Single-center midterm results with the low-profile Zenith Alpha thoracic endovascular stent graft.

OBJECTIVE: The analysis of endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic diseases using new low-profile stent grafts in large series is crucial to understanding the durability of these devices. The present study reports the midterm outcomes of a single-center experience using the Zenith Alpha thoracic endovascular stent graft. METHODS: The outcomes of 270 procedures performed on 262 patients (197 men; mean age, 70.5 ± 9.5 years) using the Zenith Alpha thoracic endovascular stent graft from November 2013 to December 2019 for different thoracic aortic diseases were analyzed. The primary endpoints were 30-day clinical success and midterm (5-year) clinical success. The secondary endpoints were the adverse event rate at 30 days and midterm and access- and device-related complications. The follow-up of surviving patients was performed using computed tomography angiography and office visits at 1, 6, and 12 months and annually thereafter. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed for overall survival, and freedom from thoracic aortic endovascular repair-related mortality and related reinterventions. RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality was 5.2% (2.5% for elective and 30.8% for nonelective cases). Type I endoleaks were identified in six patients. The 30-day primary technical and clinical success rates were 97.8% and 92.6%, respectively. Femoral cutdown was used in 41.1% of cases and percutaneous access in 58.5%. The rate of femoral artery complications after the percutaneous approach was 5.1%, with the need for surgical conversion in 1.9%. The stroke rate was 4.1% (major stroke, 2.2%), and the spinal cord ischemia rate was 3.7% (permanent paraplegia, 0.7%). Of the 248 survivors, 239 complied with the follow-up protocol with adequate computed tomography angiograms available images. Overall follow-up survival was 94.0% at 1 year, 91.6% at 2 years, 88.9% at 3 years, and 88.5% at 5 years. The unplanned secondary endovascular procedure rate was 5.3%. No stent fractures or new-onset type I endoleaks due to stent graft migration were observed in the study cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The midterm outcomes of this new generation of low-profile devices were satisfactory. The reported low incidence of secondary procedures and the absence of migrations are promising for the long-term durability of these devices.

Long-term results of hybrid repair techniques for Kommerell's diverticulum.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate early and late results of hybrid repair techniques for Kommerell's diverticulum (KD). METHODS: All patients who underwent hybrid repair (thoracic endovascular aortic repair + supra-aortic debranching) for KD between 2009 and 2018 were included in this retrospective multicenter study (three Italian centers). A proximal landing zone (PLZ) of at least 2 cm of healthy aorta was considered adequate for the deployment of a standard thoracic stent graft. The early end points were technical success, in-hospital mortality, and cerebrovascular events. Late outcomes included survival, reintervention, and patency of supra-aortic debranching. We used an embryogenetic anomaly based aortic arch classification for PLZ evaluation to identify the most appropriate hybrid adjunct. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with KD were included. According to the aforementioned classification, stent graft deployment was required in six patients (37.5%) in PLZ 0, nine patients (56.3%) in PLZ 1, and one patient (6.3%) in PLZ 2. Technical success was achieved in all patients. One patient (6.3%) died in the hospital because of posterior cerebral hemorrhage after total debranching (PLZ 0). No further cerebrovascular events were observed. One patient (6.3%) had an asymptomatic left subclavian artery-right left subclavian artery bypass occlusion and required early reintervention. The 30-day secondary patency of supra-aortic debranching was 100%. Two type II endoleaks (12.5%) were detected at 1 month through computed tomography angiography. Further transient complications were found in three cases: hemidiaphragm paralysis in one patient and recurrent laryngeal nerve paralysis in two patients. At a mean follow-up of 48 months, four patients had died because of nonaortic reasons, and one RCCA-right subclavian artery bypass had lost its patency. None of the patients reported any growth of KD after hybrid repair. Ten patients (62.5%) showed aneurysmal sac shrinkage of at least 5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid repair is confirmed to be a safe and effective approach for KD. Operative risk is associated primarily with the invasiveness of the hybrid adjunct.

A population-based cohort study examining the association of documented bladder diverticulum and bladder cancer risk in urology patients.

