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Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided pancreatic duct access and drainage can be achieved by EUS-guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) or EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PD) by transmural stent placement. Although the procedure is utilized for further complex treatment such as intraductal lithotripsy in obstructive pancreatic duct stones, the procedure is technically difficult compared to other EUS-guided interventions. Recently, some devices are developed for EUS-guided pancreatic duct intervention. In this review, technical tips are reviewed in a step-by-step fashion from puncture, guidewire insertion, tract dilation to drainage. Given the advantage of EUS-guided approach, treatment algorithm of endotherapy for pancreatic indications should be further established especially in cases with surgically altered anatomy.

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting is used to prevent main pancreatic duct obstruction and relieve painful symptoms of chronic pancreatitis. However, the stent typically needs to be exchanged and the rate of adverse events is high. Few studies have evaluated the effect of stent shape on those outcomes. We evaluated the adverse events, stent patency, and total medical cost within 90 days of patients who received an 8.5 French (Fr) physiologically shaped pancreatic stent by comparing these features with those associated with a conventional straight-type stent for ≥ 90 days. The total stent-related adverse event rate was significantly lower for the physiologically shaped pancreatic stent (physiologically shaped, 6.7% [2/30]; straight-type, 50.6% [44/87]; P P P = 0.002) for the physiologically shaped stent. The stent-related adverse event rate was significantly higher for the 10 Fr straight type stent than for the 8.5 Fr physiologically shaped stent (10 Fr, straight-type vs. 8.5 Fr, physiologically shaped: 36.1% [13/36] vs. 6.7% [2/30]; P = 0.007). In conclusion, a physiologically shaped pancreatic stent was superior to a straight-type stent in terms of the patency rate and medical costs.

Background and Objective: EUS-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) is an efficacious, acceptable risk option for patients with pancreatic duct obstruction who fail conventional ERCP. The aim of this study was to define the learning curve (LC) for EUS-PD. Methods: Consecutive patients undergoing EUS-PD by a single operator were included from a dedicated registry. Demographics, procedural info, adverse events, and follow-up data were collected. Nonlinear regression and cumulative sum (CUSUM) analyses were conducted for the LC. Results: Fifty-six patients were included (54% of male, with a mean age of 58 years). Technical success was achieved in 47 patients (84%). Stent placement was antegrade in 36 patients (77%) and retrograde in 11 (23%). Clinical success was achieved in 46/47 (98%) patients who achieved technical success. Adverse events were seen in 13 patients (6 of whom did not achieve technical success) and included bleeding requiring embolization (n = 5), bleeding treated with clips peri-procedurally (n = 1), pancreatitis (n = 5), and a pancreatic fluid collection drained via EUS-drainage (n = 2). The median procedural time was 80 min (range 49–159 min). The CUSUM chart showed that 80-min procedural time was achieved at the 27th procedure. Durations further reduced 40th procedure onward, reaching a plateau indicating proficiency (nonlinear regression P < 0.0001). Conclusion: Endoscopists experienced in EUS-PD are expected to achieve a reduction in procedural time over successive cases, with efficiency reached at 80 min and a learning rate of 27 cases. Continued improvement is demonstrated with additional experience, with plateau indicating mastery suggested at the 40th case. EUS-PD is probably one of the hardest therapeutic endosonographic procedures to learn.

Endoscopic transpapillary or transanastomotic pancreatic duct drainage (PD) is the mainstay of drainage in symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction or leakage. However, transpapillary or transanastomotic PD can be technically difficult due to the tight stricture or surgically altered anatomy (SAA), and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided PD (EUS-PD) is now increasingly used as an alternative technique. There are two approaches in EUS-PD: EUS-guided rendezvous (EUS-RV) and EUS-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TMD). In cases with normal anatomy, EUS-RV should be the first approach, whereas EUS-TMD can be selected in cases with SAA or duodenal obstruction. In our literature review, technical success and adverse event rates were 78.7% and 21.8%, respectively. The technical success rate of EUS-RV appeared lower than EUS-TMD due to the difficulty in guidewire passage. In future, development of dedicated devices and standardization of EUS-PD procedure are necessary.

