Progress in diagnosis and treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation / 器官移植

In recent years, with the development of organ preservation, surgical techniques, perioperative management and immunosuppression regimens, the success rate of liver transplantation and survival rate of the recipients have been significantly enhanced. Liver transplantation has become the optimal treatment for patients with end-stage liver disease. However, biliary complications still commonly occur after liver transplantation, especially biliary anastomotic stricture. Severe biliary anastomotic stricture will not only increase the cost of treatment, but also lead to graft loss and even affect the survival rate of recipients. Therefore, timely diagnosis and treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture play a significant role in improving the survival rate of liver transplant recipients. In this article, the risk factors, clinical symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide novel ideas for the research, diagnosis and treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture after liver transplantation, and further enhance clinical efficacy of liver transplantation and the quality of life of recipients.

Classification and minimally invasive management of ureteroileal bladder anastomotic stricture after radical cystectomy / 中华泌尿外科杂志

Objective:To discuss the classification and treatment of ureteroileal anastomotic stricture (UAS) after radical cystectomy.Methods:The clinical data of 34 patients with UAS after radical cystectomy in the Department of Urology of Tongji Hospital from January 2017 to January 2022 were reviewed and analyzed. There were 25 males and 9 females. The average age was (66.3±7.7)years, including 2 cases of bilateral hydronephrosis and 32 cases of unilateral hydronephrosis. The average time of UAS was detected (14.7±6.5)months after radical cystectomy. There were 32 patients of unilateral hydronephrosis and 2 patients of bilateral hydronephrosis. Two patients had undergone nephrostomy in an external hospital. Three patients had elevated leukocytes in blood routine. Among them, two patients had fever. First, nephrostomy on the hydronephrosis side and anti-infection treatment were performed. After routine blood tests showed that the white blood cells were normal and antibiotics were stopped for 24 hours without fever, the operation was performed. 34 patients had preoperative hydronephrosis of (2.7±0.6) cm. Of the 34 cases in this group, 5 cases were injected with methylene blue through a preoperative nephrostomy tube, and 29 were injected with methylene blue through the renal pelvis using an 18G puncture needle under ultrasound guidance. Using a ureteroscope to observe in the ileal bladder, methylene blue was seen in 4 cases. Methylene blue was used to guide the search for the stenosis and a super smooth guide wire was inserted. Among them, 3 cases were dilated with a 5 mm ureteral dilation balloon catheter, 1 case was dilated with a F14 ureteral access sheath, and then a F6 single J stent was inserted. Methylene blue was not seen in the ileal conduit in 30 cases, of which 16 cases were treated with a flexible ureteroscope through the nephrostomy to locate the stenosis, incised with a 30 W holmium laser. 9 cases were treated with 5 mm ureteral dilation balloon catheter, and 7 cases were treated with a F14 ureteral access sheath, and then an F6 single J stent was inserted. 14 cases were unable to find the stenosis by antegrade method. According to the operation time and patient's condition, it was decided to perform immediate or second stage dual endoscope surgery. Through the nephrostomy, a flexible ureteroscope was used to enter the stenosis along the super slide guide wire. A rigid ureteroscope was used to observe the stenosis through the ileal conduit, and the stenosis was found. The stenosis was found in 10 cases and incised with a 30 W holmium laser. 8 cases were treated with 5 mm ureteral dilation balloon catheter, and 2 cases were treated with a F14 ureteral access sheath, and then an F6 single J stent was inserted. 4 cases were still unable to accurately locate the stenosis using the dual endoscope surgery(one case was bilateral stenosis, and one side was relieved), and continued indwelling nephrostomy. The definition of successful removal of stricture in this study is that an F6 single J stent can be inserted into the ureter.Results:UAS were classified into four types based on the severity of the intraoperative findings: Type Ⅰ, the narrow ureteral lumen is more than 50% narrower than the normal ureteral lumen, but methylene blue can pass through in strands; Type Ⅱ, needle like stricture of the ureteral lumen, allowing only methylene blue filaments to pass through; Type Ⅲ, membranous atresia of the ureter, with a narrow segment of 1 to 3 mm in length, and methylene blue cannot pass through; Type Ⅳ, long segment stenosis. Of the 34 cases in this group, 4 cases were type Ⅰ, and the stenosis was dredged by retrograde method; 16 cases were type Ⅱ, and the stenotic segments were dredged by antegrade method; 10 cases were type Ⅲ, and the stenosis was dredged by the dual endoscope surgery; Four cases were of type Ⅳ (one case was of bilateral UAS, one side was of type Ⅲ, and the other side was of type Ⅳ, which was classified as type Ⅳ). The stenotic segment could not be solved through the above methods. Among the 34 patients, 30 patients were successfully relieved of anastomotic obstruction, and 1 patient with bilateral obstruction was unilaterally relieved of anastomotic obstruction. In the other 3 cases, because the stenosis segment was too long, 2 cases were changed to nephrostomy, and 1 case was changed to open surgery, with a success rate of 88.2%. UAS was classified into 4 types based on the severity of UAS seen during surgery. No serious complications occurred during and after the operation. During the follow-up of 6-24 months, the imaging evaluation of 4 patients showed that hydronephrosis was aggravated, with an average increase in creatinine of (32.5±10.9)μmol/L, requiring replacement of a single J tube. The imaging evaluation of the remaining 26 patients showed that the postoperative hydronephrosis was 0.9 ± 0.6 cm less than the preoperative hydronephrosis 2.6 ± 0.6 cm, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.01). The quality of life score at 3 months after surgery was (1.9±0.6), which was significantly improved compared to the preoperative indwelling nephrostomy period (5.2±0.7), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.01) Conclusions:The treatment of UAS after radical cystectomy with retrograde, antegrade, and dual endoscope surgery has a high success rate, which can help some patients avoid the inconvenience of indwelling external drainage tubes and the risk of open surgery. Choosing an appropriate surgical method can achieve the goal of treating UAS with minimal trauma.

