Endoscopic Treatment Methods Research Articles

TREATMENT ADVANTAGES OF PATIENTS WITH URETEROLITHIASIS BY LITHOTRIPSY CONTACT METHODS IN COMPARISON WITH OPEN SURGERY

One of the most effective methods of treatment of ureteral concretions is ureteroscopy with contact lithotripsy. The study analyzed the results of treatment of 96 patients with urolithiasis they were as follows: 44 patients underwent laser ureterolithotripsy, 52 persons had an open ureterolithotomy. When comparing different treatments for patients with ureterolithiasis, it has been found that the average duration of surgery when performing laser ureterolithotripsy was shorter and averaged 53 minutes. As for open ureterolithotomy it lasted in average 102 minutes. The average length of patients staying in clinic when performing laser ureterolithotripsy in average was 2.5 days, during open ureterolithotomy that index was 20 days. This is a significant advantage of endoscopic treatment of ureterolithiasis versus an open surgery (especially when a holmium laser is used in lithotripsy). By using endoscopic methods of treatment of ureteral concretions instead of an open surgery (ureterolithotomy), it has been possible to reduce the in−patient staying 8 times. Lithotripsy with a holmium laser occurred to be an effective method of destroying the ureteral concretions of any mineral composition, if the dimensions of these calculi did not exceed 2 cm. It should be emphasized that under these conditions, the localization of a stone and the duration of its stay in the ureter are also not important. In addition, the use of a holmium laser minimizes an injury to the ureter wall. The advantages of lithotripsy when it used with a holmium laser consist in its high efficiency in destruction of solid fixed and the ingrown stones. In case of combination of both a stone and ureteral stricture and in the presence of ligature calculi, the treatment with a holmium laser is also prescribed. Key words: ureterolithiasis, laser ureterolithotripsy, open ureterolithotomy, holmium laser.

RESULTS OF CONSERVATIVE, ENDOSCOPIC, SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OBSTRUCTIVE MEGAURETER IN YOUNG CHILDREN

The aim of the study was to analyze the results of conservative, endoscopic and surgical methods of treatment of obstructive megaureter (OMU). We examined 50 children aged 1 to 5 years with OMU, in the treatment of which various methods were used: endoscopic, conservative, surgical. It was determined that conservative treatment of OMU is indicated for functional violation of the evacuation function of the ureter-cystic anastomosis; endoscopic methods of treatment of OMU are indicated for complications of megaureter associated with inflammation or functional disorders of the kidneys, to improve the urodynamics of the upper urinary tract; surgical treatment is indicated for organic OMU.

Allergic rhinitis in children: from diagnosis to therapy

Allergic rhinitis, according to modern data, affects up to a quarter of the population of developed countries. The disease affects not only the nasal mucosa, but also affects the receptors and mediators of inflammation in the bone marrow. A significant decrease in the quality of life of patients against the background of exacerbation of allergic rhinitis makes us look for new approaches to both the treatment of attacks and their prevention. Correction, including surgical, of concomitant pathology of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses significantly improves the quality of life of patients with allergic rhinitis. For a long time, surgical treatment of concomitant pathology of the nasal cavity in children was extremely limited due to the risk of damage to the growth zones and, as a consequence, a high probability of recurrence of deformation of the structures of the nose and paranasal sinuses. With the development of endoscopic methods of surgical treatment of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses, operations with minimal invasiveness and, as a consequence, safe at any age were introduced into practice. Surgical intervention on the structures of the lymphoid pharyngeal ring in children with allergic rhinitis is causing heated debate in the pediatric community to date. The article considers modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. Topical problems of conservative and surgical treatment are discussed. Special attention is paid to the safety of various treatment regimens. The discussed practical issues of tactics of treatment of allergic rhinitis are relevant for both pediatric allergists and ENT pediatricians.

Outcomes of over-the-scope clip application in various gastrointestinal indications: experience from a tertiary care in India.

