Pancreatic Endoscopic Sphincterotomy in Patients with Chronic Pancreatitis: A Single-Center Experience in 171 Consecutive Patients

Background and Study Aims: In recent years, interest in endoscopic therapy techniques for pancreatic diseases has been constantly increasing. The aim of the present study was to assess the technical success, technique, and complications of endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) in patients with chronic pancreatitis. Patients and Methods: A total of 171 patients with chronic pancreatitis and abdominal complaints were identified in whom at least one attempt at EPS was carried out. During the procedure, sphincterotomy was carried out using a guide-wire sphincterotome or a needle-knife papillotome. Patients were followed up after EPS for at least 24 h, including clinical symptoms and labora…

Lasso Technique for Retrieval of a Dislocated and Impacted Esophageal Stent

Endoluminal therapy of GERD with a new endoscopic suturing device

Background Endoscopic, endoluminal therapy might be an alternative treatment option in light of the costs of proton pump inhibitor therapy and possible complications after laparoscopic surgery. The aim of the current study was to assess the efficacy and the safety of a new endoluminal suture device (ESD) in pig models and humans. Secondly, 3 and 6 months' follow-ups were performed, and possible complications and their management were evaluated. Methods In the preclinical phase of the study, suturing procedures were practiced and evaluated in 8 pig models (Erlanger Endo Trainer). In the clinical phase, 20 patients with mild esophagitis, small or no hiatal hernia, and signs of abnormal acid e…

Long-term follow-up of patients with iron deficiency anemia after a close endoscopic examination of the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract.

Background In patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) occult gastrointestinal bleeding is generally investigated by bidirectional endoscopy. The aim of our study was to examine the long-term follow-up of patients with IDA where the sources of bleeding couldn't be detected despite close endoscopic and radiologic examination of the GI tract. Methods Based on the endoscopic data base we examined consecutive patients who were referred for gastrointestinal endoscopy due to IDA with a negative endoscopic (upper GI endoscopy and colonoscopy) evaluation. Further diagnostic work up (repeated endoscopy of the upper and lower GI tract by an experienced investigator, small bowel enteroclysis, push e…

Helicobacter pylori infection does not affect the early rebleeding rate in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding after successful endoscopic hemostasis: a prospective single-center trial.

Background and study aims Eradication of Helicobacter pylori infection can reduce the rebleeding rate of peptic ulcer bleeding in the long term. There are few data on the influence of H. pylori on the rebleeding rate in the acute phase of bleeding however. We therefore prospectively investigated the influence of H. pylori infection on the early rebleeding rate in patients who had undergone successful endoscopic hemostasis treatment for peptic ulcer bleeding. Patients and methods Between January 1996 and November 2000 all patients with peptic ulcer bleeding were evaluated consecutively. The diagnosis of H. pylori infection was made at index endoscopy, using histology and the rapid urease tes…

Endometriose des Colon transversum

HISTORY A 65-year-old woman with no complaints came to our hospital for a colonoscopy because of a family history of a colorectal carcinoma. Because of postmenopausal complaints she had been undergoing estrogen therapy for the past five years. INVESTIGATIONS Colonoscopy revealed a 2 x 2 cm polyp like structure with central tissue proliferation in the transverse colon. Neither chromoendoscopy with indigocarmine nor multiple biopsies indicated an adenomatous glandular proliferation. Miniendosonography revealed the image of a tumour located in the muscularis propria. DIAGNOSIS AND CLINICAL COURSE: As a malign process could not definitely be excluded, a colon segment resection was carried out b…

A negative rapid urease test is unreliable for exclusion of Helicobacter pylori infection during acute phase of ulcer bleeding

Abstract Background. The reliability of the rapid urease test has not been proven in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding. Some studies show bad diagnostic results with the rapid urease test for gastrointestinal bleeding. Aims. To evaluate the efficacy of the rapid urease test in patients with bleeding gastric or duodenal ulcers. Patients and methods. A total of 96 patients with acute peptic ulcer bleeding without proton pump inhibitor or antibiotic therapy within the last 14 days before bleeding were included into the study. During index endoscopy, specimens for histological and rapid urease test were obtained from the antrum and corpus mucosa of the stomach. Patients were also investigated…

Successful treatment of gallstone ileus (Bouveret's syndrome) by using extracorporal shock wave lithotripsy and argon plasma coagulation.

