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Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is the established endoscopic treatment for short strictures in Crohn's disease. Fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) have been used for endoscopic treatment of patients for whom EBD was unsuccessful. We aimed to determine the efficacy and safety of the two endoscopic treatments in patients with Crohn's disease with stenosis and compare the mean cost of both treatments.This multicentre, open-label, randomised trial was done in 19 tertiary and secondary hospitals in Spain. Patients with Crohn's disease with obstructive symptoms and predominantly fibrotic strictures of less than 10 cm in length were eligible for inclusion. We excluded patients with stenosis treated with SEMS or EBD in the previous year and stenosis not accessible to a colonoscope. Patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to receive either EBD (EBD group) or FCSEMS (FCSEMS group) using a digital en-block randomisation system (block size of four). In the EBD group, dilation was done with a CRE Boston Scientific (Marlborough, MA, USA) pneumatic balloon with the diameter set at the discretion of the endoscopist; a maximum of two sessions of dilation were allowed with a minimum interval of 15-30 days between them. In the FCSEMS group, a 20 mm diameter Taewoong (Gimpo-si, South Korea) fully covered metal stent was placed; stent length was set at the discretion of the endoscopist. The primary outcome was to assess the efficacy of the endoscopic treatment, defined by the proportion of patients free of a new therapeutic intervention (EBD, FCSEMS, or surgery) due to symptomatic recurrence at 1 year of follow-up. Patients were analysed according to the intention-to-treat principle. Adverse events were recorded for all the patients; events were considered associated to be with the procedure when a causal association was possible, probable, or definite. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02395354.From Aug 28, 2013, to Oct 9, 2017, we assessed the eligibility of 99 patients, of whom 19 (19%) patients were excluded. Thus, 80 (81%) patients were randomly assigned to treatment: 39 (49%) patients to the FCSEMS group and 41 (51%) patients to the EBD group. 33 (80%) of 41 patients in the EBD group and 20 (51%) of 39 patients in the FCSEMS group were free of a new therapeutic intervention at 1 year (odds ratio [OR] 3·9 [95% CI 1·4-10·6]; p=0·0061). Two (3%) of 80 patients had severe adverse events (one [2%] patient in the EBD group and one [3%] patient in the FCSEMS group); both patients had perforations.EBD is more effective than FCSEMS for Crohn's disease strictures, with a good safety profile for both treatments.Spanish National Institute of Health, Foundation of Spanish Society of Digestive Endoscopy, Catalan Society of Gastroenterology, and Taweoong.

Despite pharmacological advances, strictures in Crohn's Disease (CD) continues to be an important problem that leads in a high percentage of patients to undergo endoscopic and/or surgical treatments. There are currently no clinical scores or diagnostic tools that allow predicting which patients will develop this complication, and when a stricture is diagnosed, it is usually already well established and clinically relevant. The current role of pharmacological treatment is limited to treat inflammation and once there is significant fibrosis, the only therapeutic options are endoscopic and/or surgical. To establish a correct therapeutic algorithm and based on the current scientific evidence available, the Spanish Group Working on Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU) has decided to conduct this position statement on the treatment of strictures in CD. This document embraces the three mentioned therapeutic approaches, medical, endoscopic and surgical. Recommendations and therapeutic algorithms are established to help us to choose the most appropriate option based on the characteristics of the stricture and the patient.

BACKGROUND: There is no information regarding the outcome of Crohn's disease (CD) patients treated with endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) in non-referral hospitals, nor on the efficacy of EBD in ulcerative colitis (UC). We report herein the results of the largest series published to date.; AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of EBD for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) stenosis performed in 19 hospitals with different levels of complexity and to determine factors related to therapeutic success.; METHODS: We identified IBD patients undergoing EBD in the ENEIDA database. Efficacy of EBD was compared between CD and UC and between secondary and tertiary hospitals. Predictive factors of therapeutic success were assessed with multivariate analysis.; RESULTS: Four-hundred dilations (41.2% anastomotic) were performed in 187 IBD patients (13 UC/Indeterminate colitis). Technical and therapeutic success per dilation was achieved in 79.5% and 55.3%, respectively. Therapeutic success per patient was achieved in 78.1% of cases (median follow-up: 40months) with 49.7% requiring more than one dilation. No differences related to either diagnosis or hospital complexity was found. Technical success [OR 4.12 (95%CI 2.4-7.1)] and not receiving anti-TNF at the time of dilation [OR 1.7 (95% CI 1.1-2.6)] were independently related to therapeutic success per dilation. A stricture length=2cm [HR 2.43 (95% CI 1.11-5.31)] was a predictive factor of long-term success per patient. The rate of major complications was 1.3%.; CONCLUSIONS: EBD can be performed with similar efficacy and safety in hospitals with differing levels of complexity and it might be a suitable treatment for UC with short stenosis. To achieve a technical success and the short length of the stenosis seem to be critical for long-term therapeutic success.

