Lung perfusion and chest wall configuration is altered by glossopharyngeal breathing

Glossopharyngeal insufflation is used by competitive breath-hold divers to increase lung gas content above baseline total lung capacity (TLC) in order improve performance. Whilst glossopharyngeal insufflation is known to induce hypotension and tachycardia, little is known about the effects on the pulmonary circulation and structural integrity of the thorax. Six male breath-hold divers were studied. Exhaled lung volumes were measured before and after glossopharyngeal insufflation. On two study days, subjects were studied in the supine position at baseline TLC and after maximal glossopharyngeal insufflation above TLC. Tc 99(m) labelled macro-aggregated albumin was injected and a computed tomography (CT) scan of the thorax was performed during breath-hold. Single photon emission CT images determined flow and regional deposition. Registered CT images determined change in the volume of the thorax. CT and perfusion comparisons were possible in four subjects. Lung perfusion was markedly diminished in areas of expanded lung. 69% of the increase in expired lung volume was via thoracic expansion with a caudal displacement of the diaphragm. One subject who was not proficient at glossopharyngeal insufflation had no change in CT appearance or lung perfusion. We have demonstrated areas of hyperexpanded, under perfused lung created by glossopharyngeal insufflation above TLC.

Accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography in diagnosing ascites and predicting peritoneal metastases in gastric cancer patients

BACKGROUND

Preoperative diagnosis of peritoneal metastases (PM) is difficult in patients with gastric cancer (GC).

AIMS

To assess the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in diagnosing ascites and its predictability for the presence of PM in GC patients.

SUBJECTS

Consecutive patients with newly diagnosed GC from 1998 to 2004 were studied.

METHODS

All patients underwent EUS, ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) scan for preoperative staging and the presence of ascites. The results were compared with operative findings. The diagnosis of PM was confirmed by histopathology or peritoneal fluid cytology.

RESULTS

A total of 301 patients were recruited and in 250 patients the presence of ascites (n = 93) and PM (n = 71) were confirmed. EUS was more sensitive (87.1%) than combined US and CT scan examinations (16.1%) and operative findings (laparoscopy or laparotomy) (40.9%) in diagnosing ascites. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy for predicting the presence of PM were 73%, 84%, 64%, 89%, and 81% by EUS; 18%, 99%, 87%, 75%, and 76% by combining US and CT scan; and 77%, 94%, 83%, 91%, and 89% by operative findings, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, EUS detected ascites was the only significant independent predictor for the presence of PM (p<0.001; odds ratio 4.7 (95% confidence interval 2.0-11.2)).

CONCLUSION

EUS is a sensitive method for diagnosing ascites which is an important predictive factor for the presence of PM in GC patients.

Developing an animal model of massive ulcer bleeding for assessing endoscopic hemostatic devices

BACKGROUND

Existing animal models of ulcerative bleeding are not suitable for endoscopic investigation. We describe a new porcine model of massive arterial bleeding in the stomach and its use for assessing a novel endoscopic suturing device.

METHODS

Two animal models were investigated. In model 1, the short gastric artery (mean diameter 2 mm) was divided near its gastric end. A mucosal defect was created near the greater curve and the divided artery was brought into the lumen of the stomach through a submucosal tunnel. An inflatable plastic cuff was placed around the base of the artery. Cuff deflation led to massive bleeding. In model 2, the short gastric artery was carefully exposed along a segment of 2 cm on the side facing the stomach. It was then anchored to a small gastrostomy made at the posterior wall near the vessel. At endoscopy an ulcer-like lesion could be seen with a pulsatile vessel at the base and brisk bleeding could be started by cutting a hole in the artery using endoscissors. The pigs were heparinized by an intravenous bolus of 110-300 units per kilogram, in both models. A prototype suturing device, the Eagle Claw, was inserted using a gastroscope and the curved needle was driven around the bleeding artery. Extracorporeal knotting or intracorporeal ligation was done endoscopically.

RESULTS

Pulsatile arterial bleeding was successfully created in four pigs using model 1, and in another four pigs using model 2. Model 2 was more reproducible and less time-consuming to create. Endoscopic suturing controlled arterial bleeding in five out of eight pigs with a single stitch and in another three pigs with an additional stitch.

