Successful Nonsurgical Treatment of Pneumomediastinum, Pneumothorax, Pneumoperitoneum, Pneumoretroperitoneum, and Subcutaneous Emphysema following ERCP

Delayed Perforation After Endoscopic Resection of Upper Gastrointestinal Tumors: CT Findings to Identify Patients Requiring Surgery

PURPOSE

To determine the clinical and imaging factors associated with surgical treatment in patients with delayed perforation after endoscopic resection of upper gastrointestinal tumors.

METHODS

We retrospectively included patients with delayed perforation after endoscopic tumor resection for gastric or duodenal tumors between January 2007 and December 2021 in a tertiary hospital. We compared the clinical, endoscopic, and CT findings of the surgical and conservative treatment groups. Univariable and multivariable analyses were performed to identify significant factors associated with surgery.

RESULTS

Among 10,423 patients who had undergone endoscopic tumor resection, 52 (0.50%) experienced delayed perforation, with 20 patients (35.5%) treated surgically and 32 patients (64.5%) treated conservatively. The CT findings of gross perforation (adjusted odds ratio [OR]=6.75, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-43.89; P=0.045) and presence of peritonitis (OR=34.26, 95% CI, 5.52-212.50; P<0.001) were significantly associated with surgical treatment. Other clinical factors as well as CT-measured amount of pneumoperitoneum were not significant factors.

CONCLUSIONS

CT findings of gross perforation and peritonitis are significant factors associated with surgery in delayed perforation after endoscopic tumor resection. These factors can aid in guiding the patients towards an appropriate treatment plan.

Pneumo-peritoneum, pneumo-retroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography with sphincterotomy-an uncommon complication case report

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is invasive for pancreaticobiliary diseases. Perforation is a rare but severe complication among its associated risks. A 45-year-old female with biliary colic and multiple gallbladder calculi was diagnosed with choledocholithiasis based on imaging showing CBD dilation and gallstones. ERCP was planned for stone removal. Sphincterotomy was performed, but stone retrieval attempts failed, leading to severe pneumo-peritoneum and respiratory compromise. Immediate CBD stenting was done, avoiding surgical intervention. The patient recovered uneventfully, later undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy with CBD exploration and stone removal. ERCP-related perforations, rare but severe, involve retroperitoneal air collection. Clinical signs include abdominal discomfort, and imaging confirms diagnosis. Management varies by type, with some requiring surgical repair. Conservative management sufficed in this case, with successful patient recovery. ERCP-related complications like pneumo-peritoneum require prompt diagnosis and conservative management if no perforation is evident.

Concurrent acute pancreatitis, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum following ERCP-related perforation: A rare and insightful case study

This case report details an extraordinary occurrence following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in a 42-year-old woman. Despite ERCP being a commonly performed procedure, this case presented an unusual combination of acute pancreatitis, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum resulting from a Stapfer type III perforation. The patient managed conservatively with nil per os, nasogastric tube, intravenous fluids, pain relief, and antibiotics, exhibited clinical improvement. Remarkably, resolution of complications occurred without surgical intervention. This case underscores the significance of vigilance in diagnosing and appropriately managing ERCP-related complications, contributing to the broader understanding of these rare events and fostering improved patient outcomes.

Endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube placement through a periampullary perforation for management of intestinal leak and necrotizing pancreatitis

Video 1Management of ampullary perforation by endoscopic nasobiliary drainage tube placement through the perforation for suctioning out leaked intestinal juice and indicating the presence of the hepatic portal vein.

