Walled-off Necrosis Research Articles

Outcomes and Post-removal Course of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent Placement for Peripancreatic Fluid Collections: A Comparative Study of Pancreatic Pseudocysts and Walled-Off Necrosis

Outcomes and Post-removal Course of Lumen-Apposing Metal Stent Placement for Peripancreatic Fluid Collections: A Comparative Study of Pancreatic Pseudocysts and Walled-Off Necrosis

A novel puzzle ring replacement technique of a lumen-apposing metal stent with a double-pigtail plastic stent to prevent walled-off necrosis recurrence (with video).

Replacing a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) with a double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) after treatment for walled-off necrosis contributes to the prevention of recurrence. However, the success rate is not very high. To overcome this issue, we devised a novel stent-replacement technique. In the final treatment procedure, a 7-F DPS was placed in the lumen of the LAMS. Subsequently, the walled-off necrosisshrank, and granulation formed over the pigtail portion, which fixed the DPS. The LAMS alone was removed with grasping forceps, leaving the DPS in the lumen of the LAMS (i.e., a puzzle-ring technique; direct or rotary removal technique). Between August 2021 and August 2023, 18 patients were evaluated for recurrence prevention using this novel technique (median duration of LAMS placement, 37 days). In 17 patients (94.4%), the LAMS was successfully replaced with a 7-F DPS (direct technique 14, rotary technique 3; median removal procedure time, 3 min). No recurrence was observed during the median observation period of 385 days. Before using this technique (April 2012 to August 2022), the technical success rate of replacement of LAMS with 7-F DPS was significantly lower (61.8% [42/68, p = 0.02]). Recurrence of pancreatic fluid collection occurred in 15.3% (4/26) of the patients who could not undergo replacement with a 7-F DPS. The novel puzzle ring technique, which improves the success rate of LAMS for DPS replacement, may be useful in reducing recurrence after walled-off necrosistreatment.

S4114 Complex Endoscopic Management of Pancreatitis Complicated by Walled-Off Necrosis and Biliary Fistula

S4114 Complex Endoscopic Management of Pancreatitis Complicated by Walled-Off Necrosis and Biliary Fistula

S2452 Spontaneous Cystogastrostomy of Infected Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis

S2452 Spontaneous Cystogastrostomy of Infected Walled-Off Pancreatic Necrosis

Lumen-apposing metal stents and their emerging role in therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound

The field of therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has expanded significantly in the past 2 decades, thanks in part to the invention and wide use of lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS). LAMS are used as alternatives to surgical or interventional radiological procedures, and yield excellent outcomes. Initially, their use was limited to management of various types of pancreatic fluid collections, including walled-off necrosis or pseudocysts. In recent years, the indications have expanded to biliary drainage, particularly in cases of malignant bile duct obstruction. LAMS are also used in gastric outlet obstruction and to access bile duct in patients with surgically altered anatomy. This clinical review aims to briefly expand on these indications and discuss the supporting literature for use of LAMS.

Minimally invasive treatment of an internal pancreaticopleural fistula with massive pleural effusion: a case report

