Surgical and Endoscopic Intervention for Chronic Pancreatitis in Children: The Kings College Hospital Experience

Paediatric chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a rare and debilitating pathology that often requires invasive diagnostics and therapeutic interventions either to address a primary cause such as a pancreaticobiliary malunion or to deal with secondary complications such as chronic pain. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are two endoscopic modalities that have an established diagnostic role in paediatric CP, and their therapeutic utilisation is increasing in popularity. Surgical decompression of the obstructed and dilated pancreatic duct plays a role in alleviating pancreatic duct hypertension, a common association in CP. Surgery equally has a role in certain anatomical abnormalities of the pancreaticobiliary draining system, or occasionally in some CP complications such as drainage of a symptomatic pancreatic pseudocyst.

Comparative outcome of single versus two double-pigtail stents for endoscopic drainage of pancreatic fluid collections with minimal necrosis: a retrospective analysis

Background

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided cystogastrostomy is the treatment of choice for managing symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFC). However, studies on the number of stents for optimal drainage of PFCs are limited. Hence, the present study was conducted to compare the outcome of single versus two double-pigtail stents for endoscopic drainage of PFCs.

Methods

This is a single-center, retrospective analysis of patients undergoing endoscopic drainage of PFCs with minimal necrosis (pseudocyst or walled-off necrosis with <30% solid content) at a tertiary center in South India from October 2020 to October 2022. Post-procedure, patients were followed up for clinical improvement, and stents were removed after documentation of cyst size reduction on imaging.

Results

Sixty-three patients (82.5% males, median age: 34 years) fulfilling the selection criteria were included. For single stent placement (n = 47), stents of size 8.5 Fr or 10 Fr were used, while for placement of two stents (n = 16), 7 Fr stents were used. The technical success rate was 100%. Intraprocedural and early postprocedural adverse events (all mild to moderate) were comparable between the groups (17.0% with single stent vs. 25.0% with two stents, p = NS). Clinical success was achieved in 93.6% of patients, with no difference between both groups. Three patients in the single stent group required additional procedures. All patients underwent successful stent removal after a median follow-up of 14 weeks.

Conclusion

A single pigtail stent of 8.5 Fr or 10 Fr size for EUSguided cystogastrostomy provides efficacy and safety similar to that of two stents.

Does a coaxial double pigtail stent reduce adverse events after lumen apposing metal stent placement for pancreatic fluid collections? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Lumen apposing metal stents (LAMSs) have a higher clinical success rate for managing pancreatic fluid collections. But they are associated with adverse events (AEs) like bleeding, migration, buried stent, occlusion, and infection. It has been hypothesized that placing a double pigtail stent (DPS) within LAMS may mitigate these AEs. The present systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to compare the outcome and AEs associated with LAMS with or without a coaxial DPS (LAMS-DPS).

Methods

A comprehensive literature search of three databases from January 2010 to August 2022 was conducted for studies comparing the outcome and AEs of LAMS alone and LAMS-DPS. Pooled incidence and risk ratios (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for all the dichotomous outcomes.

Results

Overall, eight studies (n = 460) were included in the final analysis. The clinical success rate (RR 1.00, 95% CI: 0.87-1.14) and the risk of overall AEs (RR 1.60, 95% CI: 0.95-2.68) remained comparable between both groups. There was no difference in the risk of bleeding between LAMS alone and LAMS-DPS (RR 1.80, 95% CI: 0.83-3.88). Individual analysis of other AEs, including infection, stent migration, occlusion, and reintervention, showed no difference in the risk between both procedures.

Conclusion

The present meta-analysis shows that coaxial DPS within LAMS may not reduce AE rates or improve clinical outcomes. Further larger studies, including patients with walled-off necrosis, are required to demonstrate the benefit of coaxial DPS within LAMS.

Evaluation of the ex-vivo porcine simulator on EUS-guided cystogastrostomy using lumen-apposing metal stent training

Bckground and Objectives

EUS-guided cystogastrostomy is a well-established advanced endoscopic technique with a steep-learning curve which necessitates an ex-vivo simulator that would allow for adequate training. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of the model in allowing training for EUS-guided cystogastrostomy using lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS).

Subjects and Methods

The model was created by ROEYA Training Center, Egypt, using native porcine tissue to create fluid collections simulating both cystic and solid lesions. It was designed and tested in advance while the hydrogel was added on-site. The simulator was evaluated prospectively in five training sessions involving 17 international experts. The task was to successfully deploy the LAMS to drain the created cyst. After using the simulator, the experts were asked to fill a questionnaire to assess their experience. The primary endpoint was overall satisfaction with the model as a training tool.

Results

All of the experts were satisfied with the model as a tool to train endoscopists for the technique. 76.5% (n = 11) of the experts thought the model to be moderately realistic. Proper visualization was reported by 94.1% of the experts. All experts believed the lesions to be either slightly like or very similar to real lesions. The model was graded "easy" in difficulty by 11 of the experts.

