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Biomedical subjects

D Schilling

Publications and source records attributed to D Schilling.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Tissue microarrays: applications in urological cancer research.

Tissue microarrays (TMAs) are used to simultaneously study the expression of proteins in hundreds of tissue samples, offering the important advantage to screen large tissue banks for biomarker expression and to simultaneously examine serial sections obtained from the same tumor specimen by a time- and cost-effective analytical approach. This review article presents an overview of the importance and the impact of this technique in cancer research with increasing number of investigations using TMAs in its eighth anniversary. Its application, limitations, and selected previous study results regarding urologic malignancies are presented and discussed.

Biomarkers, Tumor↗

[Application of tissue microarrays for the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutic decision making in renal cell carcinoma].

The tissue microarray technique (TMA) represents a powerful diagnostic "high-throughput" tool to analyse DNA/RNA or protein alterations in large patient cohorts in a time and cost effective way. This review focuses on the clinical application of TMA in renal cell carcinoma in modern "translational" medicine--"from bench to bedside". In particular, the advantages of TMA for diagnosis, prognosis and decisions for therapy will be considered in relation to renal cell cancer.

Carcinoma, Renal Cell↗

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 no indication of tumor recurrence. Early superficial (< 3 mm) squamous cell carcinomas of the esophagus can be ablated completely by 5-ALA-PDT. However, long-term follow-up is required in order to prove the effectiveness of endoscopic ablation therapy for early esophageal cancer.

Aminolevulinic Acid↗

Frequency of small bowel polyps in patients with duodenal adenoma but without familial adenomatous polyposis.

INTRODUCTION: It is uncertain whether patients with duodenal adenomas without familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) are at greater risk for small bowel neoplasia. We therefore conducted a study to determine the frequency of small bowel polyps in patients with non-papillary duodenal adenomas using capsule endoscopy for small bowel examination. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 14 patients (8 women, 6 men; mean age 67 +/- 10 years; range: 49 - 77 years) with non-papillary duodenal adenomas without FAP were included. All patients underwent wireless capsule endoscopy. The results were compared with an age- and sex-matched cohort of patients undergoing capsule endoscopy for suspected small bowel disease. RESULTS: Overall, 15 polyps ranging between 1 and 8 mm in diameter were detected in eight patients of the study group, whereas no polyps could be identified in the control group. Natural excretion of the capsule within 24 hours was always reported and no complications were reported by any of the patients. Other pathological findings were multiple angiodysplasias in two patients of the study group. In the control group capsule endoscopy detected angiodysplasias in 5 patients with the indication obscure gastrointestinal bleeding, and inflammatory lesions in 2 patients with suspected Crohn's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this prospective study, the frequency of small bowel polyps in patients with duodenal adenomas without familial adenomatous polyposis appears to be increased compared with a control group undergoing capsule endoscopy for other reasons. In none of the patients was the management altered. Follow-up data of these patients will be needed.

Adenoma↗

Course of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (ERD)--a prospective examination under therapeutic daily life conditions with a mean follow-up of 6.5 years.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic screening for Barrett's esophagus is an accepted base for surveillance strategies of Barrett's esophagus; data on the natural history of erosive gastroesophageal reflux disease (ERD) are sparse. Therefore, we performed a prospective long-term follow-up examination of the course of ERD to confirm the recommendation of a once-in-lifetime endoscopy as a screening programme for Barrett's esophagus. METHODS: Patients not older than 60 years with reflux symptoms and a first time diagnosis of ERD or Barrett's esophagus at the time of inclusion were identified. Patients were followed up by a further upper GI endoscopy after at least 5 years. They were interviewed about clinical symptoms and medication use. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-five patients were included. Follow-up data were obtained for 115 patients. Seventy-one patients (22 female, 49 male, average age: 48.3 years; range: 22-60 years) remained in the programme, 37 patients died from unrelated diseases within the follow-up period (mostly due to cardiovascluar diseases). Seven patients were excluded because of missing videoendoscopy. The average follow-up period was 78.3 (range: 60-85) months. During this time, 76 % of the patients received medical therapy. Only three patients (4.5 %) showed progression of erosive lesions, whereas two patients developed a short-segment Barrett's esophagus without intraepithealial neoplasia. These 5 patients received no medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Progression of ERD is an unlikely event. Once-in-lifetime endoscopy is an adequate screening tool that may serve as a basis for a Barrett's esophagus surveillance program.

