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Biomedical subjects

Stefan Groth

Publications and source records attributed to Stefan Groth.

9 recordsLinked to original sources

Use of modified multiband ligator facilitates circumferential EMR in Barrett's esophagus (with video).

BACKGROUND: Various techniques are available for EMR in the upper- and lower-GI tract. For early cancers of the esophagus, the "suck and cut" technique, which uses a transparent cap or variceal band ligator, is the most commonly practiced method. To facilitate multiple or circumferential EMR, a modified multiband variceal ligator (MBL) is introduced, which allows sequential banding and snare resection without the need to withdraw the endoscope. OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of modified MBL device in facilitating circumferential EMR of Barrett's esophagus (BE) that contains high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia (HGIN) and/or intramucosal cancer (IMC). DESIGN: To enable band delivery with a snare inserted in the therapeutic endoscope, the threading channel of the cranking device is enlarged from 2 to 3.2 mm. The 6-shooter MBL was used. PATIENTS: Ten consecutive patients (all men; median age, 62 years; range 43-82 years) with BE were treated. IMC and HGIN were found in 8 and 2 patients, respectively. INTERVENTIONS: EMR was performed with pure coagulating current when using a 1.5 x 2.5-cm mini hexagonal polypectomy snare. No submucosal saline solution injection was performed before resection. RESULTS: In 5 of 10 patients with circumferential BE of 2 to 9 cm in length (median, 4 cm), complete circumferential EMR was performed in 1 session by using 3 to 18 bands (median, 6). Four patients with 3- to 10-cm (median, 4 cm) long segment BE required 2 to 5 sessions (median, 3) with a total of 5 to 42 bands (median, 12). Another patient with multifocal HGIN and/or IMC in 24 of a total of 49 specimens was finally recommended for surgery because of technical difficulties caused by mural thickening after 4 sessions. No serious procedure-related complications were observed, except for 2 minor bleedings, which were controlled endoscopically. Seven patients developed strictures after circumferential EMR. All patients except 1 were successfully managed by weekly bougienage after a median of 5 sessions (range 3-11). Deep-wall tears developed in 1 patient during the fourth bougienage session, for which limited distal esophageal resection was performed with an uneventful outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The novel technique of MBL-EMR described here facilitated and simplified circumferential removal of BE that contained HGIN and/or IMC. However, the method is associated with a very high stricture rate if circumferential EMR is performed in a single session. Complete removal of BE should be achieved by repeated partial EMR. Long-term follow-up is needed to observe for late recurrence and to determine the clinical impact of this method.

Adult↗

One-step, simultaneous double-wire technique facilitates pancreatic pseudocyst and abscess drainage (with videos).

BACKGROUND: EUS-guided pancreatic pseudocyst and abscess drainage ideally requires the insertion of both a transmural stent and nasocystic catheter to ensure continuous irrigation and effective drainage. Sequential stent and nasocystic catheter insertion may be time consuming because of the difficulty in recannulating the pseudocyst after the initial stent placement. OBJECTIVE: Our purpose was to describe a novel one-step simultaneous double-wire technique that facilitates effective pancreatic pseudocyst and abscess drainage. DESIGN: To solve the problem of recannulating the pseudocyst cavity after the initial transmural stent placement, we developed a prototype 3-layer puncture kit that allows the simultaneous insertion of 2 guidewires at the initial puncture in one step. This puncture kit consists of a 22-gauge needle used for FNA, a 6F inner polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) catheter, and an outer 8.5F Teflon catheter. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Eight consecutive patients were treated. INTERVENTIONS: With use of a therapeutic linear echoendoscope and the assembled kit with the needle protruding out distally, the pseudocyst cavity was punctured by using electrocautery. The needle and the inner catheter were then withdrawn, leaving the outer catheter within the cavity. The size of this outer catheter permitted the simultaneous insertion of two 0.035-inch guidewires. Sequential insertion of a transmural stent and nasocystic catheter was then performed without a need for recannulation of the pseudocyst or abscess cavity. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Successful endoscopic drainage. RESULTS: All patients were successfully treated without complications. Mean procedural time was 32.5 minutes (range 25-45 minutes). CONCLUSIONS: With this novel technique, establishing an irrigation system for the treatment of pancreatic pseudocysts and abscesses becomes easier, faster, and safer.

Abscess↗

Aggressive endoscopic therapy for pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic abscess: a new safe and effective treatment algorithm (videos).

