Diagnosis of small-bowel pathology using paired capsule endoscopy with two different devices: a randomized study

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Capsule endoscopy is an established technique in the evaluation of obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. The primary aim of the study is to compare the diagnostic yield of the two different capsule endoscopes.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Patients with signs of mid-gastrointestinal bleeding after negative upper endoscopy and colonoscopy studies were included. Patients were randomized to undergo two capsule endoscopies using different capsule endoscopes (Given Pillcam SB and Olympus EndoCapsule) in random order.

RESULTS

Forty patients (18 women, 22 men) were included in the study. All EndoCapsules reached the colon within the mean recording time of 591 +/- 52 minutes, whereas 33 out of 40 PillCam SB reached the colon within the mean recording time of 471 +/- 27 minutes. Lesions were detected in 31 patients: with both devices in 24, only by PillCam SB in 2, and, conversely, only by EndoCapsule in 5 (not significant). With regard to lesions with high bleeding potential (P2 lesions), PillCam SB detected them in 22 patients, EndoCapsule in 25 patients (not significant). In all four cases of intestinal P2 lesions that were not detected by the PillCam SB but were detected by the EndoCapsule, the PillCam SB had not reached the cecum.

CONCLUSION

In this study there was a statistically nonsignificant trend for the EndoCapsule to detect more bleeding sources in patients with suspected small bowel bleeding than did the PillCam SB, which may have been due to the longer recording times with the currently available EndoCapsule.

[Techniques and complications in post-interventional and long-term enteral nutrition]

Enteral nutrition in patients is a well established procedure. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy has been widely used to maintain long-term enteral nutrition and has become the method of choice. Under careful observation of indication, contraindication and technique the risk of complication of PEG is reduced drastically. The enteral nutrition via PEG is a step of the multimodal treatment in critically ill patients.

Prospective nonrandomized comparison of two modes of argon beamer (APC) tumor desobstruction: effectiveness of the new pulsed APC versus forced APC

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM

Argon plasma coagulation (APC) has become an established noncontact method of tumor palliation in a variety of locations. The present prospective study evaluated a new APC system (APC-2) using amplified power settings and different application modes, such as intermittent energy delivery (pulsed APC) in comparison with the conventional technique (forced APC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 100 patients with esophageal, gastric, or rectal tumors were alternately (but not randomized) enrolled and treated with either pulsed APC (n = 46) or forced APC (n = 54). Parameters to assess the palliative effect were: amount of lumen restoration ((1/3), (2/3), complete), objective planimetry, stenosis length, treatment time, and number of APC sessions.

RESULTS

Overall response rate was similar in both groups (pulsed 83 %, forced 87 %), the same was found in the subgroups with different amounts of lumen restoration and for the other objective parameters. However, the tumor debulking effect was achieved in a significantly shorter median treatment time with forced compared with pulsed APC (13.6 vs. 18.2 minutes, P = 0.03), with a similar number of treatment sessions in both groups. Complications also occurred with similar frequency in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no significant difference in overall local tumor response between the two modes of APC application. However, data from this nonrandomized study suggest a faster achievement of response with forced APC. A combination of both modes may be superior.

[In-hospital mortality of acute hemorrhage of esophageal/fundus varices: an analysis of blood glucose level and other risk factors in 99 consecutive patients]

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The analysis of risk factors in acute variceal bleeding may help to optimize patient management. The influence of hyperglycemia, which has been demonstrated for different diseases in the intensive care unit, has not been investigated for acute variceal bleeding.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive series of 99 patients with acute variceal bleeding treated in our clinic between 1996 and 2005. Possible risk factors leading to death during the hospital stay were analysed.

RESULTS

The in-hospital mortality was increased in patients with a raised Child-Pugh index of cirrhosis, active bleeding during emergency endoscopy and an elevated creatinine concentration. The baseline blood glucose value was of no prognostic value.

CONCLUSION

Even in the current management of variceal bleeding the Child-Pugh index for cirrhosis as well as and active bleeding during emergency endoscopy remain decisive factors in the short-term prognosis. In contrast to other diseases occurring in the intensive care unit, hyperglycemia or insulin resistance plays no significant role.