CONCLUSION

This animal model provides reproducible massive hemorrhage suitable for endoscopic studies. Control of gastric bleeding from large arteries by endoscopic suturing is possible.

Combined sinus tract endoscopy and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in management of pancreatic necrosis and abscess

BACKGROUND

We report our experience of sinus tract endoscopy (STE) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the treatment of pancreatic necrosis and abscess.

METHODS

Thirteen patients with extensive pancreatic necrosis were firstly managed with either percutaneous drainage (PD group; n = 9) or open necrosectomy (ON group; n = 4). Debridement of necrotic tissue was subsequently performed via the drain tract by STE. ERCP was performed only when there was a suspicious of persistent pancreatic duct disruption or choledocholithiasis.

RESULTS

In the PD group, the median number of STE sessions required was 3 (range 2-8). The median hospital and ICU stay were 84 days (range 29-163 days) and 0 day (range 0-64 days), respectively, with an overall success rate of 67%. In the ON group, the median number of STE sessions required was 6.5 (range 1-18). The median hospital and ICU stay were 82 days (range 58-194 days) and 19 days (range 4-24 days), respectively. No mortality or failure was noted in the latter group. ERCP was required in nine of 13 patients.

CONCLUSION

Combined ERCP and STE is a useful adjunct in treating pancreatic necrosis or abscess.

Short-term and long-term results of endoscopic balloon dilation for achalasia: 12 years' experience

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

This retrospective study reports 12 years' experience with pneumatic dilation treatment in patients with achalasia and attempts to define factors capable of predicting failure of endoscopic dilation.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Consecutive patients with achalasia who received endoscopic balloon dilation were studied retrospectively. Repeat dilation was carried out if dysphagia persisted or recurred. A structured symptom score questionnaire (the Eckardt score) was conducted by phone with patients who had received dilation and had been followed up for more than 2 years. Failure was defined as the presence of significant dysphagic symptoms after more than two repeat dilations. Data for the first 2 years (short-term) and for the subsequent follow-up (long-term) were analyzed.

RESULTS

From 1989 to 2001, 66 patients underwent endoscopic balloon dilation for achalasia; three perforations (4.5 %) occurred, with no mortalities. Dysphagic symptoms significantly improved 12 weeks after the procedure ( P < 0.05). Fourteen patients (20 %) required a second dilation procedure within a median of 7 months (range 1 - 52 months), and 13 of them underwent repeat dilations within the first 2 years. Five patients (7.5 %) required further surgical or endoscopic therapy. Fifty-eight patients received pneumatic dilation for more than 2 years; 32 (55 %) responded to the questionnaire. The mean dysphagia score was 1.7 (SD 1.2), with only five patients (16 %) having significant dysphagic symptoms during a median follow-up period of 55 months (range 26 - 130 months). The cumulative success rates for pneumatic dilation after 5 and 19 years were 74 % and 62 %, respectively. Cox regression analysis identified small balloon size (30 mm) as the only significant factor capable of predicting failure of endoscopic dilation ( P = 0.009; relative risk 5.3; 95 % confidence interval, 1.7 to 40.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic balloon dilation is an effective treatment for achalasia, with minimal morbidity (60 % experience long-term benefit).

The safety, feasibility, and acceptability of patient-controlled sedation for colonoscopy: prospective study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety, feasibility, and acceptability of patient-controlled sedation for elective day-case colonoscopy, and the factors predicting patients' unwillingness to use patient-controlled sedation for colonoscopy.

DESIGN

Prospective, non-randomised study.

SETTING

University-affiliated endoscopy centre, Hong Kong.

PARTICIPANTS

Five hundred patients who underwent elective day-case colonoscopy were prospectively recruited from January 2001 to June 2002.

INTERVENTION

Sedation for colonoscopy was a mixture of propofol and alfentanil, which was delivered by means of a patient-controlled syringe pump. Each bolus delivered 4.8 mg propofol and 12 microg alfentanil. No loading dose was used and the lockout time was set at zero.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Cardiopulmonary complications, dose of patient-controlled sedation used, recovery time, satisfaction score, delayed side-effects, and the willingness to use the same sedation protocol for future colonoscopy. A multiple stepwise logistic regression model was used to assess which factors might predict unwillingness to use patient-controlled sedation for colonoscopy.