BackgroundRecent advances in endoscopic tools and techniques have allowed the minimally invasive management of iatrogenic gastrointestinal (GI) perforations and bleedings. However, surgery may be required in cases with larger defects and bleeding refractory to conventional endoscopic modalities. The use of over-the-scope clips (OTSC) has been shown to improve the outcomes in these patients compared with conventional treatment modalities. In this study, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of OTSC for different indications in the GI tract.MethodsThe data of consecutive patients in whom OTSC was utilized for different indications between February 2017 and October 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. The following outcomes were recorded: technical and clinical success, and adverse events related to the procedure.ResultsThirty-six patients (22 male, mean age 52.673±14.97 years, range 11-72 years) underwent OTSC application. Indications for OTSC were: GI defects (perforation n=13, fistula n=5); esophageal metallic stent fixing n=9; GI bleeding n=8; and neuroendocrine tumor endotherapy n=1. The average size of the defect was 15.88±8.01 mm. The technical and clinical success rates were 88.89% and 83.33%, respectively. There were 4 (11.1%) technical failures: colonic perforations n=2; duodenal ulcer bleeding n=1; and esophageal metal stent fixation n=1. There were 2 (9.5%) adverse events, including 1 partial duodenal obstruction and 1 delayed bleeding.ConclusionsThe use of OTSC is safe, easy and effective for various indications in the GI tract. Prospective trials are required to see if the use of OTSC is cost effective as a primary endoscopic treatment method in these cases.

ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT OF CICATRICAL TRACHEAL STENOSES

The OBJECTIVE was to evaluate the results of endoscopic treatment of cicatrical tracheal stenoses.MATERIAL AND METHODS. During the period from 1995 to 2018, 145 patients with cicatrical tracheal stenoses (men – 102, women – 43) aged 15 to 83 years were treated in the clinic. Stenosis was post tracheostomy in 96 patients, postintubation in 39 patients, after circular tracheal resection in 6 patients, after tracheolaryngoplasty in 3 patients, after radiation therapy for primary tracheal cancer in 1 patient. Endoscopic treatment was performed in 136 patients.RESULTS. In the tracheal dilation, only 42 (30,88 %) patients managed to achieve stabilization of the lumen of the trachea. Stenting of the narrowed part of the trachea with stent type Dumon was in 62 (45,58 %) patients due to restenosis. Formation of the lumen sufficient for breathing was possible in 40 (70,2 %) patients. All the complications that occurred during the stent in the trachea were diagnosed and eliminated.CONCLUSION. Endoscopic methods of treatment of patients with cicatrical tracheal stenoses were highly effective allowing to restore and maintain airway patency, both temporarily (for the purpose of preoperative preparation) and constantly.The authors declare no conflict of interest.The authors confirm that they respect the rights of the people participated in the study, including obtaining informed consent when it is necessary, and the rules of treatment of animals when they are used in the study. Author Guidelines contains the detailed information.

RADIOFREQUENCY ABLATION IN TREATMENT OF GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE WITH BARRETT’S ESOPHAGUS

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate results of treatment of patients with Barrett’s esophagus, including radiofrequency ablation of columnar epithelium with antireflux surgery. METHODS: We treated82 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease withBarrett’s esophagus between 2011 and 2018. 4 patients had low-grade dysplasia, 63 patients had hiatal hernia. We performed laparoscopic Toupet 2700 fundoplication in 58 of these patients.This allowedto perform radiofrequency ablation (RFA) procedure 2-3 months later in 27 of these patients. In 12 patients without radiological signs of hiatal hernia we performed RFA as the first treatment step. Follow-up endoscopy was performed 3,6 and 12 months after RFA. RESULTS: Metaplasia eradication wasachieved in 97,5% after 1 procedure and in 100% after 2 procedures. 6 months after treatment recurrence of metaplasia was registered in 2,4% patients. CONCLUSIONS: Changing security profile of new endoscopic treatment methods indicates the need for new strategies for Barrett’s esophagus. The most effective scheme is two-step treatment including antireflux surgery and radiofrequency ablation in combination with drug therapy.

Suboptimal endoscopic cancer recognition in colorectal lesions in a national bowel screening programme

The worldwide implementation of bowel cancer screening programmes (BCSPs) results in a growing number of early T1 colorectal cancers (T1 CRCs). Successful treatment of T1 CRCs starts with accurately recognising...

Relevant risk factors and the prognostic impact of positive resection margins after endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.

