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Robotic virtual endoscopy: development of a multidirectional rigid endoscope.

INTRODUCTION: The use of neuroendoscopy has increased in the past 20 years. Despite an increase in the number of indications for use, novel adjuncts and modifications to existing endoscopes remain all but nonexistent. We introduce a robotic virtual endoscope with applications for neurosurgery that could serve as a novel step in the evolution of future endoscopic technologies. METHODS: Over the past 8 years, we have worked on the construction of a prototype endoscope with three degrees of freedom that was designed to allow for enhanced safety while maximizing the benefits of virtual field rendition and robotic control. We have developed a prototype to examine a cerebral ventricular model in vitro that functions via either a direct video- or computer-based interface. RESULTS: Assessment of viewing angulation with robotic feedback has verified the accuracy of the prototype. Models support the ability of the endoscope to localize regions identified via a software interface. CONCLUSION: The endoscope is a rigid virtual robotic endoscope that provides complete visual coverage of a three-dimensional space by controlling an adjustable viewing direction with three degrees of freedom.

Endoscopes↗

Effect of omeprazole on the outcome of endoscopically treated bleeding peptic ulcers. Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Haemostasis is highly pH-dependent and severely impaired at low pH. However, there is no clear evidence that acid-suppressing drugs have beneficial effects in peptic ulcer haemorrhage. Endoscopic haemostatic treatment provides important reduction in morbidity and may be more efficient when a neutral intragastric pH is maintained. METHODS: We conducted a double-blind, placebo-controlled multicentre study of intravenous infusion of omeprazole (80 mg as bolus, followed by 8 mg/h) or placebo for 72 h. All patients received 20 mg omeprazole orally from day 3 until follow-up on day 21. Only patients with ulcer haemorrhage, endoscoped within 12 h after admission, and with a history or signs of circulatory failure and spurting bleeding, oozing bleeding, visible vessel, or clot, were included. Endoscopic intervention was aimed at when spurting bleeding, oozing bleeding, or a visible vessel was observed. The primary efficacy measure was the worst ranking on an overall outcome scale (5 = death, 4 = surgery, 3 = additional endoscopic treatment, 2 = more than 3 units of blood, and 1 = no more than 3 units of blood transfused). Base-line prognostic factors of treatment success by day 3 and of other binary outcomes were considered in a logistic regression model. RESULTS: Two hundred and seventy-four patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole (134 patients) or placebo (140 patients). The number of patients included in the 'intention-to-treat' analysis was 130 in the omeprazole group and 135 in the placebo group. The primary variable, the overall outcome at 72 h, showed a difference (P = 0.004) between the two treatments in favour of omeprazole. Treatment success by 72 h defined as no death, no operation, or no additional endoscopic treatment was 91.0% in the omeprazole group and 79.7% in the placebo group (therapeutic gain, 11.3 percentage units; 95% confidence interval, 2.3 to 20.4 percentage units). Significant differences in favour of omeprazole were also found for secondary variables such as number of blood transfusions, duration and degree of bleeding, and the need for surgery and additional endoscopic treatments on day 3 and day 21. However, the numbers of deaths by day 3, 21, or 35 were very similar. CONCLUSIONS: We found a beneficial effect of intravenous omeprazole in severe ulcer haemorrhage, with a reduction in the number of operations, in endoscopic treatments, and in the duration and severity of bleeding.

Aged↗

Applicability of the new ITKA GSD Basic 250 electrosurgical unit to urologic endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and urologic open surgery.

The purpose of the study was to assess the applicability of a new ITKA GSD Basic 250 electrosurgical unit (ESU) to urologic endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and open urologic surgery, its possible interference with videorecording and stray currents in healthy tissues. A new ITKA GSD Basic 250 ESU (test ESU) was used and compared to conventional ESU (Berchtold Elektrotom 390 as reference ESU). Experimental surgery was carried out on three female pigs, which underwent endoscopic, laparoscopic and open surgery. Altogether 29 patients underwent either endoscopic or open surgery with the test ESU. In experimental surgery, the ideal cutting and coagulation settings of the test ESU were in the range 15-25% for endoscopic surgery. In laparoscopic surgery, tissues were ideally resected and removed at 10-15% power settings. In open experimental surgery, the ideal power settings were 25-30%. In human surgery, the test ESU operated well at 25-35% power settings in endoscopic surgery, while in open surgery on humans the ideal settings were 25-35% in monopolar use and 20-25% in bipolar use. When used for endoscopic operations, the test ESU did not interfere with videorecording. Nor were any adverse effects seen in the surrounding tissues. The patients had neither early nor late complications. Histopathological findings revealed no differences in healing between the test ESU and reference ESU. Experimental and patient surgery showed the test ESU to be both safe and effective. It is suitable to be used in urologic endoscopic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and open urologic surgery. It does not interfere with videorecording or cause harmful stray currents in surrounding tissues. Power can be adjusted linearly and precisely. Low-power operation is also possible.

