Direct endoscopic necrosectomy: a minimally invasive endoscopic technique for the treatment of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and infected pseudocysts with solid debris

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Endoscopic transenteric stenting is the standard treatment for pseudocysts, but it may be inadequate for treating infected collections with solid debris. Surgical necrosectomy results in significant morbidity. Direct endoscopic necrosectomy (DEN), a minimally invasive treatment, may be a viable option. This study examined the efficacy and safety of DEN for the treatment of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and infected pseudocysts with solid debris.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>This study was a retrospective analysis of data collected from a prospective database of patients who underwent DEN in the presence of infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis or infected pseudocysts with solid debris from April 2007 to October 2011. DEN was performed as a staged procedure. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided transgastric stenting was performed during the first session for initial drainage and to establish endoscopic access to the infected collection. In the second session, the drainage tract was dilated endoscopically to allow transgastric passage of an endoscope for endoscopic necrosectomy. Outcome data included technical success, clinical success and complication rates.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Eight patients with infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis or infected pseudocysts with solid debris (mean size 12.5 cm; range 7.8-17.2 cm) underwent DEN. Underlying aetiologies included severe acute pancreatitis (n = 6) and post-pancreatic surgery (n = 2). DEN was technically successful in all patients. Clinical resolution was achieved in seven patients. One patient with recurrent collection opted for surgery instead of repeat endotherapy. No procedural complications were encountered.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>DEN is a safe and effective minimally invasive treatment for infected walled-off pancreatic necrosis and infected pseudocysts.</p>

Risk factors for conversion to open surgery in patients with acute cholecystitis undergoing interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Laparoscopic cholecystectomy for acute cholecystitis is associated with higher rate of conversion to laparotomy. The value of several factors that might influence the rate of conversion is analysed.</p><p><b>MATERIALS AND METHODS</b>In a retrospective analysis of a prospective database, the medical records of patients who underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy from May 1998 to June 2004 were reviewed. Patients who had acute cholecystitis and had undergone interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy were included in this study.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Out of 1000 laparoscopic cholecystectomies, 201 were operated on for acute cholecystitis. One hundred and forty-five patients (72.3%) underwent successful laparoscopic cholecystectomy and 56 patients (27.7%) needed conversion to open cholecystectomy. Patient's age (P = 0.031), total white cell count (P = 0.014), total bilirubin (P = 0.002), alkaline phosphatase (P = 0.003) and presence of common bile duct stone (P = 0.001) were found to be independently associated with conversion.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Laparoscopic cholecystectomy can be performed safely for acute cholecystitis. Predictors of conversion will be helpful when planning the laparoscopic approach and for counselling patients preoperatively.</p>