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Endoscopic biliary therapy using the combined percutaneous and endoscopic technique.

Between September 1985 and December 1987, 74 patients underwent attempted endoscopic biliary therapy using a combined percutaneous transhepatic and endoscopic transpapillary approach (combined procedure). All patients had had failed endoscopy-alone procedures and had contraindications to surgery. The indication was palliation of malignant biliary obstruction in 66 cases (41 common bile duct, 25 hilar), assistance with sphincterotomy for the removal of common bile duct stones in 6 cases, and management of benign biliary stenosis in 2 cases. The initial procedure was percutaneous transhepatic access to the biliary tree, which was successful in all but 1 case (99%). The bile duct was drained externally for an average of 3.4 days before the combined procedure. One patient died during this period from hemorrhage associated with liver puncture. Combined procedure was performed in 72 cases and was successful in 60 [53 malignant stricture (53/66 = 80%), five common duct stone (5/6 = 83%), two benign stricture (2/2 = 100%)]. Procedure-related morbidity and mortality, respectively, were 12.5% and 0% for benign disease and 36% and 3% for malignant disease. The total (initial endoscopy included) morbidity and 30-day mortality were 33% and 0%, respectively, for benign disease and 62% and 27% for malignant disease. Subsequently, stent change has been required on 16 occasions, with endoscopy-only successful in 13 (81%) and repeat combined procedure being required in three (19%). The combined procedure improves the ability of endoscopy to offer nonsurgical therapy to poor risk patients with both malignant and benign biliary disease but is associated with significant morbidity and disease-related mortality.

Bile Duct Neoplasms↗

A prospective study of complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic ultrasound in an ambulatory endoscopy center.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Our aim was to assess the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) in an ambulatory endoscopy center (AEC). METHODS: Complications occurring in consecutive patients undergoing ERCP or EUS from March 2003 to February 2004 at our AEC were recorded prospectively. Comprehensive complications were defined as consensus criteria plus other adverse events: use of reversal agents, unplanned hospital admission, hospitalization beyond planned 23-hour observation, unplanned emergency department or primary care provider visit, and 30-day mortality. RESULTS: A total of 497 patients (median age, 57 y; 82% American Society of Anesthesiologists class II or III) underwent 685 procedures. Monitored or general anesthesia was used in 25% of EUS and 50% of ERCP procedures. ERCP interventions were as follows: biliary or pancreatic stenting (N = 168), stone extraction (N = 70), sphincterotomy (N = 62), sphincter of Oddi manometry (N = 53), other (N = 66). EUS indications were as follows: known or suspected pancreatic mass (N = 103), upper-gastrointestinal mass/submucosal lesion (N = 71), luminal malignancy staging (N = 40), other (N = 96); 52% had EUS fine-needle aspiration. There was follow-up evaluation in 94% of the patients. There were 43 comprehensive ERCP complications (12.9%), 18 (5.4%) of these fit consensus criteria: pancreatitis (N = 14), cholangitis (N = 2), and perforation (N = 2). There were 9 comprehensive EUS complications (2.9%), 2 (.7%) of these fit consensus criteria: pancreatitis (N = 1) and bleeding (N = 1). Other adverse events for ERCP and EUS were as follows: prolongation of 23-hour observation (N = 14), emergency room visits (N = 3), primary care physician visits (N = 6), use of reversal agents (N = 3), unplanned admissions (N = 2), infection (N = 3), and death (N = 1). CONCLUSIONS: ERCP and EUS can be performed in an AEC, provided mechanisms for admission and anesthesia support are in place. The assessment of comprehensive complications is more reflective of adverse events related to ERCP and EUS than consensus criteria alone.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopic submucosal dissection for locally recurrent gastric neoplasia following endoscopic resection: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for locally recurrent gastric neoplasia following endoscopic resection (ER) is technically challenging because of scar-related submucosal fibrosis. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy and safety of salvage ESD in this setting. METHODS: Multiple databases were searched through December 2025 for studies reporting ESD outcomes for locally recurrent gastric lesions at or contiguous with a prior ER scar. Primary outcome was curative resection and need for surgery. Secondary outcomes were en bloc and R0 resection, local recurrence, delayed bleeding, and perforation. Meta-analyses were performed using a random effects model. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2. RESULTS: Seven studies (259 patients; 265 ESDs) were included. Across 5 studies and 243 ESDs, pooled curative resection rate was 69.7% (95% CI, 60.6-78.1; I2 = 38%), while 8.2% (95% CI, 3.3-14.6; I2 = 38.4%) required surgery. En bloc resection rate was 92.3% (95% CI, 79.1-99.7; I2 = 83.7%) across 6 studies, and pooled R0 resection rate was 87.5% (95% CI, 82.1-92.2; I2 = 0%) across 4 studies. Over a mean follow-up of 42 months, pooled local recurrence was 2.0% (95% CI, 0.0-9.7; I2 = 54.1%) across 6 studies. Delayed bleeding was 4.1% (95% CI, 0.8-9.0; I2 = 40.8%) and perforation was 4.1% (95% CI, 1.6-7.3; I2 = 0%). CONCLUSIONS: ESD for locally recurrent gastric neoplasia after ER achieves acceptable curative resection, high en bloc/R0 resection, and low local recurrence and morbidity. It is a viable organ-preserving option for appropriately selected patients, ideally performed at expert centers with close surveillance.

