Initial Hemostasis Research Articles

Ear-tipping practices for identification of cats sterilized in trap-neuter-return programs in the USA.

Ear-tipping practices and the meaning of the ear tip in trap-neuter-return (TNR) programs have not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to report the frequency of common ear-tipping practices in the USA, to identify the most effective methods and to establish a foundation for ear-tipping practice standards. An anonymous 24-question survey was advertised from 4 to 20 October 2021 to individuals who participate in TNR programs that routinely perform ear tipping. There were 526 survey responses from individuals who participate in TNR programs, of whom 410 completed the survey. For ear-tip meaning, nearly 100% of respondents indicated that an ear tip meant that a cat had been sterilized. Several respondents answered that it also indicated rabies vaccination or socialization status, with 92 (22%) selecting both, 79 (19%) selecting rabies only and 50 (12%) selecting unsocial only. The majority of respondents tipped the left ear (81%), used a visual estimate to determine the cut (92%) and described the ideal silhouette as straight across (92%). The median percentage of cats where ear tips bled after initial hemostasis was 5% (interquartile range [IQR] 2-10), and the median percentage of negative feedback regarding the ear tip was 1% (IQR 0-5). In terms of weighted rank order, the most common feedback was that too much ear tip was removed (5.5), followed by a cat being ear tipped in error (4.7), persistent bleeding (4.2) and not enough ear tip being removed (4.2). Responses revealed heterogeneity regarding technique for both excision and hemostasis, as well as personnel performing the procedure. There were no significant associations between techniques and bleeding or negative feedback. There is variation in the methods for performing an ear tip, as well as what an ear tip signifies. Standards for this procedure would be helpful.

Endoscopic clipping in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding treatment.

Since the earliest reports, advanced clipping systems have been developed, and it is possible to choose among many models with different structural and technical features. The main drawback of through-the-scope clips is their small size, which allows the compression of limited amounts of tissue needed for large-size vessel treatment. Therefore, the over-the-scope clip system was realized, allowing a larger and stronger mechanical compression of large tissue areas, with excellent results in achieving a definitive hemostasis in difficult cases. Many studies have analyzed the indications and efficacy of two-pronged endoclips and have shown good results for initial and permanent hemostasis. The aim of this review was to provide updated information on indications, positioning techniques, and results of clip application for endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal non-variceal bleeding lesions.

Endoscopic management and outcome of non-variceal bleeding in patients with liver cirrhosis: A systematic review.

BACKGROUNDAcute non-variceal bleeding accounts for approximately 20% of all-cause bleeding episodes in patients with liver cirrhosis. It is associated with high morbidity and mortality therefore prompt diagnosis and endoscopic management are crucial.AIMTo evaluate available data on the efficacy of endoscopic treatment modalities used to control acute non-variceal gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in cirrhotic patients as well as to assess treatment outcomes.METHODSEmploying PRISMA methodology, the MEDLINE was searched through PubMed using appropriate MeSH terms. Data are reported in a summative manner and separately for each major non-variceal cause of bleeding. RESULTSOverall, 23 studies were identified with a total of 1288 cirrhotic patients of whom 958/1288 underwent endoscopic therapy for acute non-variceal GIB. Peptic ulcer bleeding was the most common cause of acute non-variceal bleeding, followed by portal hypertensive gastropathy, gastric antral vascular ectasia, Mallory-Weiss syndrome, Dieaulafoy lesions, portal hypertensive colopathy, and hemorrhoids. Failure to control bleeding from all-causes of non-variceal GIB accounted for less than 3.5% of cirrhotic patients. Rebleeding (range 2%-25%) and mortality (range 3%-40%) rates varied, presumably due to study heterogeneity. Rebleeding was usually managed endoscopically and salvage therapy using arterial embolisation or surgery was undertaken in very few cases. Mortality was usually associated with liver function deterioration and other organ failure or infections rather than uncontrolled bleeding. Endoscopic treatment-related complications were extremely rare. Lower acute non-variceal bleeding was examined in two studies (197/1288 patients) achieving initial hemostasis in all patients using argon plasma coagulation for portal hypertensive colopathy and endoscopic band ligation or sclerotherapy for bleeding hemorrhoids (rebleeding range 10%-13%). Data on the efficacy of endoscopic therapy of cirrhotic patients vs non-cirrhotic controls with acute GIB are very scarce.CONCLUSIONEndotherapy seems to be efficient as a means to control non-variceal hemorrhage in cirrhosis, although published data are very limited, particularly those comparing cirrhotics with non-cirrhotics and those regarding acute bleeding from the lower gastrointestinal tract. Rebleeding and mortality rates appear to be relatively high, although firm conclusions may not be drawn due to study heterogeneity. Hopefully this review may stimulate further research on this subject and help clinicians administer optimal endoscopic therapy for cirrhotic patients.

