A Novel Approach: Transumbilical Endoscopic Exploration and Biopsy for Patients with Unknown Ascites

Feasibility and Safety of Transgastric Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery in the Diagnosis of Ascites of Unknown Origin

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of transgastric natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (TG-NOTES) combined with biopsy in the diagnosis of unknown ascites. Method: This retrospective study used data from the first affiliated hospital of Nanchang university on 51 patients who were diagnosed with ascites of unknown origin between January 2013 and May 2019 and experienced peritoneal biopsy through TG-NOTES. The outcome measures included diagnostic accuracy and procedure-related adverse events. Results: TG-NOTES was performed successfully in 46 of 51 patients, tuberculous ascites in 38 cases, carcinomatous ascites in 4 cases, cirrhotic ascites in 1 case, and 3 cases showed no obvious abnormalities in pathological result. Five cases failed to be diagnosed because of abdominal adhesions. The diagnostic rate of TG-NOTES was 84.3%. There were no severe procedure-related adverse events and no mortality. All patients had good wound healing and no complaint of discomfort on follow-up. Conclusion: The majority of ascites of unknown origin can be expounded through TG-NOTES combined with biopsy without severe complication, therefore, it is a feasible and safe method to detect the cause of unexplained ascites.

Diagnosis of malignant versus tuberculous ascites using tumor markers and globulin ratios in serum and ascites: A Fisher discriminant model

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

This study was conducted to investigate the significance of tumor and biochemical markers in serum and ascitic fluid in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous and malignant ascites.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Based on findings from natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery and postoperative pathology or cytology of 63 patients, they were divided into the malignant group (31 patients) and the tuberculous group (32 patients). Levels of tumor markers, albumin, globulin, and lactate dehydrogenase were measured simultaneously. Data were statistically analyzed, and a Fisher discriminant model was established. The receiver operating characteristic curve was constructed to confirm the discriminant value.

RESULTS

The levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), cancer antigen 125 (CA125), cancer antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9), and globulin in serum and ascitic fluid were different between the tuberculous and malignant ascites groups (P < .05). The ratios of ascites-to-serum levels of CEA, CA125, and CA 19-9, as well as the ratio of serum-to-ascites of globulin levels, were different between the two groups (P < .05). The Fisher discriminant model was established based on the ascites-to-serum ratios of CEA, CA125, and CA 19-9 levels and the serum-to-ascites ratio of globulin levels. The area under the curve was 0.908, the sensitivity was 0.838 (26/31), and the specificity was 0.875 (28/32).

CONCLUSION

A Fisher discriminant model can be established using serum and ascites tumor markers and globulin ratios, which is valuable in the differential diagnosis of tuberculous versus malignant ascites.

Transvaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of ascites of unknown origin

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) has been established in animal models and human studies, but few clinical studies have investigated transvaginal NOTES in the diagnosis of unexplained refractory ascites. We aimed to assess the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of transvaginal NOTES for the diagnosis of unexplained ascites in female patients.

METHODS

A prospective study was done involving 3 female patients with unexplained ascites. After general anesthesia and disinfection, a 1.0-cm incision was made in the posterior fornix of the vagina. A gastroscope was inserted into the abdominal cavity through the transvaginal incision and an artificial pneumoperitoneum was created; NOTES peritoneoscopy was performed to scrutinize the pathologic changes. Endoscopic biopsy specimens were obtained for pathologic examination. The transvaginal incision was closed by direct suturing.

RESULTS

Transvaginal NOTES for diagnostic peritoneoscopy was successfully performed in 3 patients. The mean operative time was 61 minutes. The estimated blood loss was 5 to 10 mL. The pathologic diagnoses were tuberculosis for all patients, and the symptoms and ascites disappeared after antituberculosis therapy. During the 4-year follow-up, no clinically significant adverse events occurred in any patient after NOTES. No patient experienced an annex inflammation, vaginitis, dyspareunia, or sexual dysfunction. All patients were comfortable and satisfied with the nonscarring surgical procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

Transvaginal NOTES for the diagnosis of unexplained ascites is feasible, effective, and safe. This method had no long-term effect on female sexual function and is particularly suitable for women who have special aesthetic requirements. (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR-TRC-10001053.).

C-reactive protein and insulin-like growth factor-1 in differential diagnosis of ascites

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are produced mainly by the liver; the output of these markers in response to inflammatory processes may be affected in patients with hepatic dysfunction. This may explain the differences in IGF-1 and CRP values in patients with non-portal and portal hypertension ascites. We aimed to evaluate serum and ascitic fluid IGF-1 and CRP as diagnostic markers in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites.

METHODS

In this prospective study, 398 consecutive patients with ascites were included. Serum and ascitic fluid levels of IGF-1 and CRP were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

RESULTS

Patients were divided into group 1, due to benign ascites (n = 324), and group 2, due to malignant ascites (n = 74). Serum and ascitic IGF-1 were significantly increased in malignant ascites than benign ascites group [305 ± 65.7 ng/mL vs 95 ± 53.8 ng/mL; P < 0.001 and 288 ± 54.7 ng/mL vs 83.2 ± 36.7 ng/mL; P < 0.001], respectively. Serum and ascitic CRP were significantly higher in malignant ascites than benign ascites patients [12.8 ± 6.3 mg/mL vs 6.1 ± 4.9 mg/mL; P < 0.001 and 5.1 ± 2.2 mg/mL vs 1.6 ± 1.3 mg/mL; P < 0.001], respectively. At a cutoff value of 309.4 ng/mL and 7.8 mg/mL, serum IGF-1 and CRP had (95.1%, 81%) sensitivity and (88.6%, 75.5%) specificity for detecting malignant ascites [area under the curve: 0.932, 0.845], respectively. At a cutoff value of 291.6 ng/mL and 2.6 mg/mL, ascitic IGF-1 and CRP had (94.6%, 84%) sensitivity and (83.2%, 80.3%) specificity for detecting malignant ascites (area under the curve: 0.911, 0.893) correspondingly.

