Endoscopic Pancreatic Stenting Research Articles

Bridging endoscopic pancreatic stenting for disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome using a rendezvous technique from a walled-off necrosis cavity.

Bridging endoscopic pancreatic stenting for disconnected pancreatic duct syndrome using a rendezvous technique from a walled-off necrosis cavity.

Pancreatic and Duodenal Injuries: Experience at A Single Trauma Centre

Background: Pancreatic and duodenal injuries are uncommon due to relative protection by their posterior anatomical position and have an incidence of less than 1% of all hospital admissions for trauma. Auckland City Hospital is a tertiary referral hospital in New Zealand with Trauma and Hepatopancreatobiliary units and admits approximately 384 patients with major trauma per year, predominantly from blunt mechanisms. This study is used to assess the incidence, diagnosis and clinical management of pancreatic and duodenal injuries in trauma patients at a single trauma centre. Method: A retrospective study was undertaken using data from a prospectively collected trauma registry. Inpatient notes including all patients admitted from 2007 to 2020 were reviewed. Pancreatic and duodenal injuries were graded using the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) organ injury scale (OIS) grading system. Investigations including radiology and biochemistry and clinical management were noted. Results: A total of 45 trauma patients admitted to Auckland City Hospital had sustained pancreatic or duodenal injuries. Six patients had combined pancreaticoduodenal injuries, 16 had duodenal and 23 had pancreatic injuries. Grade I organ injuries were the most common in pancreatic (19/29) and duodenal injuries (9/22). Majority of patients underwent laparotomy (33/45) for associated haemodynamic instability. All organ specific indications for surgery occurred in Grade II and higher injuries. 10/45 patients were managed non-operatively, of which the majority had Grade I or II organ injuries (9/45). 3/45 patients died. Conclusion: The incidence of pancreaticoduodenal injuries is rare (45 patients in 13 years) and in keeping with trauma literature. In our series, haemodynamically stable patients with Grade I - II pancreatic and Grade I - II (non-laceration type) duodenal injuries did not require operative management. Endoscopic pancreatic stenting may facilitate selective non-operative management in some patients with pancreatic injury or complications.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm of the accessory pancreatic duct in the pancreas uncinate process: A case report.

Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) of the accessory pancreatic duct (APD) are very rare and their clinical significance is not known. Here, we describe a case of IPMN originating in a branch of the duct of APD within the uncinate process of the pancreas, which initially presented with acute pancreatitis. A 70-year-old man visited our medical center presenting with acute pancreatitis around the head and uncinate process of the pancreas. Computer tomography scans revealed the presence of a 35-mm cystic mass-like lesion within the pancreas uncinate process communicating with a branch of the APD. The patient was diagnosed with APD-IPMN in the pancreas uncinate process accompanied by acute pancreatitis. Conservative management of the acute pancreatitis relieved his symptoms, while duodenum-preserving partial pancreatic head resection (DPPHR-P) was performed to treat the APD-IPMN. Intraoperative exploration showed the presence of severe adhesions within the uncinate process of the pancreas and that the tumor's "peduncle" - a branch of the duct of APD - was saddling just at the front of the main pancreatic ducts. Thus, surgical removal of the tumor required special handling of the region between the main duct (MD) and APD to protect the integrity of the main pancreatic ducts. Finally, a 35*30*15 mm IPMN was successfully removed and the MD was preserved combined with ligation from the root of the APD of the pancreas. The drainage volume of the ventral tube increased by around 20-fold in 24 hours on the fourth day after surgery. The presence of high amylase levels in the drainage discharge (40713.5 U/L) led to the diagnosis of postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF). The drainage volume remained high for 3 days. The patient was discharged and POPF was successfully managed through endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting. APD-IPMN in the pancreas uncinate process has its own characteristics of localized pancreatitis, and MD-preserving DPPHR-P not only protects the exocrine and endocrine functions of the pancreas, but it also protects the physiological and anatomical integrity. The appearance of POPF after DPPHR-P may be managed by endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting.

