National Survey Regarding the Management of Difficult Bile Duct Stones in South Korea

Background/Aims@#This study aimed to investigate the patterns of preferred endoscopic procedure types and techniques for managing difficult common bile duct (CBD) stones in South Korea. @*Methods@#The Committee of Policy and Quality Management of Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) conducted a survey containing 19 questions. Both paper and online surveys were carried out; with the paper survey being conducted during the 2019 Annual Congress of KPBA and the online survey being conducted through Google Forms from April 2020 to February 2021. @*Results@#The response rate was approximately 41.3% (86/208). Sixty-two (73.0%) worked at tertiary hospitals or academic medical centers, and 60 (69.7%) had more than 5 years of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography experience. The preferred size criteria for large CBD stones were 15 mm (40.6%), 20 mm (31.3%), and 30 mm (4.6%). For managing of large CBD stones, endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation after endoscopic sphincterotomy was the most preferred technique (74.4%). When performing procedures in those with bleeding diathesis, 64 (74.4%) respondents favored endoscopic papillary balloon dilation (EPBD) alone or EPBD with small endoscopic sphincterotomy. Fifty-five respondents (63.9%) preferred the doubleguidewire technique when faced with difficult bile duct cannulation in patients with periampullary diverticulum. In surgically altered anatomies, cap-fitted forward viewing endoscopy (76.7%) and percutaneous transhepatic cholangioscopy (48.8%) were the preferred techniques for Billroth-II anastomosis and total gastrectomy with Roux-en-Y anastomosis, respectively. @*Conclusions@#Most respondents showed unifying trends for the management of difficult CBD stones. The current practice patterns could be used as basic data for clinical quality improvements in the management of difficult CBD stones.

Current Practice Patterns of Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Tissue Sampling for Pancreatic Solid Mass in Korea: Outcomes of a National Survey

Background/Aims@#Although endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) and fine needle biopsy (FNB) are widely used for tissue acquisition of pancreatic solid mass, the optimal strategy of this procedure has not been established yet. The aim of this nationwide study was to investigate the current practice patterns of EUS-FNA/FNB for pancreatic solid mass in Korea. @*Methods@#The Policy-Quality Management of the Korean Pancreatobiliary Association (KPBA) developed a questionnaire containing 22 questions. An electronic survey consisting of the questionnaire was distributed by e-mail to members registered to the KPBA. @*Results@#A total of 101 respondents completed the survey. Eighty respondents (79.2%) performed preoperative EUS-FNA/FNB for operable pancreatic solid mass. Acquire needles (60.4%) were used the most, followed by ProCore needles (47.5%). In terms of need size, most respondents (>80%) preferred 22-gauge needles regardless of the location of the mass. Negative suction with a 10-mL syringe (71.3%) as sampling technique was followed by stylet slow-pull (41.6%). More than three needle passes for EUS-FNA/FNB was performed by most respondents (>80%). The frequency of requiring repeated procedure was significantly higher in respondents with a low individual volume (<5 per month, p=0.001). Prophylactic antibiotics were routinely used in 39 respondents (38.6%); rapid on-site pathologic evaluation was used in 6.1%. @*Conclusions@#According to this survey, practices of EUS-FNA/FNB for pancreatic solid mass varied substantially, some of which differed considerably from the recommendations present in existing guidelines. These results suggest that the development of evidence-based quality guidelines fitting Korean clinical practice is needed to establish the optimal strategy for this procedure.

Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Gallstones / 대한소화기학회지

Gallstones are relatively common in the general population, and the clinical presentation is asymptomatic in most patients or has a benign course, such as biliary colic or vague gastrointestinal symptoms. On the other hand, it sometimes causes life-threatening complications, such as cholecystitis and pancreatitis. Asymptomatic gallstones do not require specific treatment, but a cholecystectomy may be necessary if the patient has a high risk of complications or gallbladder cancer. Abdominal ultrasonography is the most useful diagnostic tool for gallstones, which shows high sensitivity and specificity. In addition, endoscopic ultrasonography may be helpful when typical symptoms of gallstones are present, but gallstones are not identified with abdominal ultrasonography. Abdominal CT, MRCP, or ERCP help identify complications or other accompanying diseases caused by gallstones. Oral bile acid dissolution therapy can be attempted by administering ursodeoxycholic acid and chenodeoxycholic acid if gallstones are confirmed, but the related symptoms are mild or atypical, and the patient is unable/unwilling to undergo a cholecystectomy. A high success rate can be achieved when the treatment candidate is appropriately selected. The disadvantages of oral bile acid dissolution therapy are that there are few appropriate candidates, long-term treatment is required, and the gallstone frequently recurs when the treatment is discontinued.

