The comparison of percutaneous ethanol and polidocanol sclerotherapy in the management of simple renal cysts

Review of outcomes of using lower ethanol concentration (83%) in percutaneous ultrasound-guided renal cyst sclerotherapy in dogs

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous renal cyst sclerotherapy (PRCS) as a treatment for renal cysts is usually performed with a high concentration of ethanol (≥ 90%). This study reviewed cases in which a lower concentration of ethanol (83%) was used for the procedure in dogs.

METHODS

Records of cases of renal cysts treated by sclerotherapy using 83% ethanol in dogs were reviewed. Outcomes of the treatment were evaluated by comparing volumes of renal cysts before the procedure and the volumes after treatment, using ultrasound images with the volume reduction rates classified as follows: < 50% of initial volume (failed); ≥ 50% but < 80% of initial volume (partial success); ≥ 80% but < 95% of initial volume (great success); ≥ 95% of initial volume (complete success).

RESULTS

Out of nine dog kidneys, renal cysts sclerotherapy with 83% ethanol achieved partial success in one kidney, great success in four, and complete success in the other four. No side effect was observed. The mean of the volume-reduction rates was 90.00 ± 11.00 while the minimum and maximum reduction rates were 65% and 100%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The lower ethanol concentration (83%) is good for disinfecting kidneys in PRCS.

Effects of microwave ablation on cysts and cystic neoplasms with tissue-mimicking model: an ex vivo study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Microwave ablation (MWA) is a promising modality that needs to be further investigated for cystic lesions. The present study aimed to determine the effects of MWA on cysts and cystic neoplasms with a tissue-mimicking model.

METHODS

Twenty New Zealand White rabbits were randomly divided into Group A (cyst mimic models, n = 10, φ = 5 cm) and Group B (cystic neoplasm mimicking models, n = 10, φ = 5 cm). For each group, ex vivo rabbit healthy bladder and VX2-implanted tumor bladder were fixed and embedded in agarose gel to mimic cyst and cystic neoplasm. In the MWA experimental subgroups, microwave antennas guided by computed tomography (CT) were introduced into these models. A system thermometer was placed at the outer edge of the bladder wall to monitor temperature changes. Immediately after MWA, ex vivo rabbit healthy bladders and VX2-implanted tumor bladders were harvested for gross anatomy and prepared for pathological evaluation.

RESULTS

A total of twenty cyst and cystic neoplasm mimicking models were successfully developed. Ninety percent of the MWA procedures were successful, and no peri-procedural complications were encountered. The temperature of the cystic wall increased with duration in both MWA experimental subgroups and an effective ablation temperature (>60 °C) was achieved. Pathological examination of the cyst and cystic neoplasm mimic models revealed degenerative necrosis of the bladder wall mucosal epithelial cells, loss of bladder wall tissue structure and coagulative necrosis of VX2 tumor cells.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that MWA could cause thermal damage to the tissue structure of cyst and cystic neoplasm, and it is an effective technique for treating cystic diseases.HIGHLIGHTSex vivo rabbit healthy bladder and VX2-implanted tumor bladder were fixed and embedded in agarose gel to mimic cyst and cystic neoplasm.The temperature of the cystic wall increased with MWA duration and an effective ablation temperature (> 60 °C) was achieved.MWA could cause thermal damage to the tissue structure of the cyst and cystic neoplasm and it is effective in treating cystic diseases, as assessed by histopathology.

Efficacy of Lauromacrogol Injection for Ablation of Benign Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules and Related Factors: A Prospective Study

OBJECTIVE

To prospectively evaluate the efficacy of lauromacrogol injection for ablation (LIA) of benign predominantly cystic thyroid nodules and its related factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 142 benign predominantly cystic thyroid nodules (median volume, 12.5 mL; range, 0.4-156 mL) in 137 patients (male:female sex ratio, 36:101; mean age ± standard deviation [SD], 49 ± 13 years) were treated with LIA after being confirmed as benign via cytology. The volume reduction rate (VRR) of the nodules and cosmetic score were evaluated during follow-up at 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment and every 6 months thereafter. A VRR of ≥ 50% at the 12-month follow-up was considered to indicate effective treatment. The associations between the clinical factors and nodular ultrasound features, including the initial nodule volume, proportion of solid components, vascularity grade and ineffective treatment (VRR of < 50% at the 12-month follow-up), and regrowth were analyzed.