Abdominal Muscles↗

[Photography of the endoscopic picture with a consumer-grade digital camera].

In spite of the progress of digital camera technology, photography of the endoscopic picture, with a digital still camera, has not spread in the urologic setting. We attempted to photograph an endoscopic picture with a consumer-grade digital camera. An attachment was produced by pasting step-up rings for digital cameras on a coupler, or eye piece, for endoscopes. An endoscope lens, attachment, and the digital camera were connected, and the endoscopic picture was photographed. The endoscopic picture taken with the digital still camera was high definition compared to the one with the video camera for endoscopes. The conditions of the digital camera, which can be used, require having mounting threads for filters on the lens. Although a way of sterilizing and waterproofing a camera must first be discovered, a digital still camera enables one to obtain a high-definition image inexpensively, and to store and arrange the picture.

Endoscopes↗

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine-needle aspiration biopsy of suspected pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: In many institutions, computed tomography (CT)-guided percutaneous fine-needle aspiration (FNA) has become the procedure of choice for biopsies of pancreatic mass lesions. This method of biopsy and others, such as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) cytology, are problematic because of a substantial false-negative rate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the yield of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsies in patients who had negative results on CT-guided biopsy or negative cytologic findings on ERCP sampling. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary care university medical center. PATIENTS: 102 patients (median age, 65 years; 58 men and 44 women) with suspected pancreatic cancer who fulfilled the above criteria were prospectively identified and underwent endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy. MEASUREMENTS: The operating characteristics of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA for diagnosing pancreatic masses were determined. Surgical pathology or long-term follow-up (median, 24 months) was used to identify false-positive or false-negative results. RESULTS: Median mass size was 3.5 cm x 2.7 cm. A median of 3.4 passes were performed. Cytologic results on endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy were positive in 57 patients, negative in 37, and inconclusive or nondiagnostic in 8. No false-positive results were observed. A diagnosis of pancreatic cancer was subsequently confirmed in 3 patients who had tested negative (false-negative results) and 1 of the 8 patients with nondiagnostic results. Of these 4 patients, 3 had cytologic evidence of chronic pancreatitis on endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy. The 95% CI for the likelihood ratio for a positive test result contained all values greater than or equal to 9.7. The likelihood ratio for a negative test result was 0.05 (CI, 0.02 to 0.15). The posterior probability of pancreatic cancer after a definitely positive result was at least 93.5% by a conservative lower 95% confidence limit; after a definitely negative test result, it was 6.9%. The prevalence of pancreatic cancer was 59.8% (61 of 102 patients). Self-limited complications occurred in 3 of the 102 patients (2.9% [CI, 0.6% to 8.4%]). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided FNA biopsy may play a valuable role in the evaluation of a pancreatic mass when results on other biopsy methods are negative but pancreatic cancer is suspected.