BACKGROUND: Chemical sphincterotomy avoids the risk of permanent incontinence in the treatment of chronic anal fissure, but it does not reach the efficacy of surgery and recurrence is high. Drug combination has been proposed to overcome these drawbacks.; OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the clinical, morphological, and functional effects of combined therapy with botulinum toxin injection and topical diltiazem in chronic anal fissure and to assess the long-term outcome after healing.; DESIGN: This is a randomized, controlled, double-blind, 2-arm, parallel-group trial with a long-term follow-up.; SETTINGS: This study was conducted at a tertiary care center.; PATIENTS: A total of 70 consecutive patients were referred to the gastroenterology department of a hospital in Valencia, Spain.; INTERVENTION: After botulinum toxin injection (20 IU), patients were randomly assigned to local diltiazem (diltiazem group) or placebo gel (placebo group) for 12 weeks.; MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was fissure healing (evaluated by video register by 3 independent physicians). Secondary outcomes included symptomatic relief (30-day diary), effect on anal sphincters (manometry), safety, and long-term recurrence (24 months and 10 years).; RESULTS: Healing was achieved per protocol in 13 of 25 (52%) patients of the diltiazem group and 11 of 30 (36.7%) patients of the placebo group (p = 0.25); on an intention-to-treat basis in 37.1% and 31.4% (p = 0.61). Both groups displayed significant reduction of anal pressures. Thirty percent reported minor and transitory incontinence, without differences between groups. Nine (69.2%) of the diltiazem group and 6 (54.5%) of the placebo group experienced a relapse at 24 months (p = 0.67). The overall recurrence rate at 10 years was 83.3% (20/24 patients).; LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by the loss of patients during the trial. The low healing rate led to a small cohort to assess recurrence.; CONCLUSIONS: Combined botulinum toxin injection and topical diltiazem is not superior to botulinum toxin injection in the treatment of chronic anal fissure. Both options offer suboptimal healing rates. Long-term recurrence is high (>80% at 10 years) and might appear at any time after healing. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/B527.; INYECCIN DE TOXINA BOTULNICA MS DILTIAZEM TPICO EN FISURA ANAL CRNICA UN ENSAYO CLNICO ALEATORIZADO DOBLE CIEGO Y RESULTADOS A LARGO PLAZO: ANTECEDENTES:La esfinterotomia quimica evita el riesgo de incontinencia permanente en el tratamiento de la fisura anal cronica, pero no alcanza la eficacia de la cirugia y la recurrencia es alta. Se ha propuesto la combinacion de farmacos para superar estos inconvenientes.OBJETIVO:Comparar los efectos clinicos, morfologicos y funcionales de la terapia combinada con inyeccion de toxina botulinica y diltiazem topico en fisura anal cronica y evaluar el resultado a largo plazo despues de la cicatrizacion.DISENO:Ensayo aleatorizado, controlado, doble ciego, de dos brazos, de grupos paralelos con un seguimiento a largo plazo.ESCENARIO:Estudio realizado en un centro de atencion terciaria.PACIENTES:Un total de 70 pacientes consecutivos referidos al servicio de gastroenterologia de un hospital de Valencia, Espana.INTERVENCION:Despues de la inyeccion de toxina botulinica (20UI), los pacientes fueron asignados al azar a diltiazem local (grupo de diltiazem) o gel de placebo (grupo de placebo) durante 12 semanas.PRINCIPALES MEDIDAS DE RESULTADO:El resultado primario fue la cicatrizacion de la fisura (evaluado por registro de video por tres medicos independientes). Los resultados secundarios incluyeron alivio sintomatico (diario de 30 dias), efecto sobre los esfinteres anales (manometria), seguridad y recurrencia a largo plazo (24 meses y 10 anos).RESULTADOS:La curacion se logro por protocolo en 13/25 (52%) en el grupo de Diltiazem y 11/30 (36,7%) en el grupo de Placebo (p = 0.25); por intencion de tratar en el 37.1% y el 31.4%, respectivamente (p = 0.61). Ambos grupos mostraron una reduccion significativa de las presiones anales. El 30% refirio incontinencia leve y transitoria, sin diferencias entre grupos. 9 (69.2%) del grupo de Diltiazem y 6 (54.5%) del grupo de placebo recurrieron a los 24 meses (p = 0.67). La tasa global de recurrencia a los 10 anos fue del 83.3% (20/24 pacientes).LIMITACIONES:La perdida de pacientes a lo largo del ensayo. La baja tasa de curacion llevo a una pequena cohorte para evaluar la recurrencia.CONCLUSIONES:La inyeccion combinada de toxina botulinica y diltiazem topico no es superior a la inyeccion de TB en el tratamiento de la fisura anal cronica. Ambas opciones ofrecen tasas de curacion suboptimas. La recurrencia a largo plazo es alta (> 80% a los 10 anos) y puede aparecer en cualquier momento despues de la curacion. Consulte Video Resumen en http://links.lww.com/DCR/B527. Copyright © The ASCRS 2021.

