Emanuele Rausa

Management of Boerhaave's syndrome with an over-the-scope clip.

Boerhaaves syndrome is a spontaneous barotraumatic disruption of the distal oesophagus secondary to an abrupt increase in intraoesophageal pressure during vomiting. Management ranges from a conservative approach to an oesophagectomy. The over-the-scope-clip (OTSC, Ovesco Endoscopy GmbH, Tuebingen, Germany) system is a newly designed clipping method for tissue mechanical compression in the gastrointestinal tract. We report the case of a patient referred with a delayed diagnosis of Boerhaaves syndrome and successfully treated by OTSC application followed by lung decortication.

Trans-Gastric ERCP After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTrans-oral endoscopic access to the pancreaticobiliary system is challenging after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Trans-gastric ERCP (TG-ERCP) has emerged as a viable option to manage patients with symptomatic post-RYBG choledocolithiasis. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the outcomes of TG-ERCP to better define the risk-benefit ratio of this procedure and to guide clinical decision-making.MethodsA literature search was conducted to identify all reports on ERCP after RYGB. Pubmed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were thoroughly consulted matching the terms “ERCP” AND “gastric bypass.” Pooled prevalence of ERCP success rate, ERCP-related morbidity, post-procedural infectious complications, and overall morbidity were calculated using Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation and DerSimonian-Laird estimator in random effect meta-analysis. Heterogeneity among studies was evaluated using I2-index and Cochrane Q test. Meta-regression was used to address the effect of potential confounders.ResultsThirteen papers published between 2009 and 2017 matched the inclusion criteria. Eight hundred fifty patients undergoing 931 procedures were included. The most common clinical indications for TG-ERCP were biliary (90%) and pancreatic (10%). The majority of patients underwent an initial laparoscopic approach (90%). Same-day ERCP was successfully achieved in 703 cases (75.5%). Pooled prevalence of ERCP success rate, ERCP-related morbidity, post-procedural infectious complications, and overall morbidity were 99% (95% CI = 98–100%), 3.1% (95% CI = 1.0–5.8%), 3.4% (95% CI = 1.7–5.5%), and 14.2% (95% CI = 8.5–20.8%), respectively.ConclusionTG-ERCP is a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients with symptomatic post-RYGB choledocolithiasis.

Thoracoscopic removal of dental prosthesis impacted in the upper thoracic esophagus

Dental appliances are the most common cause of accidental foreign body esophageal impaction, especially in the elderly population with decreased oral sensory perception. A 47-year-old man with history of oligophrenia and recurrent epileptic seizures was referred to our hospital following dislocation and ingestion of his upper dental prosthesis. Endoscopic removal and clipping of an esophageal tear had been unsuccessfully attempted. A chest CT scan confirmed entrapment of the dental prosthesis in the upper thoracic esophagus, the presence of pneumomediastinum, and the close proximity of one of the metal clasps of the prosthesis to the left subclavian artery. A video-assisted right thoracoscopy in the left lateral decubitus position was performed and the foreign body was successfully removed. The patient was then allowed to wear the retrieved prosthesis after dentistry consultation and repair of the wire clasps by a dental technician. At the 6-month follow-up visit the patient was doing very well without any trouble in swallowing.

The management of penetrating rectal and anal trauma: A systematic review

INTRODUCTION Traumatic injuries to the lower gastrointestinal tract (rectum and anus) have been largely reported in the military setting with sparse publications from the civilian setting. Additionally, there remains a lack of international consensus regarding definitive treatment pathways. This systematic review aimed to assess the current literature and propose a standardised treatment algorithm to aid management in the civilian setting. METHODS A systematic review of available literature from 1999 to 2016 that was performed. Primary endpoints were the assessment and surgical management of reported rectal and anal trauma. RESULTS Seven studies were included in this review, reporting on 1255 patients. 96.3% had rectal trauma and 3.7% had anal trauma. Gunshot wounds are the most common mechanism of injury (46.9%). The overwhelming majority of injuries occurred in males (>85%) and were associated with other pelvic injuries. Surgical management has substantially evolved over the last five decades, with no clear consensus on best management strategies. CONCLUSION There remains significant international discrepancy regarding the management of penetrating trauma to the rectum. Key management principals include the varying use of the direct primary closure, faecal diversion, pre-sacral drainage and/or distal rectal washout (rarely used). To date, there is sparse evidence regarding the management of penetrating anal trauma.

Flexible versus rigid endoscopy in the management of esophageal foreign body impaction: systematic review and meta-analysis

BackgroundForeign body (FB) impaction accounts for 4% of emergency endoscopies in clinical practice. Flexible endoscopy (FE) is recommended as the first-line therapeutic option because it can be performed under sedation, is cost-effective, and is well tolerated. Rigid endoscopy (RE) under general anesthesia is less used but may be advantageous in some circumstances. The aim of the study was to compare the efficacy and safety of FE and RE in esophageal FB removal.MethodsPubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane databases were consulted matching the terms “Rigid endoscopy AND Flexible endoscopy AND foreign bod*”. Pooled effect measures were calculated using an inverse-variance weighted or Mantel-Haenszel in random effects meta-analysis. Heterogeneity was evaluated using I2 index and Cochrane Q test.ResultsFive observational cohort studies, published between 1993 and 2015, matched the inclusion criteria. One thousand four hundred and two patients were included; FE was performed in 736 patients and RE in 666. Overall, 101 (7.2%) complications occurred. The most frequent complications were mucosal erosion (26.7%), mucosal edema (18.8%), and iatrogenic esophageal perforations (10.9%). Compared to FE, the estimated RE pooled success OR was 1.00 (95% CI 0.48–2.06; p = 1.00). The pooled OR of iatrogenic perforation, other complications, and overall complications were 2.87 (95% CI 0.96–8.61; p = 0.06), 1.09 (95% CI 0.38–3.18; p = 0.87), and 1.50 (95% CI 0.53–4.25; p = 0.44), respectively. There was no mortality.ConclusionsFE and RE are equally safe and effective for the removal of esophageal FB. To provide a tailored or crossover approach, patients should be managed in multidisciplinary centers where expertise in RE is also available. Formal training and certification in RE should probably be re-evaluated.

Extended versus conventional thromboprophylaxis after major abdominal and pelvic surgery: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Background: Venous thromboembolism, presenting as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, can be associated with considerable morbidity after major abdominal and pelvic surgery. Perioperative thromboprophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin is well established, but the duration of treatment remains debated. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of extended (4‐week) versus conventional (1‐week) thromboprophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin in patients undergoing abdominopelvic surgery. Methods: Using MEDLINE databases (PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science), we conducted an electronic, systematic search of randomized controlled trials comparing post‐operative extended versus conventional low‐molecular‐weight heparin on venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism rates. Results: Four randomized controlled trials met the predefined criteria. Extended prophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin after major abdominal and pelvic surgery decreased rates of postoperative venous thromboembolism, deep vein thrombosis, and proximal deep vein thrombosis without increased postoperative bleeding. Numbers needed to treat to prevent venous thromboembolism, overall deep vein thrombosis, and proximal deep vein thrombosis were 14, 14, and 44, respectively. Rates of postoperative symptomatic PE were rare, and the incidence was similar in both groups. Conclusion: Extended prophylaxis with low‐molecular‐weight heparin is associated with a decrease in asymptomatic venous thromboembolism. There remains sparse evidence regarding its impact on pulmonary embolism because of the overall low incidence. Extended prophylaxis should be considered in high‐risk patients.