was performed using Ciaglia (22) and Griggs (9) techniques. All procedures were carried out at the intensive care unit in elective fashion.

RESULTS

Tracheostomy was performed in 19.8% of ICU patients or 36.9% of all patients on mechanical ventilation within 6.5±2.5 days [min 3, max 11]. There were 22 survivors with tracheostomy (70.9%) that is comparable with survival of patients without mechanical ventilation (79.7%) and slightly higher than in patients on ventilation without tracheostomy (65.4%). No complications during the procedure were noted.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopy-assisted dilatational tracheostomy is preferred for prolonged mechanical ventilation, including patients with COVID-19. The undeniable advantages of this operation are fewer intraoperative complications due to endoscopic control, and lower risk of tracheal strictures.

[Endoscopic treatment of esophageal anastomotic leakage using vacuum-assisted closure system]

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the effectiveness of vacuum-assisted closure system for esophageal anastomotic leakage.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

There were 10 patients with upper gastrointestinal anastomotic leakage who were treated at our institution in 2015-2018. Vacuum aspiration system was applied in all cases.

RESULTS

Esophageal wall defect was successfully closed in 9 out of 10 patients after 2-4 courses and the system was eliminated in 11 days on the average. Localized cavity with granulation tissue developed in 1 patient after 5 courses and the system was also eliminated.

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic vacuum-assisted therapy is an innovative, minimally invasive, economically profitable and successful method for anastomotic leakage. This procedure should be taken into consideration and widely used in multi-field hospitals.

[Methods of internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts]

AIM

To present own experience of internal drainage and characteristics of its different variants which are applied in various countries.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endosonography-assisted internal drainage of pancreatic pseudocysts was performed in 25 patients. Plastic stents were implanted in one stage without change of instruments while metal stents - with change of instruments during manipulation.

RESULTS

Intervention was successful in 24 patients. In 1 case bleeding developed during cystostomy that required open surgery. Plastic and metal stents were used in 11 and 12 patients respectively. 1 patient had two pancreatic pseudocysts. Therefore 2 stents of both types were used in this case. Clinical success was achieved in 91% of cases.

CONCLUSION

Different variants of method resolve problem of surgical approach, stomy and choice of stent. However every technique is targeted to resolve separate problem while single method is not accepted. Further large comparative studies are necessary to define optimal technique of internal drainage.

[ENDOSONOGRAPHY IN THE DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF THE COMMON BILE DUCT STENOSIS]

The article states the results of examination and treatment of 57 patients with stenosis of the common bile duct of various genesis. The main aim of the work is criteria definition and evaluation of diagnostic significance of endosonography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant common bile duct stenosis. The paper presents a methodology of endoscopic ultrasound and basic criteria for the differential diagnosis of tumors and other lesions of the extrahepatic bile ducts. A comparative analysis of endosonography, ultrasound, CT, MRCP was conducted. The sensitivity of endosonography in determining the nature of the common bile duct stenosis was 97.7%, a specificity 100% and accuracy 98.2%, which is superior to other methods of radiological diagnosis. In comprehensive surgical centers endosonography should be used as a method of specifying the final diagnosis to determine the nature of the common bile duct stenosis, particularly at low constriction location.

[Endoscopic ultrasonography in determining resectability of the pancreatic adenocarcinoma]

The publication presents the results of the examination and treatment of 82 patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The main objective of the work is the evaluation of endosonography diagnostic significance in identifying tumor vascular invasion and determining resectability of the tumor. The paper describes an EUS methodology, type of echoendoscopes and ultrasound criteria for tumor invasion to the blood vessels. Vessel invasion during endosonography was suspected in 48 (58.5%) cases, according to surgery data, tumor invasion into upper abdomen vessels was detected in 51 patients (62.2%). Sensitivity of endosonography in detecting vessel invasion was 90.2%, specificity--93.5%, accuracy--91.5%. Endosonography being in trend of present day ideas about the criteria of pancreatic cancer resectability is the leading method in the selection of patients to surgery.

Treatment of post-burn scar deformations using tissue expansion and endoscopy

Background. The essential drawbacks of conventional tissue expansion, a technique widely used in reconstructive surgery, are its significant duration and the high complications rate. The experience of our clinic covers 329 patients treated with this method from 1987 to 2006. The mean time of expansion was previously 72 ± 2 days (± SD) and the rate of local complications was 38.6%. We applied effective new approaches to this method in order to reduce its drawbacks, i.e. the endoscopic implantation of expanders, intensive expansion, and a modified technique of elevation of an expanded flap. Methods. Twenty-seven patients treated in the A.V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery between 2001 and 2006 for post-burn scar deformities underwent endoscopic implantations of 46 silicone expanders in various anatomical areas. High-grade tissue expansion was initiated immediately after implantation. The elevation of the reconstructed flap was performed, including defective tissues in the flap, after which the expander was removed and the expanded tissues were transposed. Results. With the help of the techniques developed, it was possible to reduce the mean expansion time from 72 days to 34 (less than half) and to reduce the complications rate from 38.6% to 6.5%. Conclusions. Endoscopic expander implantation, the accelerated technique of tissue expansion, and modified elevation of the expanded flap enabled us to considerably improve results in the treatment of post-burn scar deformities, using the tissue expansion method.

First experience of endoscopic implantation of tissue expanders in plastic and reconstructive surgery

BACKGROUND

Over the last 15 years, tissue expansion has been used in the treatment of 324 patients at the A. V. Vishnevsky Institute of Surgery. The principal drawbacks of the traditional technique for tissue expansion are the prolonged time needed to complete the process and a high rate of complications. With the traditional technique, the wound created by the implantation of the expander inhibits the expansion of the tissue until healing takes place, which requires 10-14 days. However, attempts to reduce of the length of the incision have been limited by the necessity to ensure good hemostasis in the expander pocket. We describe our initial experience with the endoscopic insertion of tissue expanders.

METHODS

We performed the endoscopic implantation of 20 tissue expanders in nine patients. Six patients had postburn scar deformities, one had congenital microtia, one had a capillary malformation, and one had a capillary malformation combined with postburn scar deformity. Tissue expanders were inserted in the head, face, neck, chest wall, scapular, shoulder, forearm, and calf regions. The endoscopic technique was specially adapted according to the features of the different anatomic sites. Endoscopy enabled creation of the expander pocket, with good control of hemostasis, through incisions < or =1 cm. The orientation of these incisions was parallel to forces of tension. Therefore, full expansion began immediately after placement of the expander, without any risk of postoperative wound dehiscence. The expanders were fully inflated intraoperatively accordingly to the principals followed in the traditional technique of implantation for inflation over a 3-week period. Further inflations were carried out regularly either daily or once every other day.

RESULTS

The average time required for the tissue expansion was 34 days, which was less than half the time needed with the traditional technique. All flaps remained extant after reconstruction with the expanded tissues. There were no complications.

CONCLUSION

The advantages of the endoscopic implantation of tissue expanders are a reduction in expansion time, a shorter hospital stay, less patient discomfort, and the prevention of complications (hematoma, seroma, infection, wound dehiscence).