IntroductionEndoscopic resection for the treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors has a risk of resection margin residues. The related risk factors and prognosis of post-endoscopic resection margin residues have not been fully evaluated.AimTo investigate the associated risk factors and prognostic impact of resection margin residues after endoscopic resection of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.Material and methodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of 129 patients who underwent endoscopic resection for the treatment of gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors. Sex, age, location, diameter of tumor, depth of invasion, endoscopic treatment methods, endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) evaluation, and the work experience of endoscopists were evaluated as potential risk factors. In addition, the prognoses of patients with positive resection margins were analyzed.ResultsA total of 18 (18/129, 14.0%) patients exhibited positive resection margins after endoscopic resection. Among 16 successfully followed-up patients, 1 died due to rupture of pulmonary artery aneurysms, 2 underwent supplementary surgical operations, and 2 underwent additional endoscopic submucosal dissection. The remaining 11 patients were periodically followed up, and no recurrences were found. The results of univariate analysis suggested that endoscopic treatment method, the depth of invasion, and EUS evaluation correlated with positive resection margin. Multivariate regression analysis suggested that the depth of invasion and EUS evaluation were risk factors for resection margin residues.ConclusionsThe depth of invasion and EUS evaluation are independent risk factors for positive resection margins after endoscopic resection. This finding suggests that a greater depth of invasion increases the risk for positive resection margins, while EUS evaluation before resection decreases this risk.

Endoscopic closure of a bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy with the Amplatzer occluder: a step forward?

A bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy is a relatively rare but very serious complication. The development of endoscopic methods of treatment opens a new page in treating this condition. The goal of this paper was to confirm that the atrial septal defect Amplatzer device can be used for bronchopleural fistula closure in properly selected patients. A retrospective study of 13 patients with bronchopleural fistula after pneumonectomy was performed. There were 11 men and 2 women aged 26-70 years. Right-sided fistulas occurred in 10 patients and left-sided fistulas occurred in 3. The underlying disease was lung cancer in 7 patients and pulmonary tuberculosis in 6. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (N = 7) and open-window thoracostomy (N = 6) were used to treat the empyema. To treat occlusion of the bronchial fistulas, we used Amplatzer atrial septal defect occluders originally intended for closure of ventricular and interatrial septal defects. The occluder was inserted from the bronchus by flexible bronchoscopy with the patient under local anaesthesia, with the help of video-assisted thoracoscopy or through a window thoracostomy from the pleural cavity. We noted 3 complications after the procedure. In 2 patients, displacement of the occluders required re-installation in 1 patient and latissimus dorsi muscle coverage in the other. In the third patient, the occluder became dislodged during severe exacerbation of tuberculosis that occurred after the patient violated the treatment regimen. She died of tuberculosis 6 months after the occluder was inserted. The course in the remaining 10 patients was uneventful. Our experience suggests that the use of an atrial septal defect occluder for the treatment of a bronchial fistula after pneumonectomy is a reliable option.

Prevalence of Anesthetic and Gastrointestinal Complications of Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography.

BackgroundEndoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is an endoscopic method for treatment of many biliary diseases. With respect to rapid recovery and more patient comfort, this procedure is currently performed under light general anesthesia (GA) or conscious sedation.ObjectivesThe current study aimed to clarify that intravenous sedation or light general anesthesia can be performed without great fear of anesthesia related complications in ERCP patients and sedative doses of propofol can be used safely in outpatient settings under the supervision of an expert anesthesiologist.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study on 1023 ERCP patients under light GA during 2014 - 2018 in Qom, Shahid Beheshti Hospital. Data were collected by a checklist and were analyzed by using chi-square test in SPSS V.22.ResultsFrom 1023 patients, 501 (48.97 %) were male and 522 (51.03 %) were female with a mean age of 47.2 ± 6.7 years. The most common finding in ERCP was choledocholithiasis (76.15 %). The most common complication was hemodynamic instability (37.01 %) followed by desaturation (11.65 %) both of them ware anesthesia related. Prevalence of GI (gastrointestinal) related complications was 13.39 %. The most common GI related complications were pancreatitis (7.92 %) and bleeding (3.32 %). Total mortality rate was 0.88 %.ConclusionsERCP-related complications are inevitable but can be controlled by early diagnosis and clinical experience. Severe complications and high risk patients may increase the mortality and morbidity of the procedure. Anesthesia related complications are more frequent than GI related unwanted events. Fortunately, the most common anesthesia related complications are readily manageable and are minor in nature when an expert anesthesiologist is present in the scene. Close monitoring of the patient’s vital signs should be the mainstay of the safe procedure.