Aged↗

Endoscopic coronary artery bypass grafting on the beating heart using a computer enhanced telemanipulation system.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a technique for computer enhanced endoscopic arterial bypass grafting on the beating heart in an experimental canine model. METHODS: Mongrel dogs (30-35 kg) were used. After single lung ventilation of the right lung was initiated the dogs were placed to the right. The videoscope and the end-effectors of the da Vinci telemanipulation system (Intuitive Surgical, Mountain View, CA) were introduced through three ports. Surgery was performed remotely from the console (motion scaling 3:1). After harvesting of the internal thoracic artery (ITA) and preparation of its distal end, the Endostab, a newly developed endoscopic stabilizer, was introduced through an additional port. The anterior wall of the heart was stabilized and the collateral branch (RC) of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) was ligated proximally and distally. The arteriotomy was made and the ITA-graft anastomosed to the RC. The animals were sacrificed and the grafts were checked for patency using bench angiography. RESULTS: In two of five dogs total endoscopic beating heart bypass grafting, including ITA harvest, stabilization, arteriotomy and performance of the anastomosis, was successfully performed using computer enhanced technology and a new endoscopic stabilizer. In two dogs the procedure was completed with femoro-femoral cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) support on the beating or fibrillating heart, respectively. One dog expired due to VT. Hemodynamically, endoscopic stabilization was well tolerated. All four grafts were patent despite a target vessel diameter of less than 1 mm. CONCLUSION: The endoscopic stabilizer can sufficiently immobilize the heart to enable endoscopic beating heart coronary artery bypass grafting by means of a computer controlled instrumentation system.

Animals↗

[Robotic and systems technology for advanced endoscopic procedures].

The advent of endoscopic techniques changed surgery in many regards. This paper intends to describe an overview about technologies to facilitate endoscopic surgery. The systems described have been developed for the use in general surgery, but an easy application also in other fields of endoscopic surgery seems realistic. The introduction of system technology and robotic technology enables today to design a highly ergonomic solo-surgery platform. This consists of a system of devices for endoscopic surgery (HF, light source, etc...) with which the surgeon interacts directly, positioning systems for optic and instruments that the surgeon drives as the likes without assistance, and a chair to increase the comfort of the surgeon during surgery. The system of endoscopic devices named OREST (Dornier, München) designed already in 1992 opened the way to a number of systems available today that allow to the surgeon a direct control of the instrumentation. A considerable step ahead in endoscopic technology is the introduction of robotic technology to design assisting systems for solo-surgery and microsurgical instrument manipulators. Results of a number of experimental trials on combinations of different positioning devices are presented and commented. A further step in the employment of robotic technology is the design of "master-slave manipulators" to provide the surgeon with additional degrees of freedom of instrumentation. In 1996 a first prototype of an endoscopic manipulator system, named ARTEMIS, designed in cooperation with the Research Center in Karlsruhe, could be used in experimental applications. Clinical use of the system, however, will require further development of the arm mechanics and the control system. The combination with the implementation of telecommunication technology will open new frontiers, such as teleconsulting, teleassistance and telemanipulation.

Endoscopes↗

Preliminary experience with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in Ethiopia.

This study was undertaken to evaluate the outcome of diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and to increase the awareness of physicians practicing in Ethiopia about the procedure. Between April 1993 and October 1997, 47 patients underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography at Tikur Anbessa Hospital, Addis Ababa. Cholestasis, postcholecystectomy syndrome and abdominal pain with intermittent jaundice accounted for 91% of the indications. The success rate of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was 81%. Cholestasis provided the highest diagnostic yield followed by postcholecystectomy syndrome and abdominal pain with intermittent jaundice. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography finding was normal in 18% of cases. The commonest abnormal findings were gall stones (45%), biliary strictures (16%) and pancreatic carcinomas (11%). Using ultrasonography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, choledocholithiasis was diagnosed in three (21%) and 13 (93%) cases, respectively. The endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography diagnosis of choledocholithiasis was confirmed at surgery in all but one patient. Acute cholangitis and asymptomatic elevation of serum amylase and/or lipase were noted in three (6%) and four (9%) cases, respectively. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is generally a safe diagnostic modality and should be used more frequently for the diagnosis of biliary and pancreatic diseases.

Adult↗

[Endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal non-variceal bleeding].