RESULTS

The mean (standard deviation) age of patients was 53.0 (13.9) years. The mean dose of propofol consumed was 0.93 (0.69) mg/kg. Forty-three (8.6%) patients developed hypotension during the procedure. The mean satisfaction score was 7.2 (2.6). Sixteen (3.2%) patients developed delayed side-effects. The median (interquartile range) recovery time was 0 (0-5) minutes. Approximately 78% of patients were willing to use patient-controlled sedation for future colonoscopy if needed. Younger age (<50 years), female sex, a higher mean dose of sedatives used, a lower satisfaction score, and the presence of delayed side-effects were independent factors that were associated with patients' unwillingness to use patient-controlled sedation for colonoscopy.

CONCLUSION

. The use of patient-controlled sedation for elective colonoscopy is safe, feasible, and acceptable to most patients.

Can visual distraction decrease the dose of patient-controlled sedation required during colonoscopy? A prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

We previously demonstrated that audio distraction using relaxation music could lead to a decrease in the dose of sedative medication required and improve patient satisfaction during colonoscopy. This prospective randomized controlled trial was designed to test the hypotheses that visual distraction may also decrease the requirement for sedatives and that audio and visual distraction may have additive beneficial effects when used in combination.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

165 consecutive patients who underwent elective colonoscopy were randomly allocated into three groups to receive different modes of sedation: group 1 received visual distraction and patient-controlled sedation (PCS); group 2 received audiovisual distraction and PCS; group 3 received PCS alone. A mixture of propofol and alfentanil, delivered by a Graseby 3300 PCA pump, was used for PCS in these groups. Each bolus of PCS delivered 4.8 mg propofol and 12 micro g alfentanil. Measured outcomes included the dose of PCS used, complications, recovery time, pain score, satisfaction score, and willingness to use the same mode of sedation if the procedure were to be repeated.

RESULTS

Eight patients were excluded after randomization. The mean+/-SD dose of propofol used in group 2 (0.81 mg/kg +/- 0.49) was significantly less than the dose used in group 1 (1.17 mg/kg +/- 0.81) and that used in group 3 (1.18 mg/kg +/- 0.60) ( P < 0.01, one-way analysis of variance). The mean +/- SD pain score was also lower in group 2 (5.1 +/- 2.5), compared with the pain scores in group 1 (6.2 +/- 2.2) and group 3 (7.0 +/- 2.4) ( P < 0.01, one-way analysis of variance). The mean +/- SD satisfaction score was higher in groups 1 (8.2 +/- 2.4)) and 2 (8.4 +/- 2.4), compared with the score in group 3 (6.1 +/- 2.9) ( P < 0.01, one-way analysis of variance). A majority of patients in groups 1 (73 %) and 2 (85 %) said that they would be willing to use the same mode of sedation again, compared with only 53 % in group 3 ( P < 0.01, chi-squared test).

CONCLUSIONS

Visual distraction alone did not decrease the dose of sedative medication required for colonoscopy. When audio distraction was added, both the dose of sedative medication required and the pain score decreased significantly. Both visual and audiovisual distraction might improve patients' acceptance of colonoscopy.

Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised trial

BACKGROUND

The role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is controversial. We hypothesised that H pylori eradication leads to worsened control of reflux disease.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with weekly reflux symptoms were prospectively recruited for endoscopy and symptom evaluation. Patients were enrolled if they had H pylori infection and required long term acid suppressants. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole triple therapy (HpE group) or omeprazole with placebo antibiotics (Hp+ group) for one week. Omeprazole 20 mg daily was given for eight weeks for healing of oesophagitis and symptom relief. This was followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg daily for up to 12 months. The primary study end point was the probability of treatment failure within 12 months, which was defined as either incomplete resolution of symptoms or oesophagitis at the initial treatment phase, or relapse of symptoms and oesophagitis during the maintenance phase. Predictors of treatment failure were determined by Cox's proportional hazards model.