Objective: To create a structured computed tomography (CT) report for the systematic evaluation of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), based on the opinions of clinicians and surgeons. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective study in which we applied a 21-item questionnaire to experts in pancreatic diseases in order to create a model of a structured abdominal CT report. The questionnaire addressed the location and size of PDACs, as well as their effects on adjacent structures and on the vasculature, together with metastases. We used a Likert scale to determine which of those parameters should be included in the model. Results: A total of 18 experts (12 surgeons and 6 clinicians) from 9 institutions completed the questionnaire. All of the experts agreed that the following (if present) should be described in the CT report on a PDAC: the degree of enhancement; the diameter and location of the lesion; pancreatic duct obstruction; biliary dilatation; pancreatic atrophy; liver metastases; peritoneal nodules; ascites; lymph node enlargement; and invasion of adjacent structures. More than 80% of the experts agreed that the report should also describe the relationship between the PDAC and the surrounding vasculature. Conclusion: We have developed a template for a CT report on patients with PDAC, based on the opinions of experts involved in the treatment of such patients. Resumo Objetivo: Criar um modelo de laudo estruturado de tomografia computadorizada (TC) para a avaliação sistemática do adenocarcinoma ductal de pâncreas (ADP) com base na opinião de clínicos e cirurgiões. Materiais e Métodos: Realizamos estudo prospectivo aplicando um questionário abrangendo 21 tópicos para um modelo de laudo estruturado de TC do abdome na avaliação do ADP, contemplando dados sobre localização e tamanho tumoral, efeito sobre estruturas adjacentes, comprometimento vascular e presença de metástases. Utilizamos a escala de Likert para definir a pertinência de se inserir uma determinada informação. Resultados: Obtivemos respostas de 18 especialistas de 9 instituições (12 cirurgiões e 6 clínicos). Todos concordaram que deveriam ser descritos o grau de realce, o diâmetro da lesão, a localização e a presença ou a ausência de: obstrução do ducto pancreático, dilatação biliar, atrofia pancreática, metástases hepáticas, nódulos peritoniais, ascite, linfonodomegalias e invasão de estruturas adjacentes. Mais de 80% concordaram que deveria ser mencionada a relação do tumor com os vasos circunjacentes. Conclusão: Elaboramos um modelo de laudo estruturado de TC para a avaliação do ADP de pâncreas, atendendo às expectativas dos especialistas envolvidos no atendimento destes pacientes.

Background and study aims Although endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was introduced in Europe, Asia and America over four decades ago, East Africa and Africa as a whole has been slow in taking up this very important minimally invasive procedure for the management of various hepatopancreaticobiliary conditions. This has led to reliance on open surgery for even simple benign biliary strictures, stones and malignant causes of biliary and pancreatic duct obstruction that can be treated endoscopically without a need for a morbid open surgical intervention. In Uganda, ERCP was introduced in January 2017 after obtaining training and equipment support from Senior Experten Service (SES), German. We therefore report the first six cases of ERCP performed at our endoscopy unit. Patients and methods This is a case series report of six patients referred with yellowing of eyes and body itching as the main complaints. They predominantly had raised gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin and direct bilirubin. They also had different imaging investigations demonstrating hepatic ducts dilatation. Results Four out of the six patients had complete post ERCP symptom resolution. One patient had partial symptom resolution and the other patient recovered after conversion to open surgery. Conclusion Collaborative skills transfer made ERCP feasible in our institute and this marked the start of this specialised service in Uganda.