Multidisciplinary and Multisociety Practice Guideline on Reprocessing Flexible Gastrointestinal Endoscopes and Endoscopic Accessories

The area of endoscopic application has been continuously expanded since its introduction in the last century and the frequency of its use also increased stiffly in the last decades. Because gastrointestinal endoscopy is naturally exposed to diseased internal organs and contact with pathogenic materials, endoscopy mediated infection or disease transmission becomes a major concern in this field. Gastrointestinal endoscopy is not for single use and the proper reprocessing process is a critical factor for safe and reliable endoscopy procedures. What needed in these circumstances is a practical guideline for reprocessing the endoscope and its accessories which is feasible in the real clinical field to guarantee acceptable prevention of pathogen transmission. This guideline contains principles and instructions of the reprocessing procedure according to the step by step. And it newly includes general information and updated knowledge about endoscopy-mediated infection and disinfection. Multiple societies and working groups participated to revise; Korean Association for the Study of the Liver, the Korean Society of Infectious Diseases, Korean College of Helicobacter and Upper Gastrointestinal Research, the Korean Society of Gastroenterology, Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Cancer, Korean Association for the Study of Intestinal Diseases, Korean Pancreatobiliary Association, the Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Nurses and Associates and Korean Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Through this cooperation, we enhanced communication and established a better concordance. We still need more researches in this field and fill up the unproven area. And our guidelines will be renewed accordingly.

Screening of Sera from Patients with Pancreatitis by an Apoptosis Assay of Skin-derived Cells / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An excessive inflammatory response is typical in acute pancreatitis and a significant cause of early mortality in severe acute pancreatitis. This is believed to be caused by inflammatory molecules or upregulated cytokine levels in the serum of patients. The aim of this study was to identify the serum-mediated apoptosis-inducing effects in acute pancreatitis patients.METHODS: A skin tissue-derived cell line, BJ, was treated for 24 hours with the sera of 22 healthy volunteers (control) and 71 acute pancreatitis patients (22 with gallstone pancreatitis, 16 with alcoholic pancreatitis, and 11 with pancreatitis with other causes) collected at the time of hospital admission (active) and discharge (resolved). Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTS: The average percentage of living cells, early apoptotic cells, and late apoptotic cells ranged from 78.8% to 85.0%, 5.5% to 7.3%, and 7.7% to 13.1%, respectively. The number of live cells increased significantly using the serum from the resolved state of gallstone-induced pancreatitis. In addition, the number of early apoptotic cells increased significantly using the serum from the resolved state of pancreatitis with other causes. The number of late apoptotic cells decreased significantly with the serum from the resolved state compared to the active state of gallstone- and alcohol-induced pancreatitis.CONCLUSIONS: Serum samples from patients with pancreatitis induced a change in the apoptosis profiles of skin-derived cells. These results indicate changes in the serum components in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Updated Guidelines for the Management of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasm / 대한내과학회지

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are becoming increasingly frequent, presenting a number of challenges in clinical practice. While several guidelines have been published to address these, they are largely composed of expert opinions based on relatively low-level evidence. Their recommendations are similar in general, but there are many differences in detail. Pancreatic neoplasms have differing malignant potential, based on the histologic type and clinical and radiological features of the cysts. It is necessary to stratify the malignancy risk of each cyst, using proper evaluation methods, and to manage it appropriately, with surgical resection or surveillance. In addition, risks associated with surgical resection, costs associated with long-term follow-up, and patient discomfort and anxiety must be considered in the proper management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. In this review, we introduce four recently published guidelines.

Updated Guidelines for the Management of Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasm / 대한내과학회지

Pancreatic cystic neoplasms are becoming increasingly frequent, presenting a number of challenges in clinical practice. While several guidelines have been published to address these, they are largely composed of expert opinions based on relatively low-level evidence. Their recommendations are similar in general, but there are many differences in detail. Pancreatic neoplasms have differing malignant potential, based on the histologic type and clinical and radiological features of the cysts. It is necessary to stratify the malignancy risk of each cyst, using proper evaluation methods, and to manage it appropriately, with surgical resection or surveillance. In addition, risks associated with surgical resection, costs associated with long-term follow-up, and patient discomfort and anxiety must be considered in the proper management of pancreatic cystic neoplasms. In this review, we introduce four recently published guidelines.

