Minor papilla cannulation and dorsal ductography in pancreas divisum

Until recently, pancreas divisum represented a major technical barrier to a complete evaluation of pancreatic ductal anatomy. Technical refinements have now made it possible to achieve minor papilla cannulation and dorsal ductography in more than 90% of attempts. In 120 consecutive dorsal ductograms, structural pathology was demonstrated in 36 subjects (30%): chronic pancreatitis in 23, pancreatic stones in 10, pseudocyst(s) in 4, ductal "cut-off" in 7, pancreatic cancer in 3, and partial agenesis in 1 (some patients had more than one finding). For patients in whom alcohol abuse was excluded, ductal pathology was present in 25%. Abnormal ventral ductograms were present in only 8% of cases, demonstrating that dorsal ductography has an appreciable additional diagnostic yield. When the clinical situation indicates the need for pancreatography, minor papilla cannulation should be performed if major papilla cannulation fails or reveals only the ventral pancreatogram of pancreas divisum.

"Cloggology" revisited: endoscopic or surgical decompression of malignant biliary obstruction

In this study, 50 consecutive patients over age 60 with obstructive jaundice secondary to malignant stricture of the distal common bile duct were identified by endoscopic cholangiography. The patients were then randomized to palliative therapy with either endoscopic endoprosthesis or bypass surgery. Prospective indices of survival time, complication rates, hospitalization requirements, and quality of life were followed. All 25 patients randomized to endoprosthesis were treated by this procedure, whereas only 19 of 25 patients randomized to bypass surgery underwent operative biliary-digestive anastomosis. No difference in the above indices were found between the two groups. The authors concluded that palliation of obstructive jaundice due to a malignant bile duct stricture with endoscopically placed biliary stent is as effective as operative bypass.

Sphincter of Oddi manometry: decreased risk of clinical pancreatitis with use of a modified aspirating catheter

This study was undertaken to determine whether routine use of a modified triple-lumen five French sphincter of Oddi manometry catheter would reduce the frequency and severity of post-manometry pancreatitis and pancreatic enzyme elevation. Seventy-six patients were alternately assigned to undergo sphincter of Oddi manometry (SOM) with a standard perfusion (infused group) catheter or the newly developed aspiration (aspirated group) catheter. After SOM, there were significantly more patients in the infused group with both amylase and lipase values elevated at least two times the upper limits of normal at 2 (p less than 0.001), 6 (p = 0.01), and 18 hours (p = 0.03) after the procedure. As compared with the standard perfusion system, the aspiration catheter was associated with a decreased frequency of clinical pancreatitis (23.5% vs. 3%, p = 0.01) reduced hospital stay (5 +/- 1.83 days, mean +/- SE, versus 1 day; p = 0.03) and milder pancreatitis. The aspiration manometry catheter should be considered for standard use for SOM, particularly if the pancreatic duct sphincter is being evaluated.

Performing screening flexible sigmoidoscopy using colonoscopes: experience in 500 subjects

There is still controversy regarding the optimal length of flexible sigmoidoscopes. We performed screening distal colon examinations using 168-cm colonoscopes in 500 asymptomatic subjects who were unsedated and had sigmoidoscopy cleansing preparation. The mean depth of penetration was 66 cm and was similar in persons in whom the examination was discontinued because of poor preparation versus those with discomfort. Polyps were detected in 87 patients, but only 5 subjects had polyps detected above 60 cm. We conclude that in a group of unsedated subjects scheduled for flexible sigmoidoscopy after a sigmoidoscopy prep, the use of instruments longer than 60 cm gives very little additional yield.

