Biomedical subjects

John T Cunningham

Publications and source records attributed to John T Cunningham.

6 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Post-sphincterotomy bleeding after the introduction of microprocessor-controlled electrosurgery: does the new technology make the difference?

BACKGROUND: Bleeding as a complication of endoscopic sphincterotomy is influenced by several factors. The objective of this study was to compare rates of bleeding after sphincterotomy performed with two different electrosurgical current generators (Valleylab SSE2L and ERBE ICC200). METHODS: A total of 6179 consecutive reports of ERCP were analyzed to compare the frequency of endoscopically and clinically evident bleeding after sphincterotomy when using the Valleylab SSE2L generator (from February 1994 to November 1997) and the ERBE ICC200 generator (from December 1997 to September 2000). Relevant risk factors were assessed by univariate analysis and significant predictors were included in a multiple logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 2711 sphincterotomies were performed in 2309 patients (1749 biliary, 962 pancreatic). Endoscopically observed bleeding occurred in 68 patients (5.5%) in the ValleyLab group and 13 (1.2%) in the ERBE group. The ValleyLab generator was independently associated with an increase in endoscopically observed bleeding (OR 4.02: 95% CI[2.13, 7.61], p <0.001). There was no significant difference in clinically evident bleeding between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the microprocessor-controlled ERBE electrosurgical generator for endoscopic sphincterotomy was associated with a significantly lower frequency of endoscopically observed bleeding but not clinically evident bleeding.

Adult↗

PubMed2003

Long-term outcomes for patients with post-liver transplant anastomotic biliary strictures treated by endoscopic stent placement.

BACKGROUND: Biliary stricture is one of the most common complications of liver transplantation. A number of treatment options are available, but a standard approach has not been established. METHODS: A total of 25 patients with post-liver transplantation anastomotic strictures were treated endoscopically by stent placement. Long-term outcomes (bile duct patency, morbidity, and mortality) were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Placement of a stent was attempted in 25 patients with anastomotic stricture. Successful stent placement with stricture resolution at the time of stent removal was noted in 22 patients (technical success 88%). In those 22 patients, long-term success (mean follow-up after all stents removed, 54 months) was observed in 20 patients (90%) and partial success in two (10%). Long term, failure did not occur in any patient. There was no procedure- or disease-related mortally. Three mild episodes of cholangitis occurred during the period while the stents were in place, in relation to 79 endoscopic interventions for a procedure-related complication rate of 3.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term outcome for patients with post-liver transplantation biliary anastomotic strictures treated with endoscopic stent placement is excellent, with no therapy- or disease-associated mortality and minimal morbidity.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗

PubMed2002

Accuracy of EUS for detection of intraductal papillary mucinous tumor of the pancreas.

BACKGROUND: Patients with intraductal papillary mucinous tumors of the pancreas (IPMT) present with symptoms similar to those of chronic pancreatitis. This study assessed the accuracy of EUS for detection of IPMT and identified features that discriminate IPMT from chronic pancreatitis. METHODS: EUS accuracy for detecting IPMT was determined with characteristic findings by endoscopic retrograde pancreatography as the reference standard. To determine EUS features characteristic of IPMT, EUS images from patients with IPMT were compared with those from patients (similar age, gender) with chronic pancreatitis. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients (23 men, 15 women; age range 40-90 years) with IPMT were identified between 1994 and 2001. For EUS, the sensitivity was 86%, specificity 99%, positive predictive value 78%, and negative predictive value 99% for detection of IPMT. When compared with patients with chronic pancreatitis, the EUS features of dilation of pancreatic duct (89% vs. 42%, p < 0.0001), cysts (45% vs. 11%, p = 0.002), and pancreatic atrophy (32% vs. 3%, p = 0.002) were more common, whereas parenchymal features of chronic pancreatitis were less common with IPMT (21% vs. 97%, p < 0.0001). By multivariate analysis, the presence of no more than one parenchymal feature of chronic pancreatitis suggested the diagnosis of IPMT (odds ratio 43.84; 95% CI [4.13, 465.74]). CONCLUSIONS: EUS may be useful in the initial evaluation of patients suspected to have IPMT. Paucity of parenchymal features of chronic pancreatitis is important in differentiating IPMT from other causes of chronic pancreatitis.