BackgroundA pancreatic duct rupture can lead to various complications such as a fistula, pseudocyst, ascites, or walled-off necrosis. Due to pleural effusion, pancreaticopleural fistula typically causes dyspnea and chest pain. Leaks of enzyme-rich pancreatic fluid forming a pleural effusion can be verified in a thoracocentesis following radiological imaging such as computed tomography or magnetic resonance tomography. While management strategies range from a conservative to endoscopic and surgical approach, we report a case with successful minimally invasive treatment of pancreaticopleural fistula and effusion.Case presentationWe present a case of a patient with pancreaticopleural fistula and successful minimally invasive surgical treatment. A 62-year old Caucasian man presented with acute chest pain and dyspnea. A computed tomography scan identified a left-sided cystoid formation, extending from the abdominal cavity into the left hemithorax with concomitant pleural effusion. Pleural effusion analysis indicated significantly elevated pancreatic enzymes. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography revealed a rupture of the pancreatic duct and nearby fluid accumulation. Endosonography later confirmed proximity to the tail of the pancreas, suggesting a pancreatic pseudocyst with visible tract into the pancreas. We assumed a pancreatic duct rupture with a fistula from the tail of the pancreas transdiaphragmatically into the left hemithorax with a commencing pleural empyema. A visceral and parietal decortication on the left hemithorax and a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy was performed. The suspected diagnosis of a fistula arising from the pancreatic duct was confirmed histologically.ConclusionPancreaticopleural fistulas often have a long course and may remain undiagnosed for a long time. At this point diagnostic management and therapy demand a high level of expertise. In instances of unclear symptomatic pleural effusion, considering an abdominal focus is crucial. If endoscopic treatment is not feasible, minimally invasive surgery should strongly be considered, especially when located in the distal pancreas.

Selection strategy for endoscopic necrosectomy approaches of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis: Analysis of 101 patients from a single center with long-term follow-up.

Endoscopic necrosectomy (EN) is a promising minimally invasive approach for treating infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WOPN). Multiple EN approaches are currently available, though criteria for selecting the optimal approaches are lacking. We aimed to propose a rational selection strategy of EN and to retrospectively evaluate its safety and effectiveness. Altogether 101 patients who underwent EN for infected WOPN at a tertiary hospital between June 2009 and February 2023 were retrospectively included for analysis. Demographic characteristics, details of the EN procedures, procedure-related adverse events, and clinical outcomes were investigated. Among these 101 patients with WOPN, 56 (55.4%) underwent transluminal EN, 38 (37.6%) underwent percutaneous EN, and seven (6.9%) underwent combined approach, respectively. Clinical success was achieved in 94 (93.1%) patients. Seven (6.9%) experienced procedure-related adverse events, and seven (6.9%) died during the treatment period. During a median follow-up of 50 months, 5 (5.3%) of the 94 patients had disease recurrence, 17.0% (16/94) had new-onset diabetes mellitus, and 6.4% (6/94) needed oral pancreatic enzyme supplementation. The clinical success rate, procedure-related adverse event rate, and long-term follow-up outcomes were not significantly different among the three groups. High APACHE-II scores (≥15) and organ failure were identified as factors related to treatment failure. A selection strategy for EN approaches, based on the extent of necrosis and its distance from the gastrointestinal lumen (using a threshold of 15 mm), is safe and effective for treating infected WOPN in both short-term and long-term outcomes.

What's Behind it all: A Retrospective Cohort Study of Retrogastric Pancreatic Necrosis Management.

To compare outcomes of laparoscopic transgastric necrosectomy (LTN) and direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) in the management of retrogastric walled-off necrosis. Surgical and endoscopic transgastric approaches are used to manage retrogastric pancreatic necrosis. Studies comparing these treatment modalities are lacking but would influence contemporary practice patterns. LTN or DEN treated patients at Stanford University Hospital between 2011 and 2023 were identified. Cohort data included demographics, core pancreatitis care benchmarks, and clinical outcomes (total debridement time, new-onset endocrine and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency) as well as re-intervention, 30-day readmission, complication, and mortality rates. Long-term follow-up was also compared between intervention arms. Multivariable linear regression was used to assess the interaction between admission APACHE-II score and intervention on length of stay (LOS). 106 patients (62% LTN, 38% DEN) were identified. Demographic and core pancreatitis benchmark data were similar between cohorts. 30-day readmission, complication, and mortality rates for surgical and endoscopic approaches were also similar: 23% vs. 25% (P = 0.98), 42% vs. 40% (P = 0.97), and 3% vs. 3% (P > 0.99). Median LTN total debridement time (minutes) was 131 vs. 134 for DEN, however, complete debridement was achieved with only 1 LTN compared to 3 DENs (P<0.01). While not statistically significant, LOS and unplanned intervention rates were less for LTN (8 vs. 10 days, P = 0.41 and 6% vs. 15%, P = 0.24). Multivariable analysis revealed a significant interaction between APACHE-II scores and LOS for LTN compared to DEN, which translated into a length of stay reduction for higher APACHE-II scoring patients (P = 0.02). LTN is a safe and efficient treatment modality for walled-off necrosis, and compared to DEN, can reduce the LOS in high APACHE-II score patients. While additional comparative research between the two intervention types is needed, this study supports a role for a surgical approach in the management of retrogastric pancreatic necrosis.