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting has been widely used in various pancreatic conditions. With the increasing use of pancreatic stents, many complications have been recognized. Especially, proximal stent migration presents a serious condition because of subsequent pancreatic duct obstruction, impaired drainage, ductal dilation, and pancreatic pain. Although endoscopic retrieval is the preferred treatment for proximally migrated pancreatic stents, it is not always successful, resulting in conversion to surgery. To date, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PD) has never been reported for treatment of pancreatic duct obstruction caused by proximally migrated pancreatic stent. We herein describe a case of pancreatic duct rupture and obstruction caused by proximally migrated pancreatic stent that was successfully treated by EUS-guided pancreaticogastrostomy while keeping the former stent in situ after failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. We believe that this report adds to the increasing evidence of symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction being successfully treated by EUS-PD.

A insuficiência pancreática exócrina (IPE), doença comum principalmente em cães, é causada, usualmente, pela atrofia acinar do pâncreas, seguida de pancreatite crônica e obstrução do ducto pancreático, com consequente secreção inadequada de enzimas pancreáticas. O caso clínico descrito foi observado em um cão, macho, de oito anos de idade, em que o diagnóstico de IPE foi levantado pelo resultado do teste da atividade proteolítica fecal (prova do filme de raio-x). Até o presente momento, o tratamento instituído com suplementação de enzimas pancreáticas e adequação da dieta propiciou a resolução do quadro clínico.

Background Pancreatic duct obstructions are common in patients with pancreaticoduodenectomy. However, it is often neglected in follow up. This study was to review the outcomes of pancreatic duct obstruction and explore the prevention of pancreatic duct obstruction. Methods A retrospective analysis of 78 patients undergoing pancreaticojejunostomy without reccurence of disease within 24 months between 2004 and 2014. Pancreatic duct obstruction and long-term pancreatic complications were analysed. Results Twenty-five patients developed pancreatic duct obstruction following pancreaticojejunostomy, 13 of whom were found to have long-term pancreatic complications. The presence of pancreatic duct obstruction and early pancreatic obstruction were associated with long-term pancreatic complications, respectively (p = 0.002, p = 0.002). There are 10 patients with pancreatic duct stent more than 24 months, the postoperative median pancreatic parenchymal thickness in these 10 patients (17.1 mm, range 8.0 to 24.7 mm) was not significantly change than the median in them preoperative (16.4 mm, range 7.2 to 24.7 mm; p = 0.747). All of them have no long-term pancreatic complications, though the difference was not significantly (p = 0.068). Conclusions Early pancreatic duct obstruction is associated with postoperative pancreatic long-term complications. Sustained internal pancreatic stent may improve pancreatic duct obstruction.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to provide a technical detail and feasibility of percutaneous image-guided pancreatic duct (PD) drainage and to discuss its subtleties in a series of patients with obstructed PD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients presenting with PD obstruction from pancreatic head tumour or pancreatitis were subjected to percutaneous image-guided PD drainage under a guidance of ultrasound or computed tomography. Following the successful puncture of PD, a locking loop drainage catheter was placed using conventional guidewire techniques under real-time fluoroscopy guidance. RESULTS: The percutaneous drainage of obstructed PD was completed in 29 (96.7%) patients as an independent therapeutic intent or as a bridge to further percutaneous procedures. Clinical improvement following drainage was documented by the gradual reduction in clinical symptoms, including pain, nausea and fever and improved blood test results, showing the significant decrease of amylase concentration. The amount of pancreatic fluid drained post procedure was between 300 and 900 mL/day. No major procedure-related complications were observed. Subsequently, 14 of 29 patients underwent further procedures, including endoluminal placement of metal stent with or without radiofrequency ablation, balloon assisted percutaneous descending litholapaxy (BAPDL), endoluminal biopsy and balloon dilatation using the same drainage tract. CONCLUSION: The percutaneous PD drainage appears to be a safe and effective procedure. It should be considered in patients with obstructed PD secondary to malignancy, pancreatitis etc., where endoscopic retrograde cannulation has been failed or impracticable. The procedure can also be contemplated either as an independent treatment option or as an initial step for the subsequent therapeutic endoluminal procedures.