CONCLUSION

Elevated serum and ascitic fluid IGF-1 and CRP levels were associated with malignant ascites.

Significance of serum and ascitic fluid C-reactive protein in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant ascites

BACKGROUND

The values of C-reactive protein (CRP) can prove useful in determining disease progress. Because of synthesis by the liver, production of CRP in response to inflammation may be attenuated in patients with liver dysfunction. This may result in differences interpreting CRP levels in patient with portal and non-portal hypertension ascites.

AIM

The aim of the present study is to assess discriminant value of serum and ascitic fluid CRP, which is easily accessible and inexpensive laboratory marker of inflammation, concentrations for diagnosis of underlying cause of ascites.

METHODS

This prospective study was conducted at Dıskapı Yıldırım Beyazıt Educational and Research Hospital Department of Gastroenterology. Patients with ascites were further divided into two subgroups based on underlying cause of ascites: Group 1, patient with ascites due to portal hypertensive etiology (high-gradient ascites); Group 2, patient with ascites due to non-portal hypertensive etiology (low-gradient ascites).

RESULTS

A total of 91 patients fulfilling the criteria for a diagnosis of ascites were enrolled in the study. Of these patients, 50 had proven (Group 1) ascites due to portal hypertensive etiology (high-gradient ascites) and 41 had clinical (Group 2) ascites due to non-portal hypertensive etiology (low-gradient ascites). Mean baseline serum and ascites levels of CRP were significantly higher in Group 2 compared to those in Group 1 (p = 0.021, p = <0.0001, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased levels of serum and ascitic fluid CRP were associated with malignant ascites.

Natural-orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES): minimally invasive evolution or revolution?

Since the first animal experimental laparoscopy in 1902, minimal access techniques have revolutionized surgery. Using the natural orifice dates back to at least the second century when Soranus performed a vaginal hysterectomy. The main difference between traditional endolumenal surgery and the translumenal approach of natural-orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is the intentional puncture of a healthy organ in NOTES to access a cavity or other organ. The aim of this review was to examine the past, present, and potential future role of NOTES in the context of other developments in minimal access surgery. NOTES is at an early stage in its development and a convincing benefit over laparoscopy has not been demonstrated. Concerns regarding complications, for example of viscerotomy closure, have limited the widespread uptake of pure NOTES. However, it is likely that technological advances for NOTES surgery will enhance conventional laparoscopic and endoscopic techniques.

Chinese physician perception of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery

BACKGROUND

A gross difference of opinion prevails amongst the physicians about the acceptance of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES).

AIMS

The purpose of this study was to explore the Chinese physician perception of NOTES.

METHODS

This is a questionnaire-based study, which was conducted during a conference on gastroenterology and endoscopy. The information was obtained from the participants about the demographic and practice characteristics and their perception of NOTES.

RESULTS

The study recruited 221 physicians: 192 gastroenterologists and 29 surgeons. The physicians' awareness of NOTES prior to the survey showed the same confidence with NOTES as compared to those with no knowledge about it (24.2 vs. 25.6 %; P = 0.99). The NOTES preference was not different between female and male doctors (21.8 vs. 26.3 %; P = 0.5952). More surgeons (47.6 %) opted for NOTES as treatment or recommended it for their families than gastroenterologists (21.1 %; P = 0.0165). However, the multivariate analysis confirmed that the physicians chose NOTES only if their hospital had already performed NOTES on humans successfully (OR = 3.53, 95 % CI 1.17-10.60; P = 0.0247). The gastroenterologists believed more often than surgeons that NOTES had the potential to become a mainstream procedure (96.9 vs. 81.0 %; P = 0.0084); but the inclination for NOTES training was similar in both groups (96.9 vs. 95.2 %; P = 0.8027). Safety of NOTES was their major concern and the choice of ideal entry point was thought to be the key barrier to NOTES clinical application. Hybrid NOTES was regarded as the best method for NOTES clinical application at the time of the study.

CONCLUSIONS

Physicians were hesitant when considering the NOTES approach. However, most of the physicians were interested in NOTES training and had confidence in NOTES.

Use of natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery in the diagnosis of suspected tuberculous peritonitis: a retrospective case series of 7 patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

In cases of ascites of unknown etiology, tuberculosis peritonitis (TBP) is a possible cause but a diagnostic challenge. This retrospective case series assessed the effectiveness and safety of diagnostic natural orifice translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES(®); American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy [Oak Brook, IL] and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons [Los Angeles, CA]) in 7 consecutive patients with suspected TBP.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

Between September 2011 and August 2012, peritoneal biopsy was performed using transgastric NOTES for subsequent histology in 7 consecutive hospitalized patients who presented with ascites and were diagnosed with suspected TBP. The outcome measures included diagnostic accuracy and procedure-related morbidities.

RESULTS

Diagnostic NOTES was successfully completed in all 7 patients. Peritoneoscopy with NOTES went uneventfully and lasted 5-10 minutes. Typical peritoneal nodules characteristic of TBP were identified in all patients and confirmed pathologically as TBP. No clinically significant adverse events occurred in any patients following NOTES, except for 1 patient who experienced mild and transient pyrexia. Postoperative blood culture detected no microbial growth. Follow-up upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed that the gastric wall wound healed well with minimal scarring. All patients were prescribed a standard four-drug antituberculosis chemotherapy regimen. The treatment outcomes were determined to be effective or curative, and no relapse was detected within the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS

NOTES is an effective and safe diagnostic technique in patients with suspected TBP presenting as ascites of unknown etiology.