Comparison of conventional and new endoscopic band ligation devices for colonic diverticular bleeding.

Background/AimsEndoscopic band ligation (EBL) is used to treat colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB). An endoscopic variceal ligation device for esophageal varices is used as a conventional EBL device (C-EBL). A new EBL device (N-EBL) was developed by Sumitomo Bakelite Co. in August 2018. We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes of N-EBL compared with those of C-EBL. MethodsSeventy-nine patients who underwent EBL for CDB at St. Luke’s International Hospital, Japan, between 2017 and 2020 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into the C-EBL and N-EBL groups. Their clinical outcomes, including achieving initial hemostasis, early rebleeding, procedure time, and EBL-associated adverse events, were evaluated. ResultsOf the 79 patients, 36 (45.6%) were in the C-EBL group and 43 (54.4%) were in the N-EBL group. The rate of achieving initial hemostasis was 100% in the C-EBL group and 93.0% in the N-EBL group. No significant difference was noted in the early rebleeding rate between the groups (p=0.24). The N-EBL group achieved a shorter median EBL procedure time than the C-EBL group (14.2 minutes vs. 18.2 minutes, p=0.02). No adverse events were observed in either group. ConclusionsThe N-EBL device is safe and useful and may reduce EBL procedure time.

Development and validation of a model to predict rebleeding within three days after endoscopic hemostasis for high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding

BackgroundPeptic ulcer bleeding remains a typical medical emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. Peptic ulcer rebleeding often occurs within three days after emergent endoscopic hemostasis. Our study aims to develop a nomogram to predict rebleeding within three days after emergent endoscopic hemostasis for high-risk peptic ulcer bleeding.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the data of 386 patients with bleeding ulcers and high-risk stigmata who underwent emergent endoscopic hemostasis between March 2014 and October 2018. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method was used to identify predictors. The model was displayed as a nomogram. Internal validation was carried out using bootstrapping. The model was evaluated using the calibration plot, decision-curve analyses, and clinical impact curve.ResultsOverall, 386 patients meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled, with 48 patients developed rebleeding within three days after initial endoscopic hemostasis. Predictors contained in the nomogram included albumin, prothrombin time, shock, haematemesis/melena and Forrest classification. The model showed good discrimination and good calibration with a C-index of 0.854 (C-index: 0.830 via bootstrapping validation). Decision-curve analyses and clinical impact curve also demonstrated that it was clinically valuable.ConclusionThis study presents a nomogram that incorporates clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic features, effectively predicting rebleeding within three days after emergent endoscopic hemostasis and identifying high-risk rebleeding patients with peptic ulcer bleeding.Trial registration This clinical trial has been registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov (ID: NCT04895904) approved by the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE).

Effectiveness and adverse events of endoscopic clipping versus band ligation for colonic diverticular hemorrhage: a large-scale multicenter cohort study.

