Prevention of delayed gastric emptying after pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy with antecolic reconstruction, a long jejunal loop, and a jejuno-jejunostomy.

BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is one of the major complications following pylorus-preserving pancreatoduodenectomy (PPPD). It leads to significant patient distress and prolonged hospitalization and therefore increased treatment costs. DGE etiology remains unclear but seems to be multifactorial. In order to decrease DGE rates, reconstruction methods have been modified. The presented retrospective study was to evaluate outcomes of different surgical techniques at our institution with special emphasis on retrocolic and antecolic reconstruction types. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One hundred thirteen consecutive patients underwent PPPD between September 2004 and December 2011 for periampullary and bile duct lesions of the pancreatic head and the papilla of Vater. These patients were reviewed for DGE occurrence and other factors. Four different types of reconstruction were applied: the classic retrocolic reconstruction using a short jejunal loop (short loop, n = 40) and three types of reconstructions using a long loop: one with a long loop and retrocolic duodenojejunostomy (n = 22), another with a long loop and an additional latero-lateral enterostomy (Braun's anastomosis, n = 23), and finally, an antecolic group with Braun's anastomosis (n = 28). Patients were reviewed for DGE incidence and severity following the International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition of DGE. RESULTS: The highest DGE occurrence was noted in the retrocolic group using a short jejunal loop (15 of 32 patients, 46.9%), whereas the reconstruction types using long loops showed a notable decrease: DGE occurred in 4 of 16 patients (25%) in the retrocolic group, in 6 of 21 patients (28.6%) in the retrocolic group with an additional latero-lateral enterostomy (Braun's anastomosis), and finally, only 1 of 22 patients (4.5%, p = 0.009) in the antecolic group with Braun's anastomosis presenting with DGE, grade A. However, neither hospitalization time nor days in the intensive care unit were significantly different. There was no difference in DGE rates between the retrocolic long-loop groups with and without Braun's anastomosis. CONCLUSION: The results of this retrospective study suggest that the antecolic route with a long jejunal loop and Braun's anastomosis minimizes DGE rates.

Use of paclitaxel-eluting balloons for endotherapy of anastomotic strictures following liver transplantation.

Biliary anastomotic strictures after liver transplantation are a major source of morbidity and graft failure; however, repeated endoscopic therapy has shown variable long-term success rates. Thus the aim of this prospective case series was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using paclitaxel-eluting balloons in 13 patients requiring treatment for symptomatic anastomotic strictures following liver transplantation. Sustained clinical success-defined as no need for further endoscopic intervention for at least 6 months - was achieved in 12 /13 patients (92 %). One, two, and three interventions were required in 9 (69 %), 1, and 2 patients, respectively (mean number of sessions was 1.46). Mean (± SD) bilirubin level dropped from 6.8 (± 4.1) mg/dL to 1.4 (± 0.9) mg/dL. These promising results justify carrying out a randomized comparative trial to confirm this innovative approach.

Colonic ischaemia as a severe Shiga toxin/verotoxin producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 complication in a patient without haemolytic uraemic syndrome, Germany, June 2011.

An increasing rate of infections with Shiga toxin/verotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC/VTEC) O104:H4 has been observed in Germany since May 2011, with unusually high numbers of patients suffering from haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). We report a STEC/VTEC O104:H4 case without HUS, presenting with colonic ischaemia demanding surgery. This atypical clinical presentation of STEC O104:H4 infection might indicate new severe complications associated with this uncommon strain, and highlights the importance of immediate interdisciplinary assessment of STEC/VTEC patients.