A retrospective study on combined percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation followed by two stages cholangioscopic treatment for type Ⅰ and Ⅱa hepatolithiasis after cholangiojejunostomy / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective:To study the treatment outcomes of combining percutaneous transhepatic one-step biliary fistulation (PTOBF) followed by two stages cholangioscopic treatment for type Ⅰ and Ⅱa hepatolithiasis which developed after Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy, and in treatment of cholangiojejunostomy stenosis.Methods:The clinical data of 95 patients with type Ⅰ and Ⅱa hepatolithiasis which developed after Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy and were treated at Shandong Second Provincial General Hospital from September 2016 to December 2020 were analyzed retrospectively. There were 36 males and 59 females, with the age of (51.2±15.3) years (range 14 to 75 years). These patients initially underwent PTOBF rigid choledochoscopy, followed by electronic choledochoscopy via the fistula tract after 6-8 weeks. The hepatolithiasis removal, complications and hepatolithiasis recurrence rates, and the cholangio-intestinal anastomotic stenosis rate and treatments were recorded. The follow-up was performed to analyse prognosis.Results:All 95 patients successfully underwent PTOBF rigid choledochoscopy and electronic choledochoscopy via the fistula tract. In 92 patients (96.8%), stones were completely removed. In 3 patients, small amounts of peripheral bile duct stones were left behind. Of 49 patients had cholangio-intestinal anastomotic strictures. On cholangioscopic examination, the strictures were caused by anastomotic knots in the suture line in 25 patients and cicatricial stenosis in 24 patients. After biliary balloon dilation and removal of anastomotic suture line knots, the strictures were relieved in 49 patients. There were 2 patients who developed biliary bleeding and 2 patients pleural effusion after PTOBF rigid choledochoscopy. Hepatolithiasis recurred in 4 patients in 6 to 36 months later.Conclusion:PTOBF followed by two stages cholangioscopic treatment were safe and effective in treatment of type Ⅰ and Ⅱa hepatolithiasis after Roux-en-Y cholangiojejunostomy. A high hepatolithiasis removal rate was obtained. Balloon dilation and removal of biliary intestinal anastomotic suture knots effectively relieved biliary intestinal anastomotic stenosis. The long-term results needs to be further determined.