Background Prior studies have shown the effectiveness of both endoscopic band ligation (EBL) and clipping for colonic diverticular hemorrhage (CDH) but have been small and conducted at single centers. Therefore, we investigated which was the more effective and safe treatment in a multicenter long-term cohort study. Methods We reviewed data for 1679 patients with CDH who were treated with EBL (n = 638) or clipping (n = 1041) between January 2010 and December 2019 at 49 hospitals across Japan (CODE BLUE-J study). Logistic regression analysis was used to compare outcomes between the two treatments. Results In multivariate analysis, EBL was independently associated with reduced risk of early rebleeding (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.46; P < 0.001) and late rebleeding (adjusted OR 0.62; P < 0.001) compared with clipping. These significantly lower rebleeding rates with EBL were evident regardless of active bleeding or early colonoscopy. No significant differences were found between the treatments in the rates of initial hemostasis or mortality. Compared with clipping, EBL independently reduced the risk of needing interventional radiology (adjusted OR 0.37; P = 0.006) and prolonged length of hospital stay (adjusted OR 0.35; P < 0.001), but not need for surgery. Diverticulitis developed in one patient (0.16 %) following EBL and two patients (0.19 %) following clipping. Perforation occurred in two patients (0.31 %) following EBL and none following clipping. Conclusions Analysis of our large endoscopy dataset suggests that EBL is an effective and safe endoscopic therapy for CDH, offering the advantages of lower early and late rebleeding rates, reduced need for interventional radiology, and shorter length of hospital stay.

Feasibility and clinical efficacy of double suture-mediated closure device technique for hemostasis during positioning of miniaturized wireless pacemaker.

The miniaturized transcatheter pacing system (TPS) implant is performed using a 27 Fr sheath. Achieving femoral vein access hemostasis after sheath removal is of utmost importance. Feasibility and clinical effectiveness of double device-based suture-mediated closure technique (DualPerclose) were evaluated. Patients undergoing TPS positioning and treated with DualPerclose technique at our institution were considered. Feasibility of the DualPerclose technique included the rates of effective initial device suture fixation and effective hemostasis after sheath removal. Clinical efficacy considered intraprocedural and periprocedural bleeding events as well as midterm access site vascular injury assessed at 3months using lower limb vascular ultrasonography. Data on all follow-up major adverse events were also collected. All patients (n = 83 patients; mean age 82.3 ± 7.1years, 67.5% male gender, 85.5%, with structural heart disease, mean left ventricular ejection fraction 54.0 ± 9.6%, renal impairment in 31.3%) who underwent TPS positioning between November 2015 and February 2020 were considered. TPS positioning was successful in all patients. In 82 patients, the DualPerclose approach was utilized: 13 patients (15.8%) required > 2 devices to obtain effective fixing of 2 sutures; complete immediate hemostasis was achieved in 80 patients (97.6%). One (1.2%) severe groin-related bleeding event occurred. At midterm, 1 (1.2%) mildly symptomatic arteriovenous fistula was diagnosed (conservative treatment). Over a median follow-up of 22 (IQR 10-35.5) months, 14 (17.1%) major adverse events were recorded, including 1 loss of capture requiring TPS replacement and 5 deaths. Femoral vein access closure using dual Perclose Proglide devices during TPS is feasible and clinically effective.

Endoscopic direct clipping versus indirect clipping for colonic diverticular bleeding: A large multicenter cohort study.