Management of spontaneous and iatrogenic perforations, leaks and fistulae of the upper gastrointestinal tract

Upper gastrointestinal perforations, leaks and fistulae are relatively common occurrences with a growing number of these complications occuring as a result of therapeutic advancement and adoption of newer and bolder endoscopic therapies. Historically, these were predominantly managed surgically; however, owing to high morbidity and mortality associated with surgical repair, endoscopic options are preferable. Over the past decade, vast expansion in the endoscopic armamentarium for the management of perforations, leaks and fistulae has led to endoscopic management now being the first-line treatment. Here, we will review the endoscopic modalities including through-the-scope clips, over-the-scope clips, stents, vacuum therapy, endoscopic sutures and sealants. In addition, we will discuss nonendoscopic approach to management including early recognition of perforations, ways to reduce septic complications and format algorithms to guide therapy for different scenarios. However, it is important to stress that there is a lack of high-quality randomised studies to clearly guide management of such complications, resulting in a wide variation of approaches in management by specialists. Each case requires some degree of individualisation due to the potential array of problems encountered and patient-specific co-morbidities. In the future, more robust studies are clearly required to better guide specialist management.

Endoscopic Treatment of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography-Related Duodenal Perforations

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related duodenal perforation is a rare complication associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study evaluated endoscopic management experience and outcomes of ERCP-related duodenal perforations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between March 2005 and March 2017, a total of 19,468 ERCP procedures were performed in three endoscopy units of three hospitals in China. Diagnoses, management, and outcomes were identified and retrospectively reviewed in 58 of these patients.

RESULTS

According to the classification system, 58 patients included 8 with type I, 44 with type II, 4 with type III, and 2 with type IV perforation. Of type I perforations, 7 patients underwent endoscopic closure with endoclips, and 1 patient was treated with surgical repair. Of type II perforations, 11 patients were actively managed using the fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (SEMS) to seal the perforation, and 33 patients were passively managed using nose-biliary drainage, in which 13 cases had retroperitoneal abscess formation and were successfully treated by abdominal computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous external drainage, but 1 patient died due to sepsis. One patient with type III perforation (pancreatic duct perforation) underwent endoscopic pancreatic duct stent placement after surgery failure. The mean hospital stay of 11 cases with type II perforation treated actively by endoscopy (26.5 ± 3.3 days) was lower compared with 33 cases who received passive conservative treatment (34.6 ± 3.9 days).

CONCLUSION

Many (especially type I and II) ERCP-related duodenal perforations can be successfully treated with endoscopic management. Active endoscopic therapy may be better than passive conservative treatment for type II perforations.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after successful laparoscopic supra-cervical hysterectomy

Laparoscopic hysterectomy is a commonly performed gynecological procedure. Although the outcomes are favorable, severe life threatening complications such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema can occur during laparoscopy secondary to carbon dioxide insufflation. We report a 46-year-old female who was scheduled for laparoscopic-assisted supra-cervical hysterectomy for uterine fibroids. Patient tolerated the procedure and there were no intra-operative complications. Post operatively she developed hypercarbia, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum. She was managed conservatively. This case demonstrates a rare occurrence of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum after supra-cervical hysterectomy.

[Duodenal perforations after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography]

INTRODUCTION

Duodenal perforations after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) are an uncommon complication. The management of this kind of perforation is controversial. The aim of this study was to analyze the results of the management of a series of 15 patients who were diagnosed with this complication.

METHODS

Retrospective study of duodenal perforations after ERCP diagnosed at a tertiary level hospital, between 2001 and 2011. The variables age, sex, ERCP indication, type of perforation, time of diagnosis, clinical presentation, radiographic findings, management, surgical technique, length of stay and intrahospital mortality were recorded and analyzed.

RESULTS

Out of a total of 1923 ERCP performed, 15 duodenal perforations were detected (0,78%). Perforation site was the duodenal wall (3 cases) and periampullary (12 cases). Eleven perforations were suspected during the procedure. Patients with duodenal wall perforations underwent immediate surgery. Seven of 12 periampullary perforations were managed conservatively with a favorable outcome in 5 of them. Subsequent scheduled surgery was performed in 4 cases. The mean length of hospital stay was 21,2 days (range: 3-49) and intra-hospital mortality was 20%.

CONCLUSIONS

Perforations after ERCP have high mortality rates, and require a complicated therapeutic approach that needs to be individualized. Selective conservative management is a valid and safe option in selected patients.