Introduction: Introduction: after laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP) many patients complain of epigastric pain or food intolerance, leading to the performance of upper gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy. Objective: this study aims to assess which symptomatology as reported by LRYGBP patients during follow-up suggested correlation with pathological findings of endoscopy, and which factors might play a role, taking the timing of symptom presentation into account. Materials and methods: a retrospective cohort study was performed identifying LRYGBP patients presenting with food intolerance and/or epigastric pain who had undergone endoscopy. Primary outcomes were endoscopy findings, their association with patient characteristics, and timing of symptom presentation. Results: of the 514 patients complaining of epigastric pain and/or food intolerance, 81 (15.6 %) underwent endoscopy. A gastrojejunostomy complication was found in 58 % of cases. All patients who complained about food intolerance and epigastric pain presented pathological findings. The only preoperative factor associated with a gastrojejunostomy complication was being a smoker (p = 0.021). Time between surgery and endoscopy was also a predictive factor for endoscopic pathological findings (p = 0.007); in cases of epigastric pain, symptom onset during the first year (median: 10 months) was related to increased risk of gastrojejunal complications (p < 0.05). Conclusions: endoscopies performed within one year of surgery were significantly more likely to reveal pathological findings than endoscopies performed after the first postoperative year, especially in patients experiencing epigastric pain. Introduccion: Introduccion: tras un baipas gastrico laparoscopico en Y de Roux muchos pacientes refieren dolor epigastrico o intolerancia alimenticia, lo que motiva la realizacion de una endoscopia digestiva alta. Objetivos: el objetivo de este estudio es intentar establecer una relacion entre la sintomatologia referida por los pacientes sometidos a baipas gastrico con los hallazgos endoscopicos patologicos y conocer que factores pueden estar implicados, considerando el momento de presentacion. Material y metodos: estudio retrospectivo de cohortes, identificando a los pacientes sometidos a baipas gastrico laparoscopico que presentan dolor epigastrico o intolerancia alimenticia durante el seguimiento y a los que se realizo una endoscopia digestiva alta. El objetivo primario es relacionar los hallazgos endoscopicos con la sintomatologia y el momento de aparicion. Resultados: de los 514 pacientes que presentaban dolor epigastrico o intolerancia alimenticia, 81 (15,6 %) fueron sometidos a endoscopia digestiva alta. En un 58 % de los casos se encontraron complicaciones relacionadas con la gastroyeyunostomia. En todos los pacientes que presentaban simultaneamente dolor e intolerancia aparecieron hallazgos endoscopicos patologicos. El unico factor preoperatorio relacionado con las complicaciones fue el habito tabaquico (p = 0,021). El tiempo entre la cirugia y la realizacion de la endoscopia tambien fue un factor significativamente relacionado con los hallazgos endoscopicos (p = 0,007). En los casos de dolor epigastrico durante el primer ano (media: 10 meses) existia un incremento del riesgo de aparicion de complicaciones de la gastroyeyunostomia (p < 0,05). Conclusiones: las endoscopias realizadas durante el primer ano postoperatorio tenian mas probabilidades de presentar hallazgos patologicos, sobre todo en los pacientes afectos de dolor epigastrico.