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy and endoscopic pancreatic stenting without pancreatic sphincterotomy for the treatment of pancreatolithiasis: a case series.

Endoscopic therapy and extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) are recommended as the first choice in treating pancreatolithiasis. Endoscopic therapy is generally performed using endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPST). Herein, we report our experience implementing a treatment protocol, combining endoscopic therapy and ESWL without EPST, for pancreatolithiasis. The inpatient treatment plan was performed every 3months with a set number of sessions of ESWL with endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) implanted or replaced. Finally, treatment was terminated when the stone was removed after implantation of a 10-Fr stent and crushed to approximately 3mm or after spontaneous stone discharge. Eight patients were included in this study; the median time to stone disappearance was 208.5days. The median number of inpatient treatment cycles, endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and ESWL sessions was 2.5, 3, and 3, respectively. No serious adverse events were observed in all patients. Therefore, combining ESWL and EPS without EPST can safely treat pancreatolithiasis.

Management of Refractory Pancreatic Fistula: A Review of Literature

Background Chronic non-healing or refractory pancreatic fistulae are rare complications of pancreatic surgery (pancreaticoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy) or pancreatitis. Materials and Methods We conducted a thorough literature search of electronic databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, BioMed Central, and Cochrane Library using the keywords and medical subject headings (MeSH) terms “chronic pancreatic fistula”, “post-operative fistula”, “fistula management” and “refractory pancreatic fistula”. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the management options for refractory pancreatic fistula (PF). Results Literature reveals that refractory pancreatic fistulae have been managed by techniques like endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided techniques like transmural puncture by clamping, puncture of the fistula tract, transmural placement of pigtail stent, and EUSguided pancreaticogastrostomy. Other techniques are postoperative endoscopic pancreatic stent placement in Grade C pancreatic fistula, intestinal decompression catheter insertion into the jejunum, embedding fistulojejunostomy, and fistulojejunostomy. Conclusion In conclusion, embedding fistulojejunostomy, EUS-guided transmural puncture by clamping, and EUS-guided transmural placement of pigtail stent are effective techniques for the management of refractory pancreatic fistulae. Yet further studies in a larger population are recommended.

Pancreatic duct stents.

Pancreatic duct stenting using endoscopy or surgery is widely used for the management of benign and malignant pancreatic diseases. Endoscopic pancreatic stents are mainly used to relieve pain caused by chronic pancreatitis and pancreas divisum, and to treat pancreatic duct disruption and stenotic pancreaticointestinal anastomosis after surgery. They are also used to prevent postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis and postoperative pancreatic fistula, treat pancreatic cancer, and locate radiolucent stones. Recent advances in endoscopic techniques, such as endoscopic ultrasonography and balloon enteroscopy, and newly designed stents have broadened the indications for pancreatic duct stenting. In this review we outlined the types, insertion procedures, efficacy, and complications of endoscopic pancreatic duct stent placement, and summarized the applications of pancreatic duct stents in surgery.

Focal pancreatic ductal change induced by 10-Fr S-type plastic stent in chronic pancreatitis.

Stent-induced ductal change (SIDC) is a complication of endoscopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP). However, the evaluation of SIDC associated with S-type pancreatic plastic stent (PS) and large-caliber PS, such as 10Fr, is limited. This study aimed to analyze the SIDC of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) associated with 10-Fr S-type PS in patients with CP. Between January 2008 and December 2021, 132 patients with CP in whom a 10-Fr S-type PS had been installed by EPS were retrospectively reviewed. The SIDC incidence rate was examined, and the clinical features of patients with and without SIDC were investigated, including the outcomes for detected SIDC. Stent-induced ductal change during EPS was confirmed in 41 patients (31.1%) of 132 patients at a site coincident with the PS tip or distal flap in the MPD. All patients were asymptomatic during the development of SIDC. Morphological changes in the MPD were detected as elevated (75.6%) or bearing stricture changes (24.4%). A total of 90.2% of SIDC developed after the first 10-Fr PS installation. No significant differences were noted between the patients with and without SIDC. The outcomes of continued PS installment for SIDC showed persistence and secondary change. Stent-induced ductal change-associated 10-Fr PS installation was performed in just under one-third of the patients, indicating a substantial incidence rate and a possible development of SIDC from early stages onwards. More emphasis should be placed on SIDC as the complication.