Humans↗

Prospective evaluation of endoscopic ultrasonography, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography, and secretin test in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis in its early stages may defy diagnosis despite existing diagnostic modalities. Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERCP), secretin test, and conventional ultrasound are insensitive in detecting the early stages of chronic pancreatitis. The aim of this study was to determine whether endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) high-resolution imaging allows for the detection of chronic pancreatitis as compared with clinical history, ERCP, and secretin test. METHODS: Eighty consecutive patients with recurrent pancreatitis underwent ERCP, EUS, and secretin test. EUS evaluated parenchymal changes: echogenic foci (calcification), prominent interlobular septae (fibrosis), small cystic cavities (edema), lobulated outer gland margin (fibrosis/atrophy), and heterogeneous parenchyma; and ductal changes: dilation, irregularity, echogenic wall (fibrosis), side-branch ectasia, and echogenic foci (stones). EUS criteria for chronic pancreatitis included mild (1 to 2 features), moderate (3 to 5 features), and severe (more than 5 features). RESULTS: Abnormal studies were EUS = 63, ERCP = 36, and secretin test = 25. Secretin test had 100% agreement with normal and severe chronic pancreatitis by EUS criteria, but agreement was poor for mild (13%) and moderate (50%) disease. Alternatively, the agreement between ERCP- and EUS-specific criteria was excellent for normal (100%), moderate (92%), and severe (100%) chronic pancreatitis and poor for mild (17%) disease. When the 2-test modality (ERCP and secretin test) was compared with EUS alone, no enhancement in agreement was seen. CONCLUSION: Using the above criteria EUS may assist in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis not established by ERCP or secretin test. Excellent agreement can be expected between EUS and ERCP in the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis with the exception of mild changes noted on EUS (kappa statistics = 0.82: 95% CI [0.70, 0.95]). Long-term follow-up of the patients with mild EUS changes will determine the validity of EUS in diagnosing the early stages of chronic pancreatitis.

