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Purpose : To evaluate the efficacy of the direct grasping technique using pean forceps under fluoroscopic guidance for ureteral stent replacement in women. Methods : Between April 2018 and September 2020, 28 female patients underwent ureteral stent replacements at our facility, and 184 stent replacement procedures were performed. A total of 127 stents were replaced using pean forceps under fluoroscopic guidance (pean forceps group), and 57 stents were replaced using the cystoscope (cystoscopy group). Clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes were compared between the groups. Results : All stents were successfully replaced. There was a statistically significant difference in the procedure time between the two groups (median [interquartile range], pean forceps group : 10.8 [8.2-13.9] minutes vs. cystoscopy group : 15.8 [11.1-20.9] minutes, P

INTRODUCTION Plastic biliary stents embedded by endoscopy as definitive or temporary treatment of benign and malignant conditions have been used for over 30 years. These stents are commonly available, inexpensive and easy to implant. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the patency duration of plastic stents and assess complications associated with their use, and to determine the time required for the replacement of stents depending on the indication for the biliary stenting. PATIENTS AND METHODS This was a retrospective cohort study that included patients with plastic biliary stents implanted from 2012 to 2013 with 5-year follow up in a single tertiary referral gastroenterological center. Performance of stenting was assessed from medical records, direct contact with patients or their family members and information derived from the Central Death Register. RESULTS The analysis included 830 procedures of biliary stenting performed in 346 patients. The indications for stenting of the biliary tract were: choledocholithiasis in 120 patients (34.7%), benign stricture in 70 patients (20.2%) and malignant stricture in 156 patients (45.1%). In these conditions the mean duration of stent patency was 110, 106 and 55 days, respectively (P

Background Post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is comparatively complex application. Researchers has been investigated prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP), since it has been considered to be the most common complication of ERCP. Although ERCP can lead various complications, it can also be avoided.AIMSTo study the published evidence and systematically review the literature on the prevention and treatment for PEP. Methods A systematic literature review on the prevention of PEP was conducted using the electronic databases of ISI Web of Science, PubMed and Cochrane Library for relevant articles. The electronic search for the review was performed by using the search terms "Post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis" AND "prevention" through different criteria. The search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) performed between January 2009 and February 2019. Duplicate studies were detected by using EndNote and deleted by the author. PRISMA checklist and flow diagram were adopted for evaluation and reporting. The reference lists of the selected papers were also scanned to find other relevant studies. Results 726 studies meeting the search criteria and 4 relevant articles found in the edited books about ERCP were identified. Duplicates and irrelevant studies were excluded by screening titles and abstracts and assessing full texts. 54 studies were evaluated for full text review. Prevention methods were categorized into three groups as (1) assessment of patient related factors; (2) pharmacoprevention; and (3) procedural techniques for prevention. Most of studies in the literature showed that young age, female gender, absence of chronic pancreatitis, suspected Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, recurrent pancreatitis and history of previous PEP played a crucial role in posing high risks for PEP. 37 studies designed to assess the impact of 24 different pharmacologic agents to reduce the development of PEP delivered through various administration methods were reviewed. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are widely used to reduce risks for PEP. Rectal administration of indomethacin immediately prior to or after ERCP in all patients is recommended by European Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines to prevent the development of PEP. The majority of the studies reviewed revealed that rectally administered indomethacin had efficacy to prevent PEP. Results of the other studies on the other pharmacological interventions had both controversial and promising results. Thirteen studies conducted to evaluate the efficacy of 4 distinct procedural techniques to prevent the development of PEP were reviewed. Pancreatic Stent Placement has been frequently used in this sense and has potent and promising benefits in the prevention of PEP. Studies on the other procedural techniques have had inconsistent results. Conclusion Prevention of PEP involves multifactorial aspects, including assessment of patients with high risk factors for alternative therapeutic and diagnostic techniques, administration of pharmacological agents and procedural techniques with highly precise results in the literature.