Laparoscopic Endoscopic Cooperative Surgery Using Open-Window Suturing Technique for Treating Non-ampullary Superficial Duodenal Neoplasms Located on the Pancreatic Side

PurposeNo study has focused on the safety and feasibility of our previously developed open-window suturing technique to close mucosal defects on the pancreatic side after endoscopic submucosal dissection from the opened duodenal wall. This study aimed to evaluate the safety and usefulness of laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors for treating superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors on the pancreatic side of the duodenum. MethodsThis retrospective study included 61 consecutive patients who underwent surgery during August 2014–November 2021. After dissection when the tumor was on the pancreatic side, we sutured the mucosal defect from the opened duodenal wall. A preoperative endoscopic pancreatic stent was placed for tumors within 1 cm of the ampulla of Vater. The surgical outcomes were compared between tumors on the pancreatic and non-pancreatic sides. ResultsThere were 27 and 34 patients with tumors on the pancreatic and non-pancreatic sides, respectively. The patient characteristics were similar. Preoperative pancreatic stents were placed in four patients in the pancreatic side group. The median operative time was significantly longer on the pancreatic side than in the non-pancreatic side group (241 vs. 209 min, P = 0.02). In one patient in the pancreatic side group, an intraoperative injury of the ampulla of Vater was successfully treated with intraoperative management. There were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative grade II or higher complications between the groups. ConclusionsLaparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery for duodenal tumors for treating superficial non-ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors on the pancreatic side is safe and feasible.

Pancreatic stenting in the prevention and combination therapy of acute pancreatitis

Aim. To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic transpapillary pancreatic stenting in the prevention and combination therapy of acute pancreatitis.Materials and methods. The study examined 166 cases of pancreatic duct stenting intended to prevent acute postprocedural pancreatitis in 105 patients and to provide a combination therapy for acute pancreatitis in 61 patients. In this case plastic stents (3–7 Fr) were used that were removed on days 3–5 provided neither amylasemia nor clinical signs of acute pancreatitis were observed.Results. Pancreatic stenting performed to prevent acute post-procedural pancreatitis in 100 patients yielded good results in 95.2% of the cases; elective surgery was performed in 16 of these cases after 2 weeks. In 3.8% of the cases, some complications were observed (pancreatitis, jaundice); one (0.95%) fatal case was reported. In the combination therapy of severe pancreatitis (APACHE II >10 points), recovery was observed in 86.9% of the cases involving pancreatic duct stenting. In 11.3% of the cases, stenting was accompanied by minimally invasive surgical procedures. The disease was found to have progressed in 12 patients (19.7%). Four patients were discharged from the hospital with pancreatic fistulas, while 8 patients (13.1%) died.Conclusion. Preventive stenting of the pancreatic duct in the setting of complicated and atypical papillosphincterotomy reduces the incidence of acute pancreatitis to 3.8% at a case fatality rate of 0.95%. Pancreatic duct stenting is indicated for treatment of pancreatic necrosis in the setting of biliary pancreatitis involving impacted stones and severe acute pancreatitis at an amylase level of > 400 U/L during the first three days of the disease.

Endoscopic tapered sheath-assisted removal of a proximally migrated pancreatic stent.