OBJECTIVES: Studies have shown a high risk of tumor development within a bladder diverticulum (BD). We were interested in the relationship between BD and the development of bladder cancer. Herein, we attempted to investigate whether there exists an association between documented BD and subsequent risk of bladder cancer. METHODS: We identified 10,662 hospitalized urology patients, including 2,134 documented BD patients (study cohort) and 8,528 non-BD subjects (comparison cohort) from Taiwan's National Health Insurance database. Only urology patients were enrolled in the study to minimize selection bias. The two cohorts were frequency-matched 1:4 by age, sex and index-year. Patients with less than one year of follow-up were excluded to avoid inverting cause and effect. Risks of developing bladder cancer were estimated using the Cox proportional hazard regression model. RESULTS: There was an increased bladder cancer risk in the documented BD patients. The incidence of bladder cancer in documented BD patients was 2.60-fold higher than that in the comparison group, and the overall risk-factor-adjusted hazard ratio was 2.63 (95% CI, 1.74-3.97). Moreover, stratified analysis by sex also showed that documented BD patients were at higher risk of subsequent bladder cancer than the comparison cohort. The effect of BD on the risk of bladder cancer was higher in males than in females and was more profound in patients without comorbidities than in those with comorbidities. CONCLUSION: In this population-based longitudinal study, urology patients with documented BD might have an elevated risk of subsequent bladder cancer. Based on the limitations of the retrospective study design, further studies are required.

The presence of periampullary diverticulum increased the complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

BACKGROUND: The use of needle-knife fistulotomy technique in patient with periampullary diverticula (PAD) for biliary duct cannulation may lead to risk of complications. The present study aimed to investigate the association between PAD and the complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), unsuccessful cannulation rates and to determine the rates of cannulation complications using sphincterotomy and needle-knife fistulotomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ERCP procedures were held in Gastroenterology Endoscopy Unit between September 2015 and October 2016 and were retrospectively evaluated. The patients were divided into two groups, a PAD group and a non-PAD group. These groups were compared regarding demographic characteristics, ERCP complications and mortality. RESULTS: A total of 827 patients fulfilling the criteria for ERCP were enrolled in the study. Of 827 patients, 164 had PAD and 663 did not have PAD (non-PAD). The success rate of cannulation was 98.8% in patients with PAD and 98.6% in patients without PAD. There was no statistical difference of cannulation types with sphincterotomy and with needle-knife fistulotomy between the two groups. Mean baseline number of guide wire cannulation attempts was 1.96±0.20 in PAD group. No complications were observed in PAD patients treated with needle-knife fistulotomy. ERCP-related complications rates (bleeding, pancreatitis, and perforation) were higher in the PAD group (P=0.007). CONCLUSION: In conclusion, there is a strong association between PAD and higher rates of cannulation complications, independent of cannulation technique. In certain situations, and in the hands of experienced endoscopists, needle-knife fistulotomy might be a feasible option for successful biliary cannulation in certain patients with PAD.

Clinicopathologic characterization of intradiverticular carcinoma of urinary bladder - a study of 22 cases from a single cancer center.

BACKGROUND: To examine histopathologic features and clinical outcomes of intradiverticular bladder carcinomas. METHODS: Twenty-two consecutive patients with intradiverticular bladder carcinoma treated with either endoscopic transurethral resection or partial or radical cystectomy at a single institution between years of 1995 to 2011. Clinicopathologic characteristics and oncologic outcomes of patients were retrospectively analyzed, including tissue histology re-review by genitourinary pathologists. RESULTS: Histologically, 9 cases (41%) were non-invasive papillary urothelial carcinoma, 13 cases (59%) were invasive urothelial carcinoma, including three cases of small cell carcinoma. Final pathology revealed synchronous extradiverticular urothelial carcinomas in 6 out of 9 cases (67%) of non-invasive and 2 out of 10 cases (20%) invasive intradiverticular urothelial carcinoma, respectively. More than half of cases (13/22, 59%) showed a distinctive hypertrophic layer of muscularis mucosae. There was no statistical difference in disease free survival or overall survival between non-invasive and invasive tumors within approximately 3 years of follow up (mean 38 months, median 32 months). While stage T3 patients generally did poorly, oncologic outcomes for stage T1 patients were no different than those of stage Ta. CONCLUSION: Intradiverticular carcinomas are often associated with a hypertrophic layer of muscularis mucosae that can potentially confound tumor staging. Non-invasive intradiverticular urothelial carcinomas are more likely to have coexisting synchronous extradiverticular lesions. The absence of a muscularis propria layer may not necessarily predispose T1 tumors to more aggressive disease. VIRTUAL SLIDES: The virtual slide(s) for this article can be found here: http://www.diagnosticpathology.diagnomx.eu/vs/13000_2014_222.