Comprehensive minimally invasive treatment for biliary anastomotic stenosis after orthotopic liver transplantation: a single center analysis of 60 cases / 器官移植

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-based comprehensive minimally invasive treatment for biliary anastomotic stenosis (BAS) after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 60 BAS recipients after liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed, 54 male and 6 female, aged (48±10) years. ERCP was initially carried out. If it succeeded, plastic or metallic stents were placed into the biliary tract. If it failed, percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) or single-operator cholangioscopy (SpyGlass) was adopted to pass through the stenosis. If all these procedures failed, magnetic anastomosis or other special methods were delivered. The incidence and treatment of BAS after liver transplantation were summarized. The efficacy, stent removal and recurrence were observed. Results The median time of incidence of BAS after liver transplantation was 8 (4, 13) months. Within postoperative 1 year, 1-2 years and over 2 years, 39, 16 and 5 recipients were diagnosed with BAS, respectively. All 60 BAS recipients after liver transplantation were successfully treated, including 56 cases initially receiving ERCP, and 41 completing BAS treatment, with a success rate of 73%. The failure of guide wire was the main cause of ERCP failure. The success rates of PTCD, SpyGlass and magnetic anastomosis were 5/9, 5/7 and 7/8, respectively. Two recipients were successfully treated by percutaneous choledochoscope-assisted blunt guide wire technique and stent placement in the biliary and duodenal fistula. After 3 (3, 4) cycles of ERCP and 13 (8, 18) months of stent indwelling, 38 recipients reached the stent removal criteria, including 25 plastic stents and 13 metallic stents. The indwelling time of plastic stents was longer than that of metallic stents (P < 0.05). Six cases suffered from stenosis recurrence at 12 (8, 33) months after stent removal, and the recurrence rate was 16%. Six patients were treated with ERCP, and 5 of them did not recur after the stents were successfully removed. Multivariate analysis showed that delayed diagnosis of stenosis and frequent ERCP before stent removal were the independent risk factors for BAS recurrence (both P < 0.05). Conclusions ERCP-based comprehensive minimally invasive treatment may improve the success rate of BAS treatment after liver transplantation and yield satisfactory long-term efficacy. Delayed diagnosis of BAS and high frequent ERCP required for stent removal are the independent risk factors for BAS recurrence.

Role of covering Ileostomy in causation of anastomotic strictures in low anterior resections for rectum carcinoma / O papel da ileostomia de proteção como causa das estenoses anastomóticas nas ressecções anteriores de reto

Abstract Background Colorectal resection anastomosis is the commonest cause of rectal strictures. Anastomotic site ischemia, incomplete doughnuts from stapled anastomosis and pelvic infection, are some of the risk factors that play a role in the development of postoperative rectal strictures. However, the role of diverting stoma in the development of rectal strictures has not been studied extensively. Objectives To study the difference in the occurrence of anastomotic strictures (AS) in patients submitted to low anterior resection (LAR) with covering ileostomy (CI), and to LAR without CI for carcinoma rectum. Methods This was a prospective, comparative case control study carried out at a tertiary care referral center. Low anterior resection with covering ileostomy was performed in patients with rectum carcinoma in the study group, while LAR without covering ileostomy was performed in the control group. The study group had 29 patients, while the control group had 33 patients with rectum carcinoma. Results During themean follow-up period of 9.1months, 8 (28%) patients in the study group and 2 (6%) patients in the control group developed AS (p =0.019). Out of these 8 patients with AS in the study group, 50% had Grade-I AS, 25% had Grade-II AS, while 25% of the patients had Grade-III (severe) AS. However, both patients who developed AS in the control group had a mild type (Grade I) of AS. Conclusion Covering ileostomy increases the chances of AS formation after LAR for rectum carcinoma. Also, the SKIMS Clinical Grading of Rectal Strictures is a simple and

Resumo Introdução A anastomose de ressecção colorretal é a causa mais comum de estenoses retais. A isquemia do local da anastomose, donuts (anéis) incompletos de anastomose grampeada e infecção pélvica são alguns dos fatores de risco que desempenham um papel no desenvolvimento de estenoses retais pós-operatórias. No entanto, o papel do estoma de desvio no desenvolvimento de estenoses retais não foi estudado extensivamente. Objetivos Estudar a diferença na ocorrência de estenoses anastomóticas (EA) em pacientes submetidos à ressecção anterior baixa (LAR) com ileostomia de proteção e a LAR sem ileostomia de proteção para carcinoma de reto. Métodos Este foi um estudo prospectivo e comparativo de caso-controle realizado em um centro de referência de atenção terciária. A ressecção anterior baixa com ileostomia de proteção foi realizada em pacientes com carcinoma de reto no grupo de estudo, enquanto LAR sem ileostomia de proteção foi realizada no grupo controle. O grupo de estudo tinha 29 pacientes, enquanto o grupo controle tinha 33 pacientes com carcinoma de reto. Resultados Durante o período de acompanhamento médio de 9, 1 meses, 8 (28%) pacientes no grupo de estudo e 2 (6%) pacientes no grupo controle desenvolveram EA (p=0,019). Destes 8 pacientes com EA no grupo de estudo, 50% tinham EA de Grau I, 25% tinhamEA de Grau II, enquanto 25% dos pacientes tinham EA de Grau III (grave). No entanto, ambos os pacientes que desenvolveram EA no grupo de controle tinham um tipo leve (Grau I) de EA. Conclusão A ileostomia de proteção aumenta as chances de formação de AS após LAR para carcinoma de reto. Além disso, o SKIMS Clinical Grading of Rectal Strictures é uma ferramenta simples e útil disponível para cada cirurgião para graduar, classificar e monitorar as estenoses retais pós-operatórias.