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic hemostasis is the method of choice for the treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers. This retrospective study was carried out to evaluate its effectiveness in routine endoscopic practice. METHODS: The records of all patients with gastrointestinal bleeding undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGDS) at the Endoscopy Center of Ferrara in the last year were retrospectively evaluated. For each patient with peptic lesions, the following data were recorded: demographic characteristics, use of NSAIDs, co-morbidity, hemodynamic conditions, blood transfusions before EGDS, time between onset of symptoms and EGDS, endoscopic findings, method of endoscopic haemostasis carried out, Rockall score and outcome. If re-bleeding occurred, the data concerning the second therapeutic intervention were recorded as well. RESULTS: Seventy-six males and 45 females (age 34-92 years) entered the study. In 22% of cases no co-morbidity was present. Active bleeding was observed in 38% of cases, features consistent with recent bleeding in 54% of cases, and no sign of bleeding in 6.6% of cases. Peptic ulcer was observed in 89% of cases. Hemostasis was carried out in 81 patients (76 had adrenalin infiltration, 2 had argon plasma coagulator [APC], and 3 had both treatments); 26 patients had re-bleeding. The probability of re-bleeding was related to female gender (p<0.05; OR: 3.74), time between onset of symptoms and EGDS >24 hours (p<0.01; OR: 8.67), and presence of non-ulcer peptic pathology (p<0.05; OR: 0.15). Seven re-bleeding patients underwent surgery, 19 had endoscopic treatment. In 11 of these patients second hemostasis was resolutive, 8 bled again. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic hemostasis of bleeding peptic lesions is effective also in routine clinical practice. Adrenalin infiltration is safe, easy to perform, cheap and repeatable, and in our opinion it should be considered the technique of first choice in endoscopic hemostasis.

Adult↗

Endoscopic and endosonographic management of pancreatic pseudocyst: a long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The cause of pancreatic cyst were in 72 % due to alcoholism. A drainage to pancreatic cyst is very critical for patient with the stomach varices patient. The endoscopic ultrasonography(EUS) is a valuable supplement to the diagnostic procedure to localise the optimal spot for puncture and to avoid haemorrhage due to damage of intra or extra-mural blood vessels. METHODS: The drainage was reached by transpapillary endoscopic retrograde pancreatic drainage (ERPD), endoscopic cystogastrostomy (ECG) or endoscopic cystoduodenostomy (ECD). The case that varices is doubted and If the identification of the cyst is difficult the transmural drainage should be carried out under endosonographic control. RESULTS: Between 1987 and 2002, 47 patients had been treated for panceatic pseudocysts by transmural or transductal drainage EUS-guided drainage of a pancreatic pseudocyst or pancreatc abscess was carried out in 5 cases. In 42patients pancreatic pseudocysts disappeared completely. Six patients suffered a relapse 7 to 38 months after removal of the drainage. No more recurrences were observed in 22 patients within followed up 5-11 years. In another 6 patients the prostheses were renewed because of occlusion or dislocation. Overall 6 patients had to undergo surgery, 3 patients due to relapsing cyst, 2 patients because of insufficient drainage and one patient because of severe bleeding. There was no case of death related to the endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSION: The EUS is a valuable supplementation to the diagnostic procedure to localize the optimal spot for puncture and to avoid haemorrhage because of damage of intra or extramural bloodvessels. Advantages of the endoscopic drainage are minimal invasiveness, short period of hospitalization and low costs. These aspects make the endoscopic therapy the first choice of treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts.

Adolescent↗

[A combined endoscopic surgical treatment concept in acute biliary pancreatitis].

This paper presents the results of a combined endoscopic-surgical approach with management of acute biliary pancreatitis in 91 patients. The diagnosis was always made by means of endoscopic-retrograde cholangiography. Papillary or bile duct stones, or unmistakable signs of previous stone passage, and in exceptional cases flow obstruction due to preiampullary diverticuli were considered criteria for a positive diagnosis. All 91 patients were subjected to endoscopic sphincterotomy with/without stone extraction subsequent to the diagnostic cholangiogram. Endoscopic intervention was performed as soon as possible after admission to hospital, but by 48 hours at the latest. Cholecystectomy was carried out in all patients who were free of risk factors and without previous cholecystectomy, during the disease-free interval. The complication rate of this combined endoscopic-surgical approach amounted to 10.9%; the mortality rate was 3.3%. The achieved results suggest that endoscopic sphincterotomy with stone extraction in the acute phase of biliary pancreatitis is the method of choice in order to interrupt the process of this disease. In combination with the final surgical treatment of gallstone disease by cholecystectomy to avoid recurrences, the prognosis of acute biliary pancreatitis can be significantly improved by using this combined endoscopic-surgical management.

Adult↗

Endoscopic management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation.