Flexible sigmoidoscopy plus air contrast barium enema versus colonoscopy for suspected lower gastrointestinal bleeding

A randomized, controlled trial was performed to compare the diagnostic yields and cost-effectiveness of two strategies for the evaluation of nonemergent lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Three hundred eighty patients aged greater than or equal to 40 yr were randomized to undergo initial flexible sigmoidoscopy plus air contrast barium enema or colonoscopy; 332 completed the initial studies. Initial colonoscopy detected more cases of polyps less than 9 mm in size, adenomas, and arteriovenous malformations but fewer cases of diverticulosis. No significant difference was found between strategies in the number of patients detected with cancers or polyps greater than or equal to 9 mm in size. In both strategies, cancers were more common in subjects aged greater than or equal to 55 yr (8% overall) than in those aged less than 55 yr (1%). Among patients aged less than 55 yr with suspected lower gastrointestinal bleeding, initial flexible sigmoidoscopy plus air contrast barium enema is a more cost-effective strategy for the detection of colonic neoplasms than initial colonoscopy. However, initial colonoscopy is more cost effective for those aged greater than or equal to 55 yr.

Oral medications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy using a small diameter endoscope

We carried out a double-blinded, randomized prospective study to compare patient tolerance of small diameter endoscopes using limited potency oral premedication to complement topical anesthesia. Patients randomly received either oral placebo, diphenhydramine (100 mg), acetaminophen (1000 mg), or both drugs 30 to 60 min prior to endoscopy. All patients received topical Cetacaine and underwent upper endoscopy with the Olympus XP10 7.9-mm fiberscope. The combination of acetaminophen (1000 mg) and diphenhydramine (100 mg) significantly improved tolerance over topical anesthetic alone. Obvious sedation from the medications was infrequent. Gag response after a topical anesthesia was a significant predictor of patient tolerance. We conclude that small diameter endoscopes are well tolerated for diagnostic upper endoscopy. Oral premedications additionally improve tolerance slightly.

Diverticular disease: imaging with post-double-contrast sigmoid flush

In a prospective study, the effect of infusion of a low-density contrast material was evaluated as an adjunct to high-density, double-contrast imaging of the sigmoid colon. After double-contrast barium enema (DCBE) study, 52 consecutive patients with sigmoid diverticulosis received an additional 500-750-mL enema either with water or a 1.5% barium suspension for computed tomography. Rectosigmoid radiographs were evaluated for luminal distention, visualization of the interhaustral space, definition of diverticula, and interpretation of polypoid defects. While double-contrast views were excellent in 21% of patients, improvement in multiple factors by water or 1.5% barium flush resulted in improved sigmoid images in 65% and 75% of patients, respectively. Polyps were confirmed and artifactual defects confidently excluded. Sigmoid flush, particularly with low-density barium, is a simple adjunct to DCBE study that improves visualization of the diverticular sigmoid and increases interpretive confidence.

Endoscopic placement of collagen at the lower esophageal sphincter to inhibit gastroesophageal reflux: a pilot study of 10 medically intractable patients

Ten highly symptomatic and medically refractory refluxing patients were treated with a new endoscopic technique to decrease gastroesophageal reflux. Cross-linked bovine dermal collagen was injected beneath the mucosa in the area of the lower esophageal sphincter through a 23 gauge needle-tipped catheter. A mean volume of 85 ml of implant was injected in 0.5- to 4-ml increments over 3 to 10 injection sessions. All patients developed objective evidence of decreased reflux by one or more parameters. Nine out of 10 patients had decreased symptoms, and 8 of 9 patients had an increase in lower esophageal pressure after implant injection. Endoscopic implant treatment resulted in statistically significant improvement in symptom scores (p less than 0.001), the standard acid reflux test (p = 0.009), and lower esophageal sphincter pressures (p = 0.002), but not in the endoscopic appearance of the esophagus (p = 0.131). Subjective and objective improvements in reflux parameters generally lasted 6 to 9 months with return toward pretreatment status by 12 months. Antibodies to bovine collagen developed in 5 of 10 subjects with no clinical sequelae and no apparent reactivity with human collagen. The technique is not difficult to perform and is well tolerated by patients, and the results indicate the potential for more general use with a more suitable implant material.

