Treatment of Colonic Anastomotic Strictures with ‘Through the Scope’ Balloon Dilators

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EQUIP training the trainers: an evaluation of a training programme for service users and carers involved in training mental health professionals in user-involved care planning

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: UK NHS policy highlights the importance of user and carer involvement in health professional training. We know little about service user and carer motivations and experiences of accessing training courses for delivering training to health professionals and how well such courses prepare them for delivering training to healthcare professionals. 'Involvement' in training has often been tokenistic and too narrowly focused on preregistration courses. There is limited data on how best to prepare and support potential service user and carer trainers. WHAT DOES THIS PAPER ADD TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: This study adds to the international literature by highlighting service user and carer motivations for accessing a training course for delivering training to health professionals. Service users and carers wanted to gain new skills and confidence in presentation/facilitation as well as to make a difference to healthcare practice. We also learned that service users desired different levels of involvement in training facilitation - some wanted to take a more active role than others. A one-size-fits-all approach is not always appropriate. Encountering resistance from staff in training was a previously unidentified challenge to service user and carers' experience of delivering training in practice and is a key challenge for trainers to address in future. Professional training involvement can be enhanced via specialist training such as the EQUIP training the trainers programme evaluated here. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: When training service users and carers to deliver training to mental health professionals, it is important that service users are equipped to deal with resistance from staff. It is important that service user and carer roles are negotiated and agreed prior to delivering training to healthcare professionals to accommodate individual preferences and allay anxieties. Training for service users and carers must be offered alongside ongoing support and supervision. Mental health nurses (and other health professionals) will be better able to involve service users and carers in care planning. Service users and carers may feel more involved in care planning in future.

ABSTRACT

Introduction Limited evidence exists on service user and carer perceptions of undertaking a training course for delivering care planning training to qualified mental health professionals. We know little about trainee motivations for engaging with such train the trainers courses, experiences of attending courses and trainees' subsequent experiences of codelivering training to health professionals, hence the current study. Aim To obtain participants' views on the suitability and acceptability of a training programme that aimed to prepare service users and carers to codeliver training to health professionals. Method Semi-structured interviews with nine service users and carers attending the training programme. Transcripts were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results Participants' reasons for attending training included skill development and making a difference to mental health practice. Course content was generally rated highly but may benefit from review and/or extension to allow the range of topics and resulting professional training programme to be covered in more depth. Trainees who delivered the care planning training reported a mix of expectations, support experiences, preparedness and personal impacts. Implications for Practice Mental health nurses are increasingly coproducing and delivering training with service users and carers. This study identifies possibilities and pitfalls in this endeavour, highlighting areas where user and carer involvement and support structures might be improved in order to fully realize the potential for involvement in training.

The addition of computer simulated noise to investigate radiation dose and image quality in images with spatial correlation of statistical noise: an example application to X-ray CT of the brain

This study validates a method to add spatially correlated statistical noise to an image, applied to transaxial X-ray CT images of the head to simulate exposure reduction by up to 50%. 23 patients undergoing routine head CT had three additional slices acquired for validation purposes, two at the same clinical 420 mAs exposure and one at 300 mAs. Images at the level of the cerebrospinal fluid filled ventricles gave readings of noise from a single image, with subtraction of image pairs to obtain noise readings from non-uniform tissue regions. The spatial correlation of the noise was determined and added to the acquired 420 mAs image to simulate images at 340 mAs, 300 mAs, 260 mAs and 210 mAs. Two radiologists assessed the images, finding little difference between the 300 mAs simulated and acquired images. The presence of periventricular low density lesions (PVLD) was used as an example of the effect of simulated dose reduction on diagnostic accuracy, and visualization of the internal capsule was used as a measure of image quality. Diagnostic accuracy for the diagnosis of PVLD did not fall significantly even down to 210 mAs, though visualization of the internal capsule was poorer at lower exposure. Further work is needed to investigate means of measuring statistical noise without the need for uniform tissue areas, or image pairs. This technique has been shown to allow sufficiently accurate simulation of dose reduction and image quality degradation, even when the statistical noise is spatially correlated.