Pseudoaneurysms of the splenic artery is a well-known complication of pancreatitis. However, to the best of our knowledge, a subcentimetric intrapancreatic pseudoaneurysm (without an associated pseudocyst) causing massive gastrointestinal bleeding and distal main pancreatic duct obstruction is a rare clinical phenomenon. Herein, we present such a unique complication with computed tomography images and subsequent successful endovascular treatment.

Total pancreatic duct drainage has been recognized as a safe and leak-proof procedure after pancreatoduodenectomy and this procedure has improved morbidity and mortality. However, the impact of tube complications remains unknown. We treated a patient with an obstructed tube that impaired pancreatic drainage for 23 days. During this period, although serum amylase lavels were elevated, the patient was asymptomatic. On the 24th postperative day (POD), a moderate amount of clear pancreatic juice was excreted abruptly and subsequent drainage was uneventful. During the late postoperative period, the response of the pancreatic juice to an oral diet was sustained and oral glucose tolerance was also maintained. These findings suggest that the effects of obstruction of the main pancreatic duct for 23 days on the residual pancreas are reversible in humans. Thus, in a case with tube complication, one possible strategy is to allow the matter to take its own course. This case illustrates the importance of careful ligature of the pancreatic tube. It is necessary to recheck the patency with a suitable guide-wire, especially one with a small inner diameter.

Aims. To evaluate the need for endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) before covered self-expandable metal stent (CSEMS) deployment for malignant lower biliary stricture with pancreatic duct obstruction. Methods. This study included 79 patients who underwent CSEMS deployment for unresectable malignant lower biliary stricture with pancreatic duct obstruction. Treatment outcomes and complications were compared between 38 patients with EST before CSEMS deployment (EST group) and 41 without EST (non-EST group). Results. The technical success rates were 100% in both the EST and the non-EST group. The incidence of pancreatitis was 2.6% in the EST, and 2.4% in the non-EST group (P = 0.51). The incidences of overall complications were 18.4% and 14.6%, respectively, (P = 0.65). Within the non-EST groups, the incidence of pancreatitis was 0% in patients with fully covered stent deployment and 3.6% in those with partially covered stent deployment (P = 0.69). In the multivariate analysis, younger age (P = 0.003, OR 12) and nonpancreatic cancer (P = 0.001, OR 24) were significant risk factors for overall complications after CSEMS deployment. EST was not identified as a risk factor. Conclusions. EST did not reduce the incidence of pancreatitis after CSEMS deployment in patients of unresectable distal malignant obstruction with pancreatic duct obstruction.

