Endoscopic Transpapillary Gallbladder Drainage for Acute Cholecystitis using Two Gallbladder Stents (Dual Gallbladder Stenting)

Background/Aims@#Endoscopic transpapillary gallbladder drainage (ETPGBD) is gaining popularity for the management of acute cholecystitis (AC) in high-risk patients. However, the stents placed during the procedure are not immune to obstruction. Here we describe a novel technique of stenting with two transpapillary stents and evaluate its technical feasibility, safety, and efficacy in AC. @*Methods@#A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing ETPGBD using dual stents for AC at our institution between November 1, 2017 and August 31, 2020 was conducted. We abstracted patient data to evaluate technical and clinical success, adverse events, and long-term outcomes. Two stents were placed either during the index procedure or during an interval procedure performed 4–6 weeks after the index procedure. @*Results@#A total of 21 patients underwent ETPGBD with dual stenting (57.14% male, mean age: 62.14±17.21 years). The median interval between the placement of the first and the second stents was 37 days (range: 0–226 days). Technical and clinical success rates were 100%, with a recurrence rate of 4.76% (n=1) and adverse event rate of 9.52% (n=2) during a mean follow-up period of 471.74±345.64 days (median: 341 days, range: 55–1084 days). @*Conclusions@#ETPGBD with dual gallbladder stenting is a safe and effective technique for long-term gallbladder drainage in non-surgical candidates. Larger controlled studies are needed to validate our findings for the widespread implementation of this technique.

Safety of Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy Tubes in Centenarian Patients

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a relatively safe procedure; however, no study has evaluated the safety of PEG tube placement in patients over the age of 100 years. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patient records for patients who underwent PEG tube placement. Thirty patients aged 100 years and older were identified and a random sample of 275 patients was selected for comparison. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 80.6±16.2 years. No procedure-related deaths or major complications were identified; the overall inpatient mortality rate was 7.6%. Minor complications were noted in 4% (n=12) of the patients. Centenarian patients were predominantly female (80% [n=24] vs. 54% [n=147], p=0.006), with a mean age of 100.5±0.9 years. There was no significant difference in procedural success rates (93.3% vs. 97.4%, p=0.222) or inpatient mortality (6.7% [n=2] vs. 7.7% [n=21], p=1.000) between the two groups. However, a higher minor complication rate was noted in the older patients (13.3% [n=4] vs. 2.9% [n=8], p=0.022). CONCLUSIONS: Success rates, major complications and inpatient mortality associated with PEG tubes in patients aged over 100 years are comparable to those observed in relatively younger patients at our center; however minor complication rates are relatively higher. These findings lead us to believe that PEG tubes may be safely attempted in carefully selected patients in this subset of the population.

Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography in Nonagenarian Patients: Is It Really Safe?

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Literature on the safety of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in elderly patients is divided. Based on this we decided to examine the safety of ERCP in nonagenarian patients. METHODS: A total of 1,389 patients, with a mean age of 63.94±19.62 years, underwent ERCP during the study period. There were 74 patients aged 90 years or older with a mean age of 92.07±1.8. Logistic regression showed that nonagenarian patients had a significantly increased odds of in-patient mortality (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]=9.6; 95% confidence interval [CI]=4, 23; p≤0.001). Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) ≥2 was also an independent predictor of in-patient mortality (AOR=2.4; 95% CI=1.2, 5.2; p=0.021). Age ≥90 was not associated with increased adverse events; however emergency procedures (AOR=2.4; 95% CI=1.5, 4; p < 0.001) and CCI ≥2 (AOR=2.6; 95% CI=1.7, 4.0; p < 0.001) were more likely to have adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Age ≥90 and CCI ≥2 are independently associated with increased odds of in-patient mortality in patients undergoing ERCP, whereas emergency procedures and CCI ≥2 are associated with an increased adverse event rate. Caution must be exercised when considering ERCP in patients aged ≥90 years and those with a CCI ≥2.

Infectious diseases in the aftermath of monsoon flooding in Pakistan

Pakistan is ranked 9th in terms of flood-affected countries worldwide. In the summer of 2010, the northern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa received more than 312 mm of rain in a 56 hour period. This resulted in over 1 600 deaths across the region. In addition, over 14 million people were directly affected by this record-breaking deluge. Flood affected regions serve as ideal breeding grounds for pathogens, leading to the spread of diseases. The poor standards of hygiene in camps set up for individuals displaced by the floods also contribute to this. It is essential that those involved in relief efforts are aware of the epidemiology of diseases that have historically seen a sudden upsurge after natural disasters. Keeping this in mind, we conducted a simple review of literature. An extensive literature search was conducted using the PubMed data base and online search engines. Articles published in the last 20 years were considered along with some historical articles where a background was required. Seven major diseases were identified to increase substantially in the aftermath of natural disasters. They were then classified into acute and sub-acute settings. Diarrhea, skin & eye infections and leptospirosis were identified in the acute setting while malaria, leishmaniasis, respiratory infections and hepatitis were identified in the sub-acute setting.

A case of cellulitis of the hands caused by a predatory bird attack

Many species have been drastically affected by rapid urbanization. Harris's hawks from their natural habitat of open spaces and a supply of rodents, lizards and other small prey have been forced to change their natural environment adapting to living in open spaces in sub- and peri-urban areas. Specific areas include playgrounds, parks and school courtyards. The migration of this predatory species into these areas poses a risk to individuals, and especially the children are often attacked by claws, talons and beaks intentionally or as collateral damage while attacking rodent prey. In addition, the diverse micro-organisms harbored in the beaks and talons can result in wound infections, presenting a challenge to clinical management. Here we would like to present a case of an 80-year-old man with cellulitis of both hands after sustaining minor injuries from the talons of a Harris's hawk and review the management options. We would also like to draw attention to the matter that, even though previously a rarity, more cases of injuries caused by birds of prey may be seen in hospital settings.