L Madácsy

Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy and endoscopic sphincter of Oddi manometry in patients with suspected sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: assessment of flow-pressure relationship in the biliary tract.

Objective In the present study, the diagnostic efficacy of quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS) was compared with that of endoscopic sphincter of Oddi (SO) manometry (ESOM) in patients with a suspected SO dysfunction (SOD) of biliary type II or III. Methods Twenty cholecystectomized patients with SOD biliary types II and III were investigated by QHBS and by ESOM. Twenty asymptomatic cholecystectomized patients served as controls for scintigraphy. ESOM was performed by applying the station pull‐through method. Then SO basal pressure and phasic contraction characteristics were determined. During QHBS, time‐activity curves were generated, and the time‐to‐peak (Tmax), the half‐time of excretion (T½), the duodenal appearance time (DAT) and the hilum‐to‐duodenum transit time (HDTT) were then calculated. At the 60th minute of QHBS, 5 ng/kg body weight/min caerulein was administered. Results In patients with SOD and elevated SO basal pressure (> 40 mmHg), QHBS parameters, such as Tmax and T½ calculated from regions of interest over the hepatic hilum and common bile duct, HDTT and DAT proved to be significantly increased compared to controls: 28.7 ± 4.3 versus 21.1 ± 4.6 min, 39.7 ± 15.4 versus 18.8 ± 2.6 min, 9.0 ± 3.6 versus 2.3 ± 1.3 min and 27.1 ± 4.9 versus 16.6 ± 3.0 min, respectively. In contrast, in patients with SOD and normal SO basal pressure, QHBS parameters did not differ significantly from the controls. For the pooled data on the symptomatic patients with SOD, a statistically significant linear correlation was found between the SO basal pressure and the QHBS parameters. Although HDTT was the most sensitive scintigraphic parameter (89%), the combined sensitivity and specificity of Tmax and T½ of the common bile duct reached 100%. No scintigraphic sign of a paradoxical response to cholecystokinin was detected. Conclusions QHBS is a useful non‐invasive diagnostic method for the selection of SOD patients with an elevated SO basal pressure. A significant correlation has been established between the trans‐papillary bile flow measured by QHBS and the SO basal pressure determined by ESOM. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 12:777‐786

Prophylactic pancreas stenting followed by needle-knife fistulotomy in patients with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and difficult cannulation: new method to prevent post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Introduction:  The aim of the present study was to reduce post‐endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) complications with a combination of early needle‐knife access fistulotomy and prophylactic pancreatic stenting in selected high‐risk sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) patients with difficult cannulation.

Somatosensory hypersensitivity in the referred pain area in patients with chronic biliary pain and a sphincter of oddi dysfunction: New aspects of an almost forgotten pathogenetic mechanism

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Somatosensory hyperalgesia in the referred pain area (RPA) in patients with acute or chronic abdominal pain syndromes may result from the convergence of nerve fibers from visceral and somatic tissues at the spinal and supraspinal levels. Chronic biliary pain in patients with the postcholecystectomy syndrome (i.e., biliary hypersensitivity) may be explained by persistent hyperexcitability of neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). The aim of this study was to evaluate the cutaneous neural sensory perception in the RPA in patients with chronic postcholecystectomy biliary pain and a sphincter of Oddi (SO) dysfunction (SOD).METHODS: Forty-two patients with persistent biliary pain and suspected SOD, 27 age-matched healthy volunteers, and 18 age-matched asymptomatic cholecystectomized controls were prospectively investigated by quantitative sensory testing (Neurometer CPT). The biliary symptoms and the severity of pain were classified on a visual analog pain severity scale system via a previously validated and standardized questionnaire. The patients helped the doctors locate the RPA in the right upper quadrant. The sensory detection threshold was determined noninvasively (Neurometer CPT) with transcutaneous electrical stimulation at 5, 250, and 2,000 Hz, and different current intensities (range from 0.01 to 9.99 mA) applied in a single (patient) blinded method. These three frequencies selectively excite small unmyelinated (C fibers), small myelinated (A-delta), and large myelinated (A-beta) fibers, which transmit dull pain, sharp pain, and touch, respectively. The contralateral region of the abdomen left upper quadrant served as the control area. The sensory current perception threshold ratio (SCPTR) of the data measured in the contralateral area and the RPA was calculated.RESULTS: The SCPTRs in the definite SOD patients with biliary pain, healthy volunteers, the asymptomatic cholecystectomized controls, and the symptomatic cholecystectomized patients but without SOD were 2.32 ± 1.4 versus 1.06 ± 0.24 versus 0.97 ± 0.16 versus 0.83 ± 0.35 at 2,000 Hz; 2.19 ± 1.0 versus 1.01 ± 0.26 versus 1.02 ± 0.25 versus 0.88 ± 0.35 at 250 Hz; and 2.19 ± 1.1 versus 1.12 ± 0.26 versus 0.99 ± 0.37 versus 0.84 ± 0.32 at 5 Hz, respectively. Significant hypersensitivity was detected in the RPA at different stimulation frequencies in the SOD patients with biliary pain versus the cholecystectomized controls: at 5 Hz: P= 0.00001; at 250 Hz: P= 0.00001; and at 2,000 Hz: P= 0.0001, respectively.CONCLUSION: Continuous visceral pain (biliary pain) caused by local inflammatory/sensitizing processes or a CNS malfunction could lead to significant hypersensitivity of the peripheral nociceptive nerve fibers in SOD patients. Postcholecystectomy pain may be explained by persistent hyperexcitability of the nociceptive neurons in the CNS with or without objective motility disorders of the SO.