To examine the possible secretion of lysosomal enzymes into the pancreatic juice in rats stimulated with pancreatic secretagogues under both physiological and pathological conditions, we investigated the changes in the secretion of cathepsin B, as a lysosomal enzyme, into pancreatic juice with stimulation of 5 different doses (0. 1, 0. 2, 0. 5, 1. 0 , and 1. 5 μg/kg ・ hr) of caerulein . Control rats had only pancreatic duct cannulation . In other rats, the pancreatic duct was obstructed for 3 hours and secretin was infused (0. 2 CU/kg ・ hr). Caerulein stimulated the secretion of cathepsin B into the pacreatic juice in a dose-dependent manner, as in amylase secretion, and caerulein in higher doses (1. O and 1. 5 μg/kg ・ hr) inhibited cathepsin B output as it did amylase output. There was a significantly high positive correlation between cathepsin B output and amylase output after stimulation with caerulein. The secretion of several other lysosomal enzymes was also stimulated by caerul ein . Blockage of the pancreatic duct for 3 hours caused a significant but moderate rise in serum amylase levels. Redistribution of cathepsin B activity in the pancreatic subcellular fractions was noted with an increase in the amount of cathepsin B recovered from zymogen-rich pellets after 15 min of centrifugation at 1300 × g. These changes after temporary pancreatic duct obstruction are very similar to those previously noted during the early stage of diet-and caerulein-induced experimental pancreatitis and suggest colocalization oflysosomal enzymes and digestive enzymes. In addition, in ductobstructed rats, the secretion of cathepsin B and other lysosomal enzymes stimulated by caerulein was significantly greater than in animals with free-flowing pancreatic juice. These results indicate that lysosomal enzymes are secreted into pancreatic juice after stimulation by gut hormones in the same manner as classical pancreatic diges ti ve enzymes such as amylase. Moreover, lysosomal enzymes which colocalize with zymogen granul es in rats with short-term pancreatic duct obstruction are also secreted into pancreratic juice together with digestive enzymes after stimulation with gut hormones. These findings suggest that lysosomal enzymes are present in zymogen granules under normal conditions and that they may play pathophysiological roles in pancreatic juice. They also contribute to an understanding of thepathogenesis of pancreatitis, since cathepsin B can activate trypsinogen., ラット膵液中へのライソゾーム酵素分泌動態を解明する目的にて、 caerulein (0. 1 - 1. 5 ug/Kg ・ hr)の刺激下および3時間の膵管閉塞後の cathepsin B 分泌動態を検討した。caerulein 刺激下での cathepsin B 分泌動態は膵酵素である amylase とほぼ同様の分泌動態を示すとともに amylase 分泌量と高い正の相関関係を示した。3時間の膵管閉塞後にはコントロール群に比べ caerulein 刺激下、より大量の cathepsin B を含むライソゾーム酵素の存在を示すとともに、消化管ホルモンを介した膵液中へのライソゾーム酵素の分泌をも示すものであった。さらに短期間の膵管閉塞後には膵液中へのライソゾーム酵素の分泌が増加し、cathepsin B は trypsinogen を活性化し得ることより、胆石性膵炎等による膵管閉塞後には、膵管腟での膵消化酵素の活性化にも十分注意を払う必要があるものと考えられた。

A case of a malignant pancreatic polypeptide secreting tumour is reported. The tumour was metastatic at presentation at which time it was excised. Pancreatic duct obstruction occurred 3 years after excision causing severe pain on eating. Major palliative surgery, in the form of a pancreatico-jejunostomy, cured the severe symptoms. The patient survives, largely symptom free, over six years after original excision. This case illustrates the need for aggressive management of symptoms in tumours in which long term survival is possible despite locally advanced or metastatic disease.ABBREVIATIONS: VIP — vasoactive intestinal peptide. CT — computed tomography. GI — gastrointestinal. HPP — human pancreatic polypeptide. APUD — amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation.

The role of operation, particularly pancreaticojejunostomy, in the treatment of abdominal pain from chronic pancreatitis is controversial, but relief of pancreatic duct obstruction may decrease the rate of pancreatic organ failure. Our results over 6 years in 13 carefully selected patients suggest that pancreatic drainage does relieve pain but is less effective in preventing pancreatic exocrine failure. Pain was the indication for operation in all patients.

膵管結紮家兎にて膵腺房細胞の変化と新しい蛋白分解酵素阻害剤E3123の保護効果を検討した.3時間の短期間膵管閉塞とsecretin (0.2CU/kg・hr) 投与にて, 門脈血中amylase (46±4U/ml) (p