Background and study aims Stent migration is a common complication of fully-covered self-expanding metal stents (FCSEMS), but the rate of clinically relevant migration as defined by stent migration followed by reintervention via endoscopy for stent replacement is unknown. The goal of this study is to gain insight into the total migration rate and clinically relevant migration rate of different types of FCSEMS placed within benign and malignant strictures with specific attention paid to stent manufacturer, diameter, and length. Patients and methods Multicenter retrospective analysis of endoscopic data from patients with FCSEMS placed within benign or malignant strictures. FCSEMS used included a variety of sizes and manufacturers. Results A total of 369 patients were included, 161 of whom had benign strictures and 208 of whom had malignant strictures. The total migration rate and clinically relevant migration rate in benign strictures were 30 % and 17 %, respectively. For benign strictures, Wallflex stents had a clinically relevant migration rate of 15 %, compared to Endomaxx stents with 19 %, and Evolution stents with 25 % (P = 0.52). The total migration rate and clinically relevant migration rates in malignant strictures were 23 % and 14 %, respectively. Evolution stents had a significantly higher clinically relevant migration rate (29 %) than the Wallflex stents (7 %) and the endomaxx stents (12 %), P = 0.003. Conclusion This study is the largest to investigate migration rates for FCSEMS in benign and malignant strictures. Clinically relevant migration is a relatively common occurrence with all stent types studied and better anti-migration features are needed.

The patient in this case is a 76-year-old male who was admitted to the ER two weeks prior and was found to have an obstructing, 1-cm left proximal ureteral stone with a forniceal rupture. A left ureteral stent was placed, and he was started on antibiotics. In this video, Dr. Ryan Hankins at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital performs definitive management of the stone with a left ureteroscopy, laser lithotripsy, and stent replacement.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery includes different devices which provide a less invasive and safer means of reducing intraocular pressure. The XEN Gel Stent (Allergan Inc., CA) is an ab interno procedure which creates a subconjunctival drainage pathway. It is a new surgical device and there is a paucity of data on complications and their management. We report a clinical case of a leaking bleb after XEN surgery managed by bleb revision, conjunctival suturing, and XEN replacement.

To affirm technical success, clinical success and safety of fluoroscopically guided transurethral replacement of double-J (DJ) ureteral stents. From January 2005 to December 2015, in a follow-up period ranging from 9 to 73 months, we replaced 6167 DJ ureteral stents in 3221 procedures in 1168 patients. All the procedures were performed in the angiography suite under fluoroscopic control. Technical success was achieved in 97.5% of the procedures. In eighty procedures, cystoscopic approach was necessary; time from previous procedure and side were significantly associated with technical success. Clinical success was reached in 95.7% of the procedures and was significantly lower in urological and gynaecological tumours (when compared to fibrosis and other causes) and in bilateral stents. No major complications were reported. In 90 cases, self-limiting transient minor haematuria occurred and in 160 procedures urinary tract infection responding to antibiotics were registered. Overall procedure time was 27 min. Mean fluoroscopic time was 6 min and 45 s. Mean radiation dose of the procedure was 38.40 Gy cm2. In patients that need routine replacement of DJ ureteral stent, transurethral fluoroscopically guided method may be the first choice; only in few cases of technical failure, cystoscopy may be considered.

Occlusion is the major limitation of plastic biliary endoprostheses (PBE), making regular stent exchange necessary. The aim of the in vitro analysis was to evaluate the cleansing effect of shockwave application (SWA) on occluded PBE. Thirty-five PBE removed from 24 patients were analyzed. Three hundred and fifty shockwave pulses were administered every 10 mm along the prosthesis stored in a liquid-filled latex balloon. Occlusion rates were measured before and after SWA. The cleansing rate was calculated in comparison to the native prosthesis. Mean occlusion rate was 76 ± 30% (Range 16-100%) before SWA. Cleansing effect was 47 ± 52% (0-100%) after SWA. Cleaning was complete (100%) in seven (20%) and satisfying (75-99%) in another seven prostheses. Degree of stent occlusion and indwelling time were significantly associated to the cleansing effect. In conclusion, SWA showed a limited cleaning effect in clogged PBE and is no suitable alternative for regular stent replacement to date.

Purpose: Usually, hampered urine flow and failing of Seldinger technique leads to the explanation “obstructed ureteral stent” with no further clarification where exactly the obstructions are located. If stent obstruction is caused by intra-luminal biofilm and/or crystal deposits, the need of biofilm reducing coatings on the stent's inside has to be discussed. Materials and Methods: We investigated 59 stents from patients in whom acute hydronephrosis and/or acute pyelonephritis required stent replacement and/or usage of Seldinger technique failed. The stents were investigated by X-ray and, after longitudinal cutting, by light-microscopy for occurrence of obstructing material. Results: The inside of 25% of the samples was lined with a thick film composed of blood clots and tiny non-aggregated crystals. Only in these samples X-ray investigation showed a positive result for massive inner encrustations, which in fact may be responsible for stent occlusion. 48% of the stents contained few small domains composed of blood clots and crystals. 27% of the stent samples showed no alteration. Conclusions: 75% of the “obstructed” stents showed no significant inner deposits. Obstruction of urine transport and failure of Seldinger technique occurred due to other reasons. Thus, coating of the stent's inner surface may be overrated. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2008