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting is beneficial for patients with a variety of pancreatic conditions; however, proximal migration of the stent occurs occasionally and removal is technically demanding [1] [2]. It is sometimes quite challenging to pass stent-removal devices such as forceps, baskets, and snares across a stricture, particularly in cases in which the migrated stent is located further away from the pancreatic duct stricture [3]. We present an impressive case in which a new endoscopic tapered sheath (EndoSheather; Piolax, Inc., Kanagawa, Japan) ([Fig. 1]) [4] contributed successfully to the removal of a proximally migrated stent in a patient with a distal stricture. This novel device allowed the stricture to be passed and devices to be inserted easily through an indwelling outer sheath, providing a bridge to the target space even in the deep pancreatic tail.

Subtotal Stomach Preserving Pancreaticoduodenectomy for a 14-Year-Old Boy with Benign Duodenal Stenosis

Background: Subtotal stomach preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (SSpPD) is one of the highly invasive surgery and rarely performed on pediatric patients. We show a pediatric patient who underwent SSpPD because of benign duodenal stenosis and Groove pancreatitis associated with duodenal ulcer. Case: A 14-year-old boy had been suffered from repeated abdominal pain of unknown cause for 5 years. Because of abdominal pain and vomiting, he was referred to our hospital, and diagnosed with duodenal stenosis and Groove pancreatitis. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) demonstrated a biliary-duodenal fistula and the main pancreatic duct stenosis in the pancreas head. Although endoscopic pancreatic stenting was performed into the narrowed pancreatic duct, the replacement of stent became difficult due to the exacerbation of duodenal stenosis, and the patient was introduced to our department for surgery. Treatment course: SSpPD was performed. Operation time was 6 hours 49 minutes, and the amount of blood loss was 10 ml. He could take a solid diet postoperatively, and was discharged without any complication 18 days after the surgery. Discussion: There are several reports of pancreaticoduodenectomy in children for malignant tumors, but reports of benign diseases such as this case are extremely rare. Considering the requirement of long-term prognosis and quality of life, the operative indication of SSpPD for pediatric patient with benign diseases should be carefully decided.

Treatment of acute pancreatitis with early pancreatic stenting: a case series of 336 patients.

Pancreatic duct (PD) obstruction and hypertension may play a central role in the onset and progression of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, only a few studies have reported using pancreatic stenting to relieve PD obstruction in the early phase of AP, with conflicting results. Whether pancreatic stenting is effective in the early phase of AP remains unknown. We conducted this experiment in order to study the therapeutic efficacy and safety of pancreatic stenting in the early stage of AP. We conducted a retrospective analysis of 336 AP patients from 2011 to 2018 who underwent pancreatic stenting within 48 hours of admission. A total of 330 (98.2%) patients underwent successful pancreatic stenting, of whom 23 (7.0%) had severe AP, 178 (53.9%) had moderately severe AP, and 129 (39.1%) had mild AP. Visible PD obstructive material was observed in 94 (28.5%) patients. The mean oral refeeding time since admission and length of hospital stay were 3.5±2.7 and 7.4±6.7 days, respectively. Procedure-related adverse events, in-hospital mortality, and local complication rates were 0.3%, 0.3%, and 7.6%, respectively. Early endoscopic pancreatic stenting in AP patients effectively shortened the fasting time and length of hospital stay and did not increase the risk of adverse events, death, or local complications. A further prospective randomized controlled clinical trial is currently underway to validate the safety and efficacy of this procedure.

Efficacy of damage control surgery and staged endoscopic pancreatic ductal double stenting therapy for severe pancreatic head injury: a case report

BackgroundA high-grade pancreatic injury is a life-threatening injury that is associated with high mortality and morbidity. It is currently unclear which treatment strategy results in good clinical outcomes.Case presentationA 23-year-old Japanese woman sustained severe injury in a motor vehicle accident. Abdominal computed tomography revealed severe pancreatic head injury with extravasation of contrast media. Since it was not possible to insert an endoscopic pancreatic stenting tube into the main pancreatic duct, damage control surgery was performed. On day 3, we could insert the endoscopic pancreatic stenting tube from the ampulla of Vater and an endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage tube in the distal pancreatic duct from the accessory ampulla before the second operation. Drainage tubes were placed around the pancreatic head in the second operation. The endoscopic nasopancreatic drainage tube tube was converted to endoscopic pancreatic stenting tube on day 9. On day 51, the patient was discharged on foot from our hospital without serious complications.ConclusionEarly and effective hemostasis, staged pancreatic duct drainage with stenting, and surgical external drainage around the pancreas in combination with an endoscopic procedure and damage control surgery were considered appropriate therapeutic strategy for high-grade pancreatic injury.