Correction: Impact of long-term transmural plastic stents on recurrence after endoscopic treatment of walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Correction: Impact of long-term transmural plastic stents on recurrence after endoscopic treatment of walled-off pancreatic necrosis.

Consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of pancreatic pseudocyst and walled-off necrosis from a Chinese multiple disciplinary team expert panel.

To prepare a set of practice guidelines to standardize the entire process, from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up, for pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis. Thirty-six experts in the fields of digestive endoscopy, pancreatic surgery, interventional radiology, and others presented their opinions via discussions in online conferences by referring to the patient, intervention, comparison, and outcomes principles and then reviewed the evidence and statements using the Delphi method to reach a consensus. The consensus of >80% was finally achieved for the items. The experts discussed and reached a consensus on 29 statements including 10 categories: (1) definition and classification, (2) imaging and endoscopic diagnosis, (3) therapeutic implications, (4) surgical therapy, (5) percutaneous catheter drainage, (6) endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, (7) EUS-guided drainage, (8) stent selection for EUS-guided drainage, (9) complication related to stents for cyst drainage, and (10) drug treatment and follow-up. This consensus based on the clinical experience of experts in various fields and international evidence-based medicine further standardizes the multidisciplinary diagnosis and treatment processes for pancreatic pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis.

The Experience of a Tertiary Referral Center with Endoscopic Management and Combining Percutaneous Intervention for the Treatment of Walled-Off Necrosis: A Stepwise Approach

Background: This study aimed to assess the effectiveness and safety of endoscopic management in patients with walled-off necrosis and additionally explore the results of a stepwise approach for combining percutaneous intervention in cases where endoscopic management was inadequate. Methods: We included cases of endoscopic management for walled-off necrosis between February 2019 and December 2023. Results: Endoscopic management was performed in 11 patients. The median largest dimension was 150 mm. Multiple cavities were present in four patients. Technical success was 90.9%, while clinical success with only endoscopic management was 36.3%. Clinical success could not be achieved with only endoscopic management in patients with a large diameter (≥125 mm) or multi-lobulated walled-off necrosis. Combining percutaneous intervention resulted in success for all patients. Two patients experienced major complications: one suffered from major bleeding, while the other experienced perforation, necessitating surgical intervention. The patient with perforation died due to multi-organ failure. Conclusions: Endoscopic management is recommended as the primary treatment method for walled-off necrosis due to its less invasive and higher safety profile. In cases involving large or multi-lobulated walled-off necrosis where clinical success cannot be achieved, combining percutaneous intervention is highly successful and safe. Ultimately, this approach can minimize the need for more invasive surgery.

Global trends in opioid use for pain management in acute pancreatitis: A multicentre prospective observational study.