Clinical analysis on 32 cases of benign biliary-enteric anastomotic stricture treated by quadrate lobectomy combined with large-caliber cholangio-jejunostomy / 中华普通外科杂志

Objective:To evaluate liver quadrate lobectomy combined with large-bore cholangio-jejunostomy for the treatment of benign biliary-enteric anastomotic stricture.Methods:The clinical data of 32 patients undergoing liver quadrate lobectomy combined with large-caliber cholangio-jejunostomy were retrospectively analyzed. The bile drainage effect and postoperative complications were analyzed. And the clinical effects of different size of biliary-enteric anastomosis were compared.Results:The most common short-term complications were cholangitis (9.4%) and bile leakage (9.4%), and the most common long-term complications were reflux cholangitis (15.6%). No anastomotic restenosis, stone formation or canceration were found. During the follow-up period, the total bilirubin ( t=19.455, P=0.000), direct bilirubin ( t=18.479, P=0.000), alkaline phosphatase ( t=3.229, P=0.002) and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase ( t=3.057, P=0.003) level were significantly improved. The effect of bile drainage in patients with 2-3 cm diameter of biliary-enteric anastomosis was similar to that in patients with >3 cm diameter ( t=0.284, P=0.778). The incidences of cholangitis (χ 2=0.121, P=0.728), bile leakage (χ 2=0.121, P=0.728) and reflux cholangitis (χ 2=0.205, P=0.652) were no statistical difference in both groups. Conclusion:Liver quadrate lobectomy combined with large-caliber cholangio-jejunostomy is effective in the treatment of benign biliary-enteric anastomotic stricture. More than 2cm in diameter of the biliary-enteric anastomosis is enough.

Research progress of benign anastomotic stricture after esophagectomy / 国际肿瘤学杂志

Benign anastomotic stricture is one of the most common complications after esophagectomy,which can result in the dysphagia and weight loss of patients.It can severely impair the patient's quality of life with the progress of the stricture.What is more,refractory benign stricture is a major challenge for physicians and needs repeated treatments,which aggravates the patient's pain and increases extra costs.Benign anastomotic stricture is associated closely with various risk factors,which can be prevented by adopting some measures.Dilation remains the first-line treatment to manage benign anastomotic stricture and it may be effective to combine with drug therapy.Endoscopic incisional therapy is a promising method as a new treatment therapy.The use of various stents fails to improve overall long-term dysphagia-free rate.In addition,stent has a possible risk of migration and hyperplastic tissue growth,which should be used by weighing the pros and cons.

Esophageal stent placement versus endoscopic incision for the treatment of refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture / 医学研究生学报

Objective Few reports are seen comparing esophageal stent placement (ESP) and the endoscopic incision method (EIM) in the treatment refractory esophageal anastomotic strictures (EAS) following esophageal carcinoma resection (ECR). This study was to evaluate the effect ESP versus that of EIM in the treatment of refractory EAS after ECR. Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data on 50 cases of post-ECR refractory EAS treated by ESP (n = 32) or EIM (n = 18) in our Center of Digestive Medicine between January 2012 and December 2018. We recorded and compared the pre- and post-operative dysphagia scores, post-operative complications and follow-up results between the two groups of patients. Results Compared with the EIM group, the patients of the ESP group had a remarkably lower dysphagia score post-operatively (1.4±0.5 vs 1.0±0.0, P<0.01), a smaller diameter of the dilated esophagus ([19.9±1.8] vs [11.0±1.9] mm, P<0.01), higher incidence rates mild and severe chest pain (P=0.022), and a higher rate of relief of esophageal stricture at 12 months after surgery (P<0.05). Conclusion EIM can rapidly relieve the symptoms of esophageal anastomotic stricture, while ESP may achieve a longer duration of relief. Both of the procedures are safe for patients with refractory esophageal anastomotic stricture.