RESULTS

A total of 236 GORD patients were screened and 113 (47.9%) were positive for H pylori; 104 (92%) patients were included in the intention to treat analysis (53 in the HpE group and 51 in the Hp+ group). Thirty one patients (30%) had erosive oesophagitis at baseline. H pylori was eradicated in 98% of the HpE group and in 3.9% of the Hp+ group. Overall, 15 patients (28.3%) in the HpE group and eight patients (15.7%) in the Hp+ group had treatment failure. The 12 month probability of treatment failure was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9-56.5%) in the HpE group and 21.1% (95% CI 9.9-32.3%) in the Hp+ group (log rank test, p = 0.043). In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjustment for the covariates age, sex, erosive oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, degree of gastritis, and severity of symptoms at baseline, H pylori eradication was the only predictor of treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio 2.47 (95% CI 1.05-5.85)).

CONCLUSION

H pylori eradication leads to more resilient GORD.

Current management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding

Endoscopic therapy is now the first-line treatment for the management of acute ulcer bleeding. Of the many endoscopic methods available, combination treatment using adrenaline injection to arrest the active bleeding, followed by thermal or electrical coagulation to seal the vessel, is currently the most popular. Endoscopic ulcer haemostasis is technically demanding, and indiscriminate extrapolation of results of published trials without reference to the expertise available locally may be dangerous. The cost-effectiveness of a routine second-look endoscopy has not been established, but repeat treatment in those who have rebled has shown good results in experienced hands. Current evidence supports the use of a proton-pump inhibitor to prevent acid-pepsin digestion of the blood clot plugging the eroded blood vessel. Interplay between acid, Helicobacter, NSAID and 'stress' results in peptic ulceration. Eradication of Helicobacter is an important measure in the secondary prevention of ulcer bleeding. The inability to measure blood flow in the eroded artery before and after treatment, to reliably seal a large blood vessel and to detect rebleeding before significant blood loss are limiting factors in the current management of ulcer bleeding.

Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery for venous ulcers

We report the treatment and outcomes of 12 patients who underwent subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery for severe chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulceration. All patients had received prior superficial venous ablative surgery and presented with incompetent perforating veins in the calf and persistent venous ulceration (lasting >10 years). Outcome measures included ulcer healing time, recurrence, clinical symptom, and disability scores. There was one wound complication after subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery. The cumulative ulcer healing rate was 25% at 3 months, 42% at 6 months, and 92% at 1 year. One patient developed ulcer recurrence at 12 months after surgery. The mean clinical score and disability score decreased from 13.00 (standard deviation, 2.26) to 4.83 (1.47) and 1.75 (0.45) to 0.50 (0.52), respectively (P<0.001) after a median follow-up of 15.0 months (interquartile range, 12.0-21.5 months). Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery was safe and effective in the treatment of patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency and venous ulceration caused by incompetent perforating veins in the calf.

Minimal invasive approach of gastric and esophageal mobilization in total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy: total laparoscopic and hand-assisted laparoscopic technique

BACKGROUND

To evaluate early results in total pharyngolaryngoesophagectomy (PLE) by minimally invasive approaches for patients suffered from pharyngoesophageal tumor.

METHODS

Between April 1998 and September 2001, 12 consecutive patients underwent either total laparoscopic (n = 9) or hand-assisted laparoscopic (n = 3) gastric mobilization plus transhiatal esophageal resection in total PLE. The operative data and postoperative outcomes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Total PLE by minimally invasive approach was successfully performed in 11 patients, and 1 patient required conversion due to uncontrolled bleeding. The median total operative time was 8.5 h (range, 5-11 h) and the abdominal laparoscopic stage usually took less than 4 h. The median time for extubation was 2 days (range, 1-4 days) and the median ICU stay was 2 days (range, 1-20 days). There was no 30-day mortality, and major complications occurred in 5 patients (42%).

CONCLUSION

Minimally invasive PLE is a feasible and safe alternative to conventional open surgery for patients with pharyngoesophageal carcinoma.