Endoscopic pancreatic stenting using the combination technique of injection needle and needle knife for complete pancreaticojejunal anastomotic obstruction.

Watch a video of this article. A 69-year-old woman who underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy presented with chronic diarrhea and exacerbation of diabetes mellitus. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed dilatation of the main pancreatic duct (MPD) (Fig. 1a). Exocrine and endocrine pancreatic insufficiency due to pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis (PJS) were considered as possible causes of the symptoms. Therefore, endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) was planned. On endoscope (PCF-H290ZI; Olympus Medical Systems, Tokyo, Japan) insertion, the anastomotic site (AS), which was characterized by membranous obstruction, was identified (Fig. 2a). ERP using a conventional cannulation method was considered difficult because of complete anastomotic obstruction (CAO). As we confirmed that there were no major blood vessels around the AS on computed tomography (Fig. 1b), ERP using an injection needle (23-G TOP endoscopic injection needle; TOP, Tokyo, Japan) was performed. Four punctures were required for ERP and dilatation of the MPD was observed (Fig. 2b). The AS was incised using a needle knife (KD-1L-1; Olympus Medical Systems) (Fig. 2c). After incision of the AS and guidewire placement, it was dilated using a dilator (ES dilator; Zeon Medical, Tokyo, Japan) and a 5-Fr × 5-cm pancreatic stent (Advanix Pancreatic Stent; Boston Scientific Japan, Tokyo, Japan) was placed without adverse events (Fig. 2d) (Video S1). For CAO in PJS, endoscopic ultrasound-guided pancreatic duct drainage is preferred because endoscopic pancreatic stenting under ERP (EPS) is technically challenging.1-3 However, EPS has the advantage that it can be safely performed using a physiological route.4 Similar to our technique, for CAO in hepaticojejunostomy, cholangiography and guidewire placement were simultaneously performed through a 20-G injection needle, and the access route to the bile duct was secured using a diathermic dilator via a guidewire.5 This technique should also be considered because it does not involve a blind incision with the risk of perforation. EPS using these techniques may be a treatment option for CAO. This study was conducted in accordance with the ethical standards described in the latest revision of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent for patient participation and publication was received. All data relevant to the study are included in the article. Authors declare no conflict of interest for this article. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Pancreaticopleural fistula in a child with chronic pancreatitis harboring compound SPINK1 variants

BackgroundPancreaticopleural fistula (PPF) is a rare complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP) that requires a high index of clinical suspicion in the patient who presents with a pleural effusion. Visualizing the fistula tract from the pancreatic duct to the pleural space by radiological imaging provides confirmation of this complication.Case presentationA 9-year-old boy who presented with massive right pleural effusion secondary to PPF, a complication of CP from a genetic mutation involving two mutations of SPINK1. We successfully managed the case with by endoscopic pancreatic duct stent placement after failure of conservative treatment approaches.ConclusionsPPF is a rare but serious complication of CP in all ages. The diagnosis of PPF in children requires a high index of clinical suspicion and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of massive pleural effusion where pancreatic pathology is present. A high level of pleural fluid amylase and the results from radiological imaging when the patients have symptoms play essential roles in the diagnosis of PPF. Currently, Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatigraphy (MRCP) is the imaging modality of choice. Endoscopic therapy and surgery are treatment options for patients who do not respond to conservative therapy.