Unklare hepatische Raumforderungen: Häufigkeit von Adenokarzinom-Metastasen eines unbekannten Primärtumors

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The diagnostic approach to newly detected space-occupying lesions in the liver can be difficult and a histogenetic classification of the primary tumor is impossible in some cases. Such cases of metastatic disease without a detectable primary tumor are classified as cancer of unknown primary site (CUP). The incidence of this diagnosis depends on the clinical and histochemical methods used. It was the main aim of this study to analyze the true incidence of adenocarcinoma metastases of the liver with an unknown primary cancer after application of a standardized protocol of clinical and immunhistochemical diagnostic tests and a long-term follow-up.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 2000 and January 2003 127 consecutive patients underwent diagnostic ultrasound-guided biopsy of a space-occupying lesion in the liver. Based on the histopathology and immunochemistry a well defined and individually adapted diagnostic algorithm was employed (endoscopy, imaging).

RESULTS

44 females and 83 males, median age 66.8 years, were enrolled into the study. Primary tumors of the liver were found in 21 cases and non-hepatocellular tumors (metastases) were documented in 106 patients, 82 of the latter (77%) had metastases of an adenocarcinoma. The further diagnostic approach was based on histochemistry, immunhistochemistry and imaging techniques, making possible a full diagnosis of primary tumor in a further 59 (72%) cases. Thus the incidence of an adenocarcinoma of the liver of unknown primary site was 23 of 127 cases (18%).

CONCLUSIONS

Although there is a wide variety of modern diagnostic methods today, the histogenetic classification of hepatic metastases is not always possible. However, in the last few years diagnostic advances have occurred based on modern immunhistochemical methods. This immunhistochemical definition has made it possible to avoid an oppressive "overdiagnosis" and offer patients early and appropriate therapeutic options.

[Bowel imaging--capsule endoscopy]

The small bowel has ever since been the "black box" of endoscopy. The long distance from mouth to anus limits the use of conventional endoscopy for the multiple complex looped configurations. For some years now the new technology of wireless capsule endoscopy allows the endoscopic imaging of the complete small bowel. After ingestion of a small pill-size video capsule a continuous series of images is transmitted to an external recorder, whose data can be reviewed after completion of the examination. Compared to other diagnostic tools like push-enteroscopy, capsule endoscopy proves higher diagnostic yield for the detection of bleeding sources in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. Its results for this task seem to be comparable to those of intraoperative endoscopy, so far considered as gold standard. Capsule endoscopy also opens up new horizons in diagnosing different small-bowel affections like Crohn's disease and polyposis syndromes. Complication rate is low, the main problem being the entrapment of the capsule in a previous unknown stricture which limits its use in Crohn's disease considerably. To date capsule endoscopy needs further evaluation in respect to outcome and cost-effectiveness in order to confirm its role as an important diagnostic tool for the small bowel.

In vitro evaluation of forces exerted by a new computer-assisted colonoscope (the NeoGuide Endoscopy System)

BACKGROUND

The NeoGuide Endoscopy System (NES) utilizes a fully articulated, computer-controlled insertion tube that allows proximal segments of the colonoscope to follow the path taken by the tip as it is manually advanced through the colon. The system was designed to eliminate looping and scope displacement during colonoscopy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Using in vitro testing, an inanimate flexible model of the colon incorporating four force transducers located at the key flexure points was employed to measure the axial forces on the colon wall during colonoscopy. In the second part of the study, 10 gastroenterologists performed colonoscopies, using a training latex-based simulator, with the NES and with a standard colonoscope. Colonic displacement was independently assessed by six gastroenterologists, with each evaluating endoscopist assigning a score between 0 and 5 corresponding to the maximum colonic displacement observed at any location.

RESULTS

The average measured forces (in lbs) at three of the four flexure points were significantly lower ( P < 0.05) when the NES was used. The mean colonic displacement was significantly lower for procedures performed with the NES compared with the standard colonoscope (2.36 vs. 4.26, P < 0.001). Interobserver agreement regarding the degree of colonic displacement due to looping was moderate (weighted kappa = 0.45, P < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Colonoscopy with the NES was associated with significantly less looping and lateral force required for advancement than procedures with a standard colonoscope. The reduced amount of looping suggests that use of the NES in patients might be associated with less discomfort and thus require less sedation.