Screening of Sera from Patients with Pancreatitis by an Apoptosis Assay of Skin-derived Cells / 대한소화기학회지

BACKGROUND/AIMS: An excessive inflammatory response is typical in acute pancreatitis and a significant cause of early mortality in severe acute pancreatitis. This is believed to be caused by inflammatory molecules or upregulated cytokine levels in the serum of patients. The aim of this study was to identify the serum-mediated apoptosis-inducing effects in acute pancreatitis patients. METHODS: A skin tissue-derived cell line, BJ, was treated for 24 hours with the sera of 22 healthy volunteers (control) and 71 acute pancreatitis patients (22 with gallstone pancreatitis, 16 with alcoholic pancreatitis, and 11 with pancreatitis with other causes) collected at the time of hospital admission (active) and discharge (resolved). Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: The average percentage of living cells, early apoptotic cells, and late apoptotic cells ranged from 78.8% to 85.0%, 5.5% to 7.3%, and 7.7% to 13.1%, respectively. The number of live cells increased significantly using the serum from the resolved state of gallstone-induced pancreatitis. In addition, the number of early apoptotic cells increased significantly using the serum from the resolved state of pancreatitis with other causes. The number of late apoptotic cells decreased significantly with the serum from the resolved state compared to the active state of gallstone- and alcohol-induced pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: Serum samples from patients with pancreatitis induced a change in the apoptosis profiles of skin-derived cells. These results indicate changes in the serum components in patients with acute pancreatitis.

What is the Best Sampling Method to Monitor the Effect of Endoscopy Reprocessing?

No abstract available.

Efficacy of Capecitabine Plus Oxaliplatin Combination Chemotherapy for Advanced Pancreatic Cancer after Failure of First-Line Gemcitabine-Based Therapy

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Second-line chemotherapy in patients with advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) that progresses following gemcitabine-based treatment has not been established. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of second-line combination chemotherapy with capecitabine and oxaliplatin (XELOX) in these patients. METHODS: Between August 2011 and May 2014, all patients who received at least one cycle of XELOX (capecitabine, 1,000 mg/m² twice daily for 14 days; oxaliplatin, 130 mg/m² on day 1 of a 3-week cycle) combination chemotherapy for unresectable or recurrent PDAC were retrospectively recruited. The response was evaluated every 9 weeks, and the tumor response rate, progression-free survival and overall survival, and adverse events were assessed. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients were included; seven patients (11.3%) had a partial tumor response, and 20 patients (32.3%) had stable disease. The median progression-free and overall survival were 88 days (range, 35.1 to 140.9 days) and 158 days (range, 118.1 to 197.9 days), respectively. Patients who remained stable longer with frontline therapy (≥120 days) exhibited significantly longer progression-free and overall survival. The most common grade 3 to 4 adverse events in patients were vomiting (8.1%) and anorexia (6.5%). There was one treatment-related mortality caused by severe neutropenia and typhlitis. CONCLUSIONS: Second-line XELOX combination chemotherapy demonstrated an acceptable response and survival rate in patients with advanced PDAC who had failed gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.

Hepatitis B Surface Antigen Quantification across Different Phases of Chronic Hepatitis B Virus Infection Using an Immunoradiometric Assay

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is an emerging serologic test and may be useful for identifying treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB). This study aimed to evaluate HBsAg titers during the natural course of CHB and identify correlations between HBsAg titers and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA concentrations across different CHB phases measured using an immunoradiometric assay (IRMA). METHODS: CHB phases were defined on the basis of HBV DNA concentrations, the presence of hepatitis B e antigen/antibody (HBeAg/Ab) and serum alanine aminotransferase levels. Serum HBsAg titers and paired HBV DNA concentrations in the different phases of CHB were compared using 627 serum samples. RESULTS: Mean HBsAg titers were significantly higher in the immunotolerant (IT) phase and immunoreactive (IR) HBeAg-positive phase than in the low-replicative (LR) and HBeAg-negative CHB (ENH) states. The correlation between HBsAg titers and HBV DNA concentrations was modest in the IT (n=36, r=0.804, p<0.001) and IR (n=48, r=0.773, p<0.001) phases, and it was poor in the LR state (n=116, r=0.289, p=0.002); however, no significant correlation was observed in the ENH state (n=67, r=0.146, p=0.237) or in the oral nucleos(t)ide analogue-treated group (n=267). CONCLUSIONS: HBsAg quantification using IRMA might be useful for discriminating different CHB phases and different stages of chronic liver disease.