Through-the-scope stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction

This report is of the technique and results for through-the-scope stent in palliating malignant gastric outlet obstruction for 17 patients. All procedures were done using conscious sedation and fluoroscopy. Enteral Wallstents with a diameter of 20 mm or 22 mm and length 60 mm or 90 mm were used and delivered over a guidewire through an endoscope with an operating channel of at least 3.7 mm. A total of 18 stents were placed. One stent failed to be deployed. One stent migrated and required insertion of a second stent. One patient required repeat endoscopy to stop bleeding from the tumour. Through-the-scope stent relieved obstructive symptoms for 14 (82%) patients. The median dysphagia score improved from 4 to 2 after through-the-scope stent (P=0.001). The median overall survival and hospital-free survival time was 6 weeks (interquartile range, 3-9 weeks) and 4 weeks (interquartile range, 1-7 weeks), respectively. To conclude, through-the-scope stent was safe and feasible, offering an alternative minimal invasive method to palliate obstructive symptoms for patients with inoperable tumours causing gastric outlet obstruction.

Relationship between Helicobacter pylori babA2 status with gastric epithelial cell turnover and premalignant gastric lesions

BACKGROUND

Helicobacter pylori blood group antigen binding adhesin (BabA) mediates bacterial adherence to human blood group antigens on gastric epithelium. Although strains harbouring babA2 were recently found to be associated with peptic ulcer and gastric cancer, the role of babA2 in cellular turnover, severity of gastritis, and premalignant changes is poorly understood.

AIM

We correlated H pylori babA2, vacuolating toxin (vacA), and cytotoxin associated gene A (cagA) genotypes with the severity of gastric inflammation and epithelial cell turnover in a group of Chinese patients from an area with a high incidence of gastric cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

H pylori isolates were obtained from 104 Chinese patients who participated in a gastric cancer prevention programme. Genotype variants of babA2, vacA, and cagA were determined by polymerase chain reaction. Antrum and corpus histopathology was examined according to the updated Sydney classification. Apoptosis was scored by terminal uridine deoxynucleotidyl nick end labeling (TUNEL) and proliferation by Ki-67 immunostaining.

RESULTS

Of the 104 patients, 102 (98.1%) harboured cagA(+) strains and all had vacA s1 genotype. The babA2(+) strains were found in 83 (79.8%) patients and were associated with higher lymphocytic infiltration (p=0.028), presence of glandular atrophy (odds ratio (OR) 7.5, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.3-24.3), and intestinal metaplasia (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.2-25.3) in the antrum. Increased epithelial proliferation was also noted in individuals infected with babA2(+) strains (p=0.025). Strains harbouring cagA(+)/vacA s1 genotypes lacked this association in the absence of babA2.

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of babA2(+) H pylori strains alone or in combination with cagA(+) and vacA s1 was associated with the presence of preneoplastic gastric lesions.

The clinical efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in squamous esophageal cancer: a prospective nonrandomized study of pulse and continuous-infusion regimens with Cisplatin and 5-Fluorouracil

BACKGROUND

We evaluated cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil as preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with locally advanced squamous esophageal cancer and compared two different infusion regimens. The outcomes were also compared with those of our historical control patients treated by surgery alone.

METHODS

From 1991 to 1997, 83 consecutive esophageal cancer patients underwent surgical exploration after completion of two cycles of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil chemotherapy regimens, either in pulse or in continuous infusion cycles. Outcomes were compared with those of 76 historical control patients. Both groups were comparable in demographic characteristics and tumor stages. The resection rates, operative morbidity, mortality, and survival rates were compared.

RESULTS

Partial response was achieved in 50% of patients who received chemotherapy. There was no chemotherapy-related mortality. The resection, morbidity, and mortality rates and median survival between the surgery-alone group and the chemotherapy group were 71.1% vs. 82%, 51% vs. 55%, and 4% vs. 10.8%, 12.0 vs. 13.5 months, respectively (P >.05). There was also no statistically significant difference between the two regimens.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative adjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil infusion, in pulse or continuous regimens, followed by surgery for squamous esophageal cancer patients had no added benefit in the overall survival.