The BougieCap – a new method for endoscopic treatment of complex benign esophageal stenosis: results from a multicenter study

A major limitation of current treatment strategies for nonmalignant upper gastrointestinal stenoses is the lack of either optical or haptic feedback during dilation. Wire guidance and fluoroscopy is often necessary to control the position. A novel device for endoscopic dilation, the BougieCap (Ovesco Endoscopy AG, Tübingen, Germany) was evaluated in a prospective multicenter trial. Primary outcome was successful dilation of stenosis and secondary outcome was alteration in dysphagia symptoms in short-term follow-up. RESULTS: 50 patients with benign esophageal strictures were included. Endoscopic bougienage was successful in 96 %. Bougienage failed in two cases because of high resistance. Symptoms of dysphagia decreased significantly after bougienage (59.0 points at Day 0 vs. 28.6 points at Day 14; P < 0.001). Adverse events were loss of BougieCap into the stomach in two cases; no severe adverse events were reported. Endoscopic treatment of benign stenoses using the BougieCap enabled direct visual control of the bougienage procedure. This might help to adapt treatment more precisely to the stricture. Symptoms of dysphagia were improved in short-term follow-up. Additional wire guidance may be used for selected cases (e. g. narrow lumen, pediatric scope).

Endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after duct-to-duct biliary anastomosis in pediatric liver transplantation.

Studies reporting outcomes of endoscopic treatment methods in children who underwent liver transplantation (LT) is very limited. We present our outcomes, as a high-volume transplant center where endoscopic methods are preferred as the first choice in the treatment of biliary complications in children. Patients who underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as the first treatment approach for biliary complications after LT between 2005 and 2017 were included. Clinical data included patient demographics, ERCP indications (stricture or leak), and treatment outcomes, including the need for percutaneous and surgical intervention. ERCP was performed in 49 patients who had a duct-to-duct anastomosis (38 living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), 11 deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT)). The most common biliary complication was stricture. Our endoscopic success rate was 66.7% (18/27) and 75% (6/8) in LDLT and DDLT patients with stricture (p > 0.05), respectively. While our endoscopic success rate was 75% (3/4) in patients with leak alone after LDLT, it was 25% (1/4) in patients with leak and stricture in this group. The endoscopic success rate was 50% in two patients who had leak alone after DDLT. ERCP should be considered as a preferential treatment option for the management of biliary complications in pediatric liver transplant patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis, as in adults.

Submucosal cavernous hemangioma of the esophagus. the rare clinical case of endoscopic diagnosis and treatment by the endoscopic submucosal dissection method (esd)

The cavernous esophagus hemangiomais a rare, benign vascular neoplasm of the esophagus, which is asymptomatic and can be detected by chance during diagnostic video gastroscopy.The aim ofthe study is to describe in the rare clinical case of diagnosis and an integrated approach in choosing an endoscopic method of treating a submucosal benign vascular neoplasm of the esophagus (cavernous hemangioma).Material and method. A 46-year-old patient was sent to the University Hospital of ZSMU to conduct video esophagogastroduodenoscopy in order to examine and select the treatment method for the submucosaltumor of the upper third of the esophagus found in one of the city’s clinics.Results. A comprehensive examination of the patient with a submucosal neoplasm of the upper third of the esophagus, including video esophagogastroscopy with high-resolution endoscopes (EGD), endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS), and computer-aided tomography (CT) were performed. At the EGD a submucosal tumor was reviled in the upper third of the esophagus. It was bluish in color, had a wide base, 3cm in length and 2cm in height, movable, with soft-elastic consistency. EUS revealed that the tumor is not associated with the muscular layer, has many small vessels. The structure of the neoplasm was hypoechoic, inhomogeneous due to the inclusion of calcinates. On CT scan a rounded tumor was found in the lumen of the upper third of the esophagus, 20x15x30mm in size, with clear and even margins, homogeneous structure with a single calcinate in the structure was found. The patient was underwent of endoscopic surgery. The tumor was removed by the endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD).Conclusion. Cavernous esophagus hemangioma is a rare vascular submucosal neoplasm of the esophagus, which is usually asymptomatic, but has a great potential for complications such as bleeding, which is sometimes fatal. Timely diagnosis and minimally invasive endoscopic treatment methods are the prevention of complications and the treatment of choice for the treatment of esophageal submucoustumors.