INTRODUCTION: Pancreatic cancer (PC), even in the absence of metastatic disease, has a dismal prognosis. One-third of them are borderline resectable (BRPC) or locally advanced unresectable PC (LAUPC) at diagnosis. There are limited prospective data supporting the best approach on these tumours. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (ChT) is being increasingly used in this setting. METHODS: This is a retrospective series of consecutive patients staged as BRPC or LAUPC after discussion in the multidisciplinary board (MDB) at an academic centre. All received neoadjuvant ChT, followed by chemoradiation (ChRT) in some cases, and those achieving enough downstaging had a curative-intent surgery. Descriptive data about patient's characteristics, neoadjuvant treatments, toxicities, curative resections, postoperative complications, pathology reports and adjuvant treatment were collected. Overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival was calculated with Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test. RESULTS: Between August 2011 and July 2019, 49 patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria, and all of them received neoadjuvant ChT. Fluorouracil+folinicacid, irinotecan and oxaliplatin was the most frequently used scheme (77%). The most prevalent grade 3 or 4 toxicities were neutropenia (26.5%), neurotoxicity (12.2%), diarrhoea (8.2%) and nausea (8.2%). 18 patients (36.7%) received ChRT thereafter. In total, 22 patients (44,9%) became potentially resectable and 19 of them had an R0 or R1 pancreatic resection. One was found to be unresectable at surgery and two refused surgery. A vascular resection was required in 7 (35%). No postoperative deaths were observed. Postoperative ChT was given to 12 (66.7%) of resected patients. Median OS of the whole cohort was 24,9 months (95%CI 14.1 to 35.7), with 30.6 months for resected and 13.1 months for non-resected patients, respectively (p

Endoscopic ampullectomy is indicated for the resection of non-invasive papillary adenomas in selected patients. Cholangitis is an uncommon complication (0-2%) that may be secondary to contamination during the procedure, poor emptying of the bile duct and prosthesis dysfunction or migration. Placement of a prophylactic biliary stent after the resection is not well established. We present a rare case of acute cholangitis after endoscopic ampullectomy secondary to a biliary prosthesis obstruction, due to a pancreatic prosthesis intrusion.

We present the case of a 76-year-old male with a history of acute cholecystitis who underwent a scheduled laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Chronic cholecystitis with a thickened cystic duct was observed intraoperatively. The anatomic pathology report found high-grade dysplasia that affected the distal edge of the cystic duct. In view of these findings, an endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed with SpyGlass® and an excrescent lesion suggestive of malignancy adjacent to the cystic-common bile duct junction was observed. A resection of the extrahepatic bile duct was performed with lymphadenectomy of the hepatic hilum and hepaticojejunostomy in a subsequent procedure. The definitive pathology report confirmed pancreaticobiliary intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasia with high-grade dysplasia and free margins.

Resumen Introduccion El uso de un stent metalico autoexpandible como puente a la cirugia del cancer de colon izquierdo en oclusion se ha senalado como tratamiento alternativo a la cirugia de urgencia. El objetivo del presente estudio fue comparar la morbimortalidad, el coste-beneficio y los resultados oncologicos a largo plazo de ambas opciones terapeuticas. Metodos Se trata de un estudio prospectivo, comparativo, controlado y no aleatorizado (2005-2010) realizado en una unidad especializada. El estudio agrupo a 82 pacientes con cancer de colon izquierdo en oclusion tratados mediante stent como puente a la cirugia (n = 27) o cirugia de urgencia (n = 55), intervenidos con intencion curativa local. Las principales variables del estudio (morbimortalidad postoperatoria, coste-beneficio, tasa de estomas y resultados oncologicos a largo plazo) fueron comparados sobre la base de un analisis «con intencion de tratar». Resultados No se encontraron diferencias estadisticamente significativas entre los dos grupos en terminos de datos preoperatorios y caracteristicas tumorales. La tasa de exito tecnico en la colocacion de la endoprotesis fue del 88,9% (con un 11,1% de perforaciones derivadas del stent), y el exito clinico fue del 81,4%. No se observo diferencia alguna en cuanto a los indices de morbimortalidad postoperatoria. La tasa de anastomosis primaria fue superior en el grupo «stent como puente a la cirugia», en comparacion al grupo «cirugia de urgencia» (77,8% frente a 56,4%; p = 0,05). Los costes medios por paciente en el grupo «cirugia de urgencia» resultaron ser mas elevados (+1.391,9 €) que en el grupo «stent como puente a la cirugia». No se produjeron diferencias estadisticamente significativas en cuanto a resulados oncologicos a largo plazo. Conclusiones El uso de stents metalicos autoexpandibles como puente a la cirugia constituye una opcion segura para el tratamiento urgente del cancer de colon izquierdo en oclusion, con resultados oncologicos similares a largo plazo en comparacion a la cirugia de urgencia, con menor coste economico y una tasa superior de anastomosis primarias, evitando numerosos estomas.