Recurrent, Nonmalignant Tracheoesophageal Fistulas and the Need for Surgical Improvisation

BACKGROUND Despite the many recent advances in thoracic surgery, the management of patients with recurrent, nonmalignant tracheoesophageal fistulas remains problematic, controversial, and challenging. METHODS Between 1998 and 2008, we treated 8 patients with RTEF. Closure of the original tracheoesophageal fistula had been attempted once in 5 patients, twice in 2 patients, and 4 times in 1 patient, all in different institutions. Four cases necessitated right posterolateral thoracotomy and cervical exposure, 2 cases cervical and abdominal incision, and 1 case right posterolateral thoracotomy, with abdominal and cervical exposure. With the exception of the 2 patients whose excluded esophagus was used to substitute for the trachea membranous wall, the damaged tracheal segment was removed. In general, a pedicled mediastinal pleural flap was pulled into the neck to increase the safety of the tracheal anastomosis formed with the trachea, and (or) to separate the suture lines of the two organs. RESULTS A single intervention was sufficient for all 8 patients: no reoperation was necessary, and there was no perioperative mortality. Transient reflux, abdominal distention, and dyspnea in response to forced physical exertion occurred in 1 case each. Only 1 patient subsequently takes medication regularly for reflux disease. CONCLUSIONS Separation initiated from the tracheal bifurcation, a pedicled mediastinal pleural flap pulled into the neck, a tracheal anastomosis sewn onto the cricoid cartilage with avoidance of its posterolateral elbow, a shaped Dumon stent (Novatech, Plan de Grasse, France) with an individually fenestrated tracheostomy cannula, and endoscopy-assisted, transhiatal vagal-preserving esophageal exclusion all served as successful elements of our surgical procedures.

Evaluation of results of the prostigmine-morphine test with quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy: a new method for the diagnosis of sphincter of Oddi dyskinesia

Attempts have long been made to use the prostigmine-morphine provocation test for the selection of postcholecystectomy patients suffering from sphincter of Oddi (SO) dyskinesia. Since the whole procedure is based upon the evaluation of subjective complaints, this test has frequently been criticized. To improve the diagnostic value of this method, we have visualized SO spasms during prostigmine-morphine provocation by means of quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS). Twenty-two cholecystectomized patients with typical postprandial biliary pain were included in this study. In the first series of studies, QHBS with technetium-99m 2,6-diethylphenylcarbamoylmethyl-diacetic acid was performed in each patient 2 days before prostigmine-morphine provocation. The time to peak activity (Tmax) and the half-time of excretion (T1/2) over the liver parenchyma (LP), hepatic hilum (HH) and common bile duct (CBD), and the duodenum appearance time (DAT), were determined and served as control values. In the second series of experiments, sphincter spasms were evoked by prostigmine-morphine administration and visualized by means of QHBS. The same parameters were evaluated and serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were determined simultaneously at regular intervals. In 12 patients who responded to prostigmine-morphine provocation with typical biliary pain and a significant AST elevation (Nardi positive group) the hepatobiliary scintigram demonstrated a marked biliary obstruction.Tmax andT1/2 over the LP, HH and CBD were significantly increased, while DAT was significantly longer relative to the corresponding data obtained without provocation. Four of the remaining ten patients indicated atypical abdominal pain during prostigmine-morphine provocation, but the AST level remained unchanged in all ten (Nardi negative group). In this group, QHBS revealed a slower, but free transpapillary flow of the tracer: althoughT1/2 over the LP, HH and CBD appeared to be significantly higher than without provocation,Tmax did not change and an obstructive pattern was not detected on the hepatobiliary scintigram. When QHBS parameters determined during prostigmine-morphine provocation were compared for the Nardi positive and Nardi negative groups, with the exception ofTmax over the LP they were significantly different. QHBS combined with the prostigmine-morphine provocation test proved to be a useful non-invasive method for the detection of pathological sphincter spasms in patients with SO dyskinesia. Application of this method is therefore strongly recommended in the diagnosis of SO dyskinesia.