Patientenakzeptanz der MR-Kolonographie: Eine prospektive Erhebung im Vergleich zur konventionellen Koloskopie

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Precondition for establishment of magnetic resonance colonography (MRCG) as a diagnostic tool in secondary prevention of colorectal cancer is not only high diagnostic accuracy but also a good acceptance amongst patients. The aim of this study was to compare post-examination appraisal of patients for MRCG to that of bowel preparation and conventional colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

88 patients (24 women, 64 men, mean age 67 +- 17,3 years) were interviewed by a standardized questionnaire regarding pain/discomfort (scale from 1 to 10), overall assessment of difficulties and preference for future tests. After bowel cleansing, MRCG and conventional colonoscopy were performed on the same day. Bowel cleansing consisted of drinking about 5 liters of a polyethylene glycol-electrolyte solution. For MRCG the colon was filled with ca. 2000 ml of tap water. Imaging was performed with a 1.5T MR scanner in the prone position.

RESULTS

Most unpleasant for the patients was the preceding bowel preparation (70%), followed by colonoscopy (14%) and MRCG (8%). The preferred method was MRCG (58%) followed by colonoscopy (20,5%). The most unpleasant symptoms named by patients were the amount of oral electrolyte solution that had to be drunk (34%), abdominal pressure (25%), nausea (24%) because of bowel preparation, body positioning (25%) and rectal tube (13%) during MRCG, abdominal pressure (19%) and pain (18%) during colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Patients' acceptance of MRCG indicates that it has a potential role as an additional diagnostic tool in secondary prevention of colorectal cancer.

Course of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (ERD)--a prospective examination under therapeutic daily life conditions with a mean follow-up of 6.5 years

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic screening for Barrett's esophagus is an accepted base for surveillance strategies of Barrett's esophagus; data on the natural history of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (ERD) are sparse. Therefore, we performed a prospective long-term follow-up examination of the course of ERD to confirm the recommendation of a once-in-lifetime endoscopy as a screening programme for Barrett's esophagus.

METHODS

Patients not older than 60 years with reflux symptoms and a first time diagnosis of ERD or Barrett's esophagus at the time of inclusion were identified. Patients were followed up by a further upper GI endoscopy after at least 5 years. They were interviewed about clinical symptoms and medication use.

RESULTS

One hundred and thirty-five patients were included. Follow-up data were obtained for 115 patients. Seventy-one patients (22 female, 49 male, average age: 48.3 years; range: 22-60 years) remained in the programme, 37 patients died from unrelated diseases within the follow-up period (mostly due to cardiovascluar diseases). Seven patients were excluded because of missing videoendoscopy. The average follow-up period was 78.3 (range: 60-85) months. During this time, 76 % of the patients received medical therapy. Only three patients (4.5 %) showed progression of erosive lesions, whereas two patients developed a short-segment Barrett's esophagus without intraepithealial neoplasia. These 5 patients received no medical therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Progression of ERD is an unlikely event. Once-in-lifetime endoscopy is an adequate screening tool that may serve as a basis for a Barrett's esophagus surveillance program.

A phase I/II multicentric trial of gemcitabine and epirubicin in patients with advanced pancreatic carcinoma

Potential synergistic interaction between gemcitabine (GEM) and epirubicin (EPI) in pancreatic cancer have been described previously. The maximum-tolerated dose in this trial was GEM 1000 mg m⁻² and EPI 45 mg m⁻². Median time to progression was 5.1 months and median survival time 7.4 months. This combination appears well tolerated and shows promising clinical activity.