RESULTS

All patients completed follow-up for at least 12 months. The average ± SD follow-up period was 32 ± 11 months (range, 12-54 months). The effective treatment rate was 73.2% (104/142), while the regrowth rate was 12.0% (17/142) at the last follow-up. Grade 2-3 intranodular vascularity in the solid components of the nodules was the only independent factor associated with ineffective treatment, with an odds ratio (reference category, grade 0-1) of 3.054 (95% confidence interval, 1.148-8.127) (p = 0.025).

CONCLUSION

LIA is an effective treatment for predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. Grade 2-3 intranodular vascularity in the solid components of nodules is the only independent risk factor for ineffective LIA.

Comparison of polidocanol sclerotherapy with laparoscopic deroofing in the management of pediatric symptomatic simple renal cysts: A long-term study

OBJECTIVE

To compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy and laparoscopic deroofing in the management of pediatric symptomatic simple renal cysts.

METHODS

Forty-six patients with symptomatic simple renal cysts (cyst size ≥ 4 cm) were treated either with polidocanol sclerotherapy (group A) or by laparoscopic deroofing (group B) between December 2009 and October 2019. The patients were re-evaluated at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter.

RESULTS

Twenty-one patients were treated with polidocanol sclerotherapy (group A) and 25 patients with laparoscopic deroofing (group B). The mean follow-up period was 58.7 months (14-107) in group A and 57.2 months (12-118) in group B. Complete regression was seen in 19 (90.5%) and 24 (96%) patients in groups A and B, respectively (p<0.05). Partial regression was documented in one patient each in group A (4.8%) and B (4%). In one group A patient, a laparoscopic deroofing was performed due to sclerotherapy failure after 27 months. The operation time, postoperative hospital stay, and cost were significantly less in group A than in group B (36.3±8.4 vs. 96.9±19.1, 19.7±2.4 vs. 56.0±8.6, and ¥8173±1343 vs. ¥14119±2021, respectively; p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Polidocanol sclerotherapy and laparoscopic deroofing were found to be equally effective interventions associated with minimal complications for pediatric symptomatic simple renal cysts. We recommend polidocanol sclerotherapy as the first option for children with symptomatic simple renal cysts and laparoscopic deroofing in cases of failed polidocanol sclerotherapy.

Radiologically guided percutaneous aspiration and sclerotherapy of symptomatic simple renal cysts: a systematic review of outcomes

Simple renal cysts are common benign lesions of the kidney with up to 4% of patients developing symptoms necessitating intervention including pain and haematuria. We conducted a systematic review of the literature to determine the efficacy and safety of aspiration-sclerotherapy of symptomatic simple renal cysts. A systematic review using Cochrane guidelines was conducted on published literature from 1990 to 2020. RCTs, cohort studies and case series meeting the inclusion criteria were reviewed and cumulative analysis of outcomes was performed. A total of 4071 patients from 57 studies underwent aspiration ± sclerotherapy for their simple renal cysts. 87.7% of patients who had aspiration with sclerotherapy demonstrated 'treatment success' with a >50% reduction in cyst size and complete resolution of symptoms. 453 minor, transient complications occurred (11.2%) whilst a major complication rate of less than 0.1% (4 patients) was reported. Pooled analysis of all available current literature demonstrates that aspiration-sclerotherapy is a safe and effective first-line therapy for symptomatic simple renal cysts. Although we are unable to compare those undergoing aspiration alone to aspiration-sclerotherapy, it is evident the use of a sclerosing agent is integral to treatment success; however, the optimum agent, volume, injection frequency, and dwelling time are yet to be defined. Cyst size should be considered when discussing treatment options; however, we conclude it reasonable for aspiration-sclerotherapy to be used in the first instance in all cases of symptomatic simple renal cysts. Furthermore, we propose definitions of treatment outcome measures in order to allow direct comparative analysis across future studies.