Comparison of radially sensitive and circumferentially sensitive microtransducer esophageal manometry probes in normal subjects

Circumferentially sensitive microtransducer probes are commercially available for use in esophageal manometry, and may offer an advantage over radially sensitive microtransducer probes in sphincters with radial asymmetry. In order to compare performance of the two probes, we performed esophageal manometry in 30 healthy adult volunteers with both probes. In only three of 52 manometric parameters measured were differences between mean values for the two probes statistically significant. Intrasubject variability was significantly (p = less than 0.005) less with the circumferentially sensitive probe (coefficient of variation 37% vs. 53%).

Effect of instrument diameter on the depth of penetration of fiberoptic sigmoidoscopes

Newer fiberoptic sigmoidoscopes tend to have smaller diameter insertion shafts than older models. The extent to which this diameter affects how deeply an instrument can be inserted into the colon and the frequency with which sigmoidoscopes of different diameters could reach more proximal areas of the colon was evaluated. Instrument diameter did not influence the length of the sigmoidoscope shaft that could be introduced into the patient. However, when fully inserted to 60 cm, the 12-mm diameter sigmoidoscopes viewed significantly less of the sigmoid and descending colon than did the 16-mm diameter sigmoidoscopes. This lesser degree of anatomic depth of penetration has direct implications for the diagnostic capabilities of smaller diameter instruments.

The yield of routine duodenal aspiration for Giardia lamblia during esophagogastroduodenoscopy

Giardia lamblia, the most common intestinal parasite in the United States, may present with nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms when the infection is chronic. In order to determine how frequently the parasite could be detected in patients undergoing endoscopy for standard indications, duodenal aspirates were collected from 144 patients. Despite G. lamblia being endemic in the state (and therefore readily recognized in our laboratory), there was only one positive aspirate in the 144 specimens collected (0.7%) at this midwestern, tertiary care facility servicing a primarily middle class population. In the population sampled, routine duodenal aspiration for G. lamblia in patients not clinically suspected of having this parasitic infection is of very low yield.

A study of optimal length of flexible fiberoptic sigmoidoscopes for initial endoscopic training

Eighteen trainees with no prior fiberoptic endoscopic experience performed a total of 305 fiberoptic sigmoidoscopies using a colonoscope. Basic training, consisting of reading materials, lecture instructions, practice on a colon model, and observation of procedures, was completed prior to beginning patient examinations. Additional instruction was given between examinations. The performance of these examinations was an individual effort on the part of the trainee without verbal or mechanical assistance from the instructor after the initial ten examinations. All were performed with an instructor viewing through a teaching attachment. Total insertion distance was greater than or equal to 30, greater than or equal to 40, greater than or equal to 50, greater than or equal to 60 cm in 65, 60, 46, and 20 percent of examinations, respectively. Overall performance was better in those with prior rigid sigmoidoscopic experience (20 examinations). The mean examination time was 11.8 minutes. These data help to define the appropriate length of fiberoptic sigmoidoscope recommended for use by inexperienced endoscopists.

Training resident physicians in fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy. How many supervised examinations are required to achieve competence?

Twenty-five resident physicians performed 495 fiberoptic sigmoidoscopic examinations that were graded for overall skill according to a six-point competence scale. In general, 24 to 30 examinations were required to become competent at fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy. Trainees with prior rigid sigmoidoscopy experience achieved competence more quickly than those with no prior rigid sigmoidoscopy experience. As experience increased, unassisted insertion distance and luminal visualization increased, insertion time and assisted time decreased, and management scores and percent correct diagnoses improved. Trainees detected 93 to 100 percent of polyps and cancers viewed by the experienced sigmoidoscopist once competence was achieved. These data indicate that programs for training primary care physicians in fiberoptic sigmoidoscopy are feasible, help define the number of examinations required to become competent, and indicate that such trainees should be effective in cancer screening.