Adult↗

Prospective assessment of the ability of endoscopic ultrasound to diagnose, exclude, or establish the severity of chronic pancreatitis found by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: Our aim was to verify endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) accuracy to diagnose, rule out, and establish the severity of chronic pancreatitis found by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). METHODS: Patients undergoing ERCP for unexplained abdominal pain and/or suspected chronic pancreatitis underwent EUS. EUS was performed by experienced operators who were aware of the history but blinded to ERCP results. Chronic pancreatitis was defined using the Cambridge classification: 0 to 1 = "normal," 2 to 4 = "all chronic pancreatitis," 3 to 4 = "moderate to severe chronic pancreatitis." The number of EUS criteria required to obtain sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values > or = 85% was determined. EUS criteria for chronic pancreatitis are hyperechoic foci, hyperechoic strands, lobularity, hyperechoic duct, irregular duct, visible side-branches, ductal dilation, calcification, and cysts. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-six patients underwent EUS and ERCP. EUS was highly sensitive and specific (> 85%) depending on the number of criteria present. Chronic pancreatitis is likely (PPV > 85%) when more than two criteria (for "all chronic pancreatitis") and more than six criteria (for "moderate to severe chronic pancreatitis") are present. "Moderate to severe chronic pancreatitis" is unlikely (NPV > 85%) when fewer than three criteria are present. Independent predictors of chronic pancreatitis were "calcification" (p = 0.000001), history of alcohol abuse (p = 0.002), and the total number of EUS criteria (p = 0.008). CONCLUSIONS: EUS can accurately diagnose, rule out, and establish the severity of chronic pancreatitis found by ERCP.

Adult↗

Controlled trial of urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy versus conservative treatment for acute pancreatitis due to gallstones.

121 patients with acute pancreatitis thought to be due to gallstones were randomised to treatment with urgent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) or with conventional treatment. They were stratified by predicted severity of the attack, according to the modified Glasgow system. ERCP was done within 72 h, and if common bileduct stones were identified, patients underwent ES immediately to extract the stones. There were fewer complications in the 59 patients who underwent ERCP +/- ES than among the 62 treated conventionally, the difference being confined to those whose attacks were predicted to be severe (6/25 ERCP +/- ES [1 death] compared with 17/28 conventional treatment [5 deaths]). Hospital stay was also shorter for patients with severe attacks who underwent ERCP +/- ES than for those who received conservative treatment (median 9.5 versus 17.0 days).

Acute Disease↗

Acquisition and maintenance of endoscopic skills: developing an endoscopic dexterity training system for anesthesiologists.

The acquisition and maintenance of essential psychomotor skills that are only required sporadically is a significant problem in medical training and practice. It is of particular relevance to anesthesiologists with regard to fiberoptic intubation, a technique that may be under-utilized despite its central role in the management of the difficult airway. Dexterity deficit due to current training models, dexterity decay due to lack of practice, and situational stress related to the clinical environment may combine to impede effective training and confident use of endoscopes in airway management. We describe an educational resource (Dexter), which has been developed to overcome these problems. Dexter is a nonanatomical, endoscopic dexterity training system designed to encourage practice and help establish and maintain a state of procedural readiness, even if clinical exposure to difficult airway situations is sporadic.

Anesthesiology↗

Comparison of early endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis: a prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The role and potential benefits of endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the management of acute biliary pancreatitis have not been documented. We report a large prospective randomized study comparing early EUS and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the management of these patients. METHODS: A prospective randomized study was performed on 140 patients with acute pancreatitis suspected to have a biliary cause. The patients were randomized to have EUS (n = 70) or ERCP (n = 70) within 24 hours from admission. In the EUS group, when EUS detected choledocholithiasis, therapeutic ERCP was performed during the same endoscopy session. In the ERCP group, diagnostic ERCP was performed, followed by therapeutic endoscopy when choledocholithiasis was detected. RESULTS: Examination of the biliary tree by EUS was successful in all patients in the EUS group, whereas cannulation of the common duct during ERCP was unsuccessful in 10 patients (14%) in the ERCP group (P = .001). Combined percutaneous ultrasonography and ERCP missed detection of cholelithiasis in 6 patients in the ERCP group. The overall morbidity rate was 7% in the EUS group, and that in the ERCP group was 14% (P = .172). The hospital stay and mortality rates were comparable in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: In selected patients with acute biliary pancreatitis, EUS could safely replace diagnostic ERCP in the management for selecting patients with choledocholithiasis for therapeutic ERCP with a higher successful examination rate, a higher sensitivity in the detection of cholelithiasis, and a comparable morbidity rate.