Colonic motor activity in slow-transit idiopathic constipation as identified by 24-h pancolonic ambulatory manometry

Colorectal motor activity in slow-transit idiopathic constipation has not been fully evaluated under physiological conditions. The aim of this study was to evaluate colorectal motor activity in chronic idiopathic constipation using 24-h ambulant pancolonic manometry. Ten healthy volunteers (six females) 19-31 years of age, and eight females 25-46 years of age with slow-transit idiopathic constipation were studied. Motor activity was measured using two custom-made silicone-coated catheters, each with five solid-state pressure transducers. Bowel preparation or sedation was not used. Frequency of high-amplitude propagated contractions was reduced in chronic idiopathic constipation, median 1.9/24 h vs 6/24 h (P = 0.01). Contractile frequency of low-amplitude complexes was reduced throughout the colon in slow-transit idiopathic constipation (P < 0.0001). The interval between contractile complexes was reduced in the transverse colon and splenic flexure (P < 0.0001). This study demonstrates that colonic motor activity is abnormal in slow-transit idiopathic constipation; decreased motor activity leads to a reduction in propulsion of intraluminal contents.

The diagnostic contribution of the frontal lumbar spine radiograph in community referred low back pain--a prospective study of 1030 patients

AIM

The diagnostic contribution of the anteroposterior (AP) view was studied to assess whether this view could be omitted safely, thus reducing the radiation burden received by patients undergoing lumbar spine radiography.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Prospective analysis of 1030 consecutive referrals for lumbar spine radiography from general practice.

RESULTS

In the majority of cases (90.5%) the AP view was non-contributory. In 4.2% the diagnosis was strengthened and it was altered in 4.6%. However, in the latter group only 1.3% of the total were considered significant alterations. These were cases of possible, but not definite, pars defects and sacroiliitis. Specific important conditions such as infection, malignancy and benign tumours were not missed on the lateral view alone, in our study population. The radiation burden is reduced by 75% by omitting the AP view.

CONCLUSION

A single lateral view is an adequate examination, with the proviso that sacroiliac joint disease is not assessed on this view and some pars defects and facet joint degenerative changes may be overlooked. The radiation protection gains are considerable. A single lateral lumbar view is now our routine practice unless sacroiliitis is a specific clinical concern.

Periodic colonic motor activity identified by 24-h pancolonic ambulatory manometry in humans

The pattern of colonic motor activity in healthy humans has not been fully elucidated to date. The aim of this study was to evaluate colorectal motor activity employing 24-h ambulant pancolonic manometry. Ten healthy volunteers (6F, 4M), aged 19-31 years were studied. Motor activity was measured using two custom-made silicone coated catheters, each with five solid-state pressure transducers. No bowel preparation or sedation was used. The study period was 24 h. A total of 232 h of recording was obtained. Sixty-three high amplitude propagated contractions were observed, median six per 24-h period. Low-amplitude colonic contractile activity showed regional and diurnal variations. Frequency of contraction was highest in the right colon [median 5.26 cpm (cycles per minute)], and transverse colon and splenic flexure (median 5.15 cpm). The interval between colonic motor complexes was shortest in the transverse colon and splenic flexure. This study introduces a new technique for the evaluation of colorectal motor activity. Subjects were studied in an ambulant setting in their own environment ensuring that this method of study is as physiological as possible. This study demonstrates that colonic motor activity has two main components: high amplitude propagated contractions and low amplitude colonic contractile activity.

Palliation of malignant dysphagia with expanding metallic stents

PURPOSE

The authors describe their experience with expanding metallic stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During a 52-month period, 138 stents were inserted in 121 patients with malignant esophageal obstruction. The average age was 74 years; there were 78 men and 43 women. Data regarding the degree of initial dysphagia, presence of an esophago-respiratory fistula, effect of stent placement on swallowing ability, complications at the time of stent placement, and long-term survival were obtained.

RESULTS

An improvement in dysphagia symptoms was recorded in more than 95% of patients. The average survival after stent placement was 24 weeks. Complications necessitating further intervention occurred in 26 patients.

CONCLUSION

Insertion of self-expanding metallic endoprostheses for the palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction is an effective therapy that can be carried out with relative ease. Successful palliation of symptoms can be expected in more than 95% of cases.

Preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The development of treatment modalities for rectal cancer, including local excision, total mesorectal excision and preoperative radiotherapy, has increased the importance of accurate preoperative staging to allow the optimum treatment to be selected.

METHODS

A literature review was undertaken of methods of preoperative staging of rectal carcinoma and the evidence for each was evaluated critically.