Foregut and colonic perforations: practical measures to prevent and assess them

Acute endoscopic perforations of the foregut and colon are rare but can have devastating consequences. There are several principles and practices that can lower the risk of perforation and guide the endoscopist in early assessment when they do occur. Mastery of these principles will lead to overall improved patient outcomes.

The anatomical compartments and their connections as demonstrated by ectopic air

Air/gas outside the aero-digestive tract is abnormal; depending on its location, it is usually called emphysema, referring to trapped air/gas in tissues, or ectopic air/gas. It can be associated to a wide range of disorders, and although it usually is an innocuous condition, it should prompt a search for the underlying aetiology, since some of its causes impose an urgent treatment. In rare instances, it may itself represent a life-threatening condition, depending on the site involved and how quickly it evolves. Abnormal air/gas beyond viscera and serosal spaces, reaches its location following some anatomic boundaries, such as fascia, which may help search the source; however if the air pressure exceeds the strength of the tissues, or the time between the aggression and the imaging is too long, the air/gas is almost everywhere, which may hinder its cause. Good knowledge of the anatomic spaces and how they connect between them facilitates the quick detection of the cause.

Teaching points

• Ectopic air can be depicted on conventional radiographs; but CT is more sensitive and accurate

• Visceral and retropharyngeal spaces directly communicate with mediastinum

• Renal fascia is a single multilaminated structure, which contains potential space

Pneumothorax following ERCP: Report of Two Cases with Different Pathophysiology

In the last thirty years, the widespread use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) has radically changed the management of patients with diseases of the extrahepatic biliary tract and pancreas. Pneumothorax is a rare complication of ERCP. We report two cases of pneumothorax following elective ERCP for ductal stone clearance. The first patient was a 45-year-old female, who developed respiratory distress, abdominal pain, and profoundly abdominal distention immediately after the procedure. Imaging studies revealed the presence of a right-side pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumoretroperitoneum. The second patient was a 94-year-old female, who developed tension pneumothorax with clinical signs of shock during the procedure. Imaging studies revealed the presence of a right-side pneumothorax without free air in the mediastinum and retroperitoneal space. The imaging findings suggest that the occurrence of this rare complication in our patients was caused by entirely different pathophysiological mechanisms. Both patients were successfully treated with chest tube insertion, and no further intervention was required. Clinicians should be aware of this serious complication because delayed diagnosis may involve significant morbidity and mortality risks.

Early management experience of perforation after ERCP

Background and Aim. Perforation after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a rare complication, but it is associated with significant mortality. This study evaluated the early management experience of these perforations. Patients and Methods. Between November 2003 and December 2011, a total of 8504 ERCPs were performed at our regional endoscopy center. Sixteen perforations (0.45%) were identified and retrospectively reviewed. Results. Nine of these 16 patients with perforations were periampullary, 3 duodenal, 1 gastric fundus, and 3 patients had a perforation of an afferent limb of a Billroth II anastomosis. All patients with perforations were recognized during ERCP by X-ray and managed immediately. One patient with duodenal perforation and three patients with afferent limb perforation received surgery, others received medical conservative treatment which included suturing lesion, endoscopic nasobiliary drainage (ENBD), endoscopic retrograde pancreatic duct drainage (ERPD), gastrointestinal decompression, fasting, broad-spectrum antibiotics, and so on. All patients with perforation recovered successfully. Conclusions. We found that: (1) the diagnosis of perforation during ERCP may be easy, but you must pay attention to it. (2) Most retroperitoneal perforations can recover with only medical conservative treatment in early phase. (3) Most peritoneal perforations need surgery unless you can close the lesion up under endoscopy in early phase.

Pneumothorax following ERCP: report of four cases and review of the literature

We report four patients with pneumothorax as a complication of ERCP with sphincterotomy. With conservative treatment all patients recovered. Previously, 16 comparable cases have been reported in the literature. The main risk factor for this rare complication seems (pre-cut) sphincterotomy. Pneumothorax is usually right-sided or bilateral and accompanied by pneumomediastinum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema. The prognosis seems favourable with a non-surgical approach including intravenous antibiotics, fasting and when indicated chest tube drainage.