Roentgenoendovascular destruction of adrenal glands in the management of primary aldosteronism

Background. In the XXI century, interventional radiology is developing rapidly in the surgical treatment for endocrine pathology of adrenal glands. Until the introduction of aldosterone to renin ratio calculation as a screening test by K. Hiramatsu in 1981, primary aldosteronism was thought to be a rare pathology. Further study of the disease obtained new data on its prevalence – from 5 to 10 % among patients with hypertension and more than 20 % of patients with refractory hypertension. In Ukraine, the prevalence of primary aldosteronism among patients with refractory arterial hypertension is 1.2 %. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of roentgenoendovascular destruction of adrenal glands (REDAG) in patients with primary aldosteronism (PA). Materials and methods. During the period from 2014 to July2018, a total of 132 patients with adrenal pathology were examined and treated at the Clinic of Hospital Surgery of ZSMU. Operative treatment for primary aldosteronism was performed in 38 patients, including 15 patients who underwent REDAG. There were 10 (66.7 %) women and 5 (33.3 %) men. The average age was 49.4 ± 14.9 years. According to CT (MRT), anatomy of adrenal neoplasms had the following localization: left-sided – in 11 (73.3 %) patients, right-sided – in 1 (6.7 %), bilateral – in 3 (20 %). The mean volume of adrenal neoplasms was 9.0 (6.3–10.0) mm. Diagnostics was performed according to the clinical practical recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of PA (Clinical Practical Guideline – The Management of Primary Aldosteronism, 2016). Roentgenoendovascular surgery in patients with PA included destruction of the right adrenal gland in 3 (20 %) cases, of the left – in 12 (80 %). The results of the operative treatment were evaluated according to the standard criteria and clinical biochemical criteria of PASO (Primary Aldosteronism Surgical Outcomes) including the echocardiographic data. Results. The duration of the REDAG was 36.6 ± 6 minutes. Conversions, postoperative complications, lethal outcomes were avoided. The length of hospital stay was 9 (7–12) days. Comparative analysis of surgical treatment results showed a statistically significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure, aldosterone levels (P < 0.05). The control CT performed after treatment identified adrenal adenomas in the contralateral glands in 2 (13.3 %) patients. However, the follow-up clinical and laboratory diagnostics did not reveal its hormonal activity. According to PASO criteria, the complete biochemical effect was achieved in 73.3 %, complete clinical - in 66.7 %, partial biochemical effect – in 20 %, partial clinical effect – in 26.6 % of patients, failure of biochemical and clinical effects – in 6.7 %. Conclusions. Interventional methods of surgical treatment for adrenal pathology represent a complete alternative to endoscopic methods of surgical treatment in case i f it is clinically indicated. REDAG for primary aldosteronism demonstrates the statistically significant efficacy of symptomatic arterial hypertension treatment: complete biochemical effect in 73.3 %, complete clinical – 66.7%, partial biochemical effect – 20 %, partial clinical effect – 26.6 % of patients.

Elimination of pain syndrome in patients with advanced pancreatic head cancer

Pain syndrome, along with mechanical jaundice, is one of the most evident clinical manifestations of pancreatic cancer and is often a sign of tumor neglecting. Existing treatment options for chronic pain in cancer patients are diverse and include the various ways of impact on the different links of pathological pain: medicinal, endoscopic, surgical. With this pathology, drug therapy using analgesics, weak and strong opioids, is usually not effective enough. In such cases, preference is given to chemical neurolysis — denervation of the autonomic structures of the retroperitoneal space, carried out under the guidance of ultrasound or computed tomography. Conducting percutaneous neurolysis of the celiac plexus with the use of alcohol or phenol is prescribed upon insufficient effectiveness of pharmacotherapy. Surgical methods of anesthesia are used extremely rarely, as they considerably worsen the patient’s condition, without significantly affecting the quality of life or the prognosis. Thoracoscopic splanchnicectomy is considered a modern and effective method of endoscopic treatment of pain in unresectable pancreatic cancer, the conduction of which can significantly decrease the intensity of pain, reduce the number of narcotic analgesics and improve the quality of life of cancer patients. This minimally invasive intervention is the basis for the subsequent lifelong systemic drug therapy.