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications are a serious problem in patients after liver transplantation and often require reoperation. This study was conducted to summarize the endoscopic diagnosis and management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). METHODS: From December 2000 to November 2003, twelve endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) were performed in 7 patients after OLT at Digestive Endoscopic Center of Changhai Hospital in Shanghai, China. The therapeutic maneuvers included endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST), biliary stent placement, balloon and basket extraction, irrigation, and nasobiliary tube placement. A retrospective study was made to determine the types of biliary tract complications after OLT. The success of ERCP and therapeutic maneuvers was also evaluated. RESULTS: Biliary tract complications including biliary stricture, biliary leak, biliary sludge, and stump leak of the cyst duct were treated respectively by endoscopic sphincterotomy with sludge extraction, stricture dilation or endoscopic retrograde biliary drainage. Two of the 3 patients with proximal common bile duct stricture were successfully treated with ERCP and stent placement. Four patients with anastomotic stricture and/without bile leak were treated successfully by dilation and stent placement or endoscopic nosobiliary drainage. No severe ERCP-related complications occurred. CONCLUSIONS: ERCP is an effective and accurate approach for the diagnosis of biliary tract complications after OLT, and placement of a stent is a safe initial treatment for biliary complications after liver transplantation.

Adult↗

[Inspecting the cochlear scala tympanic with flexible and semi-flexible micro-endoscope].

OBJECTIVE: Flexible and semi-flexible micro-endoscopes were used in cochlear scala tympani inspection , to explore their application in inner ear examination. METHOD: Fifteen profound hearing loss patients preparing for cochlear implant were included in this study. During the operation, micro-endoscopy was performed after opening the cochlear scala tympani. And 1 mm diameter semi-flexible micro-endoscope could go as deep as 9 mm into the cochlear scala tympani, while 0. 5 mm diameter flexible micro-endoscope could go as deep as 25 mm. The inspecting results were compared with video recording. RESULT: Using 0.5 mm flexible micro-endoscope, we canould check cochlear scala tympani with depth range of 15-25 mm, but the video imaging was not clear enough to examine the microstructure in the cochlear. With 1 mm diameter semi-flexible micro-endoscope, we could reach 9 mm deep into the cochlear. During the examination, we found 3 cases with calcification deposit in osseous spiral lamina, l case with granulation tissue in the lateral wall of scala tympani, no abnormal findings in the other 11 cases. CONCLUSION: Inspecting the cochlear scala tympani with 0.5 mm flexible micro-endoscope, even though we can reach the second circuit of the cochlear, it is difficult to find the pathology in the cochlear because of the poor video imaging. With 1 mm semi-flexible micro-endoscope, we can identify the microstructure of the cochlear clearly and find the pathologic changes, but the inserting depth was limited to 9 mm with limitation to examine the whole cochlear.

Adolescent↗

[A simple-irrigating system for endoscopic sinus surgery].

INTRODUCTION: The most troublesome problem during endoscopic surgery is fouling of the endoscope lens (tip) with blood. Irrigating systems are available on the market but they are relatively very expensive. We present our own simple irrigating system, very effective and inexpensive. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The system consists of: polyethylene catheter No 6, sterile intravenous line with interposed stopcock, 500 ml saline solution, endoscope. The catheter is fixed to the endoscope with sterile sticks and connected to the bottle of saline solution with intravenous line. During the operation the irrigant solution flow is controlled with interposed stopcock. CONCLUSIONS: A simple irrigating system allows cleaning of blood from the endoscope obviating the need for frequent removal of the endoscope from the nose. This allows more rapid and safer endoscopic surgery. It is very simple and cheap.

Endoscopes↗

Endoscopic treatment of postoperative biliary fistulae.