Inkarzeration eines Pankreassteinfragmentes im distalen Pankreasgang nach Therapie durch extrakorporale Stoßwellenlithotripsie (ESWL)

A partial or total absence of stones in pancreaticolithiasis therapy can be reached by using ESWL. We report on a patient who happened to get an incarceration of a fragment in the distal pancreatic duct after having been treated by ESWL without a previous sphincterotomy to the ductus Wirsungianus. This emphasizes the recommendation to carry out a papillotomy of the pancreatic main duct before applying ESWL to pancreatic stones.

Diagnostik eines hochmalignen B-Zell-Lymphoms des Dünndarms mit der Kapselendoskopie

Wireless capsule endoscopy is a new diagnostic procedure to detect diseases of the small bowel, in particular in patients with obscure gastrointestinal bleeding. We report on a 76-year-old patient who presented at our hospital with signs of gastrointestinal bleeding and hypochromic anaemia. Bidirectional endoscopy, push enteroscopy, angiography as well as small bowel barium enema rendered no pathologic findings. Wireless capsule endoscopy demonstrated a polypous space in the cantral area of the small bowel. Subsequent intraoperative endoscopy revealed a subtotal stenosing tumour of the upper jejunum which was resected. Based on the histology a high-grade B-Cell lymphoma was diagnosed. The p…

Does Cytokeratin7/20 immunoreactivity help to distinguish Barrett's esophagus from gastric intestinal metaplasia? Results of a prospective study of 75 patients

Barrett's esophagus is a recognized risk factor for the development of esophageal dysplasia and carcinoma. Unfortunately, gastric incomplete intestinal metaplasia arising in Short Segment Barrett's esophagus can be indistinguishable histologically on hematoxylin/eosin stains. Distinct patterns of CK 7 and CK 20 immunohistochemical expression have been demonstrated to be both highly sensitive and specific for Barrett's esophagus, but have not been found in gastric metaplasia. The aim of our study was to test whether immunostaining with CK 7/20 helps to distinguish between Barrett's epithelium and gastric incomplete metaplasia. Cases of long segment Barrett's esophagus, short segment Barrett'…

Incomplete Conventional Colonoscopy: Magnetic Resonance Colonography in the Evaluation of the Proximal Colon

Background and Study Aims: The purpose of this study was to evaluate dark-lumen magnetic resonance (MR) colonography prospectively in patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy. Patients and Methods: Thirty-two patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy underwent same-day dark-lumen MR colonography on the basis of a standard protocol. The depiction of colorectal diseases was assessed in the following colon segments: cecum, ascending colon, transverse colon, descending colon, sigmoid colon, and rectum. The reasons for incomplete colonoscopy included high-grade stenosis in 26 patients (four with occlusive cancer, 12 with fibrotic stenosis based on recurrent sigmoid diverticuliti…

ERCP and MRCP in the Differentiation of Pancreatic Tumors

The introduction of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in the early 1970s provided gastroenterologists with a number of diagnostic as well as therapeutic possibilities for examining biliopancreatic systems. In the meantime, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography presents a non-invasive alternative to diagnostic ECRP providing the advantage of a lower rate of possible complications. This article addresses the two methods presently available for differentiating pancreatic tumors. The objective of this article is to describe the advantages and disadvantages as well as the possibilities inherent in both methods.

Endoscopic stenting for postoperative biliary strictures due to hepatic hydatid disease: effectiveness and long-term outcome.

Background Postoperative strictures due to hepatic hydatid disease caused by Echinococcus surgery is considered to be a rare cause of benign bile duct strictures, especially in the Western world. Goals The aim of this retrospective study is to demonstrate possible characteristics of the strictures as well as the effectiveness of long-term endoscopic stenting. Study Between 1994 and 2001, we treated 10 of these cases in our clinic. All patients had surgery for hepatic Echinococcus disease one or more times. These types of benign biliary strictures, secondary to surgery of hepatic hydatid disease, were multiple and located in the proximal common bile duct. Endoscopic stent therapy was carried…

Kombiniertes Simulationstraining: Ein neues Kurskonzept trainiert und verbessert das Krisenmanagement der gastroenterologischen Endoskopie

Introduction Crisis management as well as realistic emergency situations can be trained in the new developed simulation workshop "Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and Crisis Resource Management" by combining a full-scale simulator and the Erlanger Endoscopy Trainer. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficiency of the newly developed simulation workshop. Methods Endoscopists with more than 12 months experience can train their endoscopic skills and crisis resource management with the help of different simulators. In addition, two different scenarios (GI bleeding with significant blood loss and sedation overdoses) embedded in a realistic surrounding (emergency room) have to be managed…

Arthralgia as an early extraintestinal symptom of Whipple's disease. Report of five cases.