Since there is no current international consensus on the optimal approach for pain management in acute pancreatitis (AP), analgesic practices may vary across different healthcare settings. This study explored global disparities in analgesic use, in particular opioids, during admission and at discharge in hospitalised AP patients. This was a post hoc analysis of the prospective PAINAP database, which included all admissions for AP between April and June 2022 with a 1-month follow-up. Demographic details, analgesic use, and clinical outcomes were recorded during admission and at discharge. Odds ratios (ORs) for opioid use during admission and at discharge were identified using multivariable regression analyses. Amongst the 1864 patients (52% males, median age 56 (interquartile range, 41-71))across three different continents, simple analgesics were predominantly used as the primary analgesic (70%). Opioid use during admission was lowest in European centres (67%). Admission in Asian (OR, 2.53 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.59-4.04), p<0.001), and Australian (OR, 5.81 (95% CI, 3.19-10.56), p<0.001) centres was associated with opioid administration during admission compared with European centres. Increased pain severity, longer pre-admission pain duration, organ failure, and longer length of admission increased opioid use during admission. At discharge, Asian (OR, 2.01 (95% CI, 1.40-2.88), p<0.001) and Australian (OR, 1.91 (95% CI, 1.28-2.85), p=0.002) centres were associated with opioid prescription compared with European centres. Increased pain severity, longer pre-admission pain duration, acute necrotic collections, and walled-off necrosis also increased the likelihood of opioid prescription at discharge. There are substantial intercontinental differences in opioid use for AP pain. Accordingly, there is a need for international guidelines on pain management in AP.

Balloon catheter-assisted rescue for misplacement of lumen-apposing stent across the pylorus in endoscopic ultrasound-guided transduodenal drainage of walled-off necrosis.

Balloon catheter-assisted rescue for misplacement of lumen-apposing stent across the pylorus in endoscopic ultrasound-guided transduodenal drainage of walled-off necrosis.

Interpreting studies comparing lumen-apposing metal stents and plastic stents for walled-off necrosis: wisdom is the need of the hour.

Interpreting studies comparing lumen-apposing metal stents and plastic stents for walled-off necrosis: wisdom is the need of the hour.

Direct endoscopic necrosectomy: Pilot study of a new dedicated device.

Background and study aims Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN) represents the first-line treatment for walled-off necrosis (WON). However, DEN has a non-negligible rate of overall adverse events (AE) and is time-consuming due to the lack of dedicated devices. This pilot study was designed to evaluate the feasibility and safety of a novel dedicated device for DEN named Necrolit. Patients and methods In this multicenter retrospective analysis,16 patients with WON who underwent DEN using Necrolit were compared with a control group treated with non-dedicated devices. Technical success, AEs, clinical success, number of procedures per patient, procedure time, and length of hospital stay were evaluated. Necrolit technical performance indicators were also studied. Results Technical success was obtained in all patients in both groups. In the Necrolit group, the overall AE rate was 10.1% vs. 15.9% in the control group. Clinical success was 100% in the Necrolit group vs. 81.3% in the control group. Patients treated with Necrolit underwent a slightly lower mean number of procedures (4.1 ± 2.3 vs. 5.1 ± 1.9) with comparable mean procedure time (67.8 ± 39 minutes vs. 70.1 ± 32.6 minutes). Mean duration of hospital stay was 39.4 days (± 30.9) in the Necrolit group vs. 43 days (± 29.4) in the control group. Device-related technical performance was rated positively. Conclusions DEN with Necrolit appears feasible and safe.

Two-Port Minimally Invasive Nephro-Laparoscopic Retroperitoneal Debridement for Pancreatic Necrosis.

Walled-off necrosis (WON) occurs in approximately 20% of patients with necrotizing pancreatitis. Infection occurs in approximately 30% of necrosis patients, and despite advances in management, infected necrosis still confers a high mortality between 30 and 40%. While sterile necrosis requires drainage only for cases of symptom relief or "persistent unwellness," prompt intervention is critical for infected necrosis. Several management strategies exist depending on the location and anatomy of the necrosum. In particular, retroperitoneal collections away from the stomach are typically managed with a step-up approach that begins with percutaneous drain placement. While a minority of patients skirt further intervention, the majority require formal debridement at some point via the existing drain tract. These debridement techniques include video-assisted retroperitoneal debridement (VARD) through a flank incision or minimally invasive retroperitoneal pancreatic (MIRP) necrosectomy under continuous irrigation with a nephroscope. While effective, both debridement strategies have drawbacks: for VARD, the flank incision is prone to infections and hernia while MIRP debridements are tedious and often require repeat operative trips. To overcome these pitfalls, we describe a novel two-trocar minimally invasive hybrid nephro-laparoscopic retroperitoneal debridement technique for an efficient retroperitoneal pancreatic necrosectomy.