Adenocarcinoma, Mucinous↗

PubMed2002

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis masquerading as ampullary adenoma.

Eosinophilic gastroenteritis is a rare gastrointestinal disorder of undetermined etiology that is characterized by eosinophilic infiltration of the gut wall. The presenting symptoms depend on the site and depth of intestinal involvement and varies from nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain to acute bowel obstruction. Pancreaticobiliary obstruction caused by eosinophilic gastroenteritis is rare. We report a 39-year-old man who presented with abdominal pain, vomiting, abnormal liver tests, and a duodenal mass on upper endoscopy. Blood tests showed peripheral eosinophilia. Abdominal computed tomography scan showed a suspected mass in ampullary region. At endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, both pancreatic and common bile duct were dilated with no obvious ductal strictures. Biopsies from the duodenal mass showed evidence of eosinophilic gastroenteritis. He was successfully treated with prednisone, and his liver test results returned to normal. In conclusion, this unusual case of eosinophilic gastroenteritis presented with duodenal mass that was masquerading as an ampullary adenoma causing pancreaticobiliary obstruction.

Adenoma↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Isolated right segmental hepatic duct injury following laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PURPOSE: Laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) is the treatment of choice for gallstones. There is an increased incidence of bile duct injuries in LC compared with the open technique. Isolated right segmental hepatic duct injury (IRSHDI) represents a challenge not only for management but also for diagnosis. We present our experience in the management of IRSHDI, with long-term follow-up after treatment by a multidisciplinary approach. METHODS: Twelve consecutive patients (9 women, mean age 48 years) were identified as having IRSHDI. Patients' demographics, clinical presentation, management and outcome were collected for analysis. The mean follow-up was 44 months (range 2-90 months). RESULTS: Three patients had the LC immediately converted to open surgery without repair of the biliary injury before referral. Treatments before referral included endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), percutaneous drainage and surgery, isolated or in combination. The median interval from LC to referral was 32 days. Eleven patients presented with biliary leak and biloma, one with obstruction of an isolated right hepatic segment. Post-referral management of the biliary lesion used a combination of ERCP stenting, percutaneous drainage and stent placement and surgery. In 6 of 12 patients ERCP was the first procedure, and in only one case was IRSHDI identified. In 6 patients, percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC) was performed first and an isolated right hepatic segment was demonstrated in all. The final treatment modality was endoscopic management and/or percutaneous drainage and stenting in 6 patients, and surgery in 6. The mean follow-up was 44 months. No mortality or significant morbidity was observed. CONCLUSION: Successful management of IRSHDI after LC requires adequate identification of the lesion, and multidisciplinary treatment is necessary. Half of the patients can be treated successfully by nonsurgical procedures.

Adult↗

PubMedDate not supplied

A new technique to assist in difficult bile duct cannulation at the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: At the time of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, deep cannulation of the bile duct is a prerequisite to be able to provide endoscopic therapy. We describe a simple technique to assist in difficult bile duct cannulation. METHODS: If the pancreatic duct is easily entered but the bile duct cannot be accessed, a guidewire is advanced into the pancreatic duct, and the cannulating catheter is removed leaving the tip of the wire in the mid pancreatic duct. Alongside the pancreatic wire, a catheter, preloaded with a second wire, is advanced via the channel of the endoscope. With the first wire in the pancreatic duct, the second wire is advanced above it in the anticipated bile duct axis. RESULTS: We have used this technique in 12 cases and succeeded in 10. No complications occurred. DISCUSSION: Inserting a pancreatic wire can assist in bile duct cannulation, by straightening and stabilizing the papilla. The use of this new technique can reduce the need for precut sphincterotomy, with its inherent increased risks of pancreatitis, bleeding, and perforation. The approach proposed by us can assist in any difficult bile duct cannulation, but it can be particularly useful when dealing with a papilla that is very prominent with a tortuous intraduodenal segment or a papilla located in a duodenal diverticulum.

Catheterization↗