Two Cases of Epidermoid Cysts in the Intrapancreatic Accessory Spleen Mimicking Pancreatic Cystic Neoplasm / 대한췌담도학회지

Epidermoid cyst in the intrapancreatic accessory spleen is extremely rare condition which could be mistaken for pancreatic cystic neoplasm. We report two cases of epidermoid cysts of intrapancreatic accessory spleen which mimicking pancreatic cystic neoplasm. Two patients, both male, aged 47 and 53 respectively were referred to our department for pancreatic mass. One was asymptomatic, whereas the other presented worsening abdominal pain and progressive weight loss. In both cases, the mass with cystic component was detected in the pancreatic tail in a computed tomography scan. Under a suspicion of pancreatic cystic neuronendocrine tumor, they underwent a distal pancreatectomy. Pathologic feature of resected specimens were shown to benign squamous lined cyst with splenic tissue in and around cyst wall which suggested that epidermoid cysts in the accessory spleen. We should take into account the possibility of epidermoid cyst in the intrapancreatic accessory spleen in the differential diagnosis of pancreatic cystic lesion.

The Efficacy of Moxifloxacin-Containing Triple Therapy after Standard Triple, Sequential, or Concomitant Therapy Failure for Helicobacter pylori Eradication in Korea

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Retreatment after initial treatment failure for Helicobacter pylori is very challenging. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacies of moxifloxacin-containing triple and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. METHODS: A total of 151 patients, who failed initial H. pylori treatment, were included in this retrospective cohort study. The initial regimens were standard triple, sequential, or concomitant therapy, and the efficacies of the two following second-line treatments were evaluated: 7-day moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy (rabeprazole 20 mg twice a day, amoxicillin 1,000 mg twice a day, and moxifloxacin 400 mg once daily) and 7-day bismuth-containing quadruple therapy (rabeprazole 20 mg twice a day, tetracycline 500 mg 4 times a day, metronidazole 500 mg 3 times a day, and tripotassium dicitrate bismuthate 300 mg 4 times a day). RESULTS: The overall eradication rates after moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy were 69/110 (62.7%) and 32/41 (78%), respectively. Comparison of the two regimens was performed in the patients who failed standard triple therapy, and the results revealed eradication rates of 14/28 (50%) and 32/41 (78%), respectively (p=0.015). The frequency of noncompliance was not different between the two groups, and there were fewer adverse effects in the moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy group (2.8% vs 7.3%, p=0.204 and 25.7% vs 43.9%, p=0.031, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Moxifloxacin-containing triple therapy, a recommended second-line treatment for initial concomitant or sequential therapy failure, had insufficient efficacy.

A Case of Acrometastasis in the Right First Metatarsal Bone Caused by a Metastatic Hepatocellular Carcinoma / 대한내과학회지

Metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma to the bones of the hands or feet are rare. They are usually a late manifestation of a disseminated tumor but may also be the primary manifestation of an occult cancer. Clinically, the metastasis may mimic benign tumors or non-neoplastic osteoarthritic conditions; thus, resulting in misdiagnosis and improper treatment. We report a case of acrometastasis to the right first metatarsal bone in a 70-year-old man with hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pancreatic Pseudocyst after Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Fine Needle Aspiration of Pancreatic Mass

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) is well known as a safe diagnostic procedure. We report the first case of pancreatic pseudocyst after EUS-FNA of the pancreatic body mass. A 60-year-old male underwent EUS-FNA for incidentally detected pancreatic solid mass which was suspected as neuroendocrine tumor. Two weeks later, the patient visited emergency room with acute abdominal pain and right upper quadrant tenderness; leukocytosis and elevated C-reactive protein, amylase, and lipase levels were noted. Computed tomography discovered newly developed 11.5x9.5 cm sized cystic mass communicating with the main pancreatic duct. Cyst fluid analysis revealed amylase level of 3,423 U/L and fluid culture isolated Streptococcus parasanguinis. The cystic mass corresponds with pancreatic pseudocyst. FNA induced main pancreatic duct injury and fluid leakage may cause it. Endoscopists who perform EUS-FNA must remember that pancreatic main duct injury can occur as one of severe complications and that it could be treated successfully with endoscopic internal drainage.

Pelvic Bone Fractures Mimicking Bone Metastases in a Patient with Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

No abstract available.

Otogenic cerebellar abscess: report of a case / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.

A case of leiomyoma occurred in scalp of retroauricular area / 대한이비인후과학회지

No abstract available.