BackgroundDirect and indirect clipping treatments are used worldwide to treat colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB), but their effectiveness has not been examined in multicenter studies with more than 100 cases.ObjectiveWe sought to determine the short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of direct versus indirect clipping for CDB in a nationwide cohort.MethodsWe studied 1041 patients with CDB who underwent direct clipping (n = 360) or indirect clipping (n = 681) at 49 hospitals across Japan (CODE BLUE‐J Study).ResultsMultivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and important confounding factors revealed that, compared with indirect clipping, direct clipping was independently associated with reduced risk of early rebleeding (<30 days; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.592, p = 0.002), late rebleeding (<1 year; AOR 0.707, p = 0.018), and blood transfusion requirement (AOR 0.741, p = 0.047). No significant difference in initial hemostasis rates was observed between the two groups. Propensity‐score matching to balance baseline characteristics also showed significant reductions in the early and late rebleeding rates with direct clipping. In subgroup analysis, direct clipping was associated with significantly lower rates of early and late rebleeding and blood transfusion need in cases of stigmata of recent hemorrhage with non‐active bleeding on colonoscopy, right‐sided diverticula, and early colonoscopy, but not with active bleeding on colonoscopy, left‐sided diverticula, or elective colonoscopy.ConclusionsOur large nationwide study highlights the use of direct clipping for CDB treatment whenever possible. Differences in bleeding pattern and colonic location can also be considered when deciding which clipping options to use.

Comparison of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol particles for bronchial artery embolisation in primary lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BackgroundBronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is an effective treatment option to control haemoptysis in primary lung cancer. However, no studies have investigated optimal embolisation material for BAE in lung cancer patients. Thus, this study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BAE performed using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles in primary lung cancer patients to determine which embolic material is better for patients with haemoptysis.MethodsThis retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and consent was waived. The rates of hemostasis, complications, procedure time, dose–area product, and haemoptysis-free survival were retrospectively compared between primary lung cancer (non-small cell [n = 111] and small cell [n = 11]) patients who underwent BAE using NBCA (n = 58) or PVA particles (n = 64) between January 2004 and December 2019. Predictors of recurrent haemoptysis were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.ResultsAmong 122 patients (mean age, 66 ± 10 years; range 32–86 years; 103 men), more patients in the NBCA group (81.0%; 47 of 58) achieved complete hemostasis than did patients in the PVA group (53.1%; 34 of 64) (P = 0.002). No major complications were observed in either group. The procedure time (36.4 ± 21.6 vs. 56.3 ± 27.4 min, P < 0.001) was shorter, and the dose–area product (58.6 ± 64.0 vs. 233.5 ± 225.0 Gy*cm2, P < 0.001) was smaller in the NBCA group than in the PVA group. The median haemoptysis-free survival was 173.0 in the NBCA group compared with 20.0 days in the PVA group (P < 0.001). The PVA use (P < 0.001) and coagulopathy (P = 0.014) were independent predictors of shortened haemoptysis-free survival.ConclusionBAE using NBCA showed significantly superior initial hemostasis with longer haemoptysis-free survival, shorter procedure time, and reduced radiation dose than BAE using PVA particles. The PVA use and coagulopathy were independent predictors of recurrent haemoptysis.Trial registration: Retrospectively registered

The effect of participation of interventional radiology team in a primary trauma survey on patient outcome

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to examine the survival benefits of a workflow in which an interventional radiology (IR) team participates in a primary trauma survey on patients with hemodynamically unstable trauma. Materials and methodsA retrospective observational study was conducted between 2012 and 2019 at a single institution. Patients who underwent an IR procedure as the initial hemostasis were assigned to the hemodynamically stable group (HSG) or hemodynamically unstable group (HUG). The primary and secondary outcomes were survival at hospital discharge compared with the probability of survival (Ps) and the time course. ResultsA total of 160 patients (100 men, 60 women; median age, 57.5 years [interquartile range (IQR): 31.5–72 years]) with an injury severity score of 24 (IQR: 13.75–34) were included. A total of 125 patients were included in the HSG group and 35 patients in the HUG group. The observational survival rate was significantly greater than the Ps rate by 4.9% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6–8.4%; P = 0.005) in HSG and by 24.6% in HUG (95% CI: 16.9–32.3%; P < 0.001). The observational survival rate was significantly greater than Ps in HUG than in HSG (P < 0.001). The median time to initiate IR procedures and the median procedure time in HUG were 54 min [IQR: 45–66 min] and 48 min [IQR: 30–85 min], respectively; both were significantly shorter than those in the HSG. ConclusionA trauma workflow utilizing an IR team in a primary survey is associated with improved survival of patients with hemodynamically unstable trauma when compared with Ps with a shorter time course.