Ethnic variations in five lower gastrointestinal diseases: Scottish health and ethnicity linkage study.

OBJECTIVES: Our objective was to augment the limited evidence mainly from local, clinical studies of ethnic differences in gastrointestinal disorders. Our question was: are there ethnic variations in hospitalisation/death for lower gastrointestinal disorders in Scotland? SETTING: Scotland. POPULATION: This retrospective-cohort linked 4.65 (of 4.9) million people in the 2001 census of Scotland (providing data on ethnicity, country of birth and indicators of socioeconomic deprivation) to 9 years of National Health Service hospitalisation and death records. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES AND ANALYSIS: For appendicitis, we studied all ages; for irritable bowel syndrome, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease and diverticular disease, we included those ≥20 years. Using Poisson regression (robust variance) we calculated, by ethnic group and sex, first-hospitalisation/death age-adjusted rates per 100,000 person-years, and relative risks (RRs) with 95% CIs multiplied by 100, so the White Scottish reference population had an RR=100. RESULTS: There were ethnic variations; for example, for irritable bowel syndrome, RRs (95% CIs) were comparatively high in Other White British women (128.4 (111.0 to 148.6)), and low in Pakistani women (75.1 (60.6 to 93.1)). For appendicitis, RRs were high in men in Other White British (145.2 (127.8 to 164.9)), and low in most non-White groups, for example, Pakistanis (73.8 (56.9 to 95.6)). For ulcerative colitis, RRs were high in Indian (169.8 (109.7 to 262.7)) and Pakistani (160.8 (104.2 to 248.2)) men. For Crohn's disease, the RR was high in Pakistani men (209.2 (149.6 to 292.6)). For diverticular disease, RRs were high in Irish men (176.0 (156.9 to 197.5)), and any Mixed background women (144.6 (107.4 to 194.8)), and low in most non-White groups, for example, Chinese men (47.1 (31.0 to 71.6) and women (46.0 (30.4 to 69.8)). CONCLUSIONS: Appendicitis and diverticular disease were comparatively low in most non-White groups, while ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease were mostly higher in South Asians. Describing and understanding such patterns may help clinical practice and research internationally.

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding: incidence, etiology, and outcomes in a population-based setting.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the incidence and outcomes of acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding (ALGIB) in a population-based setting and examine the role of drugs potentially associated with GIB. METHODS: The study was prospective and population based. The cohort included all patients who underwent colonoscopy during the year 2010 at the National University Hospital of Iceland. Indications for endoscopies and drug history were recorded in a systematic manner. The inclusion criteria were overt bleeding leading to hospitalization or occurring in hospitalized patients. The use of NSAIDs, low-dose aspirin, warfarin, selective serotonin receptor inhibitors, and bisphosphonates before GIB was also checked in a Pharmaceutical Database covering all drug prescriptions in the country. A control group included patients who underwent colonoscopy during the study period and did not have GIB. RESULTS: Altogether, 1134 patients underwent 1275 colonoscopies. Overall, 163 patients had ALGIB. The crude incidence for ALGIB was 87/100 000 inhabitants/year. The most common findings were diverticulosis (23%) and ischemic colitis (16%). A total of 7.4% of individuals had endoscopic therapy and none had undergone surgery. Two (1.2%) patients died because of ALGIB, both with severe comorbidities. Overall, 19% with ALGIB were on NSAIDs versus 9% in nonbleeders (P=0.0096); 37% with ALGIB were on low-dose aspirin versus 25% in nonbleeders (P=0.0222). CONCLUSION: The incidence for ALGIB is the highest reported to date. The most common reasons for ALGIB were diverticulosis and ischemic colitis. Mortality during hospitalization was very low. NSAIDs and low-dose aspirin seem to increase the risk for ALGIB.