Long-Segment early squamous cell carcinoma of the proximal esophagus: curative treatment and long-term follow-up after 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment for the ablation of dysplastic Barrett's epithelium and early esophageal carcinoma, but no data have been published on curative 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-PDT for long-segment early esophageal cancer with infiltration of the upper sphincter. We describe successful curative treatment of an unusual early long-segment squamous cell carcinoma (uT1a,N0) of the proximal esophagus (18 - 28 cm aborally), with three sessions of 5-ALA-PDT. Endoscopic and endosonographic follow-up macroscopically showed a complete remission of the tumor, proven by biopsy showing total histological ablation. After a follow-up period of 23 months, there has been no indication of tumor recurrence. Early superficial (< 3 mm) squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus can be ablated completely by 5-ALA-PDT. However, long-term follow-up is required in order to prove the effectiveness of endoscopic ablation therapy for early esophageal cancer.

Management der Ulkusblutung

Bleeding peptic ulcers are responsible for about half of all upper gastrointestinal hemorrhages, one of the most frequent gastroenterological emergencies. In its pathogenesis, infection with Helicobacter pylori and the use of ulcerogenic drugs play a dominant role. Endoscopy has to be performed urgently when a decline in hemoglobin and/or hemodynamic instability occurs. The indications for local endoscopic therapy depend on the Forrest criteria, which include bleeding and the presence or absence of a blood clot or visible vessel. Local endoscopic therapy comprises injections and mechanical or thermal procedures. The efficacy of these procedures has been demonstrated. Additionally, proton pump inhibitors are administered. The prognosis for bleeding ulcers depends on the endoscopic findings as well as the age and comorbidity of the patients.

[Space-occupying lesion of the pancreas--how frequently not due to a suspected ductal adenocarcinoma?]

In patients with a space-occupying lesion of the pancreas at first a primary ductal adenocarcinoma is considered as the cause. Other tumours or metastases are assumed to occur very rarely. Therapy and prognosis of other pancreas tumours differ from therapy and prognosis of a primary ductal adenocarcinoma. We therefore examined the question of how frequently a space-occupying lesion of the pancreas was not due to a ductal adenocarcinoma in our case materials. Retrospectively 70 patients who had undergone a percutaneous puncture of a space-occupying mass of the pancreas under ultrasonographic control were included in the study (34 women, 36 men). In 62 patients a clear histological diagnosis was possible on the basis of the biopsy. In 53 cases (76 %) a primary adenocarcinoma of the pancreas could be diagnosed. In 5 patients (7 %) these masses turned out to be metastases of a previously known malignant tumour disease (2 x mammary carcinoma, 2 x gastric carcinoma, 1 x sigmoid carcinoma). Other tumours could be detected in 4 cases (6 %) including a tuberculoma, an endocrine tumour, a fusocellular sarcoma with partial neurogenic differentiation and a large-cell and pleomorphic-cell anaplastic, partly sarcomatoid carcinoma. In patients with a space-occupying lesion of the pancreas, tumours other than a ductal adenocarcinoma are not rare. In particular, in cases of a previously known malignant tumour disease a space-occupying lesion of the pancreas can also turn out to be a metastasis. Every other individual tumour entity is rare. Other tumour entities at large, however, are found in daily routine. The preoperative biopsy of space-occupying lesions of the pancreas, therefore, still has a clinical importance for the further therapy planning.

Frequency of Small Bowel Polyps in Patients with Duodenal Adenoma but without Familial Adenomatous Polyposis

INTRODUCTION

It is uncertain whether patients with duodenal adenomas without familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at greater risk for small bowel neoplasia. We therefore conducted a study to determine the frequency of small bowel polyps in patients with non-papillary duodenal adenomas using capsule endoscopy for small bowel examination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

14 patients (8 women, 6 men; mean age 67 +/- 10 years; range: 49 - 77 years) with non-papillary duodenal adenomas without FAP were included. All patients underwent wireless capsule endoscopy. The results were compared with an age- and sex-matched cohort of patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for suspected small bowel disease.

RESULTS

Overall, 15 polyps ranging between 1 and 8 mm in diameter were detected in eight patients of the study group, whereas no polyps could be identified in the control group. Natural excretion of the capsule within 24 hours was always reported and no complications were reported by any of the patients. Other pathological findings were multiple angiodysplasias in two patients of the study group. In the control group capsule endoscopy detected angiodysplasias in 5 patients with the indication obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and inflammatory lesions in 2 patients with suspected Crohn's disease.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of this prospective study, the frequency of small bowel polyps in patients with duodenal adenomas without familial adenomatous polyposis appears to be increased compared with a control group undergoing capsule endoscopy for other reasons. In none of the patients was the management altered. Follow-up data of these patients will be needed.