Comparison of a Hemostatic Powder and Standard Treatment in the Control of Active Bleeding From Upper Nonvariceal Lesions

The effectiveness of the hemostatic powder TC-325 as a single endoscopic treatment for acute nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding is uncertain. To compare TC-325 with standard endoscopic hemostatic treatments in the control of active bleeding from nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal causes. One-sided, noninferiority, randomized, controlled trial. (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02534571). University teaching hospitals in the Asia-Pacific region. 224 adult patients with acute bleeding from a nonvariceal cause on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. TC-325 (n = 111) or standard hemostatic treatment (n = 113). The primary outcome was control of bleeding within 30 days. Other outcomes included failure to control bleeding during index endoscopy, recurrent bleeding after initial hemostasis, further interventions, blood transfusion, hospitalization, and death. 224 patients were enrolled (136 with gastroduodenal ulcers [60.7%], 33 with tumors [14.7%], and 55 with other causes of bleeding [24.6%]). Bleeding was controlled within 30 days in 100 of 111 patients (90.1%) in the TC-325 group and 92 of 113 (81.4%) in the standard treatment group (risk difference, 8.7 percentage points [1-sided 95% CI, 0.95 percentage point]). There were fewer failures of hemostasis during index endoscopy with TC-325 (3 [2.7%] vs. 11 [9.7%]; odds ratio, 0.26 [CI, 0.07 to 0.95]). Recurrent bleeding within 30 days did not differ between groups (9 [8.1%] vs. 10 [8.8%]). The need for further interventions also did not differ between groups (further endoscopic treatment: 8 [7.2%] vs. 10 [8.8%]; angiography: 2 [1.8%] vs. 4 [3.5%]; surgery: 1 [0.9%] vs. 0). There were 14 deaths in each group (12.6% vs. 12.4%). Clinicians were not blinded to treatment. TC-325 is not inferior to standard treatment in the endoscopic control of bleeding from nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal causes. General Research Fund to the University Grants Committee, Hong Kong SAR Government.

Endoscopic management of delayed bleeding after polypectomy of small colorectal polyps: two or more clips may be safe.

BackgroundThe resection of small colorectal polyps (≤10 mm) is routine for endoscopists. However, the management of one of its main complications, namely delayed (within 14 days) postpolypectomy bleeding (DPPB), has not been clearly demonstrated. We aimed to assess the role of coloscopy in the management of DPPB from small colorectal polyps and identify the associated factors for initial hemostatic success.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study of 69 patients who developed DPPB after the removal of colorectal polyps of ≤10 mm and underwent hemostatic colonoscopy at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University (Guangzhou, China) between April 2013 and June 2021. Demographics, clinical variables, and colonoscopic features were collected independently. We applied univariate and multivariate analyses to assess factors associated with initial hemostatic success.ResultsGeneral colonoscopy without oral bowel preparation was successfully performed in all the patients, with a median duration of 23.9 (12.5–37.9) minutes. Among 69 patients, 62 (89.9%) achieved hemostasis after initial hemostatic colonoscopy and 7 (10.1%) rebled 2.7 ± 1.1 days after initial colonoscopic hemostasis and had rebleeding successfully controlled by one additional colonoscopy. No colonoscopy-related adverse events occurred. Multivariate analysis showed that management with at least two clips was the only independent prognostic factor for initial hemostatic success (odds ratio, 0.17; 95% confidence interval, 0.03–0.91; P = 0.04). All the patients who had at least two clips placed at the initial hemostatic colonoscopy required no further hemostatic intervention.ConclusionsColonoscopy is a safe, effective, and not too time-consuming approach for the management of patients with DPPB of small colorectal polyps and management with the placement of at least two hemoclips may be beneficial.