Impact of physiologically shaped pancreatic stent for chronic pancreatitis

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 < 0.001). Stent occlusion was significantly less frequent (P < 0.001) and the total medical costs were significantly lower (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.

A242 THE AIR BETWEEN US: A CASE OF PSEUDOCYST PERFORATION POST-ENDOSCOPIC CLIPPING OF A BLEEDING PANCREATIC-COLONIC FISTULA

Abstract Background Pancreatic fistula is an uncommon complication of pancreatitis and is associated with increased morbidity. We discuss a case of pancreatic-colonic fistulization followed by the first reported case of pseudocyst perforation post-colonoscopy. Aims Case Methods A 51 year-old female with decompensated alcoholic cirrhosis admitted with hepatic encephalopathy developed large volume hematochezia during admission. Past medical history includes pancreatic pseudocyst, GERD and remote hernia repairs. For the hematochezia, she was investigated with an EGD and colonoscopy. In the distal descending colon, a bleeding lesion was identified and treated with clips and epinephrine injection (Figures 1 and 2). Five hours post-procedure, she developed abdominal distention. CT abdomen pelvis revealed large volume of free air and simple fluid within the abdominal cavity likely secondary to rupture pseudocyst rupture. The previously visualized pseudocyst was filled with gas plastered against the descending colon. She remained medically stable with conservative management. Results Discussion Conclusions Pancreatic-colonic fistula is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of acute pancreatitis associated with high risk of complications. They are found in 4% of admitted inpatients with acute pancreatitis. There are three proposed mechanisms for their development: firstly, inflammation and activated pancreatic lytic enzymes; secondly, pressure necrosis from a contiguous mass; thirdly, localized portal hypertension. Classically, pancreatic-colonic fistulas present with diarrhea, fever and hematochezia. Gastrointestinal bleeding occurs in 60% of cases. The source of bleed has been described to be originating most commonly from the splenic artery and to a lesser extent, the margin of the fistula or, rarely, erosion of splenic parenchyma. Reported therapeutic management strategies include: hemoclippings and Greenplast sprayings, endoscopic pancreatic stent, transgastric nasocystic drainage catheter placements, injection of N-butyl-2-cyanocrylate and transpapillary nasopancreatic drainage. Pseudocysts arise in 25% of patients with chronic pancreatitis. Pseudocysts may regress through a variety of mechanisms: spontaneously after inflammation from pancreatitis resolves, natural drainage through the pancreatic duct into the duodenum, or through a complicating fistulous tract connecting to the gastrointestinal tract. Rarely, the pseudocyst can resolve as it leaks or perforates into the abdominal cavity. Pancreatic pseudocysts may perforate spontaneously into the free peritoneal cavity, stomach, duodenum, colon, portal vein, pleural cavity, or through the abdominal wall. We report the first case, to our knowledge, of pancreatic pseudocyst perforation post-clipping of bleeding pancreatic-colonic fistula. Funding Agencies None

An Audit of Management of Chronic Pancreatitis with Pancreatic Ductal Disruption Resulting in Ascites and Pleural Effusion