Adult↗

[Complications of diagnostic laparoscopy].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The frequency of diagnostic laparoscopy performed by internists has increased for several years once again -- especially performed as minilaparoscopy. A determination of the value of diagnostic laparoscopy is possible only with knowledge of the complication rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed a consecutive series of 675 laparoscopies (422male, 253 female, age 15 - 85 ) from 1996 to 2003 in our clinic. Possible risk factors for complications were analyzed. RESULTS: Minor complications occurred in 35/675 (5,2 %) laparoscopies, major complications in 8/675 (1,1 %) laparoscopies. There was no significant difference between conventional and minilaparoscopies. The existence of Child C cirrhosis was the only significiant risk factor identified for the occurrence of a major complication. CONCLUSION: Both conventional and minilaparoscopy have an acceptable rate of complications. When Child C cirrhosis is present, laparoscopy should be restricted to very few patients, as the complication rate is elevated in this condition.

Adolescent↗

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's esophagus, and cases with a normal gastroesophageal junction, as well as specimens with gastric antral intestninal metaplasia, were examined: three patterns were defined. Barrett's pattern (superficial CK 20 staining; superficial and crypt CK 7 staining); gastric pattern (superficial and crypt staining of both markers); other patterns (different from Barrett and gastric types). Seventy-five patients were enrolled in this study, 26 with long segment Barrett's esophagus, 21 with short segment esophagus, 13 with intestinal metaplasia of the cardia, and 18 with antral intestinal metaplasia. The Barrett pattern showed a high specificity of 97%, but a sensitivity of only 30% in patients with short segment Barrett esophagus. Our results do not confirm the hypothesis that CK 7/20 immunostaining can be used for a reliable differentiation between incomplete intestinal metaplasia and Barrett's epithelium.

Adult↗

[The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis: a comparative evaluation of standard laparoscopy, mini-laparoscopy and histology].

BACKGROUND: The superiority of laparoscopy with guided biopsy over biopsy alone is established. It is still uncertain if this is also true for midi-/ and mini-laparoscopy. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the diagnostic gain of laparoscopic-guided biopsy for standard laparoscopy and the use of midi-/mini-laparoscopies. Characteristics of the liver biopsies were investigated with regard to a missed diagnosis of cirrhosis. METHODS: In a consecutive series of 425 patients clinical, laparoscopic and histological findings were investigated. The length and fragmentation of the liver biopsies were investigated with regard to a missed diagnosis of cirrhosis. RESULTS: The sensitivity of laparoscopy in the diagnosis of cirrhosis was 96 %, that of histology 68 %. The sensitivity of histology alone was especially low in macronodular cirrhosis. The sensitivity of both laparoscopy and histology improved from Child A to C. When cirrhosis was apparent, liver biopsies were shorter and more frequently fragmented. However, the diagnosis of cirrhosis was independent of these parameters. CONCLUSION: Mini-laparoscopy may replace standard laparoscopy and appears to be superior compared with histology alone.

Adolescent↗

[Comparison of 3 types of covered self-expanding metal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia: results from the prospective Ludwigshafen Esophageal Cancer Register].

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic stenting with self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) has proved to be an efficient palliative endoscopic therapy option in treating malignant dysphagia. Different types of SEMS have been examined previously in small randomized clinical trials. METHODS: A total of 150 consecutive patients (from 1/1995-1/2004; 35 females, 115 males) with a median age of 66 years (range 43-94 years) were evaluated. Three different types of SEMS were examined: Group A: Gianturco Z Stent n = 59 pts.; Gruppe B: Ultraflex Stent n = 49 pts.; Gruppe C: Flamingo Wallstent n = 42 pts.). Dysphagia was categorized into grade 0 (no dysphagia) to grade 4 (total obstruction). RESULTS: Stent insertion was successfully evaluated in 55/59 (93 %) of the patients in group A, in 47/49 (96 %) of the patients in group B and in 40/42 (95 %) of the patients in group C (p = 0.78). After stent insertion, a reduction in the dysphagia score from 2.77 to 0.99 was observed in group A, from 2.58 to 0.72 in group B and from 2.62 to 0.81 in group C (p = 0.37). The median time to dysphagia recurrence was 78 days in group A, 90 days in group B and 70 days in group C (p = 0.45). The median overall survival time was 96 days in group A, 118 days in group B and 108 days in group C (p = 0.18). The incidence of high grade complications was 34 % in group A, 16 % in group B and 17 % in group C (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The 3 types of SEMS examined in this study showed similar efficacies in treating malignant dysphagia. However, the major complication rate of the Gianturco Z stent was significantly higher when compared to the complication rate of the Ultraflex stent and the Flamingo Wallstent.