[Rare cause of cholestatic hepatitis]

When bile duct obstruction is ruled out newly developed icterus is mainly caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, autoimmune hepatitis or drug induced hepatopathy. We report on a 30 year old previously healthy patient with cholestatic hepatitis which was caused by infection with Treponema pallidum. Cholestatic hepatitis resolved after administration of penicillin without recurrence.

Konsekutiver Vergleich von 3 verschiedenen Typen selbstexpandierender Metallstents zur Palliation der malignen Dysphagie: Ergebnisse aus dem prospektiven Ludwigshafener Ösophagus-Stentregister

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic stenting with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) has proved to be an efficient palliative endoscopic therapy option in treating malignant dysphagia. Different types of SEMS have been examined previously in small randomized clinical trials.

METHODS

A total of 150 consecutive patients (from 1/1995-1/2004; 35 females, 115 males) with a median age of 66 years (range 43-94 years) were evaluated. Three different types of SEMS were examined: Group A: Gianturco Z Stent n = 59 pts.; Gruppe B: Ultraflex Stent n = 49 pts.; Gruppe C: Flamingo Wallstent n = 42 pts.). Dysphagia was categorized into grade 0 (no dysphagia) to grade 4 (total obstruction).

RESULTS

Stent insertion was successfully evaluated in 55/59 (93 %) of the patients in group A, in 47/49 (96 %) of the patients in group B and in 40/42 (95 %) of the patients in group C (p = 0.78). After stent insertion, a reduction in the dysphagia score from 2.77 to 0.99 was observed in group A, from 2.58 to 0.72 in group B and from 2.62 to 0.81 in group C (p = 0.37). The median time to dysphagia recurrence was 78 days in group A, 90 days in group B and 70 days in group C (p = 0.45). The median overall survival time was 96 days in group A, 118 days in group B and 108 days in group C (p = 0.18). The incidence of high grade complications was 34 % in group A, 16 % in group B and 17 % in group C (p = 0.04).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3 types of SEMS examined in this study showed similar efficacies in treating malignant dysphagia. However, the major complication rate of the Gianturco Z stent was significantly higher when compared to the complication rate of the Ultraflex stent and the Flamingo Wallstent.

Incomplete conventional colonoscopy: magnetic resonance colonography in the evaluation of the proximal colon

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The purpose of this study was to evaluate dark-lumen magnetic resonance (MR) colonography prospectively in patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty-two patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy underwent same-day dark-lumen MR colonography on the basis of a standard protocol. The depiction of colorectal diseases was assessed in the following colon segments: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. The reasons for incomplete colonoscopy included high-grade stenosis in 26 patients (four with occlusive cancer, 12 with fibrotic stenosis based on recurrent sigmoid diverticulitis, eight with Crohn's-induced stenosis, and two with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug colonopathy), extreme patient intolerance in one patient, and technical challenges associated with an elongated colon in five patients. The results of MR colonography were compared with the findings of the initial conventional colonoscopy, the histopathological outcome, and follow-up colonoscopy when possible.

RESULTS

All high-grade stenoses were confirmed on MR colonographic data sets. Of the 26 patients with high-grade stenosis, 19 underwent surgery with histopathological confirmation of the initial diagnosis. Follow-up colonoscopy was carried out in 14 patients with surgically treated high-grade stenosis. In six of these 14 patients, nine polyps identified at the initial MR colonography were confirmed and removed during a postoperative conventional colonoscopy. Two polyps (5 mm and 8 mm in diameter) identified on postoperative conventional colonoscopy had not been seen preoperatively at MR colonography. One polyp seen on MR colonography was not identified in the follow-up colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION

Dark-lumen MR colonography is a feasible and useful method of evaluating the entire colon in patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy.