Endoscopic transluminal pancreatic necrosectomy using a self-expanding metal stent and high-flow water-jet system

Walled-off pancreatic necrosis and a pancreatic abscess are the most severe complications of acute pancreatitis. Surgery in such critically ill patients is often associated with significant morbidity and mortality within the first few weeks after the onset of symptoms. Minimal invasive approaches with high success and low mortality rates are therefore of considerable interest. Endoscopic therapy has the potential to offer safe and effective alternative treatment. We report here on 3 consecutive patients with infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and 1 patient with a pancreatic abscess who underwent direct endoscopic necrosectomy 19-21 d after the onset of acute pancreatitis. The infected pancreatic necrosis or abscess was punctured transluminally with a cystostome and, after balloon dilatation, a non-covered self-expanding biliary metal stent was placed into the necrotic cavity. Following stent deployment, a nasobiliary pigtail catheter was placed into the cavity to ensure continuous irrigation. After 5-7 d, the metal stent was removed endoscopically and the necrotic cavity was entered with a therapeutic gastroscope. Endoscopic debridement was performed via the simultaneous application of a high-flow water-jet system; using a flush knife, a Dormia basket, and hot biopsy forceps. The transluminal endotherapy was repeated 2-5 times daily during the next 10 d. Supportive care included parenteral antibiotics and jejunal feeding. All patients improved dramatically and with resolution of their septic conditions; 3 patients were completely cured without any further complications or the need for surgery. One patient died from a complication of prolonged ventilation severe bilateral pneumonia, not related to the endoscopic procedure. No procedure related complications were observed. Transluminal endoscopic necrosectomy with temporary application of a self-expanding metal stent and a high-flow water-jet system shows promise for enhancing the potential of this endoscopic approach in patients with walled-off pancreatic necrosis and/or a pancreatic abscess.

The effects of somatostatin and octreotide on the human sphincter of Oddi

OBJECTIVE Somatostatin acts at different sites in the human gastrointestinal tract and generally inhibits the release and effects of many gastrointestinal hormones and neuropeptides. Together with its long-acting analogue octreotide, somatostatin is widely used in the treatment of hormone-producing tumours, variceal bleeding, etc., but multi-centre trials have failed to prove a beneficial effect in the treatment of acute pancreatitis or in the prevention of post-ERCP pancreatitis (pancreatitis following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography). The aim of the present work was to study the effects of somatostatin and octreotide on the human sphincter of Oddi by means of quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy (QHBS). METHOD Fifteen cholecystectomized patients were enrolled in the study, six in the somatostatin group and nine in the octreotide group. QHBS was performed initially with a standard protocol (baseline data), then repeated after 0.1 mg octreotide or a 250 microg bolus + 250 microg/h somatostatin administration. In the 60th min of QHBS, 0.5 mg glyceryl trinitrate (GTN) was administered sublingually. RESULTS QHBS demonstrated that both somatostatin and octreotide caused a marked impairment in the bile flow: the half-time of excretion (T1/2) over the common bile duct was significantly prolonged compared with baseline data (somatostatin group: common bile duct T1/2 180 min versus 59.7+/-31 min; octreotide group: common bile duct T1/2 140.9+/-60.5 min versus 30.7+/-11.7 min). Glyceryl trinitrate administration accelerated the transpapillary bile flow, with significant decreases in the elevated T1/2 in both groups. CONCLUSION Increased transpapillary flow induced by glyceryl trinitrate may be beneficial in the treatment of acute or post-ERCP pancreatitis.