Postoperative biliary fistulae are difficult to manage, particularly in the face of obstruction or malignancy. We used endoscopic sphincterotomy or endoprosthesis placement to aide fistula closure in 52 patients with postoperative biliary fistulae. Thirty-seven patients with a fistula were treated with endoscopic sphincterotomy alone. Twenty-four of these 37 patients had a history of lithiasis; 21 patients were treated successfully by endoscopic sphincterotomy alone. The fistula closed in 2.4 +/- 1.6 days. Among the other 13 patients without history of stone disease, the fistula closed in seven cases (54%), 8.4 +/- 2 days after endoscopic treatment. Three patients ultimately required surgical intervention. In 15 patients an attempt was made to pass a 10F endoprosthesis above the fistula. Among the eight patients with successful prosthesis insertion, the fistula healed in six patients (75%). In the seven patients in whom a prosthesis could not be passed endoscopically, the percutaneous transhepatic approach was used. Surgical treatment (hepaticojejunal anastomosis) was ultimately required in two of these seven patients. Sphincterotomy alone is the preferred treatment for biliary fistulae-complicating surgery for gallstone disease. Alternatively, when a fistula is large, endoscopic placement of a prosthesis can be proposed as the first treatment. In cases of endoscopic failure, placement of a prosthesis through the percutaneous transhepatic approach is a useful alternative, particularly when the fistula source is located in the intrahepatic biliary tract.

Biliary Fistula↗

Experience with endoscopic biliary drainage in Singapore.

In several overseas centres endoscopic biliary drainage is now a standard procedure in the initial or definitive management of biliary tract obstruction. We report the first nine patients in whom this procedure was carried out in our unit. Four patients presented with acute cholangitis due to cholelithiasis. Urgent endoscopic biliary drainage improved the general condition in three patients prior to subsequent elective surgery. In one other patient with huge common bile duct calculi a biliary stent prevented recurrent episodes of cholangitis. Endoscopic endoprostheses were used in three patients with malignant biliary tract obstruction. Two had terminal metastatic disease and endoscopic drainage provided adequate palliation of jaundice and pruritus in one. Endoprosthesis blockage necessitated percutaneous drainage in the other patient. The third patient with carcinoma of the head of the pancreas was improved by endoscopic drainage prior to an open surgical bypass procedure. Another patient with obstructive jaundice due to terminal gall bladder carcinoma experienced relief of jaundice and pruritus following endoscopic insertion of a nasobiliary drain. We anticipate that endoscopic biliary drainage will become increasingly used in Singapore.

Aged↗

Immediate effects of the endoscopic sphincterotomy on the motility of the sphincter of Oddi.

An endoscopic manometric technique was used to determine the CBD-duodenum junction pressure profile before and immediately after endoscopic sphincterotomy in 13 patients with common bile duct stones. Premedication (meperidine, atropine, and diazepam) was given to all patients and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography was performed before endoscopic sphincterotomy. In the patients with intact papilla the features of the sphincter of Oddi motility were similar to those previously described for patients not given premedication or submitted to cholangiography before endoscopic sphincterotomy. Endoscopic sphincterotomy which was successful for immediate stone removal in 9 of 13 patients caused an immediate reduction of sphincter of Oddi motility in all patients, but abolished it in only 2 of them. The present results show that successful common bile duct stone extraction by means of endoscopic sphincterotomy can be accomplished without total abolition of sphincter of Oddi motility.

Aged↗

New diagnostic and treatment modalities involving endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and esophagogastroduodenoscopy.

Within the past several years, there has been dramatic advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities involving EGD and ERCP. Endoscopic sclerotherapy of esophageal varices is effective in controlling acute variceal bleeding in approximately 90% of the patients. Once bleeding is controlled, sclerotherapy may be a useful, long term treatment to prevent recurrent hemorrhage and to improve survival. In the treatment of patients with nonvariceal upper Gl bleeding, endoscopic electrocoagulation and laser photocoagulation does not significantly alter the operative rate or mortality rate. However, a subset of patients with either a visible vessel or angiodysplasia may benefit from endoscopic therapy of upper Gl bleeding. Another innovation, the ultrasonic endoscope has many potential applications, but instrumentation needs to be improved significantly before this diagnostic modality will be of clinical value. In the treatment of biliary tract disease, endoscopic sphincterotomy has revolutionized the therapy of patients with common bile duct stones and sphincter of Oddi disorders. Although sphincter of Oddi manometry is in its infancy, pressure measurements in the sphincter segment appear useful in identifying patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction who will benefit from sphincterotomy. Following endoscopic sphincterotomy, transpapillary biliary catheters, endoprosthesis and Gruntzig's balloons can be placed endoscopically into the common bile duct. These techniques are beneficial in the therapy of patients with large common bile duct stones as well as in short or long term management of patients with benign or malignant strictures of the biliary tree.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