Five patients with Whipple's disease all suffered from arthralgia for a long time (15 years in one case) before developing gastrointestinal or other symptoms. In all patients, arthralgia was seronegative, and there was no evidence of joint destruction. Arthralgias were symmetric and migrating. Whipple's disease is part of the differential diagnosis of enteropathic arthralgia. Thereby, the polymerase chain reaction can be a helpful tool to prove Whipple's disease in difficult differential diagnosis.

Long-Segment Early Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Proximal Esophagus: Curative Treatment and Long-Term Follow-Up after 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA)-Photodynamic Therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an established treatment for the ablation of dysplastic Barrett's epithelium and early esophageal carcinoma, but no data have been published on curative 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)-PDT for long-segment early esophageal cancer with infiltration of the upper sphincter. We describe successful curative treatment of an unusual early long-segment squamous cell carcinoma (uT1a,N0) of the proximal esophagus (18 - 28 cm aborally), with three sessions of 5-ALA-PDT. Endoscopic and endosonographic follow-up macroscopically showed a complete remission of the tumor, proven by biopsy showing total histological ablation. After a follow-up period of 23 months, there has been …

Effect of intravenous application of esomeprazole 40???mg versus pantoprazole 40???mg on 24-hour intragastric pH in healthy adults

BACKGROUND: It has been demonstrated that therapy with proton pump inhibitors reduces recurrence of bleeding following initial endoscopic treatment of bleeding peptic ulcers. AIM: This study compared the effects of esomeprazole 40 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg on intragastric acid control. Both substances were administered intravenously as 15-min infusion and as bolus injection. METHODS: Healthy men and women volunteers were enrolled in this single-center, open, randomized, three-way crossover study. After administration of esomeprazole 40 mg and pantoprazole 40 mg intravenously as 15-min infusion, and pantoprazole 40 mg intravenously as bolus injection, continuous 24-h intragastric pH monitori…

Diagnostic Accuracy of <sup>13</sup>C-Urea Breath Test in the Diagnosis of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> Infection in Patients with Partial Gastric Resection due to Peptic Ulcer Disease

<i>Aims:</i> We investigated the diagnostic properties of the <sup>13</sup>C-urea breath test (<sup>13</sup>C-UBT) prospectively. These are well validated in nonresected patients before and after treatment of <i>Helicobacter pylori</i> infection but not in patients with partial gastric resection due to peptic ulcer disease. <i>Methods:</i> Hospitalized patients with previous gastric resection and indications for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy were recruited for the study. Biopsy specimens were obtained from the fundus mucosa and the gastric remnant adjacent to the gastroenteric anastomosis for histological examination and rapid u…

Der hyperplastische Polyp des Magens - eine Präkanzerose?

In general, hyperplastic polyps of the stomach are regarded as benign lesions. Still there is the chance to find carcinomas within them as documented in this case report. This finding can be interpreted as an incidental appearance. At the moment there are no standardized guidelines regarding diagnostics and therapy of gastric hyperplastic polyps. Referring to a short review of the literature endoscopic snare polypectomy seems to be a reasonable therapeutic option of hyperplastic polyps with a size of 0.5-1 cm. Although it is possible to determine the histology by forceps biopsy, it is possible to be misled by missing areas of focal carcinomas. Complications after polypectomy are rare and of…

Wireless Capsule Endoscopy in a Patient with Obscure Occult Bleeding

A case of obscure/occult bleeding in a 39-year old man with a 7-year history of chronic fatigue and iron-deficiency anemia is presented here. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy, push enteroscopy, ileocolonoscopies, and a magnetic resonance imaging small-bowel follow-through did not reveal any abnormalities. Multiple inflammatory lesions with fibrin-covered ulcers and petechial bleeding in the area of the lower jejunum and ileum were diagnosed only with capsule endoscopy. One ulcer located near the ileocecal valve was then biopsied during a repeat ileocolonoscopy, and the histology showed signs of Crohn's enteritis. The further treatment approach was changed, with medical treatment being initiated a…