Increased expression of survivin in gastric cancer patients and in first degree relatives

Survivin was recently described as an apoptosis inhibitor. Its pathogenic role in gastric cancer is largely unknown. Expression of survivin in gastric cancer and non-cancer first-degree relatives, and its association with apoptosis and cyclo-oxygenase-2 expression was investigated. Fifty gastric cancer, 30 non-cancer first-degree relatives, 20 normal controls and five gastric cancer cell lines were studied. Survivin and cyclo-oxygenase-2 were evaluated by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Survivin expression was absent from normal gastric mucosa. All five cancer cell lines and 34 out of 50 (68%) human gastric cancer tissues expressed survivin mRNA. Survivin expression was less frequent (22%; P<0.001) in adjacent non-tumour gastric tissues. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot obtained similar findings. Gastric cancers with survivin expression displayed significantly reduced apoptosis (P=0.02), and associated with cyclo-oxygenase-2 overexpression at both mRNA (P=0.001) and protein levels (P=0.041). Moreover, survivin mRNA was detected in the gastric mucosa of eight (27%) non-cancer relatives. Expression in non-cancer patients showed positive correlation with H. pylori infection (P=0.004). This demonstrates the frequent expression of survivin in gastric cancer and in first-degree relatives. Co-expression of survivin and cyclo-oxygenase-2 may suggest multiple pathways contributing to the inhibition of apoptosis in gastric cancer.

Diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices and portal collateral venous abnormalities by endosonography in cirrhotic patients

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS

The role of endosonography (EUS) in the management of portal hypertension is not well defined. We aimed to study the use of a new generation video-echo endoscope in the diagnosis of gastroesophageal varices (GEV) and extraluminal venous abnormalities in cirrhotic patients.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Cirrhotic patients were studied by echo endoscopy to assess esophageal varices endoscopically, and gastric varices and extraluminal venous abnormalities sonographically. The results were compared with esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) examination. Dyspeptic patients served as controls.

RESULTS

A total of 52 cirrhotic and 166 dyspeptic patients were studied. EUS identified esophageal varices (EV) endoscopically in 28 patients (53.8 %), which showed a good correlation with EGD findings (r = 0.855, P < 0.001). The red color sign and portal hypertensive gastropathy were diagnosed in six and seven patients, respectively, by both methods. EUS detected gastric varices sonographically in 16 patients (30.8 %), compared with detection in nine patients by EGD. Extraluminal venous abnormalities were detected in 48 cirrhotic patients (92 %) and in only nine dyspeptic patients (5.4 %) (P < 0.001). The size of extraluminal adventitial venous dilatation was significantly correlated with the severity of GEV and cirrhosis (P < 0.001). Perforating veins were identified in all patients with GEV.

CONCLUSION

The new generation video-echo endoscope could be used as a single investigation in assessing both the intraluminal GEV and extraluminal venous abnormalities in cirrhotic patients. It may improve the management of patients with portal hypertension.

Prediction of therapeutic failure after adrenaline injection plus heater probe treatment in patients with bleeding peptic ulcer

BACKGROUND

Continued or recurrent bleeding after endoscopic treatment for bleeding ulcer is a major adverse prognostic factor. Identification of such ulcers may allow for alternate treatments.

AIM

To determine factors predicting treatment failure with combined adrenaline injection and heater probe thermocoagulation.

METHODS

Consecutive patients with bleeding peptic ulcers who received endoscopic therapy between January 1995 and March 1998 were studied. Data on clinical presentation, endoscopic findings, and treatment outcomes were collected prospectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for treatment failure.

RESULTS

During the study period, 3386 patients were admitted with bleeding peptic ulcers: 1144 (796 men, 348 women) with a mean age of 62.5 (SD 17.6) years required endoscopic treatment. There were 666 duodenal ulcers (58.2%), 425 gastric ulcers (37.2%), and 53 anastomotic ulcers (4.6%). Initial haemostasis was successful in 1128 patients (98.6%). Among them, 94 (8.2%) rebled in a median time of 48 hours (range 3-480). Overall failure rate was 9.6%. Mortality rate was 5% (57/1144). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that hypotension (odds ratio (OR) 2.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.40-3.48), haemoglobin level less that 10 g/dl (OR 1.87, 95% CI 1.18-2.96), fresh blood in the stomach (OR 2.15, 95% CI 1.40-3.31), ulcer with active bleeding (OR 1.65, 95% CI 1.07-2.56), and large ulcers (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.15-2.83) were independent factors predicting rebleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

Larger ulcers with severe bleeding at presentation predict failure of endoscopic therapy.