Aged↗

Evaluation of endoscopic variceal ligation in prophylactic therapy for bleeding of oesophageal varices: a prospective, controlled trial compared with endoscopic injection sclerotherapy.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) in prophylactic therapy for oesophageal varices, we performed a randomized prospective trial to compare the recurrence of oesophageal varices treated by EVL with those treated by endoscopic injection sclerotherapy. METHODS: Fifty patients with liver cirrhosis were divided into two groups at random, after informed consents were obtained, to receive prophylactic therapy for bleeding of oesophageal varices. Group 1 patients underwent sessions of sclerotherapy with 5% ethanolamine oleate used as the sclerosant. Group 2 patients underwent EVL followed by one or two sessions of sclerotherapy. RESULTS: During the 18 month follow-up period, both the recurrence rate in group 2 (56%) and the incidence of bleeding (20%) were significantly higher compared with group 1 (recurrence rate 16%, bleeding 0%). CONCLUSIONS: This result indicates that EVL is not effective for prophylactic therapy for oesophageal varices in liver cirrhosis.

Esophageal and Gastric Varices↗

Do normal findings at biliary endoscopic ultrasonography obviate the need for endoscopic retrograde cholangiography in patients with suspicion of common bile duct stone? A prospective follow-up study of 238 patients.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Biliary endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiography (ERC) are equally accurate for the diagnosis of common bile duct (CBD) stone. The aim of this prospective 1-year follow-up study was to determine whether normal findings at initial EUS obviated the need for ERC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During a 17-month period, all patients referred for biliary EUS because of suspicion of CBD stone, in whom EUS findings were normal were included in the study. Early (1-month) and late (1-year) follow-up details were obtained by mail or telephone. The clinical course and need for ERC were recorded. RESULTS: 238 patients were enrolled. During follow-up, 59 (25 %) patients underwent cholecystectomy, with (n=31) or without (n=28) cholangiography, and 30 patients underwent ERC (13 %). CBD stone was found in 14 (6 %) patients. Of these 30 patients, ERC was done in 15 cases in the first week after EUS, because of persistent suspicion of a CBD stone which was found in 10 patients. The 15 late ERC procedures (carried out more than 1 week after EUS) revealed only one CBD stone. The negative predictive value of EUS for the diagnosis of CBD stones was 95.4 %. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with suspicion of CBD stones but normal EUS findings have a low risk of needing ERC in a 1-year period.

Adult↗

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of early neoplastic gastric lesions using a new double-channel endoscope (the "R-scope").

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIM: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows en bloc resection of lesions > 2 cm in diameter. However the procedure is difficult because of limited visualization of the cutting area. The aim of this study was to evaluate a new endoscope (the "R-scope") for ESD; this provides a second flexible section for improved positioning capability and two instrumentation channels for vertical lifting of the targeted mucosal area and horizontal cutting of the submucosa. METHODS: The R-scope was tested first for ESD of 17 predetermined gastric areas in eight anesthetized pigs. Clinical experience was then prospectively obtained in 10 patients with early gastric neoplasia. In both instances, dye-stained saline solution was used for repeated submucosal injection. Various types of knives were available for circumferential cutting of the mucosa to isolate the targeted lesion. The specimen was then lifted and the submucosal layer was dissected with the appropriate type of knife to achieve en bloc resection. RESULTS: ESD succeeded in 14/17 animal cases (82 %), remained incomplete in two cases and failed in one because of an intractable perforation; a further two small perforations were clipped. In 10 patients (with nine early carcinomas and one adenoma, with a median diameter of 22 mm), lesions were completely resected in six cases. Surgery was necessary in two patients due to early and delayed perforation. Three other patients with small amounts of free air were conservatively managed but elective surgery was performed in two of these patients because of incomplete resection or deep submucosal tumor infiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The R-scope facilitated ESD of large gastric areas in live animal testing and in a small series of patients However the procedure is technically demanding and time-consuming. It was also associated with a high risk of perforation; this may be related to an insufficient volume of solution being injected submucosally, excessively forceful lifting of the specimen, or the short learning period.