Capsule Endoscopy versus Push Enteroscopy in Patients with Occult Gastrointestinal Bleeding

Background Wireless capsule endoscopy is a new method enabling non-invasive diagnostic endoscopy of the entire small intestine. In this study we prospectively examined the diagnostic precision of capsule endoscopy compared with push enteroscopy in patients with occult gastrointestinal bleeding. Methods Between July 2001 and October 2002 we examined 48 patients with suspected disorders of the small intestine using capsule endoscopy. 33 patients with obscure bleeding (19 men, 14 women, mean age 58 +/- 23 years) were prospectively examined using capsule endoscopy and push enteroscopy. Results On average, the patients had been suffering from chronic gastrointestinal bleeding for 30 +/- 36 (1-12…

Colorectal Polyps: Detection with Dark-Lumen MR Colonography versus Conventional Colonoscopy

To prospectively compare dark-lumen magnetic resonance (MR) colonography with conventional colonoscopy in the detection of colorectal polyps.Local ethical committee approval and informed consent were obtained. One hundred consecutive patients (56 men, 44 women; mean age +/- standard deviation, 67.7 years +/- 14.7; range, 25-82 years) who were referred for conventional colonoscopy from January 2003 to January 2004 underwent MR colonography and conventional colonoscopy after standard precolonoscopic bowel cleansing. Colonoscopy was performed immediately after MR colonography. For MR colonography, the colon was filled with approximately 2000 mL of tap water. Imaging was performed with a 1.5-T …

Choledochocele imaged with magnetic resonance cholangiography.

Choledochal cysts are rare developmental malformations of the biliary tree. Percutaneous and endoscopic ultrasound, as well as endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, are recommended diagnostic tools. Magnetic resonance cholangiography may also contribute to the workup and treatment plan of patients with choledochal cysts. We report a 25-yr-old white woman with episodic nausea and moderate epigastric dyscomfort. Magnetic resonance cholangiography showed a rather spherical, cyst-like, fluid-filled structure in continuity with the prepapillary segment of the common bile duct, thus making a choledochocele (type III choledochal cyst) likely. The patient was treated by endoscopic sphinct…

Diagnosis of Liver Cirrhosis

Background/goals Liver cirrhosis, the final stage of chronic liver disease, is characterized by an unfavorable prognosis and an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and also requires an appropriate management. Laparoscopy, the gold standard in the diagnosis of cirrhosis, is hampered by its invasiveness. Therefore, a noninvasive method for diagnosing liver cirrhosis would be of great benefit. Study A consecutive series of 100 patients, sent to our gastroenterological unit for diagnostic laparoscopy, underwent a standardized ultrasonographic examination prior to laparoscopy. Results Conventional ultrasonographic examination revealed a sensitivity of 55% and a specificity of 86% in the d…

Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis: review of symptoms including upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Background Esophageal intramural pseudodiverticulosis (EIP) is a rare condition manifested by multiple, flask-shaped outpouchings in the wall of the esophagus, which represent dilated excretory ducts of esophageal mucous glands. Study Five patients with EIP were evaluated with regard to symptoms and concomitant diseases, as well as endoscopic, radiologic, and manometric findings. Results Primary clinical symptoms reported by the five patients (three men and two women; age range, 59–72 years) were increasing dysphagia (n = 3), upper gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 1), and no symptoms (n = 1). Concomitant diseases were chronic alcoholism (n = 3), diabetes mellitus (n = 1), and reflux esophagit…

Enteroscopic Cyanoacrylate Sclerotherapy of Jejunal and Gallbladder Varices in a Patient with Portal Hypertension

Bleeding from varices outside the gastroesophageal region is a rare, but regularly reported complication of portal hypertension. The treatment differs from the management of esophageal and gastric varices. We present here a report on the diagnosis and treatment of bleeding jejunal and gallbladder varices in a man with portal hypertension caused by chronic calcifying pancreatitis. The patient was suffering from recurrent, frequent, and massive gastrointestinal bleeding from varices at the anastomotic area of a cholecystojejunostomy. For diagnostic purposes, we carried out percutaneous Duplex ultrasonography and push enteroscopy with the Doppler technique. The treatment of varices in this are…

Pancreatic cancer detection with magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography: a prospective controlled study

Summary Background Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a non-invasive and increasingly used procedure in cases involving biliary and pancreatic diseases. However, the accuracy of MRCP in differential diagnosis between pancreatic cancer and chronic pancreatitis has never been documented in a large prospective controlled study. Methods 124 patients were recruited for the study, selected from 141 consecutive patients with an average age of 55 years (range 19–80) who presented to our department between February, 1996, and January, 1998, with a strong clinical suspicion of pancreatic cancer. MRCP images were interpreted by a radiologist and a gastroenterologist who were unaware…

A prospective evaluation of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography in patients with suspected bile duct obstruction.