Introduction: The use of a self-expanding metallic stent as a bridge to surgery in acute malignant left colonic obstruction has been suggested as an alternative treatment to emergency surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare the morbi-mortality, cost-benefit and long-term oncological outcomes of both therapeutic options. Methods: This is a prospective, comparative, controlled, non-randomized study (2005-2010) performed in a specialized unit. The study included 82 patients with left colon cancer obstruction treated by stent as a bridge to surgery (n = 27) or emergency surgery (n = 55) operated with local curative intention. The main outcome measures (postoperative morbimortaliy, cost-benefit, stoma rate and long-term oncological outcomes) were compared based on an "intention-to-treat'' analysis. Results: There were no significant statistical differences between the two groups in terms of preoperative data and tumor characteristics. The technically successful stenting rate was 88.9% (11.1% perforation during stent placement) and clinical success was 81.4%. No difference was observed in postoperative morbi-mortality rates. The primary anastomosis rate was higher in the bridge to surgery group compared to the emergency surgery group (77.8% vs. 56.4%; P =.05). The mean costs in the emergency surgery group resulted to be (Sic)1,391.9 more expensive per patient than in the bridge to surgery group. There was no significant statistical difference in oncological long-term outcomes. Conclusions: The use of self-expanding metalllic stents as a bridge to surgery is a safe option in the urgent treatment of obstructive left colon cancer, with similar short and long-term results compared to direct surgery, inferior mean costs and a higher rate of primary anastomosis. (C) 2017 AEC. Published by Elsevier Espanna, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

espanolIntroduccion: la lesion yatrogenica de la via biliar (LYVB) es una complicacion con elevada morbilidad tras la colecistectomia. En los ultimos anos la endoscopia ha adquirido un papel fundamental en el manejo de esta patologia. Metodos: estudio retrospectivo de LYVB tras colecistectomia abierta (CA) o colecistectomia laparoscopica (CL) tratadas en nuestro centro entre 1993 y 2017. Se analizaron los datos referentes a las caracteristicas clinicas, tipo de lesion segun la clasificacion de Strasberg-Bismuth, diagnostico, tecnica de reparacion y seguimiento. Resultados: se estudian 46 pacientes. La incidencia LYVB fue de 0,48%, 0,61% para las CL y 0,24% para las CA. El diagnostico se realizo de forma intraoperatoria en 12 casos (26%) y mediante colangiopancreatografia retrograda endoscopica (CPRE) en 10 (21,7%). Las caracteristicas mas comunes a todos los pacientes con LYVB fueron la colecistitis aguda (20/46, 43,5%), ingreso previo por patologia biliar (16/46, 43,2%) y realizacion de CPRE previa a la colecistectomia (7/46, 18,9%). Los tipos de LYVB mas frecuentes fueron el D (17/46, 36,9%) y el A (15/46, 32,6%). El tratamiento mas empleado fue sutura primaria (13/46, 28,3%) seguido de CPRE (11/46, 23,9%) con esfinterotomia y/o endoprotesis. Ademas, la CPRE se utilizo en el postoperatorio inmediato de 6 pacientes (13%) con reparacion quirurgica de la LYVB para solucionar complicaciones inmediatas. Conclusion: la CPRE es util en el manejo de la LYVB no diagnosticada intraoperatoriamente. Permite localizar la zona lesionada de la via biliar, realizar maniobras terapeuticas y tratar de manera satisfactoria algunas complicaciones postoperatorias. EnglishIntroduction: iatrogenic bile duct injury (IBDI) is a complication with a high morbidity after cholecystectomy. In recent years, endoscopy has acquired a fundamental role in the management of this pathology. Methods: a retrospective study of IBDI after open cholecystectomy (OC) or laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) of patients treated in our center between 1993 and 2017 was performed. Clinical characteristics, type of injury according to the Strasberg-Bismuth classification, diagnosis, repair techniques and follow-up were analyzed. Results: 46 patients were studied and IBDI incidence was 0.48%, 0.61% for LC and 0.24% for OC. A diagnosis was made intraoperatively in 12 cases (26%) and by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in 10 (21.7%) cases. The most common IBDI patient characteristics were acute cholecystitis (20/46, 43.5%), previous admission due to biliary pathology (16/46, 43.2%) and ERCP prior to cholecystectomy (7/46, 18.9%). The most frequent types of IBDI were D (17/46, 36.9%) and A (15/46, 32.6%). The most commonly used treatment was primary suture (13/46, 28.3%) followed by ERCP (11/46, 23.9%) with sphincterotomy and/or stents. In addition, ERCP was performed during the immediate postoperative period in 6 (13%) patients with a surgical IBDI repair in order to resolve immediate complications. Conclusion: ERCP is useful in the management of IBDI that is not diagnosed intraoperatively. This procedure facilitates the localization of the injured area of the bile duct, therapeutic maneuvers and successful outcomes in postoperative complications.