Conclusions

In all parameters assessed, the experts thought the model to be a useful tool for future training. This preliminary study suggests that the aforementioned simulator can be used to train endoscopists on using LAMS in a risk-free environment.

Coaxial Double-Pigtail Stent Placement: A Simple Solution to Decrease Bleeding Risk Associated With Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent?

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy using lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) is considered the first-line therapy for symptomatic pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs). Routine coaxial placement of a double-pigtail stent (DPS) through LAMS is debated. We report the case of a patient with delayed massive gastrointestinal bleed eight weeks after LAMS placement due to splenic artery pseudoaneurysm leading to a complicated hospitalization. Theoretically, coaxial placement of DPS through LAMS can prevent the relatively sharp LAMS from eroding into the mucosa of the collapsed cavity of PFCs, decreasing the risk of bleeding. Our case adds to the growing need to further explore the utility of this combined intervention.

Comparison of surgical outcome between conventional laparoscopic cystogastrostomy method and plication of the edge of anterior gastrotomy in patients with pancreatic pseudocyst: A retrospective study at two tertiary care centres

Background

In retro-gastric Pancreatic pseudocyst (PP) Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy (LCG) is an established procedure of drainage.

Aims and Objectives

To compare surgical outcome between laparoscopic cysto-gastrostomy conventional method and plication of the edge of anterior gastrotomy in patients of pancreatic pseudocyst.

Materials and Methods

Twenty six patients were underwent LCG from 2010-2020 by a single surgeon. Both the conventional LCG group Group-1(Gr-1) and the plication group Group-2 (Gr-2) where plication of edge of anterior gastrostomy was performed, contained 13 patients each.

Results

The numbers of male/female in Gr-1 was 9/4 and that in Gr-2 was 10/3 (P = 1). Mean ages of patients were 45.3 ± 10.4 years (range 23-60) in Gr-1 and 48.0 ± 12.3 years (range 27-65) in Gr-2. Etiological factors were alcohol (46.1% in Gr-1, 53.8% in Gr-2), gallstone disease (38.4% in Gr-1,15.3% in Gr-2), trauma (15.3% in each groups), idiopathic cause (15.3% in Gr-2). The cyst size was 9.0 ± 1.5 cm in Gr-1and 8.9 ± 2.1cm in Gr-2. The mean operative time in Gr-1 (107.6 ± 12.5 minutes) was longer than Gr-2 (97 ± 1 3.6 minutes) (P = 0.06). The size of cystogastric anastomosis in Gr-1 was 4.6 ± 0.7 cm and that in Gr-2 was 4 ± 0.8 cm (P = 0.04). The intra-operative blood loss in Gr-1 and Gr-2 were 101.9 ± 21.7ml and 78.4 ± 30.7 ml respectively. There was a significant change in intraoperative blood loss and stoma size in Gr-2. The postoperative complications were managed conservatively. No recurrence over a period of 18 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

Plication of edges of anterior gastrostomy result in reduction in operative time, smaller anastomosis without complication and less intra-operative blood loss.

A Case of Incidental Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor in a Patient With Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis

Acute pancreatitis is a common clinical disorder of the pancreas that can present with walled-abdominal pain and vomiting. We report a case of a 45-year-old man with alcohol-related acute pancreatitis who developed a large walled-off pancreatic necrosis. Incidentally, the patient had a small gastrointestinal stromal tumor in the adjoining wall of the stomach that was missed on preoperative radiological imaging. A small submucosal lesion was detected during cystogastrostomy and was excised. The diagnosis of a gastrointestinal stromal tumor was confirmed on histopathology.

Pseudopancreatic Cyst Extending into the Mediastinum in a 7-Year-Old Child

Mediastinal pseudopancreatic cyst (MPP) is the extension of a pancreatic pseudocyst through esophageal or aortic hiatus into the posterior mediastinum. It can produce a range of manifestations caused by compression by the cyst, for instance, odynophagia, dysphagia, pericardial, or pleural effusion. Here we report a case of MPP in a 7-year-old child who was presented with repeated chest infections and left pleural effusion. It was successfully drained by cystogastrostomy.

Comparative outcomes of endoscopic ultrasound-guided cystogastrostomy for peripancreatic fluid collections: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:

Endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy has become the first-line treatment for symptomatic peripancreatic fluid collections. The aim of this study is to analyze the efficacy and safety of cystogastrostomy via a meta-analysis of the literature.

Methods:

We performed a systematic search of PubMed and Medline databases for studies published from January 2005 to May 2018. We included randomized controlled trials along with retrospective and prospective observational studies reporting endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy stent placement for peripancreatic fluid collections. The primary outcome for our meta-analysis was complete peripancreatic fluid collection resolution on imaging. Our secondary outcomes included comparative efficacy and safety of the procedure for pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis using metal and plastic stents.