Background—The value of magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is under debate.Aims—To assess the diagnostic accuracy of MRCP and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and to determine whether MRCP may help to prevent unnecessary interventional procedures.Methods—Eighty six patients with suspected common bile duct obstruction who presented between January and December 1996 were enrolled. Twenty six were excluded due to anatomical reasons or because MRCP or ERCP could not be performed successfully. Results of MRCP were interpreted by two radiologists and a gastroenterologist unaware of clinical diagnosis. Final diagnosis was determined by ERCP and histopathologica…

Value of magnetic-resonance cholangio-pancreatography (MRCP) after unsuccessful endoscopic-retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP).

Background and Study Aims: The present study tries to evaluate the success rate of MRCP when two attempts by experts to perform ERCP in a center failed. Patients and Methods: From March 1996 to December 1996 thirteen patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The MR cholangiopancreatograms were acquired using commercially available software in a clinical MR scanner (Magnetom Expert 1T-Scanner, Siemens, Erlangen, Germany). MRCP utilized heavily T2-weighted turbo-spin echo sequences with fat supression (HASTE). Maximum intensity projection (MIP) of the pancreatic duct and biliary tree was then carried out. Additionally, T1-weighted sequences were obtained using the breath-hold technique. Resu…

Schwannoma of the common bile duct: a rare cause of obstructive jaundice.

The endoscopic diagnosis of bile duct lesions has improved over recent years through the introduction of cholangioscopy and intraductal ultrasound. Combining this with biopsies examined using routinely administered immunohistochemical markers, the diagnosis of tumors of the extrahepatic bile duct can be improved substantially. We report a rare case of a schwannoma of the bile duct causing obstructive jaundice.

Minimal Change Esophagitis: Prospective Comparison of Endoscopic and Histological Markers between Patients with Non-Erosive Reflux Disease and Normal Controls Using Magnifying Endoscopy

<i>Introduction:</i> More than half the patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) show no endoscopic abnormality or minimal change esophagitis (non-erosive reflux disease, NERD). We investigated the value of endoscopic and histological markers for the prediction of NERD before and after treatment with 20 mg esomeprazole. <i>Methods:</i> Between July and October 2002, consecutive patients presenting for upper endoscopy were stratified into GERD and non-reflux patients (control group) with the help of a questionnaire. The endoscopist was blind to the presence of reflux symptoms. Using magnifying endoscopes minimal change esophagitis was defined by the presen…

Mucinous cystadenomas and intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography.

Background and Study Aims: In mucin-producing tumors of the pancreas, diagnosis using endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is limited to cystic formations that communicate with the main pancreatic duct. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) is a new, sophisticated method which is currently under evaluation. The authors describe the usefulness of MRCP in diagnosis of mucin-producing tumors. Patients and Methods: Six patients with mucin-producing tumors were investigated using MRCP and ERCP. Imaging was compared with surgery and histopathological examinations. Results: Three patients were found to have mucinous cystadenomas (MC), two patients had intraductal papi…

Prospective, randomized, single-center trial comparing 3 different 10F plastic stents in malignant mid and distal bile duct strictures.

Abstract Background: The aim of this study was to determine whether patency rates differ with respect to the material, design, and surface texture of 3 different plastic stents. Methods: A total of 120 patients (median age 70.5 years; interquartile range 62-78 years) with malignant mid or distal bile duct strictures, seen between March 1996 and May 1999, were prospectively randomized to receive a 10F polyurethane stent, a Teflon Tannenbaum stent, or a hydrophilic hydromer-coated polyurethane stent. The primary study outcome measure was the interval between stent insertion and the first episode of clogging (or the presence of jaundice at death without stent exchange). All 3 types of stent we…