Adenocarcinoma↗

[Combined simulation training: a new concept and workshop is useful for crisis management in gastrointestinal endoscopy].

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 by the participants. Vital parameters, endoscopic skills, as well as personal interactions were recorded and graded. RESULTS: 100 participants took part in the newly developed workshop (between June and December 2003). The participants showed a significantly better endoscopic performance and a significantly better crisis management after the standardized training program. CONCLUSIONS: Simulation training plays an essential role in aviation and minimizes the risk for human errors. In the current study it is clearly shown that simulation training is also useful in gastrointestinal endoscopy. The newly developed workshop may thus be of crucial importance to improve personal crisis management. Simulation also leads to an improvement of endoscopic and emergency skills. Accordingly, simulation training should be recommended or offered as an education option in gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Computer-Assisted Instruction↗

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 diverticulitis, eight with Crohn's-induced stenosis, and two with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug colonopathy), extreme patient intolerance in one patient, and technical challenges associated with an elongated colon in five patients. The results of MR colonography were compared with the findings of the initial conventional colonoscopy, the histopathological outcome, and follow-up colonoscopy when possible. RESULTS: All high-grade stenoses were confirmed on MR colonographic data sets. Of the 26 patients with high-grade stenosis, 19 underwent surgery with histopathological confirmation of the initial diagnosis. Follow-up colonoscopy was carried out in 14 patients with surgically treated high-grade stenosis. In six of these 14 patients, nine polyps identified at the initial MR colonography were confirmed and removed during a postoperative conventional colonoscopy. Two polyps (5 mm and 8 mm in diameter) identified on postoperative conventional colonoscopy had not been seen preoperatively at MR colonography. One polyp seen on MR colonography was not identified in the follow-up colonoscopy. CONCLUSION: Dark-lumen MR colonography is a feasible and useful method of evaluating the entire colon in patients with incomplete conventional colonoscopy.

Adult↗

Long-term outcome of percutaneous transhepatic drainage for benign bile duct stenoses.

PURPOSE: The occurrence of benign bile duct stenoses is mostly associated with prior biliary surgery, pancreatic diseases or sclerosing cholangitis. It remains a challenging problem for gastroenterologists and surgeons, especially in case the endoscopic approach is not possible. The exact role of percutaneous transhepatic stenting for these patients has not been clearly defined yet. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 36 patients with symptomatic benign bile duct stenoses or strictures after surgery underwent percutaneous transhepatic stenting and were studied prospectively. We were particularly interested in how many patients would achieve resolution of the stricture and tolerate removal of the drainage in the long-run. RESULTS: The primary success rate of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was 92% (33/36 patients). All patients presented improvement of jaundice and cholestasis. Relief of the stricture and clinical improvement was achieved in 72% (26/36) of patients after a median stenting time of 14.5 (6-34) months. 5.5% (2/36) required further stenting due to a persistent stricture. A clinical recovery without radiological stricture regression after stenting demonstrated 22% (8/36) of patients. Long-term failures were noted in 27% (10/36) of patients after a median follow-up of 48 months. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transhepatic stenting of symptomatic benign biliary strictures is safe and highly effective in achieving adequate internal bile drainage. There seems to be a therapeutic benefit not only for short-term interventional treatment but also as a sufficient long-term therapeutic alternative to surgery with tolerable complication rates.

Adult↗

[Scrotal abscess with inguinal lymph node swelling in an 86-year-old man].