Follow-up after endoscopic snare resection of duodenal adenomas

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

Premalignant duodenal polyps are considered to be rare. Recurrence after local excision is reported to be frequent, so many authors propose radical surgical treatment of these tumors. The aim of this study was to determine the long-term outcome after endoscopic resection of duodenal adenomas.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between January 1990 and April 2003 we retrospectively evaluated a group of patients who presented with nonampullary duodenal villous tumors but who did not have a polyposis syndrome.

RESULTS

Duodenal polyps were diagnosed in 21 patients during routine endoscopy during the study period. Of these, 18 patients (6 men, 12 women; median age 67, range 50 - 81), with a total of 20 duodenal adenomas, were enrolled into the study. The median size +/- SD of the tumors was 27.5 +/- 12 mm (range 8 - 50 mm). Of these 20 tumors, 18 adenomas were tubulovillous, one was tubulous and one was villous. Nineteen polyps were treated by snare excision and one adenoma was treated with argon plasma coagulation alone. Argon plasma coagulation was applied to polyps in six patients after snare excision during this initial treatment phase. The success rate for endoscopic adenoma removal after a 3-month interval was 55 %. After a median follow-up period of 71 months (range 22 - 151 months), 12 patients remained in remission. Local recurrences of the lesion occurred in five patients (25 %) and these were re-treated. None of the patients developed carcinoma during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic snare excision of duodenal adenomas is an effective mode of treatment but an endoscopic surveillance program is mandatory in order to detect and treat recurrence.

[Interventional endoscopy for benign and malignant bile duct strictures]

During the past years several endoscopic and interventional techniques have been developed for the treatment of bile duct strictures and have had a strong impact on therapeutic regimens. Benign stenoses of the bile duct are mainly caused by cholecystectomy or liver resection or by inflammatory diseases. Insertion of an endoprosthesis insertion or balloon dilation is clinically successful in 60 to 90 % of these patients and will result in adequate opening of the stricture. To date, only bile duct stenosis in chronic pancreatitis are not improved satisfactorily by endoscopy. The insertion of an endoprosthesis is a cornerstone in the treatment of malignant obstructive jaundice in patients with cancer. Several comparative studies have demonstrated the advantages of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) over plastic prostheses in terms of patency. A selective use of SEMS is mandatory, as the costs for SEMS are high and many patients with malignant jaundice will die with their first plastic prosthesis in situ without stent occlusion. In patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma, the combination of photodynamic therapy and endoprosthesis insertion might result in a survival advantage. The use of bioabsorbable stent materials or coating of the stent with antiproliferative drugs will improve the treatment results in the future.

Does Cytokeratin7/20 immunoreactivity help to distinguish Barrett's esophagus from gastric intestinal metaplasia? Results of a prospective study of 75 patients

Barrett's esophagus is a recognized risk factor for the development of esophageal dysplasia and carcinoma. Unfortunately, gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia arising in Short Segment Barrett's esophagus can be indistinguishable histologically on hematoxylin/eosin stains. Distinct patterns of CK 7 and CK 20 immunohistochemical expression have been demonstrated to be both highly sensitive and specific for Barrett's esophagus, but have not been found in gastric metaplasia. The aim of our study was to test whether immunostaining with CK 7/20 helps to distinguish between Barrett's epithelium and gastric incomplete metaplasia. Cases of long segment Barrett's esophagus, short segment Barrett's esophagus, and cases with a normal gastroesophageal junction, as well as specimens with gastric antral intestninal metaplasia, were examined: three patterns were defined. Barrett's pattern (superficial CK 20 staining; superficial and crypt CK 7 staining); gastric pattern (superficial and crypt staining of both markers); other patterns (different from Barrett and gastric types). Seventy-five patients were enrolled in this study, 26 with long segment Barrett's esophagus, 21 with short segment esophagus, 13 with intestinal metaplasia of the cardia, and 18 with antral intestinal metaplasia. The Barrett pattern showed a high specificity of 97%, but a sensitivity of only 30% in patients with short segment Barrett esophagus. Our results do not confirm the hypothesis that CK 7/20 immunostaining can be used for a reliable differentiation between incomplete intestinal metaplasia and Barrett's epithelium.