Clinical analysis of different treatment options for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of different treatment options for cholecysto-choledocholithiasis (CCL), and try to find the ideal treatment. Methods From January 2006 to January 2016, a total of 3 107 patients with CCL from the Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University were enrolled. Among them, 1 283 patients were in open cholecystectomy (OC) and open common bile duct exploration (OCBDE) group, 964 patients were in laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) and laparoscopic common bile duct exploration (LCBDE) group, and 860 patients were in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)+ LC group. The clinical data of the three groups were analysed. One-way analysis of variance and chi-square test were performed for statistical analysis. Results From 2006 to 2010, the percentage of patients treated with OC+ OCBDE, LC+ LCBDE, and ERCP+ LC were 56.05%(829/1 479), 25.15%(372/1 479) and 18.80%(278/1 479), respectively; from 2011 to 2016, the percentage of patients received the above three treatments were 27.89%(454/1 628), 36.36%(592/1 628) and 35.75%(582/1 628), respectively. The difference in the proportion of the same treatment at different times was statistically significant (χ2=4.775, 4.168 and 0.669, all P 0.05). The hospital stay of the OC+ OCBDE group, the LC+ LCBDE group and the ERCP+ LC group were (6.7±1.3) days, (5.6±1.2) days and (10.9±1.6) days, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (F=90.010, P<0.01). The hospitalization expenses of OC+ OCBDE group, LC+ LCBDE group and ERCP+ LC group were (13 720±1 910) yuan, (18 150±1 490) yuan and (25 830±2 430) yuan, respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (F=302.991, P<0.01). Conclusion The first choice of patients with CCL is endoscopic minimally invasive treatment and open surgery can be used as a remedial method for endoscopic treatment. Key words: Cholecysto-choledocholithiasis; Endoscopic minimally invasive treatment; Open surgery

New combined endoscopic method of Zenker's diverticulum treatment

Endoscopic treatment methods are currently a priority in the treatment of patients with Zenker's diverticulum. The optimal endoscopy should combine the positive aspects of traditional and tunnel technologies and be fairly simple from technical standpoint, the most radical and safe for the patient. This work evaluates the effectiveness of endoscopic cricopharyngeal esophagomyotomy using combined methods of treating patients with Zenker's diverticulum. From June, 2014 to December, 2018 A. S. Loginov City Clinical Scientific Centre performed 30 surgeries using a new combined technique. The average surgery time is 37.5 minutes. No postoperative complications. Control X-ray examination has shown almost complete absence of the residual cavity of the diverticulum. The combined endoscopic method of treating patients with Zenker's diverticulum allows to create conditions for preventing the recurrence of the disease, thereby ensuring the best result of treatment.

Intracavitary laser obliteration of Baker cyst under ultrasonic navigation

Relevance. Baker's cyst is the formation in the popliteal region, resulting from the accumulation of synovial fluid in the semimembranous bursa due to anastomosis between the joint cavity and the synovial bursa of the popliteal region. Trauma and/or some inflammatory diseases of the joints are the main causes of these cysts. Despite the success of endoscopic methods of treatment of this category of patients, the frequency of postoperative complications is 3-10%.&#x0D; The aim is to conduct a comparative analysis of the Baker's cysts treatment results using intracavitary laser obliteration and traditional cyst excision.&#x0D; Materials and methods. The treatment results of 39 patients with Baker cysts, who entered the clinic for the period from 2012 to 2017, are analyzed. Patients were divided into 2 representative groups. Ultrasound-guided intracavitary laser obliteration of Baker's cyst was performed in 24 (62%) patients of the main group. Traditional radical excision of all cyst elements with application of the primary suture was performed for 15 (38%) patients of the control group. A russian single-wave programmable three-mode laser scalpel LSP - "IRE-Polyus" was used in the work.&#x0D; Results. The patients of the main group had almost no pain syndrome, the duration of hospital treatment and rehabilitation were 4 times shorter than in the group of traditional operations (p≤0,05). Satisfaction with the laser treatment results of the patients from this group was 83.3%, while in the traditional treatment group - only 66.6%.&#x0D; Conclusion. The minimum number of the disease recurrences after ultrasonic-controlled intracavitary laser obliteration of Baker's cysts, the simplicity and low-traumatism of manipulation, the low level of complications, coupled with the high patient satisfaction with the treatment results, set apart this technology from traditional one, which allows recommending this method for wide application.