RESULTS

Clinical assessment of rectal carcinoma may give an indication of fixity but is not accurate for staging. Endoanal ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), radioimmunoscintigraphy and positron emission tomography have all been used for staging. The extent of tumour spread through the bowel wall (T stage) is most accurately assessed by endoanal ultrasonography, although this technique is poor at assessing tumour extension into adjacent organs for which both CT and MRI are more accurate. No method accurately determines lymph node involvement, but endoanal ultrasonography is the best available. Liver metastases may be assessed by abdominal ultrasonography, CT, MRI and CT portography (with increasing sensitivity and cost in that order).

CONCLUSION

Endoanal ultrasonography is the most effective method of local tumour staging, with the addition of either CT or MRI if adjacent organ involvement is suspected. Abdominal ultrasonography or CT is recommended for routine preoperative assessment of the liver.

Management of malignant oesophageal obstruction with self-expanding metallic stents

BACKGROUND

The use of self-expanding metal stents for palliation of malignant dysphagia is increasing. Experience in 70 patients was reviewed with respect to the value of stenting and management of the complications encountered.

METHODS

Oesophageal stents were inserted in 70 patients (42 men) of mean age 73 years with malignant oesophageal obstruction. Data regarding stent insertion and degree of dysphagia were gathered prospectively.

RESULTS

Seventy-six stents were placed in 70 patients. By the end of the study 57 patients had died and 13 were still alive. Three patients died within 3 days of stent insertion and dysphagia was relieved in 64 of the 67 patients remaining. Stent migration, tumour ingrowth and overgrowth, and food impaction were encountered during follow-up in eight patients.

CONCLUSION

Insertion of self-expanding metal stents for the palliation of malignant oesophageal obstruction is a successful therapy which can be carried out with relative ease. Palliation of dysphagia with an appropriate stent can be expected in up to 95 per cent of patients.

Prospective, multicenter study on value of computerized tomography (CT) in gallstone disease in predicting response to bile acid therapy

The aim of the study was to assess the value of quantitative attenuation values (Hounsfield units) and of gallstone pattern by computerized tomography in predicting response to bile acid therapy. We carried out a prospective study in a multicenter setting on 90 consecutive outpatients with radiolucent gallstones. All received bile acid therapy (UDCA 10 mg/kg/day or UDCA + CDCA 5 mg/kg/day of each) up to two years. Hounsfield units for gallstones were recorded using standardized criteria and six categories of patterns were defined: hypodense, isodense, homogenously dense, laminated, rimmed and speckled. We assessed gallstone dissolution rate (percent reduction in volume), response to therapy (> 25% reduction in volume), and final outcome of therapy. Eighty-one percent of patients with hypodense/isodense and all four patients with speckled stone pattern responded to therapy, whereas none of the 10 patients with laminated/rimmed and only 45% of patients with homogenously dense stone pattern did. Complete dissolution was achieved by 68%, 50%, 35%, 0% of the hypodense/isodense, speckled, homogenously dense, rimmed/laminated gallstones, respectively. The use of Hounsfield units did not show an advantage over gallstone pattern for predicting either response or final outcome to bile acid therapy. We conclude that computerized tomography analysis of gallstones is of value in predicting response to bile acid therapy and that gallstone pattern alone predicts response in most cases without the need for quantitative assessment.

Management of oesophageal fistula by radiologically-guided instillation of tissue adhesive

Two cases are presented in which healing of oesophageal fistula was achieved by the radiologically-guided placement of tissue adhesive (enbucrilate, Histoacryl). With this relatively simple procedure, further surgical intervention under general anaesthesia was avoided.

Intraluminal bile duct hepatocellular carcinoma

Jaundice is usually a late feature in the course of hepatocellular carcinoma and is only rarely due to obstruction. We present two cases of obstructive jaundice, in which the cause of obstruction in both patients was a massive intraluminal filling defect within the common bile duct which proved to be hepatocellular carcinoma. The radiological features are described.

The Strecker Esophageal stent in the management of oesophageal strictures: technique of insertion and early clinical experience

The Strecker Esophageal stent (Boston Scientific Corporation) offers potential palliation of oesophageal and oesophago-gastric obstruction by means of a self-expanding metal stent. This stent has been used in a series of 12 patients with oesophageal and oesophago-gastric obstruction. Initial experience of stent deployment and early clinical experience is presented.