138 Endovascular Hepatic Artery Stents in The Modern Management of Post-Pancreatectomy Haemorrhage

Abstract Aim Post-operative haemorrhage is a potentially lethal complication of pancreatoduodenectomy. This study reports on endovascular hepatic artery stents in the management of post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage. Method This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained, consecutive dataset of 440 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy over 68 months. Data are presented on bleeding events and outcome, contextualized by the clinical course of the denominator population. International Study Group for Pancreas Surgery (ISGPS) terminology was used for post-pancreatectomy haemorrhage. Results Sixty-seven (15%) had post-operative haemorrhage. Fifty (75%) were male and this gender difference was significant (P = 0.001; two-proportions test). Post-operative pancreatic fistulas were more frequent in the post-operative haemorrhage group (P = 0.029; two-proportions test). The median (IQR) delay between surgery and haemorrhage was 5 (2-14) days. Twenty-six required intervention comprising re-operation alone in 12, embolization alone in 5 and endovascular hepatic artery stent deployment in 5. Four further patients underwent multiple interventions with two having stents. Endovascular stent placement achieved initial haemostasis in 5 (72%). Follow-up was for a median (IQR) of 199 (145-400) days post-stent placement. In two patients the stent remained patent at last follow-up. The remaining 5 stents occluded with a median (IQR) period of proven patency of 10 (8-22) days. Conclusions This study shows that in the specific setting of post-pancreatoduodenectomy haemorrhage with either a short remnant GDA bleed or a direct bleed from the hepatic artery, where embolization risks occlusion with compromise of liver arterial inflow, endovascular hepatic artery stent is an important haemostatic option but is associated with a high risk of subsequent graft occlusion.

Short-course vasoconstrictors are adequate for esophageal variceal bleeding after endoscopic variceal ligation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) with vasoconstrictors has been recommended for acute esophageal variceal bleeding. However, the optimal duration of vasoconstrictors after EVL is controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to explore the efficacy of short-course vasoconstrictors (≤3 days) versus standard combination (3-5 days). A comprehensive literature review was conducted using the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library databases with subsequent meta-analysis. The primary outcomes were 5-day rebleeding, mortality, and treatment failure rates. A risk ratio (RR) with 95% confidence interval is used for outcome comparison. Nine randomized studies with 838 patients were included. The initial hemostasis (96.8% vs 97.4%, p = 0.919), 5-day rebleeding (11.2% vs 8.3%, RR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.62-1.76), mortality (0 vs 1.3%, RR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.10-2.39), and treatment failure (7.4% vs 5.9%, RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 0.48-2.49) were similar in both groups. Subgroup analysis suggested EVL alone had no significant difference of 5-day re-bleeding (15.9% vs 7.1%, RR = 2.25, 95% CI = 0.87-5.77), mortality (0 vs 0.7%, RR = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.08-6.03), treatment failure (9.6% vs 6.7%, RR = 1.43, 95% CI = 0.54-3.75) compared to standard combination. Clinical heterogeneity was found for the rebleeding rate for the subgroup during sensitivity analysis. EVL with short-course vasoconstrictors is highly efficacious for esophageal variceal bleeding. Further studies are required to determine the genuine need of subsequent vasoconstrictor after successful EVL.