Sensitivity of double-contrast barium study for left-colon polyps

A blinded, prospective study was conducted to determine the sensitivity of double-contrast barium enema examination (DCBE) in detecting left-colon polyps. Metal clips were endoscopically placed on normal mucosa either adjacent to polyps (in 65 study subjects with 92 polyps) or not adjacent to polyps (in 50 control subjects). DCBE had a high sensitivity for detection of polyps greater than or equal to 1 cm and 6-9 mm in size (100% and 83% detection, respectively) but was insensitive in detecting polyps in the 4 to 5-mm and 2 to 3-mm size ranges (56% and 22% detection, respectively). The factors contributing most commonly to false-negative interpretations were the presence of air bubbles, overlap of bowel loops, and luminal fecal debris. No error in radiographic technique was evident to account for false-negative interpretations in 14 (41%) of 34 polyps that were not detected by DCBE.

Gastric concretion forming around a suture nidus and mimicking a gastric polyp on radiographs

A small gastric mass was detected by upper GI X-ray series and found at endoscopy to be a concretion hanging from a suture at a previous gastrostomy site. The suture was clipped and the concretion was removed endoscopically. Sutures protruding into the gastric lumen may serve as a nidus for the formation of concretions and because of their fixed position, these masses may mimic neoplasms on upper GI X-rays.

Familial gastroesophageal reflux and development of Barrett's esophagus

The family of an elderly man with Barrett's esophagus was examined for gastroesophageal reflux and development of Barrett's esophagus. All five living children have gastroesophageal reflux or esophagitis, or both, and three have unequivocal Barrett's esophagus. Two third-generation descendents have gastroesophageal reflux. This pattern suggests autosomal dominant transmission of the gastroesophageal reflux trait. The family also has a high prevalence of cancer, which may represent the cancer family syndrome.

Endoscopic tape dilator--a simple and inexpensive method to dilate upper gastrointestinal strictures

Adhesive tape wound around the shaft of an upper GI endoscope serves as a simple method to dilate upper GI strictures under endoscopic control. This technique avoids the need for guidewires and fluoroscopy.

Pancreas divisum. Detection and management

Pancreas divisum is a variant of pancreatic ductal drainage. Its existence is being observed more frequently with the widespread use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). On occasion, a relative stenosis of the accessory sphincter will cause a symptom complex which includes nausea, vomiting, upper abdominal pain, and intermittent pancreatitis. In 20 patients seen over the past 4 years, symptoms have been severe enough to consider the patient for transduodenal sphincteroplasty. The use of morphine prostigmine stimulation as a screening tool, has been helpful in 79 per cent of the patients in the series. Intravenous secretin has been a valuable adjunct to both ERCP identification and cannulation of the duct, as well as in two patients in whom the diagnosis was only suspected, and confirmed at the operating table. Operative common duct manometry has shown 40 per cent of the patients to have abnormal flow dynamics, suggesting possible disturbance in the biliary sphincter, as well as the accessory pancreatic sphincter. Pathologic examination has demonstrated abnormal gallbladders in nine of nine patients without previous cholecystectomy. The suggested procedure of dual sphincteroplasty has resulted in no mortalities, but a 50 per cent complication rate. Follow-up shows 70 per cent of the patients to be currently asymptomatic, two patients have had recurrent pancreatitis, and four patients have other problems causing continued post-operative pain. This study suggests dual sphincteroplasty is an acceptable form of therapy for patients with pancreatic divisum and no other source for their pain. Further follow-up will be necessary to insure that therapy is truly curative.

An improved technique for accessory papilla cannulation in pancreas divisum

Cannulation of the accessory papilla with dorsal pancreas ductography was accomplished in 13 of 15 consecutive cases of pancreas divisum. When routine cannulation of the main pancreatic papilla fails to produce a pancreatogram or yields only a ventral pancreas, the use of intravenous secretin and a 23-gauge needle catheter is recommended to facilitate accessory duct cannulation.