Aims: to assess oxidative stress in acute pancreatitis, its evolution over time and its relationship with the severity of the disease. Methods: during a two-year period, patients with acute pancreatitis with less than 24 hours of pain were evaluated. Serum was obtained the first, second and fourth day from admittance, if complications were detected, and after recovery. Malondialdehyde was determined by high performance liquid chromatography. Twenty healthy volunteers constituted the control group. Malondialdehyde between groups was compared with Mann-Whitney and Kruskal-Wallis tests; malondialdehyde evolution was studied with Wilcoxon test. Results: one hundred and sixty-nine patients were included (91 women, median age 67 years, range 20-95); 33 suffered a severe episode. Malondialdehyde decreased from first to fourth day (0.600 vs. 0.451 vs. 0.343 μM, respectively, p < 0.05). When complications were detected, malondialdehyde level was similar to that of first and second day (0.473 μM, p > 0.05). In severe attacks malondialdehyde was higher than in control group at day 2 (severe: 0.514; mild: 0.440; control: 0.347 μM, p < 0.05 severe vs. control). Conclusions: an early oxidative stress is observed in acute pancreatitis. In severe attacks, oxidative stress remains high longer than in mild episodes. The onset of complications is associated with high malondialdehyde concentration.

Objectives The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the pancreatographic findings and dynamics of pancreatic duct diameter, as determined by secretin-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (S-MRCP), in patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis or chronic alcoholic pancreatitis and in a control group. Methods S-MRCP was performed in patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis who did not manifest the functional and radiological (ultrasonography and computed tomography) criteria of chronic pancreatitis (n = 21), in patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis (n = 28) and in a control group (n = 16). The diameter of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) was monitored before secretin administration and at 3 and 10 min after secretin administration. Morphological features were also assessed before and after the administration of secretin. Results All ductal diameters were significantly larger in chronic alcoholic pancreatitis (P < 0.0001). There were no differences in MPD caliber between patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis and the control group. The percentage of variation between basal MPD diameter and at 3 min post-secretin administration was lower in patients with chronic (35.5%) pancreatitis than in those with acute alcoholic pancreatitis (52.3%) and the control group (52.5%). There were no significant differences between patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis and the control group in terms of the frequency of visualization of side branches, ductal narrowing, intraluminal filling defects, and ductal irregularity. One patient with acute alcoholic pancreatitis presented ductal criteria of chronic pancreatitis following the administration of secretin. Conclusions The dynamics of MPD visualized on S-MRCP in patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis is similar to that observed in the control group and different from that observed in patients with chronic alcoholic pancreatitis. There were no significant differences between patients with acute alcoholic pancreatitis and the control group in terms of morphological pancreatographic features.