Radiological aspects of solvent dissolution of gall-stones

Twenty-five patients were referred for solvent dissolution of gall-stones using methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). All patients were assessed beforehand by ultrasound and oral cholecystography. Computed tomography was performed in 23 patients to assess stone calcification and gall-bladder anatomy. Successful stone dissolution was achieved in 15 patients and partial dissolution in six patients. Failure to catheterize the gall-bladder occurred in four patients. There were four biliary leaks, two requiring cholecystectomy. The CT appearances of the gall-bladder may have predicted problems with catheterization in three of the four cases, and the results suggest that cover of the gall-bladder by the liver of greater than 50% is a favourable predictor of successful catheterization. A thick-walled gall-bladder and excess fat between the liver and the lateral abdominal wall are adverse predictors of successful gall-bladder catheterization. Both tubography and ultrasound should be used to assess progress of dissolution. Newer, more effective solvents together with increased expertise in interventional techniques may encourage the more widespread use of solvent dissolution of gall-stones as an alternative to surgery in a selected population.

Radiologic Demonstration of Small Bowel Adaptation Following Modified Scopinaro Procedure for Morbid Obesity

Upper gastrointestinal contrast studies were carried out on 24 patients at progressive time intervals following gastric partition with partial biliopancreatic bypass (modified Scopinaro procedure) for morbid obesity. Roentgenograms taken on standardized equipment were compared in order to document adaptive changes occurring In the small bowel with time following the procedure. Mucosal told thickness and bowel lumen caliber within the terminal ileum were found to increase significantly with (log) time. Such adaptation of the ileum is well recognized following jejunoileal bypass, but radiological demonstration after biliopancreatic bypass has not been described previously. Mucosal hypertrophy and increase In bowel lumen caliber should be recognized as normal adaptive changes in the small bowel and not be misinterpreted as evidence of underlying pathology. Whilst adaptation following jejunoileal bypass undoubtedly contributes to eventual weight gain following surgery, this detrimental effect following the modified Scopinaro procedure appears to be negated by the reduced intake and maldigestion imposed by this procedure.

Balloon dilatation of the pharynx

Balloon dilatation has become a widely accepted technique in the management of oesophageal and other gastrointestinal strictures. The use of this procedure in the pharynx has rarely been reported. We have performed 55 balloon dilatations on 13 patients with pharyngeal strictures. In three patients all symptoms were permanently abolished after one dilatation. Seven patients were successfully managed with repeated, regular dilatations. Two patients had a good initial response but this was not maintained and one patient had no relief of symptoms. Balloon dilatation is minimally invasive, less traumatic than rigid pharyngoscopy with dilatation, and well tolerated. It may be frequently repeated, and has successfully relieved dysphagia caused by benign and malignant strictures of the pharynx, including instances where previous rigid bouginage had failed.

Case report: obstructive jaundice secondary to an intussuscepting duodenal villous adenoma

Small intestinal tumours are rare, forming 1% of all gastrointestinal tumours; most occur in the duodenum. Villous adenomas form only a very small proportion of the duodenal tumours. They usually occur in the periampullary region and show a marked propensity for malignant change. The usual mode of presentation is with non-specific pain, jaundice or occult bleeding. Obstruction and pancreatitis are infrequent clinical presentations. Intussusception secondary to a duodenal tumour of any histological type is rarer still. A case of intussusception of a villous adenoma resulting in obstructive jaundice is described.

The radiological management of gastrointestinal strictures and other obstructive lesions

Balloon dilation of gastrointestinal strictures using a radiologic, endoscopic or combined approach is a safe, effective means of managing an ever-increasing variety of stricturing processes. At present the ability to dilate strictures in the gastrointestinal tract is limited mainly by access. Balloon dilation is now well established in the management of oesophageal and anastomotic lesions. The place of balloon dilation in the management of Crohn's disease and in the management of malignant disease requires further evaluation.

Technical report: percutaneous treatment of a pancreatic duct fistula facilitated by an hydrophilic guide wire

A case in which a pancreatico-cutaneous fistula was successfully treated percutaneously is presented. The use of an hydrophilic guide wire enabled a catheter to be negotiated across an irregular abscess cavity and into the occluded main pancreatic duct. The low friction and good flexibility of hydrophilic guide wires can greatly facilitate difficult procedures.