Aged↗

Prospective evaluation of endoscopic ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with chronic abdominal pain of suspected pancreatic origin.

Twenty asymptomatic paid volunteers (13 females, 7 males, mean age 34 years, range 21-52 years), underwent endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) to assess variation in the appearance of ductular and parenchymal features of the pancreas. Following this investigation, 69 patients with chronic abdominal pain of suspected pancreaticobiliary origin were evaluated with EUS followed by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and in 16 patients secretin stimulated intraductal pure pancreatic juice (PPJ) collection. Thirty patients were found to have chronic pancreatitis based on clinical, ERCP and/or PPJ data, and EUS was abnormal in 24 of these individuals. All of the 19 patients with abnormal pancreatograms also had an abnormal EUS. Twenty-two of the 30 patients with chronic pancreatitis had early disease (no or minimal changes on ERCP). In this subgroup of patients, the sensitivity of EUS was 86% versus 50% for ERCP (p = 0.01). For all patients, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of EUS in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis was 80%, 86% and 84% respectively. Using logistic regression analysis eight EUS features were found to be indicative of chronic pancreatitis including echogenic foci within the gland, focal regions of reduced echogenicity within the gland, increased thickness/echogenicity of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) wall, accentuation of the gland's lobular pattern, cysts, an irregular contour or dilation of the MPD and side branch dilation (p < or = 0.05). Generation of a receiver operating characteristic curve to assess the sensitivity and specificity of EUS in diagnosing chronic pancreatitis based on the number of abnormal findings demonstrated that sensitivity and specificity were optimal when three or more abnormal parenchymal and/or ductular features were found. These results suggest that EUS can play an adjunctive role to ERCP and PPJ in the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis.

Abdominal Pain↗

Endosonography in chronic pancreatitis--a comparison between endoscopic retrograde pancreatography and endoscopic ultrasonography.

Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) were prospectively performed in 114 patients, 94 of whom (62 men, mean age 53 years) had inflammatory pancreatic disease, either chronic pancreatitis or status post acute edematous pancreatitis. Twenty patients (14 men, mean age 54 years) who were examined for other reasons and who had a normal ERP served as controls. EUS was performed in most cases with the knowledge of ERP results which had been classified according to the Cambridge classification system of chronic pancreatitis as being grade 0 (normal) or 1-3 (inflammatory changes). Parenchymal and ductal changes on EUS were correlated with the ERP changes. Abnormal EUS features were found in all patients with grade 2 and 3 chronic pancreatitis, in 88% with stage 1, and in 63% of cases with a normal ERP as well. These changes were, however, not detectable in any of the 20 control cases. Among the EUS features of chronic pancreatitis, diffuse changes predominated (stage 1: 75%, 2: 88%, 3: 96%) and consisted mainly of alternating echopoor and echorich areas and of a lobulated parenchymal pattern. In 80% of patients, these findings were combined with an irregular pancreatic margin. Changes of the main pancreatic duct were found in stages 2 and 3 in 81% and 96%, respectively; isolated side branch alterations, as detected mainly in stage 1 chronic pancreatitis on ERP, escaped endosonographic visualization. We conclude that EUS shows inflammatory changes in almost all patients in whom ERP suggests chronic pancreatitis. EUS, however, is also positive in a considerable number of cases with normal ERP but who have a clinical episode of pancreatic inflammation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗

The substitution of endoscopic ultrasonography for endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography: implications for service development and training.

Diagnostic indications of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) have not completely disappeared. But the substitution of this examination by endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) in the work-up of biliary and pancreatic diseases is supported by EUS's reliability and cost-effectiveness. In the future EUS will be challenged by magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP), when easily available. Therefore, the choice between EUS, MRCP and ERCP will become simplified: MRCP as the first option for diagnosis, EUS in doubtful cases needing sampling for pathology and ERCP as a therapeutic alternative to some surgical procedures.