Advances in self-expandable metal stents for endoscopic ultrasound-guided interventions.

Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided interventions have evolved rapidly in recent years, with dedicated metal stents playing a crucial role in this process. Specifically, the invention of biflanged short metal-covered stents, including lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS), and modifications in a variety of tubular self-expandable metal stents (SEMS), have led to innovations in EUS-guided interventions. LAMS or non-LAMS stents are commonly used in the EUS-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections, especially in cases of walled-off necrosis. Additionally, LAMS is commonly considered for drainage of the EUS-guided gallbladder or dilated common bile duct and EUS-guided gastroenterostomy. Fully or partially covered tubular SEMS with several new designs are being considered for EUS-guided biliary drainage. This review focuses on advances in SEMS for EUS-guided interventions and discusses related research results.

Enhancing visibility and hemostasis during necrosectomy for walled-off necrosis: the "dual-gel method".

Enhancing visibility and hemostasis during necrosectomy for walled-off necrosis: the "dual-gel method".

Beyond the revised atlanta classification: a comprehensive review of the imaging assessment of acute pancreatitis and its complications.

While the Revised Atlanta Classification outlines the primary complications of acute pancreatitis, it is crucial to recognize additional factors that contribute to morbidity and mortality associated with acute pancreatitis. In this review, we discuss the imaging-based classification and staging of acute pancreatitis as described by the Revised Atlanta Classification, but also provide a comprehensive understanding of the pancreatic anatomy and its relation to surrounding structures, which is essential for imaging-based assessment of both acute pancreatitis and its complications. We further extend the discussion beyond common complications such as pseudocysts and walled-off necrosis to include lesser-known but significant complications such as peripancreatic infection, disconnected ductal disconnection syndrome, thrombosis, hemorrhage, and gastrointestinal complications. Additionally, illustrative examples are presented to highlight relevant points pertaining to real-life imaging assessment of acute pancreatitis and its complications.

Immediate Direct Endoscopic Necrosectomy Versus Delayed Direct Endoscopic Necrosectomy

BACKGROUND AND AIMSLumen-apposing metal stents (LAMSs) are effective in resolving walled-off necrosis (WON) of the pancreas and enable direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN). However, optimal DEN timing is controversial. We aimed to study if early DEN shortens WON resolution time. METHODSWe retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent LAMS placement for WON at a tertiary center. We collected patient demographics, WON characteristics, DEN sessions, and outcomes. We compared those who underwent immediate DEN (iDEN; index DEN at LAMS placement) and delayed DEN (dDEN; index DEN on a separate day from LAMS placement). We identified predictors for resolution time via linear regression, and constructed Nelson-Aalen cumulative hazards curves showing resolution time stratified by index DEN timing. RESULTSBetween January 2011 and June 2019, 175 patients underwent LAMS placement for peripancreatic fluid collections, 155 (88.6%) of which were WON. Of these, 50 (32.3%) required DEN. The majority were male (80%) with an average age of 52.5 years. WON size and double-pigtail stent use through LAMS were similar. Overall, the mean time to WON resolution was 90.6 days, 44.5 (iDEN) versus 100.7 (dDEN), P = 0.02, with similar DEN sessions (P = 0.64). The average length of stay was 0.9 in iDEN versus 14.7 days in dDEN (P = 0.03). All had WON resolution with a similar adverse event rate (18.5% iDEN vs 25.1% dDEN, P = 0.45). In multivariate analysis, double-pigtail stent use suggested greater complexity and longer WON resolution time (P = 0.005). CONCLUSIONDespite similar DEN sessions, LAMS with iDEN significantly reduced resolution time compared with dDEN. Only one-third of WON patients treated with LAMS placement required DEN.