Risk factors of coloanal anastomotic stricture after laparoscopic intersphincteric resection for low rectal cancer / 中华胃肠外科杂志

Objective@#To evaluate the risk factors of coloanal anastomotic stricture after laparoscopic intersphincteric resection (Lap-ISR) for patients with low rectal cancer.@*Methods@#A retrospective case-control study was performed to collect clinicopathological data from a prospective database (registration number: ChiCTR-ONC-15007506) at the Department of Colorectal Surgery, the Characteristic Medical center of PLA Rocket Force. From June 2011 to August 2018, a total of 144 consecutive patients with low rectal cancer who underwent Lap-ISR were enrolled in the study. Inclusion criteria: (1) reconstruction of digestive tract by end-to-end hand-made coloanal anastomosis (HCAA); (2) distance from lower tumor margin to anorected sphincter ring < 1 cm and distance from lower tumor margin to intersphincteric groove ≥ 1 cm; (3) T1-3 stage tumor with expected negative circumferential resection margin evaluated by preoperative MRI or 3D endoanal ultrasound; (4) rectal cancer confirmed as well- or moderately-differentiated adenocarcinoma; (5) preoperative Wexner incontinence score >10 points. Exclusion criteria: (1) follow-up period less than 3 months; (2) multiple primary cancers; (3) undergoing colonic J-pouch, coloplasty or reconstruction of end-to-side coloanal anastomosis; (4) death within perioperative period (within 3 months after surgery). Coloanal anastomotic stricture was diagnosed if the index finger or 12 mm electronic colonoscope had obvious resistance through the anastomosis or new rectum, or could not pass, accompanied by clinical symptoms such as difficult defecation and anal incontinence. Degree of anastomotic stricture was divided into 3 grades: grade A required anal enlargement, laxative or enema to assist defecation without active surgical treatment; grade B required surgery or endoscopic intervention; grade C required definitive ostomy, including unreducible preventive ileostomy or permanent colostomy. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to evaluate the effects of 28 variables, including baseline data (age, gender, body mass index, neoadjuvant therapy, etc.), tumor-related factors (distance between tumor low margin and anal edge, maximum diameter of tumor, TNM staging, etc.), surgery-related factors (operation time, intraoperative blood loss, ISR procedure, anastomotic height, etc.) and anastomotic leakage, on the postoperative coloanal anastomotic stricture. Univariate analysis used χ2 test or Fisher′s exact test, then factors with P<0.05 were further included in multivariate analysis using logistic regression.@*Results@#A total of 144 patients were enrolled in the study, including 90 males and 54 females with a median age of 59 years and median BMI of 24.88 kg/m2. R0 resection rate was 96.5% (139/144). Median tumor distal resection margin was 1.5 (0.5 to 3.0) cm. Median follow-up was 31.5 (4 to 86) months. Coloanal anastomotic stricture was observed in 19 patients (13.2%), including 3 cases (2.1%) of grade A, 9 cases (6.2%) of grade B, and 7 cases (4.9%) of grade C. The median interval from the initial surgery to diagnosis of anastomotic stricture was 7 (1 to 31) months. Univariate analysis showed that male (χ2=6.795, P=0.009), radiotherapy (χ2=13.330, P=0.001), operation type of ISR (χ2=7.996, P=0.013), and anastomotic leakage (χ2=10.198, P=0.004) were associated with the postoperative coloanal anastomotic stricture. Multivariate analysis further indicated that male (OR=5.975, 95% CI: 1.209-29.534, P=0.028), postoperative radiotherapy (OR=8.748, 95% CI: 2.397-31.929, P=0.001), and anastomotic leakage (OR=6.313, 95% CI: 1.834-21.734, P=0.003) were independent risk factor of postoperative coloanal anastomotic stricture.@*Conclusion@#For male patients, or patients with postoperative radiotherapy or anastomotic leakage, close follow-up should be carried out to prevent postoperative coloanal anastomotic stricture following Lap-ISR.