Extra-oesophageal autonomic dysfunction in idiopathic achalasia is not well documented, due to contradictory results reported. We aimed to study the cardiovascular and pancreatic autonomic function in patients with idiopathic achalasia. Thirty patients with idiopathic achalasia (16M/14F; 34.5 ± 10.8 years) and 30 healthy volunteers (13M/17F; 34.8 ± 10.7 years) were prospectively studied. Age >60 years and conditions affecting results of autonomic evaluation were excluded. Both groups underwent the sham feeding test and plasmatic levels of pancreatic polypeptide (PP) were determined by radioimmunoassay (basal, at 5, 10, 20 and 30 min). Cardiovascular parasympathetic (deep breathing, standing, Valsalva) and sympathetic function (postural decrease of systolic blood pressure, Handgrip test) were assessed. Statistical comparison of basal and increase levels of PP and parasympathetic/sympathetic cardiovascular parameters was performed between groups. Basal levels of PP were similar in controls and patients and maximum increase of PP during sham feeding test. A similar rate of abnormal cardiovascular tests was found between groups (P > 0.05). E/I ratio was the mostly impaired parameter (patients: 36.7%vs controls: 20%, P = 0.15, chi-squared test). Autonomic cardiovascular tests and pancreatic response to vagal stimulus are not impaired in patients with primary achalasia of the oesophagus.

To determine the prevalence of recurrence of gallstone pancreatitis, its clinical features, and the presence of prognostic factors of recurrence.From January 1, 2000 to August 31, 2003, 233 patients admitted with acute gallstone pancreatitis (AGP) were prospectively studied. Patients were divided into two groups: recurrent and nonrecurrent group. Clinical, analytical, radiological, prognostic parameters, and severity (Atlanta criteria) were assessed, along with the performance of cholecystectomy or endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES). Clinical features of recurrence were analyzed. Univariate (chi(2), Student's t-test) and multivariate tests were performed. Statistical significance was assumed if p0.05.Two hundred and eighty-six attacks were identified. Forty-two patients (18.2%) recurred, suffering 53 recurrent attacks, which took place within 30 days in 23.3%. Patients who did not undergo surgery after the first attack had 31-fold risk of recurrence (OR = 31.5%, CI = 95%[7.22-137.84], p0.001). In patients not operated, recurrence was more frequent if ES was not performed (37.04%vs 0%, p= 0.019). Among patients with surgical risk, none who recurred underwent ES, compared with 27.9% of those who did not recur. Patients in the nonrecurrent group underwent cholecystectomy within the first 30 days or ES more frequently (31.2%vs 7.3%, p= 0.001).Recurrence of gallstone pancreatitis is a frequent event. Delay of cholecystectomy implies an increased risk of recurrence. ES could be an acceptable option to prevent recurrence in patients who are not candidates for surgery or who do not desire to undergo cholecystectomy.

Background & Aims: The aim of this study was to establish a simple method to exclude the possibility of pelvic floor dyssynergia (PFD) in constipated patients and thus avoid unnecessary expensive physiologic studies. Methods: Patients with suspicion of functional constipation (FC) were studied prospectively between 1994 and 2002, excluding those with severe systemic, psychological, or symptomatic anorectal/colonic disorders or taking medications that might modify symptoms or results of studies. Diagnosis of PFD was established retrospectively by manometric plus defecographic findings according to Rome II criteria. Two groups of patients were identified: FC without PFD (FC group) and PFD group. A 30-day symptom diary and balloon expulsion test results were evaluated in all patients. Clinical differences and results of the expulsion test were statistically compared between groups. Results: Of 359 patients evaluated, 130 were included (FC group, 106; PFD group, 24). According to data from the diary, only anal pain was more frequent in the PFD group compared with the FC group (anal pain in >25% of defecations, 70.8% vs. 40.6%; P 2 test). The expulsion test was pathologic in 21 of 24 patients with PFD and 12 of 106 without PFD. The specificity and negative predictive value of the test for excluding PFD were 89% and 97%, respectively. Conclusions: The balloon expulsion test is a simple and useful screening procedure to identify constipated patients who do not have PFD. Symptoms are not enough to differentiate between subtypes of constipation.