Development of Glycerol-Rose Bengal-Polidocanol (GRP) foam for enhanced sclerosis of a cyst for cystic diseases

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a common genetic disorder that results in a proliferating and enlarging cyst and ultimately leads to loss of kidney function. Because an enlarged cyst is a primary factor for limited kidney function, the large cyst is surgically removed by laparoscopic deroofing or sclerosant. This a relatively nascent treatment method entails complications and sometimes fail due to the cyst fluid refilling and infection. This study proposes using a more stable and effective polidocanol foam with glycerol and Rose Bengal (GRP form) to prevent cyst regeneration and irritation, which is caused by the required body movement during the treatment. Specifically, the foam retention time and viscosity were increased by adding glycerol up to 10% (w/v). The GRP form inhibited cellular proliferation and disrupted cellular junctions, e-cadherin, and cyst formation, demonstrated by the LDH, Live and Dead, and re-plating culture assays. The GRP foam was shown to be a safe and effective treatment as a commercial grade polidocanol foam form by an in vivo study in which subcutaneously injected mice injected with commercial 3% polidocanol, and the GRP foam showed no difference in inflammation. Thus, this study provides an advanced polidocanol form by adding glycerol and Rose-Bengal to help existing sclerotherapy.

A Painless and Time-Saving Modified Technique for Simple Renal Cyst Treatment with Single-session Ethanol Sclerotherapy

Percutaneous puncture ethanol sclerotherapy is a simple, effective, minimally invasive, and inexpensive procedure to manage symptomatic simple renal cysts. We modified specific technical aspects to balance certain potential intraprocedural factors for ensuring minimal procedural pain and duration as well as maximal clinical therapeutic effects and evaluated the safety and efficacy of this modified technique. A total of 84 eligible patients underwent computed tomography-guided single-session ethanol sclerotherapy using the conventional (group A) or modified (group B) technique. In group B, the puncture route was modified from tansparenchymal to direct for reducing renal injury, and preinjection of low-dose intracystic lidocaine was used to control distending pain caused by ethanol injections; therefore, greater ethanol volumes could be injected for improving the resistance and contact of ethanol with the cyst wall, precluding the need for patient repositioning multiple times to decrease procedural duration. Visual analog scale score for pain and procedural time were significantly higher in group A than in group B. The complication rate was slightly higher in group A than in group B, but the success rate was comparable between the two groups. These results suggest that the modified technique is painless, time-saving, and injury-reducing and can thus improve medical care.

Efficacy and complications of ultrasound-guided injection of different sclerosing agents in treatment of simple hepatic cyst

BACKGROUND

In recent years, ultrasound intervention technology has developed rapidly. Ultrasound-guided injection of sclerosing agent in the treatment of simple hepatic cyst has the advantages of less trauma, less complications, simpler operation, and significant effect, which has attracted more and more attention in clinical practice, and become the first-choice treatment for simple hepatic cyst. However, its clinical effects are closely related to the type of sclerosing agent used.

AIM

To investigate the clinical effects of ultrasound-guided injection of different sclerosing agents in the treatment of simple hepatic cyst.

METHODS

The clinical data of 126 patients with simple hepatic cyst (a total of 126 simple hepatic cysts) treated at our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. According to the sclerosing agent used, they were divided into either a polidocanol group (63 cases, ultrasound-guided injection of polidocanol) or a hyperosmolar glucose group (63 cases, ultrasound-guided injection of hyperosmolar glucose). The complications during operation and at 1 mo after operation, and the clinical effects at 3 mo were compared between the two groups.