Results:

Seventeen articles involving 1708 patients met our inclusion criteria for meta-analysis. Based upon the random effects model, the pooled technical success rate of cystogastrostomy was 88% (95% confidence interval = 83–92 with I² = 85%). There was no difference in the technical success rate between pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (91% and 86%, respectively p = nonsignificant). The adverse event rates for metal and plastic stents were equivalent (14% and 18%, respectively, p = nonsignificant).

Conclusion:

Endoscopic ultrasound–guided cystogastrostomy stents are effective in the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off pancreatic necrosis. We found no difference in technical success or adverse event rates of drainage based on peripancreatic fluid collection type or stent used.

Endoscopic cystogastrostomy versus surgical cystogastrostomy in the management of acute pancreatic pseudocysts

Background:

Studies comparing surgical versus endoscopic drainage of pseudocyst customarily include patients with both acute and chronic pseudocysts and the endoscopic modalities used for drainage are protean. We compared the outcomes following endoscopic cystogastrostomy (ECG) and surgical cystogastrostomy (SCG) in patients with acute pseudocyst.

Methods:

Seventy-three patients with acute pseudocyst requiring drainage from 2011 to 2014 were analysed (18 patients excluded: transpapillary drainage n = 15; cystojejunostomy n = 3). The remaining 55 patients were divided into two groups, ECG n = 35 and SCG n = 20, and their outcomes (technical success, successful drainage, complication rate and hospital stay) were compared.

Results:

The technical success (31/35 [89%] vs. 20/20 [100%] P = 0.28), complication rate (10/35 [28.6%] vs. 2/20 [10%]; P = 0.17) and median hospital stay (6.5 days [range 2–12] vs. 5 days [range 3–12]; P = 0.22) were comparable in both the groups, except successful drainage which was higher in surgical group (27/35 [78%] vs. 20/20 [100%] P = 0.04). The conversion rate to surgical procedure was 17%. The location of cyst towards tail of pancreas and presence of necrosis were the main causes of technical failure and failure of successful endoscopic drainage, respectively.

Conclusion:

Surgical drainage albeit remains the gold standard for management of pseudocyst drainage; endoscopic drainage should be considered a first-line treatment in patients with acute pseudocyst considering the reasonably good success rate.

Valproic Acid-Induced Severe Acute Pancreatitis with Pseudocyst Formation: Report of a Case

Valproic acid is the most widely used anti-epilep­tic drug in children, and it is probably the most frequent cause of drug-induced acute pancreatitis. Outcomes for patients with valproic acid-associated pancreatitis vary from full recovery after discontinuation of the drug to severe acute pancreatitis and death. Here, we present a case of valproic acid-induced severe acute pancreatitis with pseudocyst formation in a 10-year-old girl with cerebral palsy and generalized tonic-clonic seizure. There was no resolution of the pseudocyst after discontinuation of valproic acid. The patient became symptomatic with a progressive increase in the size of the pseudocyst. She was successfully treated with cystogastrostomy and was well at 12-month follow-up.

Laparoscopic gastroscopic transgastric cystogastrostomy and cholecystectomy for pseudopancreatic cyst after gallstone pancreatitis in children

A 15-year-old girl presented with gallstone pancreatitis. Subsequently, a pseudopancreatic cyst developed that was diagnosed on computed tomographic scan. She underwent a laparoscopic and gastroscopic transgastric cystogastrostomy. In the following report, we describe our novel approach and technique for the above condition.

Massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding - complication of pancreatic pseudocyst

Massive bleeding is an unusual complication of pancreatitis. Most patients have chronic pancreatic disorders associated with pancreatic pseudocyst. We present the case of a patient, aged 49 years, known with alcohol-induced chronic pancreatitis, corporeal-caudal pancreatic pseudocyst expanded in the omental bursa, admitted to the emergency room because of hematemesis and melena, the endoscopy revealing, as a source, the erosion through the posterior gastric wall by the pseudocyst. The gastrostomy and haemostasis in situ of the source and the pseudocyst-gastric anastomosis was the solution adopted, with favourable long-term evolution.

Laparoscopic cystogastrostomy for pancreatic pseudocyst: a case report

A 49-year-old man with a history of acute pancreatitis was hospitalized with a diagnosis of pancreatic pseudocyst. Ultrasonography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging all demonstrated a homogeneous cyst, 9 x 4 cm in size, at the tail of the pancreas without mural nodules or septa. Because an intestinal structure was identified between the cyst and stomach preoperatively by computed tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography, laparoscopic cystogastrostomy was carried out instead of percutaneous or endoscopic cyst drainage. The cyst was exposed by dissecting the lesser omentum and found to have no adhesion to the surrounding tissues. Anastomosis was performed using an endoscopic linear stapler via small cystotomy and gastrotomy openings on the lesser curvature, which were then sutured laparoscopically. The postoperative course was uneventful. Laparoscopic surgery is recommended as a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive treatment for managing pancreatic pseudocyst.