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Biomedical subjects

M S Branch

Publications and source records attributed to M S Branch.

14 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1996

Quantitative assessment of procedural competence. A prospective study of training in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is a technically demanding procedure that can cause substantial complications. Competence in performing ERCP and the learning curve for achieving competence are poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the number of supervised ERCPs that physicians must do to achieve procedural competence. Competence was defined as a 0.8 probability of successfully completing specific technical components of ERCP and an overall grading of competence as judged by the attending physician. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: University training program for gastroenterologists. PARTICIPANTS: 17 gastroenterology fellows at various stages of training. MEASURES: Experienced therapeutic endoscopists prospectively graded gastroenterology fellows during 1796 consecutive ERCPs. Fellows were graded on their overall level of competence for the procedure and on specific technical components of ERCP. RESULTS: Grading data were available for 1450 ERCPs (81%). The number of ERCPs done before adequate skill was achieved was 160 for cholangiography, 140 for pancreatography, 160 for deep cannulation of the pancreatic duct, 120 for stone extraction, and 60 for stent insertion. Fellows achieved overall competence after completing 180 to 200 ERCPs. The predicted probability of overall competence was 0.8 after 137 ERCPs and 0.9 after 185 ERCPs. CONCLUSIONS: At least 180 ERCPs were required before these gastroenterology fellows could be considered competent in ERCP. This number is much greater than that previously recommended, and these findings have substantial implications for training guidelines and issues of competence and certification in ERCP. The methods used to define and evaluate competence in ERCP could also be used to assess competence in other medical procedures.

Cholangiopancreatography, Endoscopic Retrograde↗
PubMed1996

Prospective multicenter trial of esophageal Z-stent placement for malignant dysphagia and tracheoesophageal fistula.

BACKGROUND: Conventional esophageal prosthesis placement has been associated with a 6% to 8% perforation rate and numerous postplacement complications. Expandable esophageal stents have been developed to preclude the above but there are few studies that have prospectively defined clinical results and subsequent stent-related complications. METHODS: All patients who underwent esophageal Z-stent placement at nine university or referral hospitals were prospectively assessed. Data collected included patient demographics, acute and subacute placement problems, the ability to occlude airway fistulas, prestent and poststent dysphagia scores, and patient survival. RESULTS: Fifty-four of 56 patients (96%) with refractory dysphagia or malignant esophagoairway fistulae had 73 Z-stents successfully inserted. Initial distal deployment occurred in 13% of the patients and an additional 17% required balloon dilation to achieve maximal diameter. Acute placement complications occurred in 11% of patients and included severe pain (3), bleeding from necrotic tumor (2), and hiatal hernia intussusception (1). No perforations occurred. Eight of 11 patients (73%) had complete tracheoesophageal fistula occlusion and mean dysphagia score (+/- SD) improved from 2.6 (0.7) to 1.1 (1.2) (p < 0.01). Fifteen stents (27%) had delayed migration at a mean of 1 month and 3 required surgery for retrieval. Three patients had ultimate stent erosion resulting in bleeding in 2 (exsanguination 1) or fistula (treated with a conventional stent). CONCLUSIONS: The authors conclude that esophageal Z-stents can be placed safely and successfully in the majority of patients. The tendency of distal deployment during placement and subsequent migration problems at a time distant from placement in a patient subset deserve attention and are currently being addressed.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

Carcinoid of the ampulla of Vater presenting as acute pancreatitis.

A 30-yr-old female with a carcinoid tumor of the ampulla of Vater is discussed. This rare tumor presented in an unusual fashion with isolated pancreatitis in the absence of cholestasis. The correct diagnosis was made preoperatively by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with biopsies. Surgical removal led to complete resolution of symptoms. The importance of considering less common structural lesions such as ampullary carcinoids in the differential diagnosis of pancreatitis in patients without identifiable risk factors is stressed.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1995

Proximal migration of biliary stents: attempted endoscopic retrieval in forty-one patients.

BACKGROUND: Proximal migration of a biliary stent is an uncommon event, but its management can present a technical challenge to the therapeutic endoscopist. METHODS: We reviewed the methods that have been used for retrieval of proximally migrated biliary stents in a referral endoscopy center. RESULTS: Forty-four cases were identified; 38 stents (86%) were extracted successfully. Half of the stents were retrieved after first passing a guide wire through the stent lumen. Various accessories were then used to withdraw the stents, the Soehendra device being the most popular. Nearly one third were retrieved by grasping the stents directly, usually with a wire basket or forceps. The remainder were recovered after using a stone retrieval balloon alongside the stents to provide traction indirectly. Interventional radiology techniques were needed in two cases, and surgery in one. CONCLUSIONS: Cannulating the stent lumen with a wire is often the best approach in patients with a biliary stricture or a nondilated duct. An over-the-wire accessory can then be used to secure the stent. In patients with a dilated duct, indirect traction with a balloon or direct grasping of the stent with a wire basket, snare, or forceps is usually successful. Using these techniques, most proximally migrated biliary stents can be retrieved endoscopically.

Biliary Tract Diseases↗
PubMed1995

Pneumomediastinum after endoscopic sphincterotomy.

Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of endoscopy that usually indicates free peritoneal or retroperitoneal perforation. We report an unusual case of self-limiting pneumomediastinum after endoscopic sphincterotomy in which there was no radiological evidence of gut wall perforation. We postulate that this was due to interstitial tracking of air from the duodenal wall, and we discuss the possible pathophysiology. This complication should be recognized as distinct from pneumomediastinum associated with perforation, particularly as it appears to be benign and therefore does not require surgical or radiological intervention.

Aged↗