RESULTS

The total effective rate (98.41%) of the polidocanol group was significantly higher than that of the hyperosmotic glucose group (73.02%) (P < 0.05). The total incidence of postoperative complications (7.94%) of the polidocanol group was significantly lower than that of the hyperosmotic glucose group (22.22%) (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound-guided injection of sclerosing agents in the treatment of simple hepatic cyst is effective, while the efficacy and safety of injection of polidocanol are better than those of hypertonic glucose.

Efficacy Assessment of Ultrasound Guided Lauromacrogol Injection for Ablation of Benign Cystic and Predominantly Cystic Thyroid Nodules

Background

To assess the efficacy and safeness of ultrasound guided lauromacrogol injection for ablation of benign cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

Methods

From July 2016 to July 2018, 102 patients with 107 nodules were treated with ultrasound guided lauromacrogol injections for ablation and 43 nodules completed at least 12 months follow-up. Nodules sonographic characteristics, volume changes before and after USG-LIA, and complications were evaluated.

Results

Mean nodule volume decreased from 17.27 ± 20.51 ml to 5.35 ± 14.68ml (P < 0.05), and the overall resolution rate (volume reduction rate > 50%) was 91.67% in purely cysts and 75.90% in predominantly cystic nodules at the last follow-up. Within 6 months after treatment, the volume of the target nodule at each follow-up was smaller than the previous one (P < 0.001 for all). However, there was no significant difference of volume change between the 6th month and the 12th month. No severe complications occurred in this study.

Conclusion

Ultrasound guided lauromacrogol injection for ablation is an effective and safe treatment modality in both purely cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

Comparison of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Polidocanol Injection Versus Percutaneous Ethanol Injection for Treatment of Benign Cystic Thyroid Nodules

OBJECTIVES

We compared the efficacy, safety, and cost-effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol injection and percutaneous ethanol injection for the treatment of benign cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

METHODS

A total of 135 cystic thyroid nodules treated by percutaneous ethanol injection and 136 cystic thyroid nodules treated by percutaneous polidocanol injection were enrolled retrospectively in this study from May 2010 to March 2016. The nodules were followed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Nodule volumes, symptoms scores, and cosmetic scores were assessed before treatment and at follow-up. The therapeutic success rate, safety, and cost-effectiveness between the groups were also compared.

RESULTS

No significant differences in the reduction of the nodule volume, volume reduction rate, and therapeutic success were observed between the groups with cystic and predominantly cystic thyroid nodules during follow-up (P > .05). Neither the cosmetic scores (P = .59; P = .42) nor the symptom scores (P = .32; P = .73) in the cystic and predominantly cystic nodules were significantly different between the groups at the last follow-up. The complication rates for ethanol were higher than those for polidocanol (P < .05). However, the cost of polidocanol injection was higher than that of ethanol injection for cystic thyroid nodules (mean ± SD, US$97.18 ± US$22.17 versus US$43.36 ± US$5.51; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol injection can be an alternative for sclerotherapy of cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules. However, its cost was higher than that of percutaneous ethanol injection.

A prospective study on the safety and effectiveness of using lauromacrogol for ablation of pancreatic cystic neoplasms with the aid of EUS

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

With the development of imaging techniques, the detection rate of pancreatic cystic neoplasms (PCNs) has increased. The surgical morbidity and mortality rates of PCNs are quite high. This study is intended to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of a minimally invasive treatment, EUS-guided PCN ablation with lauromacrogol.