Endotherapy for Nonvariceal Upper Gastrointestinal Hemorrhage

AbstractNonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH) is a common GI emergency with significant morbidity and mortality. Triaging cases on the basis of patient-related factors, restrictive blood transfusion strategy, and hemodynamic stabilization are key initial steps for the management of patients with NVUGIH. Endoscopy remains a vital step for both diagnosis and definitive management. Multiple studies and guidelines have now defined the optimum timing for performing the endoscopy after hospitalization, to better the outcome. Conventional methods for achieving endoscopic hemostasis, such as injection therapy, contact, and noncontact thermal therapy, and mechanical therapy, such as through-the-scope clips, have reported to have 76 to 90% efficacy for primary hemostasis. Newer modalities to enhance hemostasis rates have come in vogue. Many of these modalities, such as cap-mounted clips, coagulation forceps, and hemostatic powders have proved to be efficacious in multiple studies. Thus, the newer modalities are recommended not only for management of persistent bleed and recurrent bleed after failed initial hemostasis, using conventional modalities but also now being advocated for primary hemostasis. Failure of endotherapy would warrant radiological or surgical intervention. Some newer tools to optimize endotherapy, such as endoscopic Doppler probes, for determining flow in visible or underlying vessels in ulcer bleed are now being evaluated. This review is focused on the technical aspects and efficacy of various endoscopic modalities, both conventional and new. A synopsis of the various studies describing and comparing the modalities have been outlined. Postendoscopic management including Helicobacter pylori therapy and starting of anticoagulants and antiplatelets have also been outlined.

Predictors of venous thromboembolic complications in patients with pancreatic cancer.

e16220 Background: Patients with pancreatic cancer are at high risk for venous thrombosis. Thrombotic episodes are most often recorded at the tumor diagnosis, surgical treatment and chemotherapy courses, or the disease recurrence. This complication postpones the beginning of treatment of the underlying disease and increases the mortality rate of cancer patients. The purpose of the study was to reveal the relationship between clinical characteristics and disorders of hemostasis indicators in patients with pancreatic cancer, and to identify predictors of venous thrombosis. Methods: 246 patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer were recruited in 2019. The most common histological tumor type was pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (91.9%). The most common tumor site was the head of the pancreas (68.3%). Almost half of the patients were initially diagnosed with stage IV cancer (TanyNanyM1). Surgery was performed in 28% of patients. VTEC incidence during the 12-month follow-up period was 15.4%. Results: Analysis of the clinical characteristics and initial hemostasis parameters in patients with and without venous thrombosis revealed that the risk of thrombosis was higher in patients with larger tumors and the presence of distant metastases. High levels of D-dimers at diagnosis doubled the risk of venous thrombosis during antitumor treatment. Conclusions: The most significant predictors of venous thrombosis in patients with pancreatic cancer are tumor size, stage IV, and initially high levels of D-dimer. The study of hemostasis indicators at the stage of diagnosis of pancreatic cancer (D-dimer) can help to identify patients with a high risk of VTEC, for whom anticoagulant prophylaxis with a low hemorrhagic risk is advisable.

Treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis.

Treatment for bleeding oesophageal varices in people with decompensated liver cirrhosis: a network meta-analysis.

Endoscopic thermocoagulation hemostasis for acute non-varicose upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage: a randomized controlled study.

This study evaluated the application of the bipolar electrocoagulation catheter via a peripheral-to-central (3 + 1) technique, relative to directly pressing only at the center of the bleeding site (direct-stroke), to effect endoscopic hemostasis of acute non-varicose gastrointestinal bleeding (ANVUGIB). Patients (n = 148) with endoscopically diagnosed ANVUGIB were randomly apportioned to receive treatment by 3 + 1 (n = 78) or direct-stroke (n = 70) application of the bipolar electrocoagulation catheter. The 3 + 1 strategy required pressing at3 narrowly restricted sites equidistant peripheral and center to the site of bleeding. The rates of initial success, hemostasis time, and number of compressions were compared according to intention-to-treat (ITT) or per protocol (PP). The ITT (PP) rate of initial hemostatic success in patients receiving the 3 + 1 catheter was 91.02% (95.9%); and for the direct-stroke group was 71.42% (76.9%). For Forrest IIa lesions specifically, these rates were respectively 91.70% (97.1%) and 63.9% (67.6%). The ITT (PP) hemostasis times of the 3 + 1 and direct-stroke groups were 10.96 ± 3.28 (10.65 ± 2.90) and 14.27 ± 6.58 (14.12 ± 6.67) min; and the number of compressions numbered 5.73 ± 1.98 (5.42 ± 1.46) and 6.47 ± 2.82 (6.16 ± 2.47). During thermocoagulation treatment of ANVUGIB via bipolar electrocoagulation catheter, the 3 + 1 strategy showed a significantly higher rate of successful initial hemostasis relative to the direct-stroke technique, and shorter hemostasis time, with no increase in total procedural steps.