Die Diagnose einer Leberzirrhose: Ein Vergleich der Wertigkeit von Standardlaparoskopie, Minilaparoskopie und Histologie

BACKGROUND

The superiority of laparoscopy with guided biopsy over biopsy alone is established. It is still uncertain if this is also true for midi-/ and mini-laparoscopy.

AIM

The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic gain of laparoscopic-guided biopsy for standard laparoscopy and the use of midi-/mini-laparoscopies. Characteristics of the liver biopsies were investigated with regard to a missed diagnosis of cirrhosis.

METHODS

In a consecutive series of 425 patients clinical, laparoscopic and histological findings were investigated. The length and fragmentation of the liver biopsies were investigated with regard to a missed diagnosis of cirrhosis.

RESULTS

The sensitivity of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of cirrhosis was 96 %, that of histology 68 %. The sensitivity of histology alone was especially low in macronodular cirrhosis. The sensitivity of both laparoscopy and histology improved from Child A to C. When cirrhosis was apparent, liver biopsies were shorter and more frequently fragmented. However, the diagnosis of cirrhosis was independent of these parameters.

CONCLUSION

Mini-laparoscopy may replace standard laparoscopy and appears to be superior compared with histology alone.

Patient acceptance of diagnostic laparoscopy

PURPOSE

To assess patient acceptance of diagnostic conventional laparoscopy and minilaparoscopy under sedoanalgesia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

120 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic laparoscopy were enrolled prospectively in this study. Within the first week after diagnostic laparoscopy the patients were asked to answer a total of eight questions with regard to the acceptance of the procedure.

RESULTS

The inconvenience of laparoscopy was assessed with a mean of 1.6 on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no inconvenience, 10 = very unpleasant). The discomfort in the two days following laparoscopy were graded with a mean of 2.1 on a scale from 0 to 10 (0 = no inconvenience, 10 = very unpleasant). There was no difference between conventional laparoscopy and minilaparoscopy. Only 10% of the patients described laparoscopy more inconvenient in comparison to diagnostic gastroscopy, whereas 29% of the patients assessed diagnostic gastroscopy more inconvenient.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnostic laparoscopy under sedoanalgesia is a very well tolerated procedure. There is no difference between conventional laparoscopy and minilaparoscopy.

Diagnostic laparoscopy

Each diagnostic procedure needs to be viewed in the context of all the other available diagnostic tools, and therefore has to be reevaluated periodically. This is also true of diagnostic laparoscopy, whether performed by gastroenterologists in patients under sedoanalgesia or by surgeons in patients under general anesthesia. Publications during the previous year have shed light on many important issues. Despite its greater expense, fluorescence laparoscopy may have advantages over white-light laparoscopy in the diagnosis of small tumor seeding. The unchanged superiority of laparoscopy over other imaging modalities for detecting small superficial liver metastases and peritoneal seeding has been clearly demonstrated. Whether cytological investigation of peritoneal washing can add relevant information to laparoscopy remains a matter of debate. Diagnostic laparoscopy before surgery has proved to be effective in many fields, including traumatology. The use of diagnostic laparoscopy in certain clinical circumstances, such as the early postoperative period after major cardiac surgery using extracorporeal circulation, appears promising. A transgastric approach to the peritoneal cavity for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, the feasibility of which has been demonstrated in a porcine model, is an exciting innovation with as yet unforeseeable implications.

Komplikationen der internistischen Laparoskopie

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

The frequency of diagnostic laparoscopy performed by internists has increased for several years once again -- especially performed as minilaparoscopy. A determination of the value of diagnostic laparoscopy is possible only with knowledge of the complication rate.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We reviewed a consecutive series of 675 laparoscopies (422male, 253 female, age 15 - 85 ) from 1996 to 2003 in our clinic. Possible risk factors for complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

Minor complications occurred in 35/675 (5,2 %) laparoscopies, major complications in 8/675 (1,1 %) laparoscopies. There was no significant difference between conventional and minilaparoscopies. The existence of Child C cirrhosis was the only significiant risk factor identified for the occurrence of a major complication.