Magnetic compression anastomosis for treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To study the safety and efficacy of magnetic compression anastomosis (MCA) in treatment of biliary anastomotic stricture after orthotopic liver transplantation (LT).Methods Five patients who were treated unsuccessfully by ERCP were admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from 2012 January to 2018 May to undergo MCA.The treatment results were analyzed retrospectively.Results In four patients,the treatment was successful while in one patient it failed.For the four successful patients,the biliary stricture length was 2～4 mm.Re-canalization was achieved within 7～12 days and these patients were discharged home without any adverse events.Multiple plastic stents (in 2 patients) or full-covered self-expansion mental stents (in 2 patients) were inserted into the new fistulae after re-canalization.In two patients whose stents were removed,there was no recurrence of biliary strictures after follow-up for 64 months and 59 months,respectively.Conclusion The MCA technique is a revolutionary and effective method of performing interventional choledochocholedochostomy in patients with biliary anastomotic stricture after LT for whom the conventional endoscopic procedures were not successful.

Nursing of endoscopic full-covered self-expanding removable metal stents implantation for bile duct anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the nursing points of endoscopic full-covered self-expanding removable metal stents (FCSERMS) implantation for bile duct anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation. Methods The clinical data of patients who were treated by endoscopic full-covered self-expanding removable metal stents implantation for bile duct anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation from January 2013 to July 2015 were retrospectively analyzed, and the nursing process were summarized. Results The group of 9 patients were successfully placed and removed with FCSERMS. There was no postoperative complication, such as stent migration, acute pancreatitis, biliary bleeding and intestinal leakage. All the bile duct strictures were relieved after FCSERMS removement. Followed up for 10-32 months, there was no symptom and sign of bile duct anastomotic stricture recurrent. Conclusions The key in nursing points of FCSERMS implantation for bile duct anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation are introducing the function of FCSERMS and therapeutic process to improve patient compliance, mastering the endoscopic operations, the placement and removal method of FCSERMS to short operation time, strengthening postoperative nasal bile duct care, paying attention to the observation, detection and treatment of postoperative complications after the metal stent placement and removement, as well as the continuing care during the period between placement and removment of FCSERMS.

Correlation between anastomotic angle and postoperative anastomotic stricture in the surgery of esophageal carcionma: A randomized controlled trial / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To investigate the correlation between end-to-side anastomotic angle and postoperative anastomotic stricture in the surgery of esophageal carcinoma. Methods    From January 2011 to June 2015, 130 patients with middle/lower esophageal carcinoma or gastric cardia cancer underwent operations in Shanghai Pudong Hospital and Lishui Central Hospital, Zhejiang Province. Depending on the end-to-side anastomotic angle, they were randomly divided into two groups (n=65 in each): a 0 degree group (49 males and 16 females, aged 64.5±8.3 years) and a 45 degrees group (52 males, 13 females, aged 61.7±9.1 years). Stooler degree grading was adopted to evaluate the anastomotic stricture in each group 6 months postoperatively. Results    There were two patients with anastomotic fistula in each group (P>0.05). Pathology showed squamous carcinoma in 116 patients and adenocarcinoma in 14 patients. The postoperative esophageal stricture in the 45 degrees group was significantly less than that in the 0 degree group. There was no statistical difference in the duration of chest tube (5.9±6.7 d vs. 5.8±6.8 d) and recovery of intestinal peristalsis (2.6±0.8 d vs. 2.6±0.7 d) between the 45 degrees group and the 0 degree group. Conclusion    Esophagogastric anastomotic angle is related to the formation of postoperative anastomotic stricture. Oblique anastomosis with 45 degrees is helpful to decrease the severity of stricture.

Current status of endoscopic balloon dilation for Crohn's disease

The therapeutic target in Crohn's disease (CD) has been raised to the achievement of mucosal healing. Although effective treatments that target cytokines and other molecules has been widely used for CD, intestinal strictures are still a major cause of surgery. Endoscopic balloon dilation (EBD) is known to be an effective and safe intervention for intestinal strictures in CD. Since frequent intestinal resection often results in short bowel syndrome and can decrease the quality of life, EBD can help avoid surgery. EBD with a conventional colonoscope for Crohn's strictures of the colon and ileo-colonic anastomosis has established efficacy and safety. In addition, EBD using balloon-assisted enteroscopy has recently been applied for small bowel Crohn's strictures. Although the evidence is not strong, EBD may become an alternative to surgery in small bowel strictures in CD. EBD and other new methods such as self-expanding stent implantation for Crohn's strictures may be useful and safe; however, it is important to address several issues regarding these interventions and to establish a protocol for combined therapies.