Urinary diversion after radical cystectomy is commonly performed via an ileal conduit using the Bricker method. However, 4-8% of these cases are complicated with stricture formation at the ureterointestinal junction. Thus, this could eventually lead to hydronephrosis and kidney loss in neglected patients. Few data exist concerning the outcomes of patients with ureterointestinal junction strictures managed via a percutaneous approach and balloon dilatation of the stricture. The potential of managing these strictures, using a stent replacement strategy, was evaluated.A total of 14 patients (10 male, 4 female; age range 24-72 years) were enrolled in the study. Mean follow-up time was 30.9 months. Invasive bladder cancer was diagnosed in 11, neurogenic bladder in 2 and shrunk bladder after external beam radiation for prostate cancer in 1 patient. They were all managed by radical cystectomy followed by Bricker ileal conduit. In 6 cases, ureterointestinal strictures bilaterally were discovered, whereas unilateral (left-sided) strictures were noted to the remaining 8 patients. All strictures were managed via a percutaneous approach and balloon dilatation. A double J stent was placed at the end of the procedure and was regularly replaced after an interval of 3-6 months.A percutaneous nephrostomy was successfully placed in all patients. Double J stent insertion was possible in 18 of a total of 20 (90%) obstructed ureters. No major complications were observed in any of the cases while adequate renal function was preserved in all patients. Quality of life is not reported to be significantly compromised in any patient. Double J ureteral stent replacement is performed every 3-6 months in a retrograde fashion. One patient died in the follow-up period due to disease progression.Placement of a double J stent via a percutaneous approach seems to have offered a viable option in the management of ureterointestinal strictures in this patient population. In addition, periodical retrograde replacement of the stent probably does not constitute a factor compromising quality of life. However, further studies are required to justify these primary clinical data.

Purpose The endoscopic management of a fully covered self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) has been suggested for the primary treatment of patients with anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy. Embedded stents due to tissue ingrowth and migration are the main obstacles in endoscopic stent management. Materials and methods The effectiveness and safety of endoscopic management were evaluated for anastomotic leaks when using a benign fully covered SEMS with an anchoring thread and thick silicone covering the membrane to prevent stent embedding and migration. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 14 consecutive patients with gastric cancer and anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy treated from January 2009 to December 2016. Results The technical success rate of endoscopic stent replacement was 100%, and the rate of complete leaks closure was 85.7% (n=12). The mean size of leaks was 13.1 mm (range, 3-30 mm). The time interval from operation to stent replacement was 10.7 days (range, 3-35 days) and the interval from stent replacement to extraction was 32.3 days (range, 18-49 days). The complication rate was 14.1%, and included a single jejunal ulcer and delayed stricture at the site of leakage. No embedded stent or migration occurred. Two patients died due to progression of pneumonia and septic shock 2 weeks after stent replacement. Conclusions A benign fully covered SEMS with an anchoring thread and thick membrane is an effective and safe stent in patients with anastomotic leaks after total gastrectomy. The novelty of this stent is that it provides complete prevention of stent migration and embedding, compared with conventional fully covered SEMS.

Objectives:Postsurgical stenosis of frontal sinus can be a challenging problem for the endoscopic sinus surgeon. Frontal sinus stents are often used in an attempt to maintain frontal outflow patency. The current study systematically reviews the literature to determine the safety and efficacy of frontal stents.Methods:The Pubmed, Google Scholar, and Cochrane databases were reviewed and studies evaluating the usage and reliability of frontal sinus stents were extracted based on defined inclusion criteria.Results:Eleven studies comprising a total of 192 patients met inclusion criteria and were evaluated for stent material, stenting duration, surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and complication. All studies were classified as level 4 evidence provided by the Oxford Center for Evidence Based Medicine. Multiple stent materials were used with varying duration. Complications were generally minor and included stent migration, pain, epistaxis, and infection. Frontal sinus patency following stent replacement vari...