BACKGROUND: Pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic abscess are severe complications of acute pancreatitis. Surgery is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in these critically ill patients. Endoscopic therapy has the potential to offer a safer and more effective alternative treatment modality. However, its role needs to be further investigated. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of the outcome of consecutive patients with pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic abscess, all unfit to undergo surgery, who underwent a new aggressive endoscopic approach. The treatment includes (1) synchronous EUS-guided multiple transmural and/or transpapillary drainage procedures followed by balloon dilation of the cystogastrostoma or cystoduodenostoma, (2) daily endoscopic necrosectomy and saline solution lavage, and (3) sealing of pancreatic fistula by N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. RESULTS: Pancreatic necrosis and pancreatic abscesses were successfully drained in 13 patients, thus avoiding emergency surgery as an initial treatment. Surgery was completely avoided in 9 patients over a median follow-up of 8.3 months (range 3-81 months). Surgery was combined with endoscopic therapy in one patient because of abscess extension into the right paracolic gutter, which was not manageable by endoscopic drainage. Because of the "disconnected-duct syndrome," two patients later developed recurrent pseudocysts and underwent elective surgery. Complications included minor bleeding after balloon dilation and necrosectomy in 4 cases, which were self limiting or controlled endoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: This aggressive endoscopic approach shows promising results. It expands the potential for endoscopic treatment in patients with pancreatic necrosis and/or pancreatic abscess.

Abscess↗

Endoscopic sealing of pancreatic fistula by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate.

BACKGROUND: The treatment of pancreatic fistula can be difficult. A novel endoscopic approach to sealing pancreatic fistulas by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate is described. METHODS: Twelve patients with pancreatic fistulas underwent endoscopic injection of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate into the fistulous tract, in addition to endoscopic drainage. RESULTS: Fistulas were closed successfully in 8 of 12 patients. A single treatment session was successful in 7 patients; a second session was required in one patient. In two patients, closure was temporary, and, in one patient, the treatment failed. One patient died 24 hours after treatment. He developed a pulmonary thromboembolism from a left popliteal vein thrombosis and died from complications of surgical thromboembolectomy. At autopsy, a pulmonary embolus was found, but there was no evidence of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the lungs. No procedure-related complication occurred over a median follow-up of 20.7 months (range 9-51 months). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study, occlusion of pancreatic fistulas by using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue was safe and effective, and obviated the need for surgery in a substantial proportion of patients. Further studies of the use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for closure of pancreatic fistula are warranted.

Adult↗

Circumferential EMR and complete removal of Barrett's epithelium: a new approach to management of Barrett's esophagus containing high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia and intramucosal carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: There is no study of circumferential EMR in patients with Barrett's esophagus containing early stage malignant lesions. This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of circumferential EMR by using a simple snare technique without cap. METHOD: Patients with Barrett's esophagus containing multifocal high-grade intraepithelial neoplasia or intramucosal cancer, and patients with endoscopically nonidentifiable early stage malignant mucosal changes incidentally detected in random biopsy specimens were included in the study. A 30 x 50-mm polypectomy snare made of monofilament 0.4-mm steel wire was used without any additional device or submucosal injection. RESULTS: Twelve patients (10 men, 2 women; median age 63.5 years, range 43-88 years) underwent circumferential EMR; 5 had multifocal lesions, and 7 had no visible lesions. Segments of Barrett's epithelium were circumferential (median length 5 cm) and completely removed. The median number of EMR sessions was 2.5. The median number of snare resections per EMR session was 5. The medial total area of mucosa in resected specimens per session was 3.8 cm(2). Two patients developed strictures that were successfully treated by bougienage. Minor bleeding occurred during 4 of 31 EMR sessions. During a median follow-up of 9 months, no recurrence of Barrett's esophagus or malignancy was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential EMR with a simple snare technique is feasible, safe, and effective for complete removal of Barrett's epithelium with early stage malignant changes.

Adult↗

Endoscopic treatment of biliary leakage with n-butyl-2 cyanoacrylate.

BACKGROUND: Biliary leakage is a problematic complication of hepatobiliary surgery. A novel alternative method is described that can obviate the need for reoperation for refractory biliary fistula. METHODS: Nine patients with large biliary leaks unresponsive to endoscopic drainage underwent N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue occlusion at ERCP. RESULTS: In 7 patients, occlusion was successful with prompt control of the fistula in a single session, averting reoperation. In 1 patient there was a partial response and in another the treatment was unsuccessful. No procedure-related complication occurred over a median follow-up of 35 months (range: 1.6-160 months). CONCLUSION: N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue occlusion is a safe and effective endoscopic method for control of refractory bile leaks that eliminates the need for surgical reintervention.

Adolescent↗