Application and nursing care of persistent balloon dilatation for anastomotic stricture after choledochojejunostomy / 中国实用护理杂志

Objective To investigate the value and nursing of persistent balloon dilatation for anastomotic stricture after choledochojejunostomy. Methods The clinical data of 14 cases of anastomotic strictures after choledochojejunostomy accepted the treatment of persistent balloon dilatation were analyzed retrospectively. The effect, adverse reactions and approriate nursing were evaluated. Results Five patients were performed with persistent balloon dilatation thorough the output loop of intestine after choledochojejunostomy and 9 patients through percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography. There was no hemobilia, bile leak or other serious complications. There were 2 cases of balloon dilatation catheter damage, 5 cases of pressure pump damage and 4 cases of balloon migration with 25.0% (7/28) instrument damage rate and 4 cases of balloon migration. After persistent balloon dilation for 6 to 8 months, no anastomotic stricture was found by choledochoscopic examination. Follow up for 6 to 18 months, 2 cases had recurrent anastomotic stricture. Conclusions Persistent balloon dilatation by percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography is a simple, safe and effective method for anastomotic stricture after choledochojejunostomy. In the course of nursing, the balloon catheter and pressure pump damage, and balloon migration should be noted.

Esophageal valve forming esophageal and gastric sleeve joint surgery for preventing postoperative anastomotic complications of esophageal cancer / 重庆医学

Objective To clarify the effect of esophageal valve forming esophageal and gastric sleeve joint surgery for preven‐ting postoperative anastomotic complications of esophageal cancer .Methods A randomized controlled trial was designed to incorpo‐rate a total of 394 patients with esophageal cancer from January 2010 to June 2013 .This study has been registered in the Chinese clinical trial center and received a registration number :ChiCTR‐TRC‐13003817 .Among them ,9 cases (2 .3% ) were excluded be‐cause of the non line esophageal cancer radical operation .The remaining patients were randomly divided into two groups ,191 cases in group A and 194 cases in group B ,according to the principle of random grouping .Group A was experimental group ,patients ac‐cepted esophageal valve forming esophageal and gastric sleeve joint surgery ,and group B was the control group ,patients received conventional anastomosis .Results The incidence of anastomotic leakage after operation in group A and group B were 4 .1% and 3 .6% ,thse results were not statistically significant (P=0 .768) .In the observation of anastomotic stenosis ,7 patients died after sur‐gery .In the remaining cases ,there were 13 cases (6 .9% ) and 25 cases (13 .2% ) in group A and group B ,respectively ,the differ‐ence was statistically significant (P=0 .044) .Furthermore ,reflux oesophagitis and Barrett′s epithelium were found in 105 patients (55 .3% ) in group B ,and 54 (28 .7% ) patients in group A ,the difference was statistically significant (P<0 .01) .Conclusion E‐sophageal valve forming esophageal and gastric sleeve joint surgery can effectively prevent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux , but also can reduce the postoperative incidence of anastomotic stenosis .

Efficacy of endoscopic radial incision (ERI) for benign stricture of upper digestive system / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To evaluate the safety and efficacy of endoscopic radial incision (ERI) for benign stricture of upper digestive system. Methods Patients with benign esophageal or gastric stricture (including anastomotic stricture, stricture after ESD and caustic stricture) were enrolled in this study. The stage of stricture, length of the lesion and the thickness of the scar were recorded. ERI (maybe associated with balloon dilatation) were performed. Post-opera-tive symptoms, complications and follow-up were also recorded. Results 7 patients were enrolled and all received ERI, and 4 additional balloon dilatation were done. Dysphagia in all patients relieved. 1 case with hemorrhage oc-curred and relieved with conservative treatment. Majority of the patients got long-term remission after 1~2 times of ERI. Conclusion ERI is safe and effective for benign stricture of upper digestive system. It may prolong the dyspha-gia-free period, worth clinical promotion.

Treatment of anastomotic stricture after biliary-intestinal anastomosis with percuta-neous transhepatic cholangial drainage and balloon dilatation / 军事医学

Objective To evaluate the effect and feasibility of balloon dilatation for treatment of anastomotic stricture after biliary-intestinal anastomosis with percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage( PTCD) .Methods A total of 23 pa-tients with anastomotic stricture after biliary-intestinal anastomosis who had undergone PTCD+balloon dilatation were ana-lyzed retrospectively between Mar 2009 to Dec 2011.The patency of bile duct, jaundice index and liver function were recor-ded.Results PTCD+balloon dilatation was completed successfully in all cases, and a metallic stent was implanted in one case.Anastomotic stricture, postoperative jaundice index and liver function were improved significantly after operation.No serious complications occurred.Conclusion PTCD+balloon dilatation has good curative effect on anastomotic stricture. The complication rate is low.It is a safe, feasible and effective minimally invasive treatment.