Surgical outcome of patients with vesicoureteral reflux from a single institution in reference to the ESPU guidelines: a retrospective analysis

Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) is an anatomic or functional disorder, and it is a condition associated with renal scarring, hypertension, and end-stage renal disease. Renal damage can be prevented by appropriate medical and surgical intervention for selected patients. The objective of this study was to retrospectively analyze the surgically treated patient group of this study in reference to the risk analysis criteria used in European Association of Urology (EAU), European Society for Paediatric Urology (ESPU) guidelines to see the outcome of the study management protocol within the last 15 years in respect to this risk analysis. A total of 686 patients who were operated upon in a single institution for VUR between 1997 and 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the criteria in EAU/ESPU guidelines, the patients were classified into three groups: low, medium, and high risk. Risk factors were compared between the groups. The patient numbers for low, medium, and high risk were 92 (13.4%), 485 (70.7%), and 109 (15.9%), respectively. In the high-risk group, surgeons tended to do more ureteroneocystostomy (UNC) (82.6%), whereas in the low-risk group, surgeons tended to do more subureteric injection (STING) (76.1%). The success rates for STING and UNC were found to be 75% and 93%, respectively. Although there was a difference in success rates among patients treated with STING or UNC, this difference was not statistically significant in success rates regarding risk groups for patients treated with STING or UNC. The most recent guideline was that which was published by the EAU/ESPU organization in 2012. This guideline is established based on the risk analysis. The analysis revealed that patients in the low-risk group tended to undergo endoscopic surgery treatment method, whereas patients in the high-risk group tended to undergo open surgery. Therefore, the study management over the last 10 years has been mainly in line with the current recommendations. The analysis shows that when the patients are classified according to the EAU/ESPU risk classification, surgeons tended to perform more endoscopic and more open surgery for the low- and high-risk groups, respectively. Although each surgical modality had similar success rates in each group, open surgical results were overall much higher than those of endoscopic surgery in each group. This was a specifically important finding in high-risk group where the endoscopically treated group of patients was small in number, and the need for a definitive correction is essential in this group because of increased risk of renal injury.

Endoscopic treatment of biliary complications in left lobe living donor liver transplantation.

PurposeAlmost all of the publications regarding the treatment of biliary complications after liver transplantation are related to biliary complications after right lobe living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) and cadaveric liver transplantation (LT). The number of publications regarding endoscopic treatment of biliary complications after left lobe LDLT is negligible. In this study, we aimed to present the results of endoscopic treatments applied in the management of biliary complications developed in left-lobe duct-to-duct LDLT patients.Patients and methodsBetween 2008 and 2018, patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis who underwent ERCP due to biliary complication after left lobe LDLT were included in the study. Clinical data included patient demographics, indications for LDLT, duration till the first ERCP after LDLT, number of ERCP procedures, ERCP indications (stricture or leak), and treatment outcomes, including the need for percutaneous and surgical interventions.ResultsAmong 13 patients who underwent ERCP, 2 (15%) had biliary leakage and 11 (8%) had an anastomotic stricture. Our endoscopic success rate was 100% in patients with biliary stricture. Despite the implementation of ERCP on two patients with leakage, they died due to the biliary complication.ConclusionOur results suggest that endoscopic treatment methods are successful in the management of biliary stricture complication in patients with left lobe LDLT and duct-to-duct anastomosis. Although our findings show that endoscopic treatments fail when there is a leakage after left lobe LDLT, there is a need for further studies that include more patients to reach a definite conclusion.