HISTORY AND ADMISSION FINDINGS: An 86-year-old patient presented to our clinic with increasing redness and swelling of the right scrotum and inguinal lymphadenopathy. Five and a half years before admission carcinoma of the bladder (pT1,G2) had been diagnosed and was treated with several transurethral endoscopic resections as well as repeated instillations of Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) into the bladder. INVESTIGATIONS: Orchiectomy on the right side was performed. Histological analysis revealed a granulomatous inflammation consistent with a mycobacteriosis. Mycobacterium bovis BCG could be isolated from several sputum and urine specimens of the patient. DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT AND COURSE: Tuberculostatic therapy was started soon after surgery. After seven weeks of treatment no more mycobacteria could be detected in sputum and urine control specimens. At a follow up after twelve months there was no evidence of recurrent disease. CONCLUSION: We describe the late manifestation of a BCG infection including the lungs and the urogenital tract. This is a rare complication with potentially serious consequences and requires rapid diagnosis and urgent treatment by a multidisciplinary team.

Abscess↗

[Eradication and chronic acid suppression. Advances and pseudo-advances].

Guidelines for Helicobacter pylori therapy were proposed at the Maastricht 2/2000 conference. Since then no further major developments have been made. An evidenced based choice of treatment is thereby nearly impossible as large randomized trials have not been performed. Minor progress could be achieved in the areas of second-line and rescue treatment options after failure of the standard therapy. At present proton pump inhibitors are the most powerful drugs for the treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. No additional progress has been achieved concerning therapy of reflux disease in the last years. Reasonable anxiety about the safety of long-term acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors diminished over years as no significant increase in cancer development could be detected.

Animals↗

Minimal change esophagitis: prospective comparison of endoscopic and histological markers between patients with non-erosive reflux disease and normal controls using magnifying endoscopy.

INTRODUCTION: 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. METHODS: 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 presence of vascular injection or vascular spots above the Z-line, villous mucosal surface and islands of squamous cell epithelium below the Z-line. Targeted and random biopsies were taken below and above the Z-line. Patients with endoscopically visible classical signs of esophagitis (Los Angeles A-D) or histologically proven Barrett's esophagus were not further investigated in the study (drop out). The esophageal specimens were histologically evaluated for erosions, infiltration with leukocytes, hyperplasia of basal cells and length of papillae. Patients with NERD were treated with 20 mg esomeprazole/day for 4 weeks and reevaluated by endoscopy as described before. RESULTS: 39 patients with heartburn and 39 patients without reflux symptoms (controls) were finally included in the analysis (per protocol). Patients with NERD significantly (p = 0.005) more often showed endoscopic signs of minimal change esophagitis (27/39) than the control group (8/39). An increased length of papillae (14/39 versus 2/39; p = 0.005) and basal cell hyperplasia (17/39 versus 4/39; p = 0.009) were significantly more common in the heartburn group. After treatment with esomeprazole, no significant endoscopic or histological differences between the NERD and control group could be observed. CONCLUSIONS: Minimal change esophagitis can be seen with high resolution magnifying endoscopy. By combining endoscopic and histological markers NERD can be predicted with a sensitivity of 62% and a specificity of 74%. Treatment with esomeprazole for 4 weeks reverses the slight alterations to normal.

Anti-Ulcer Agents↗

[Endoscopic drainage of symptomatic pancreatic pseudocysts. An efficient and safe therapy in the clinical routine?].

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Clinical studies have demonstrated excellent success and low complication rates of endoscopic therapy of pancreatic pseudocysts. But it is not known, if these results can be reached in gastroenterological centers outside clinical studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the outcome of endoscopic therapy in 21 patients (15 male, 6 female, age 40 - 81) with pancreatic pseudocysts treated in our clinic between 1997 and 2002. A follow-up examination was included. RESULTS: Similar to the results of reported clinical studies the initial clinical success rate was 18/21 with symptomatic recurrences in two patients. All therapy-induced complications were successfully treated conservatively. CONCLUSION: Excellent results of endoscopic therapy of pancreatic pseudocysts can be reached in a gastroenterological center. Surgical treatment can be reserved for cases, when endoscopic therapy fails.

Adult↗