Endoscopy-Guided Balloon Dilation of Benign Anastomotic Strictures after Radical Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic dilation for benign anastomotic stricture after radical gastrectomy in gastric cancer patients. METHODS: Gastric cancer patients who underwent endoscopic balloon dilation for benign anastomosis stricture after radical gastrectomy during a 6-year period were reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients developed benign strictures at the site of anastomosis. The majority of strictures occurred within 1 year after surgery (95.2%). The median duration to stenosis after surgery was 1.70 months (range, 0.17 to 23.97 months). The success rate of the first endoscopic dilation was 61.9%. Between the restenosis group (n=8) and the no restenosis group (n=13), there were no significant differences in the body mass index (22.82 kg/m2 vs 22.46 kg/m2), interval to symptom onset (73.9 days vs 109.3 days), interval to treatment (84.6 days vs 115.6 days), maximal balloon diameter (14.12 mm vs 15.62 mm), number of balloon dilation sessions (1.75 vs 1.31), location of gastric cancer or type of surgery. One patient required surgery because of stricture refractory to repeated dilation. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic dilation is a highly effective treatment for benign anastomotic strictures after radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer and should be considered a primary intervention prior to proceeding with surgical revision.

Application of Flexible Ureteroscope in the Treatment of Ureterointestinal Anastomotic Strictures in Patients with Bricker Urinary Diversion / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of application of anterograde flexible ureteroscope in the treatment of ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures in patients after Bricker urinary diversion. Methods From March 2009 to July 2012, 6 patients with ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures after Bricker procedure were enrolled in this study. The average age of the patients was (61 ±7) years old. The first clinical presentation was averagely (6.3 ±2.5) months after the Bricker procedure. There were 4 cases with left side strictures and 2 cases with right side ones. The urinary tract ultrasound, CT, KUB+IVP and antegrade urography were carried out to identify the obstructive portion. The mean length of stricture was 0.9cm (0.4~2.5) . First, all patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN), then inside incision by Holmium:YAG laser under anterograde flexible ureteroscopy and lithotripsy (with calculi) . The F6 double J ureteral stent was indwelled for 12 weeks. KUB+IVP was performed after removal of double J ureteral stents. Results The mean operative time was (53±8) min. The mean hospital stay was (5.5±2) days. The blood loss was 3~6 mL. The average follow-up was 18 months (6~30) . No recurrence was found in 5 patients. One case had recurrent stricture after the first procedure, which was successfully managed by the flexible ureteroscopy again and replacing double J ureteral stent every 12 months. Conclusion The inside incision by anterograde flexible ureteroscopic Holmium:YAG laser is safe and effective for ureterointestinal anastomotic strictures in patients after Bricker urinary diversion, with less complications.

Temporary Placement of Stent Grafts in Postsurgical Benign Biliary Strictures: a Single Center Experience

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of temporary stent graft placement in the treatment of benign anastomotic biliary strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients, five women and four men, 22-64 years old (mean, 47.5 years), with chronic benign biliary anastomotic strictures, refractory to repeated balloon dilations, were treated by prolonged, temporary placement of stent-grafts. Four patients had strictures following a liver transplantation; three of them in bilio-enteric anastomoses and one in a choledocho-choledochostomy. Four of the other five patients had strictures at bilio-enteric anastomoses, which developed after complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomies and in one after a Whipple procedure for duodenal carcinoma. In eight patients, balloon-expandable stent-grafts were placed and one patient was treated by insertion of a self-expanding stent-graft. RESULTS: In the transplant group, treatment of patients with bilio-enteric anastomoses was unsuccessful (mean stent duration, 30 days). The patient treated for stenosis in the choledocho-choledochostomy responded well to consecutive self-expanding stent-graft placement (total placement duration, 112 days). All patients with bilio-enteric anastomoses in the non-transplant group were treated successfully with stent-grafts (mean placement duration, 37 days). CONCLUSION: Treatment of benign biliary strictures with temporary placement of stent-grafts has a positive effect, but is less successful in patients with strictures developed following a liver transplant.