Introduction: Pancreatic Ductal Disruption (PDD) may remain a localised collection to form pseudocyst or dissect into adjacent organs or rupture freely into the peritoneal cavity or pleural cavity resulting in massive or high-volume ascites or pleural effusions. The management of pseudocyst is well known among general and gastrosurgeons, but ascites and plural effusion remain difficult decisions. Depending on the availability of resources total parenteral nutrition, octreotide, pancreatic duct stenting are used with varying success. There are no guidelines as to which intervention is preferable in different clinical scenarios. Aim: To audit the clinical characters and management of patients with pancreatic ascites and pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: This study was done at the Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka, India. Fifty two patients with pancreatic ascites or pancreatico pleural fistula in the background of chronic pancreatitis satisfying both inclusion and exclusion criteria were identified and studied from the prospectively maintained database of patients with chronic pancreatitis in the period from September 2010 to September 2020. The patients were classified as conservatively managed, endoscopic main pancreatic duct stenting or surgery. Statistical analysis was done using windows excel. The results were expressed as percentage, mean and Standard Deviation (SD). Results: Five patients with ascites and two patients with pleural effusion responded completely to conservative measures (13.4%). In one of them ascites recurred at two months and one had left pleural effusion recurrence at one month. Fifteen patients died while on conservative management (68.2% mortality). Among eight patients undergoing endoscopic pancreatic duct stenting, ascites/pleural effusion resolved in six (75% success rate) and remained asymptomatic during mean follow-up of 12 months. Two patients who were not improving after stenting were lost to follow-up. Twenty-two patients underwent surgery namely lateral pancreatojejunostomy with resolution of symptoms. Two patients undergoing surgery died in postoperative period due to sepsis and chest infection (9.1% mortality). At a mean follow-up of 14 months they remained symptom free. Conclusion: Conservative management alone has high mortality. Early aggressive management can aim to stop leak either by pancreatic duct stenting or surgical lateral pancreatojejunostomy will help reduce mortality and morbidity.

Prevention of Post-Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography Pancreatitis by Endoscopic Pancreatic Stenting after Insertion of Self-Expandable Metal Stent for Malignant Distal Biliary Stricture

The insertion of a self-expandable metal stent (SEMS) for nonpancreatic cancer is a factor predicting the risk of post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis (PEP). We evaluated the efficacy of endo-scopic pancreatic stenting (EPS) to prevent PEP after SEMS insertion in patients with malignant distal biliary stricture and without main pancreatic duct (MPD) obstruction. We performed a single-center, retrospective, historically controlled investigation to assess the outcomes of 33 consecutive patients who underwent SEMS insertion. From March 2013 to June 2015, 13 patients did not undergo EPS (Non-EPS group). The other 20 patients underwent EPS (EPS group) between July 2015 and August 2018. The background data demonstrated no significant differences. Except for one patient in the Non-EPS group, all patients underwent biliary sphinc-terotomy. The EPS group's PEP incidence was significantly lower (n = 1, 5%) than that of the Non-EPS group (n = 4, 31%) (p = 0.04). The median serum amylase and lipase levels after the procedure were significantly lower in the EPS group than in the Non-EPS group (amylase: 104 vs. 262 U/L; p < 0.01, lipase: 102 vs. 666 U/L; p = 0.01). The use of EPS decreased the incidence of PEP after SEMS insertion in individuals with malignant distal biliary stricture and without MPD obstruction.

The bridge stenting-based internal drainage in pancreatic trauma patients with main pancreatic duct injury.

Pancreatic trauma is associated with high mortality and morbidity, especially in main pancreatic duct (MPD) injuries. Here, we introduce a novel technique via the placement of bridge stenting-based internal drainage (BSID) along the injured MPD to restore pancreatic tissue integrity. Twelve patients with MPD injury underwent unobstructed BSID as physical support for healing. Six patients with peripheral organ injuries underwent operative end-to-end anastomosis of the MPD by using a polyurethane central venous catheter for the BSID, and the other six patients with isolated proximal MPD rupture received BSID via endoscopic pancreatic stent placement. The BSID technique was successfully performed in all pancreatic trauma patients without the need for a second open surgery. With this simplified BSID-based operation, a short procedure duration (242.7 ± 38.71min in the surgical group and 100.2 ± 16.24min in the endoscopic group) and a short hospital stay (13.0 ± 7.05days) were achieved. However, a few complications (41.67%) still occurred, including pancreatitis, fistula, abscess, pseudocyst, cholangitis, and haemorrhage. Except for the deceased case, all postoperative courses were marked by decreases in the peripancreatic fluid collection, blood amylase recovery, and normal endocrine function. The BSID approach is a feasible surgical approach for the treatment of MPD injury and can be used endoscopically in isolated MPD injuries for its safety and convenience.