CONCLUSION

Both conventional and minilaparoscopy have an acceptable rate of complications. When Child C cirrhosis is present, laparoscopy should be restricted to very few patients, as the complication rate is elevated in this condition.

Long-term outcome of percutaneous transhepatic drainage for benign bile duct stenoses

PURPOSE

The occurrence of benign bile duct stenoses is mostly associated with prior biliary surgery, pancreatic diseases or sclerosing cholangitis. It remains a challenging problem for gastroenterologists and surgeons, especially in case the endoscopic approach is not possible. The exact role of percutaneous transhepatic stenting for these patients has not been clearly defined yet.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

36 patients with symptomatic benign bile duct stenoses or strictures after surgery underwent percutaneous transhepatic stenting and were studied prospectively. We were particularly interested in how many patients would achieve resolution of the stricture and tolerate removal of the drainage in the long-run.

RESULTS

The primary success rate of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was 92% (33/36 patients). All patients presented improvement of jaundice and cholestasis. Relief of the stricture and clinical improvement was achieved in 72% (26/36) of patients after a median stenting time of 14.5 (6-34) months. 5.5% (2/36) required further stenting due to a persistent stricture. A clinical recovery without radiological stricture regression after stenting demonstrated 22% (8/36) of patients. Long-term failures were noted in 27% (10/36) of patients after a median follow-up of 48 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous transhepatic stenting of symptomatic benign biliary strictures is safe and highly effective in achieving adequate internal bile drainage. There seems to be a therapeutic benefit not only for short-term interventional treatment but also as a sufficient long-term therapeutic alternative to surgery with tolerable complication rates.

Predictions and associations of cholecystectomy in patients with cholecystolithiasis treated with extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is effective in the treatment of symptomatic cholecystolithiasis in well-selected patients. We analyzed the predictors of cholecystectomy in a large series of gallstone patients after ESWL. This was a retrospective follow-up cohort-study of consecutive patients undergoing ESWL for symptomatic cholecystolithiasis over a 9-year period. It was possible to analyze a total of 297 patients; there were 211 women and 86 men, with a mean age of 52 years (range, 8-81 years). Patients that had been cholecystectomized after ESWL were compared to patients with their gallbladder still in situ and determinants of cholecystemctomy in terms of clinical, stone, and gallbladder parameters and symptoms analyzed. The mean duration of follow-up was 99 months (range, 27-134 months). During follow-up, 106 (36%) patients underwent a cholecystectomy at a mean of 34 months (range, 0-127 months) after ESWL. Histological data showed a normal gallbladder wall in only 4 cases; 101 examinations revealed some kind of (chronic) inflammation, which was not different from histological gallbladder results in patients without prior lithotripsy. Three gallbladder polyps were found, but no carcinoma. Cholecystectomy after ESWL of gallbladder stones was strongly associated with persitent and/or renewed biliary symtoms. Nevertheless, only three of four patients became asymptomatic after CE. Thus, ESWL proved to be a valuable organ-preserving alternative to cholecystectomy in selected patients.

[Scrotal abscess with inguinal lymph node swelling in an 86-year-old man]

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS

An 86-year-old patient presented to our clinic with increasing redness and swelling of the right scrotum and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Five and a half years before admission carcinoma of the bladder (pT1,G2) had been diagnosed and was treated with several transurethral endoscopic resections as well as repeated instillations of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) into the bladder.

INVESTIGATIONS

Orchiectomy on the right side was performed. Histological analysis revealed a granulomatous inflammation consistent with a mycobacteriosis. Mycobacterium bovis BCG could be isolated from several sputum and urine specimens of the patient.

DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE

Tuberculostatic therapy was started soon after surgery. After seven weeks of treatment no more mycobacteria could be detected in sputum and urine control specimens. At a follow up after twelve months there was no evidence of recurrent disease.

CONCLUSION

We describe the late manifestation of a BCG infection including the lungs and the urogenital tract. This is a rare complication with potentially serious consequences and requires rapid diagnosis and urgent treatment by a multidisciplinary team.