Endoscopic treatment with endoprosthesis for obstructive jaundice is a well-accepted method for palliation of obstructive jaundice and its associated symptoms. Yet, there is no consensus whether a plastic stent or metal stent to be used. The longer patency period with metal stent is a definite advantage but its high cost limits its routine use. The best use of metal stent is accomplished with consideration of patients’ predicted prognosis and a medical cost in Japan. We used a simulated case scenario to calculate a cost for metal stent and non-metallic stent. Metal stent use would cost about 437 000 yen per patient at 6 months compared with 276 000–329 000 for non-metallic stents, and thus metal stent use appears to be more costly in current Japanese medical system. Longer patency rate with covered metal stent would make metal stent more favorable, and less frequent procedure would be beneficial for patients who are at their terminal stage of diseases. Alternatively, many patients would not need stent replacement after first biliary stent placement due to the nature of underlying diseases. In addition to a development of an ideal stent and an appropriate technique, our research should also aim at determining who would benefit most for each stent in our own practice, preferably in prospective randomized trial.

Neovascular glaucoma (NVG) secondary to internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion is usually resistant to treatment. We report a case of NVG with ICA occlusion improved by intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection and carotid artery stent replacement (CAS), even though we did not perform panretinal photocoagulation. A 67-year-old male with NVG noted visual loss in his left eye. Magnetic resonance angiography showed left ICA occlusion. He was diagnosed with NVG secondary to ICA occlusion. The next day, we carried out IVB injection in his left eye, following which the iris and angle neovascularization regressed, and the intraocular pressure decreased to normal within a day after the injection. CAS was performed on his left ICA at a month post injection. Two months later, we reinjected bevacizumab in his left eye. His condition remained stable with no recurrence over two years. This case indicates that IVB injection and CAS are useful for early-stage NVG secondary to ICA occlusion.

We report on a new method of stent exchange using a threaded device that enables removal of the clogged stent while simultaneously maintaining the original pathway without withdrawing the endoscope. With this method stent replacement has become more reliable, safer, simpler and quicker. This technique is also suitable for removal of stents dislodged inside the duct.

Background: Endoscopic stent insertion is the optimum method of palliation for malignant biliary obstruction. Plastic stents are much cheaper than the metal alternatives which are only cost effective in longer surviving patients. However plastic stents are prone to occlusion and the optimal strategy for replacement of plastic stents prior to occlusion remains uncertain. Aim: To compare the outcome of patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction palliated by either elective plastic stent exchange or symptomatic exchange when the stent occludes. Methods: Patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction that had been successfully treated by ERCP and plastic stent insertion were recruited from 3 centres. They were randomised to either elective plastic stent exchange every 3 months or exchange when symptoms suggestive of stent obstruction developed. All patients were followed up for a minimum of 4 months or until death. Results: Forty patients (18 male, mean age 75 yrs (range 47-90 yrs) were randomised to one of two groups: symptomatic (n=18) or elective (n=22) stent replacement. The cause of biliary stricture was pancreatic cancer in 21 cases, cholangiocarcinoma in 16, ampullary tumor in 2 and metastases in 1. The median follow-up period was 117 days (range 2 435 days) and 34 patients died during follow-up. Overall survival rates were 88%, 63% and 30% at 30, 90 and 180 days. Only 8 (36%) of the elective group actually underwent elective replacement at 3 months, the remainder died before exchange (8), refused exchange (2), occluded before exchange (1) or were unfit for procedure (3). In total, 18 repeat ERCPs were performed in the elective group and 6 in the symptomatic group (p=0.26). Treatment group did not significantly effect survival rates or frequency of stent exchange. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed no significant difference in survival between the two treatment groups (p=0.87). Conclusions: A strategy to electively replace plastic stents in patients with inoperable malignant biliary obstruction does not significantly improve patient survival and is only likely to impact on a minority of patients due to the generally poor survival of such cohorts.

Antegrade placement of polyethylene and polyurethane stents was successfully achieved in 93 of 107 ureters (87 of 101 patients). These materials functioned adequately in 24 of 26 patients with indications for temporary stenting, including fistulas, strictures, and trauma caused by manipulation of calculi. Thirty of 61 patients with malignancy (49.2%) died within 6 months with their original stents in place; 12 survived to undergo elective cystoscopic stent replacement. Fifteen of the 61 patients had premature stent occlusions, which were treated by permanent nephrostomy in nine, replacement of the stent in five, and no further diversion in one patient with lymphoma. Encrustation and stent occlusion are problems during extended use of polyethylene and polyurethane stents. Long-term patency rates with newer stent materials remain to be documented and compared.