Tuberculous broncho-oesophageal fistula in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome

Mycobacteria are the most common bacterial infections occurring in AIDS patients. Although the gastrointestinal tract is commonly involved, there has been only one case report of oesophageal infection. We report a patient in whom oesophageal tuberculosis was the presenting feature of AIDS and review the features of mycobacterial infections in AIDS. The incidence of extrapulmonary infection is common and mycobacterial oesophagitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of oesophagitis in AIDS.

Duodenal pseudotumour: a silent impacted common bile duct calculus

We report the case of a man with mild dyspeptic symptoms referred for barium meal, who was initially thought to have a duodenal tumour. Subsequent investigation showed this to be a pseudotumour caused by impaction of a gallstone in the distal common bile duct, and endoscopic sphincterotomy effected a cure. This readily treatable condition should be remembered when filling defects are demonstrated in the duodenal loop.

Disimpaction of swallowed bolus

Images

Balloon dilatation of upper gastrointestinal tract strictures

Balloon dilatation has been performed in a series of 30 patients with strictures of the upper gastrointestinal tract over a period of 28 months. The technique of balloon dilatation is described and the results of follow-up are presented. Sixty per cent of patients have remained symptom-free following balloon dilatation. Twenty-seven per cent of patients have undergone regular repeated dilatations when symptoms have recurred. There were no complications from the technique. Balloon dilatation is a safe and acceptable alternative to conventional methods of bougienage in the management of upper gastrointestinal tract strictures.

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography in the investigation of the persistent postoperative bile leak

Percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTHC) is now a widely available, inexpensive investigation with a low incidence of complications, especially in the nonobstructed system, and a high success rate. Its role in the management of obstructive jaundice is well established but it is only infrequently performed in the investigation of persistent bile leakage following biliary tract surgery. Four cases are reported in which the superior demonstration of biliary anatomy provided by PTHC allowed successful identification of the site of postoperative biliary leakage. We compared PTHC with other diagnostic imaging techniques available and conclude that it is a safe, accurate, and reliable technique.

The intragastric balloon: a novel idea proved ineffective

Twelve grossly obese patients who weighed 121 +/- 22 kg (mean +/- s.d.) had a free-floating 600 ml spherical intragastric balloon inserted per oesophagus and have been followed for 12-24 months. Nine patients lost up to 21 kg (11 +/- 6.4 kg) over 3 months after which they reached a plateau and then regained weight so that by 1 year only one patient had maintained her weight loss. Three patients could not tolerate the balloon owing to complete reflex inhibition of gastric emptying. Such marginal and temporary weight loss is of no value in the treatment of gross obesity.

Ileal stricturing after long-term indomethacin treatment

A patient on long-term indomethacin therapy developed intestinal obstruction due to ileal strictures. No other cause apart from indomethacin could be implicated in the pathogenesis of the stricture.

The value of the Radial Head-Capitellum view in radial head trauma

The value of the Radial Head-Capitellum view has been assessed in a series of 28 consecutive cases of radial head fracture. Additional useful information was obtained in 21% of cases. The Radial Head-Capitellum view may be a valuable additional view in assessing radial head trauma.

Radiological appearances following vertical banded gastroplasty

Vertical banded gastroplasty was performed on 19 grossly obese patients. Upper gastrointestinal contrast studies were performed on all patients in the immediate post-operative period and at 3 months and 1 year in 16 and 12 patients, respectively. The immediate and long-term appearances are presented and discussed. The surgical outcome depends on pouch size, outlet diameter and staple line integrity, which are reliably demonstrated by double-contrast barium studies.

Gastrogastric intussuscepting leiomyomas

Two cases of gastrogastric intussusception of leiomyomas are presented. Intussusception of a fundal mass into the gastric antrum can cause a confusing appearance on the double-contrast barium study. Intermittent intussusception was seen on fluoroscopy in 1 case.

The role of computed tomography in tumours of the larynx

A clinical study of computed tomography (CT) was undertaken in 35 patients with tumours involving the larynx. Twenty-seven had primary laryngeal neoplasms, five had tumours arising in adjacent structures but invading the larynx and three who had undergone total laryngectomy were investigated for possible recurrence. The findings were compared with conventional radiological methods and clinical assessment. Confirmation was obtained from laryngectomy specimens in four patients and at autopsy in one. CT provided additional preoperative information on 14 occasions. This included better delineation of submucosal tumour extent, invasion of the pre-epiglottic space and cartilage displacement in invasion.