Endovascular Hepatic Artery Stents in the Modern Management of Postpancreatectomy Hemorrhage.

Postoperative hemorrhage is a potentially lethal complication of pancreatoduodenectomy. This study reports on the use of endovascular hepatic artery stents in the management of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. This is a retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained, consecutive dataset of 440 patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy over 68 months. Data are presented on bleeding events and outcomes, and contextualized by the clinical course of the denominator population. International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery terminology was used to define postpancreatectomy hemorrhage. Sixty-seven (15%) had postoperative hemorrhage. Fifty (75%) were male and this gender difference was significant (P = 0.001; 2 proportions test). Postoperative pancreatic fistulas were more frequent in the postoperative hemorrhage group (P = 0.029; 2 proportions test). The median (interquartile range [IQR]) delay between surgery and postoperative hemorrhage was 5 days (2-14 days). Twenty-six (39%) required intervention comprising reoperation alone in 12, embolization alone in 5, and endovascular hepatic artery stent deployment in 5. Four further patients underwent more than 1 intervention with 2 of these having stents. Endovascular stent placement achieved initial hemostasis in 5 of 7 (72%). Follow-up was for a median (IQR) of 199 days (145-400 days) poststent placement. In 2 patients, the stent remained patent at last follow-up. The remaining 5 stents occluded with a median (IQR) period of proven patency of 10 days (8-22 days). This study shows that in the specific setting of postpancreatoduodenectomy hemorrhage with either a short remnant gastroduodenal artery bleed or a direct bleed from the hepatic artery, where embolization risks occlusion with compromise of liver arterial inflow, endovascular hepatic artery stent is an important hemostatic option but is associated with a high risk of subsequent graft occlusion.

Thrombin Is an Effective and Safe Therapy in the Management of Bleeding Gastric Varices. A Real-World Experience.

Variceal haemorrhage is a severe complication of liver disease with high mortality. Human recombinant thrombin has gained popularity in the management of variceal haemorrhage. We report on the use of thrombin for gastric and ectopic varices at a regional tertiary care centre. This was a retrospective observational study. Patients with portal hypertension who received endoscopic injection of recombinant thrombin were identified and data collected on haemostasis and rebleeding rates, complications and mortality. Patients were grouped by indication for thrombin injection: gastric/oesophageal/ectopic varices and endoscopic band ligation (EBL)-induced ulceration. 155 patients (96M/59F, mean age 58.3 years) received endoscopic thrombin injection. Mean volume of thrombin injected at index endoscopy was 9.5 ml/2375IU. Initial haemostasis was achieved in 144 patients (92.9%). Rebleeding occurred in a total of 53 patients (36.8%) divided as follows: early rebleeding (<5 days from index endoscopy)—26 patients (18%); rebleeding within 30 days—42 patients (29.1%); delayed rebleeding (> 30 days)—11 patients (7.6%). There was statistically significant difference in rate of initial haemostasis between Child-Pugh A/B patients vs Child-Pugh C (p = 0.046). There was no significant difference in rebleeding rates between different indication groups (p = 0.78), by presence of cirrhosis or by Child-Pugh Score. All-cause mortality at 6 weeks was 18.7%; 1-year mortality 37.4% (median follow-up 48 months). There was no significant difference in mortality between groups (p = 0.37). No significant adverse events or complications were reported. Thrombin is effective and safe for gastric varices and other portal-hypertension-related bleeding including oesophageal varices, ulcers secondary to EBL and ectopic varices.