Background/Aims: Obstruction of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) has been considered one of the major causes for pain in chronic pancreatitis (CP). In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of MPD stenting in painful CP, and tried to determine a guideline for stent removal. Methods: Sixteen patients with painful CP who underwent MPD stenting were included. Follow up ERCP was performed 3 months after stenting in all patients. Stents were removed in patients who achieved pain relief, complete stone clearance, and decreased MPD diameter after 3 months. Results: Before stenting, ERCP showed MPD stricture in 11 cases, MPD dilatation by stone in 1 case, concomitant stricture and stone in 4 cases. After stenting, complete pain relief was achieved in 13 patients (81.3%) and partial pain relief was achieved in 3 patient (18.7%). There was no patient whose pain was not relieved. Stents were removed in 7 patients who achieved pain relief, complete stone clearance, and decreased MPD diameter after 3 months. Decrease of MPD diameter was significantly greater in patient who could remove stent than those who could not (72.9% vs. 127.9% of initial MPD diameter, p=0.008). Conclusions: If partial or full pain relief is achieved after MPD stenting and follow up ERCP after 3 months shows decreased MPD diameter compared to the initial one, stent removal might be considered. (Gut and Liver 2007;1:63-67)

To examine the relation between hepatic reticuloendothelial system (RES) dysfunction and the development of acute biliary pancreatitis. In an opossum model, the authors tested the hypothesis that RES blockade can turn the mild pancreatitis seen after pancreatic duct obstruction (PDO) into the severe form.Biliary obstruction is considered the decisive event in gallstone pancreatitis. Suppression of the RES occurs during biliary obstruction.Eighteen opossums were placed into three groups of six animals each: group A, RES blockade with lambda-carrageenan; group B, PDO; and group C, PDO and RES blockade with carrageenan. The severity of pancreatitis was evaluated by enzyme serum levels and percentage of pancreatic tissue necrosis. RES capacity was measured by dynamic liver scintigraphy, and hepatic blood flow was documented using the hydrogen clearance technique.No changes in hepatic blood flow occurred in groups A to C. RES capacity was suppressed in groups A and C; in group B, RES function remained unchanged. In group A, amylase and lipase levels remained normal, 3 +/- 1.9% of pancreatic tissue were necrotic. The animals in group B developed mild edematous pancreatitis with an increase in amylase and lipase levels and 15 +/- 10% of pancreatic necrosis. In group C, amylase and lipase increased significantly and histology revealed severe necrotizing pancreatitis, with 72 +/- 11% of necrotic areas.Artificial RES blockade can promote the progression from mild pancreatitis as observed after PDO to the severe necrotizing form of the disease. Thus, RES dysfunction resulting from biliary obstruction might be an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of bile-induced pancreatitis.

An unusual case of biliary obstruction caused by a benign villous adenoma of the ampulla of Vater is reported and the literature reviewed. Of the reported cases, 75% have jaundice or symptoms of cholecystitis. Rarely, gastrointestinal bleeding or pancreatic duct obstruction is a presenting symptom. The tumors are frequently small and can be overlooked. Operative treatment varies from excision of the tumor to pancreatoduodenal resection depending on histological evaluation, intraoperative findings, and the surgeon's philosophy.

Reflux of contrast medium from the common bile duct into the main pancreatic duct has been observed during surgical and T-tube cholangiognaphy [1 , 2]. Usually only a short segment of the pancreatic duct fills, and this is noted merely as an incidental finding. We report a case in which neoplastic obstruction of the main pancreatic duct was demonstrated during fine needle percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography.

Summary Forty-seven patients with calcific pancreatitis were submitted to ERCP, 24 of whom were designated ‘painless’ and 23 ‘painful’, according to whether or not pain had occurred during the previous year. The pancreatic duct was cannulated in 39 of these patients. The incidence of pancreatic duct obstruction or stricture was of the same order in the painless (13/20, 65 per cent) and painful (15/19. 79 per cent) groups. Alcohol was the aetiological factor in 46 patients. Twenty-four (52 per cent) continued to drink, and were equally divided between the painless (12) and painful (12) groups. Four out of 13 in the painless and 7 out of 14 in the painful groups, with a stricture or obstruction, continued. to drink. The difference was statistically not signifcant. These results suggest that ERCP findings of pancreatic duct obstruction or stricture need not necessarily be pertinent to the pain in patients with chronic pancreatitis.