Bile Duct Diseases↗

The substitution of endoscopic ultrasound for endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography: implications for service development and training.

OBJECTIVES: Choledocholithiasis and other benign conditions of the biliary tree are difficult to define clinically. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) is increasingly being replaced as the investigation of choice by other imaging modalities. The aim of this study was to measure the impact of substituting endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) for ERCP in terms of case throughput and the proportion of therapeutic ERCPs performed. METHODS: Over a 12-month period, cases with a low/medium likelihood for biliary pathology were triaged to EUS rather than ERCP. Data were collected on the proportion of ERCPs performed with diagnostic or therapeutic intent and compared with data from the preceding 12-month period. RESULTS: In the 12 months to April 2001, 518 cases were referred for ERCP; 140 underwent EUS and 378 underwent ERCP. The proportions of diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP were 14% and 86%, respectively. Benign biliary disease represented 33% of all referrals for EUS, and calculi were identified in 6% of these cases. During the preceding year, 637 ERCPs were performed. The proportion of diagnostic (33%) and therapeutic (67%) cases differed from the index year (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The substitution of EUS for ERCP results in significant quantitative and qualitative change to ERCP practice, which has direct consequences for training and service development.

Adolescent↗

Endoscopic retrieval of a capsule endoscope from a Zenker's diverticulum.

We report a case of a capsule endoscope lodged within a Zenker's diverticulum. The capsule was safely removed endoscopically. Safe re-insertion of the capsule was achieved using an overtube placed with a Savary dilator. While capsule endoscopy should be avoided in patients with large esophageal diverticula or dysphagia, this method may be used to deliver the capsule beyond the esophagus, allowing completion of the capsule endoscopy study.

Aged↗

Prospective comparison of endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the preoperative assessment of masses in the pancreatic head.

AIMS: To compare the diagnostic value of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the differentiation of malignant from benign masses in the pancreatic head. METHODS: Within 14 months 95 prospective patients with masses in the pancreatic head were assigned for preoperative EUS and ERCP. Both procedures were performed and recorded according to a standardized protocol. Based on intraoperative findings and histology, 50 patients (53%) suffered from malignant and 45 patients (47%) from benign (inflammatory) tumors. RESULTS: Success rates were 96% for EUS and 95% for ERCP. The overall results for EUS and ERCP to predict malignant masses were, respectively: sensitivity 78 and 81%, specificity 93 and 88%, positive predictive value 93 and 89%, negative predictive value 78 and 80%, and diagnostic accuracy 85 and 84%. When EUS and ERCP were taken together, the sensitivity was 92% (specificity 85%), but the diagnostic accuracy (89%) was not significantly enhanced. The results for EUS to diagnose lymph node metastases preoperatively were: sensitivity 55%, specificity 91%, positive predictive value 69%, negative predictive value 84%, and accuracy 81%. CONCLUSIONS: EUS and ERCP have similar diagnostic accuracies to separate malignant from benign masses in the pancreatic head. Combination of both procedures is not superior to the use of one modality alone. Abnormal lymph nodes visualized on EUS in patients with inflammatory masses in the pancreatic head due to chronic pancreatitis should be interpreted cautiously.

Adult↗

Prevention of pancreatic reactions by bolus somatostatin administration in patients undergoing endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography and endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Mild pancreatitis is a common complication of endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic sphincterotomy. Knowing that a bolus injection of natural somatostatin (SRIF) dramatically reduces pancreatic secretion, a study was conducted in 33 subjects undergoing invasive diagnostic procedures. A placebo (n = 16) or SRIF (n = 17; 4 micrograms/kg) were injected before cannulation. Enzymatic rise was observed in 16 (94%) subjects receiving placebo and in 8 (50%) injected previously with SRIF. In the former group 65% reported abdominal pain whereas only 19% had this complaint in the SRIF series. Results suggest that a bolus injection of SRIF may attenuate pancreatic irritation caused by diagnostic procedures or sphincterotomy.

Acute Disease↗