Early ERCP and biliary sphincterotomy with or without small-caliber pancreatic stent insertion in patients with acute biliary pancreatitis: better overall outcome with adequate pancreatic drainage

Abstract Objective. To analyze the efficacy of pancreatic duct (PD) stenting following endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) compared with EST alone in reducing complication rate and improving overall outcome in acute biliary pancreatitis (ABP). Methods. Between 1 January 2009 and 1 July 2010, 141 nonalcoholic patients with clinical, laboratory and imaging evidence of ABP were enrolled. Emergency endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) was performed within 72 h from the onset of pain. Seventy patients underwent successful ERCP, EST, and stone extraction (control group); 71 patients (PD stent group) had EST, stone extraction and small-caliber (5 Fr, 3-5 cm) pancreatic stent insertion. All patients were hospitalized for medical therapy and jejunal feeding and were followed up. Results. The mean age, Glasgow score, symptom to ERCP time, mean amylase and CRP levels at initial presentation were not significantly different in the PD stent group compared to the control group: 60.6 vs. 64.3, 3.21 vs. 3.27, 34.4 vs. 40.2, 2446.9 vs. 2114.3, 121.1 vs. 152.4, respectively. Complications (admission to intensive care unit, pancreatic necrosis with septicemia, large (>6 cm) pseudocyst formation, need for surgical necrosectomy) were less frequent in the PD stent group resulting in a significantly lower overall complication rate (9.86% vs. 31.43%, p < 0.002). Mortality rates (0% vs. 4.28%) were comparable, reasonably low and without any significant differences. Conclusions. Temporary small-caliber PD stent placement may offer sufficient drainage to reverse the process of ABP. Combined with EST the process results in a significantly less complication rate and better clinical outcome compared with EST alone during the early course of ABP.

Comparison of the dynamics of bile emptying by quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy before and after cholecystectomy in patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease.

PURPOSE Quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy, a noninvasive method frequently used to diagnose several biliary tract disorders, shows abnormalities in bile secretion and outflow. It is well known that there are wide variations in the normal pattern of bile emptying, but the effect of cholecystectomy on the bile flow has not yet been investigated. The goal of the current study was to examine the dynamics and normal variations of bile flow by quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy before and after cholecystectomy in a group of patients with uncomplicated gallstone disease. METHODS Twenty patients were evaluated before and after cholecystectomy through cholecystokinin octapeptide-augmented quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy, and quantitative parameters of bile emptying (Tmax: time to peak activity, T1/2: half-emptying time before and after cholecystokinin octapeptide and duodenum appearance time) were determined and then compared. RESULTS Before operation, the bile outflow displayed wide variations, with a moderately delayed common bile duct emptying time in some patients. After cholecystectomy, the T1/2 of the common bile duct decreased significantly when compared with the preoperative status, with only minor patient-to-patient variation, indicating uniformly faster bile emptying (common bile duct T1/2 before and after operation: 30.5 +/- 14.8 and 18.8 +/- 2.6 min, respectively). Cholecystokinin octapeptide administration caused rapid bile outflow from the common bile duct, with a significant decrease in the T1/2 parameters before and after cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS In patients with their gallbladders in situ, the bile emptying rate showed wide variations and may be moderately slow without distal common bile duct obstruction. After cholecystectomy, the rate of bile emptying accelerated and showed only minor variations, thereby increasing the sensitivity of quantitative hepatobiliary scintigraphy for showing partial biliary obstruction.

Humoral mechanisms and clinical aspects of biliary tract motility

This review is intended to summarize current information on neurohumoral regulation of the gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi motility under both physiological and pathological circumstances with emphasis on Hungarian contributions to todays knowledge. The mechanism of action of neurohumoral agents that interact on these segments of the biliary tract, and the explored details of the stimulation-contraction/relaxation coupling process of these substances, will be discussed. A modified classification of biliary tract motility disorders with new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches will also be provided. This information will aid understanding of the pathogenesis of motor disorders of the gallbladder and sphincter of Oddi, and will indicate possibilities for pharmacological exploitation in the treatment of diseases resulting from biliary tract motility abnormalities.