METHODS

From April 2015 to May 2016, 120 patients with PCNs were enrolled to undergo EUS. We prospectively studied 29 of the 120 patients who underwent EUS-guided ablation with lauromacrogol. The follow-up contrast-enhanced CT or magnetic resonance image was conducted at 3 months and then 6 months after ablation. We determined the effectiveness of ablation by the changes in the volume of the cysts.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were enrolled in the study, and 7 of them underwent a second ablation; therefore, there were 36 treatments. The mean tumor diameter was 28.6 ± 14.5 mm preoperation, whereas the diameter postoperation was 13.4 ± 10.5 mm. Mild pancreatitis occurred in 2 patients and moderate fever in 1; they occurred in the cysts located in the head/uncinate. Among the 29 treatments with complete follow-up of 9 months (range, 3-15), 11 had complete response and 9 had partial response. The resolution rate was 37.9% (11/29) with 36.4% (8/22) in the cysts of the head/uncinate and 42.9% (3/7) in the body/tail (P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

EUS-guided PCN ablation with lauromacrogol is safe and efficient. Adverse event rates seem to be higher in the head/uncinate than in the body/tail, but their resolution rates are similar. Further studies involving larger populations and longer follow-ups are warranted.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous polidocanol sclerotherapy in benign predominantly cystic thyroid nodules: a prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous polidocanol injection (PPI) in treatment of predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This prospective study included 111 patients with 122 benign predominantly cystic thyroid nodules inducing pressure symptoms or cosmetic problems. The nodules were randomized to a single aspiration with (n = 61) or without (n = 61) subsequent PPI and followed up after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Ten patients (12 nodules) declined to follow up after aspiration in group 2. Nodule volumes, symptoms scores, and cosmetic scores were evaluated before and after treatment. The therapeutic success rate and safety of PPI for treatment of predominantly cystic thyroid nodules were also evaluated.

RESULTS

In the PPI group, the nodule volumes were reduced from 13.67 ± 9.90 to 2.60 ± 2.66 (p < .001). Therapeutic success rate (nodule volume reduction >50%) was obtained in 57 of 61 (93.44%) nodules in the PPI group, compared to seven of 49 (14.29%) in the aspiration group (p < .001). In the aspiration group, the nodule volume was not significantly reduced. The reduction in symptom scores was significantly higher in the PPI group (from 3.60 ± 1.65 to 1.60 ± 1.19) than in the aspiration group (from 3.62 ± 1.89 to 3.30 ± 1.06) (p < .001, between groups). The reduction in cosmetic scores showed a significant difference between groups (p < .001). In total, 4.92% of patients (3/61) in the PPI group and 85.71% (42/49) in the aspiration group showed recurrence during the follow-up period. There was a significant difference in the recurrence rate between groups (p < .001). No major side-effects occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

US-guided PPI of benign recurrent predominantly cystic thyroid nodules is effective and safe. PPI is an important alternative to benign recurrent predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

Efficacy and Safety of Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Polidocanol Sclerotherapy in Benign Cystic Thyroid Nodules: Preliminary Results

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous polidocanol injection (PPI) in treating cystic thyroid nodules.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 158 cystic or predominantly cystic thyroid nodules (>80% cystic component) in 143 patients were evaluated. 114 patients with compressive symptoms or aesthetic complaints were offered PPI. 44 individuals without compressive symptoms and aesthetic complaints who were only followed up clinically were used as the control group. The efficacy and safety of PPI were evaluated for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of follow-up.

RESULTS

In the PPI group, the mean baseline volume of 15.6 ± 18.9 cm³ reduced at the 1-month follow-up to 5.1 ± 5.6 cm³ (p < 0.001) and 0.6 ± 0.9 (p < 0.001), and nodules shrunk according to the time after PPI (p < 0.001). A complete response (if ≥70% decrease) to PPI at the 12-month follow-up occurred in 100% of the cystic or predominant cystic nodules. None of the nodules recurred at the 12-month follow-up after PPI. The side effects were mild. Twenty patients (17.5%) developed mild localized pain, and fourteen cases (12.3%) experienced mild or moderate fever after PPI.

CONCLUSIONS

PPI is a safe and effective alternative to treat benign cystic or predominant cystic thyroid nodules.