Aberrant subclavian artery pathologies and Kommerell's diverticulum: a review and analysis of published endovascular/hybrid treatment options.

Aberrant subclavian artery (ASA) is one of the most common congenital vascular anomalies of the aortic arch. The incidences of aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) and aberrant left subclavian artery (ALSA) are 0.4% to 2.3% and 0.05%, respectively. Approximately 60% of ARSA patients will have a Kommerell's diverticulum at the origin of the ASA. Symptomatic or aneurysmal ASAs need to be treated. Historically, open operation was the favored method to reconstruct ASA anatomy; however, novel endovascular techniques are now available. Following a brief discussion of embryonic development, symptoms, and treatment history of the ASA and Kommerell's diverticulum, the results of a literature review to collect the worldwide experience of endovascular/hybrid treatment of ASA is presented.

Long-term prognosis of adult patients with isolated congenital left ventricular aneurysm or diverticulum and abnormal electrocardiogram patterns.

BACKGROUND: Congenital left ventricular aneurysm (LVA) and diverticulum (LVD) are rare cardiac anomalies frequently associated with electrocardiogram (ECG) abnormalities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term prognosis in such patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 108 patients with LVA or LVD having ECG-abnormalities were assessed. The patients were classified into 2 groups according to ECG abnormalities: a distinct ECG group (8 ECG patterns known to be frequently associated with LVA/LVD); and a control group (all other ECG abnormalities). The primary endpoint was a composite of cardiac death, rhythm disturbances, syncope, embolic events, and hospitalization for cardiovascular events. Mean patient age was 64±10 years; 45 (42%) were male; median follow-up (FU) was 50 months. The primary endpoint occurred in 12/27 patients from the distinct ECG group and in 15/81 patients in the control group (44% vs. 19%; P=0.01). Cardiac event rate per year (CER) was 1.8% vs. 0.8%, respectively. There were no cardiac deaths during FU. Symptoms (arrhythmia-related symptoms, syncope, and embolic events) at time of diagnosis increased the incidence of adverse events during FU (70% vs. 28%; P=0.05; CER 2.9% vs. 1.1%). Age ≥64 years, presence of LVD, gender, and location of the anomaly did not affect the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of adverse events in symptomatic patients with isolated LVA or LVD and distinct abnormal ECG patterns is increased during long-term FU. None of the present patients, however, experienced cardiac death.

Periampullary choledochal diverticula are not choledochal cysts.

BACKGROUND: Choledochal cysts (CC) are rare, congenital anomalies of the biliary tree, associated with the development of biliary malignancies. Small periampullary choledochal diverticula (PCD) are a previously unreported type of biliary anomaly found primarily at ERCP. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether PCD are congenital or acquired lesions by comparing the clinical presentation, management, and risk of malignancy between patients with PCD and CC. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of a medical center database. SETTING: Academic tertiary referral center. PATIENTS: Over the study period, data regarding 16 patients with PCD were identified and compared with that of 118 patients with CC. INTERVENTION: Retrospective review of ERCP, surgical pathology, billings, and a diagnostic imaging database from our institution from 1985 to 2009 was done. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Clinical presentation, investigations, management strategies, complication rates, and long-term outcomes were compared in patients with classic CC and PCD over the same time period. RESULTS: Patients with PCD were less likely to be female (50% vs 81%), older aged (mean 68 vs 28 years), to complain of abdominal pain (88% vs 68%), and were less likely to present with jaundice (0% vs 32%) (P<.05 for all pairs). Patients with PCD also were noted to have lower frequency of anomalous pancreatobiliary junction (0% vs 83%) and biliary neoplasia (0% vs 5%) and more likely to have sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (63% vs 1%). Management of PCD was done with ERCP in 87% of cases and with surgery in 0% of cases, whereas management of CC was done with ERCP in 20% of cases and surgery in 80% of cases (P<.001). Long-term complications at a mean follow-up of 3.7 years after therapy were more common in CC (40% vs 6%, P=.02). LIMITATIONS: Retrospective study. Lack of structured follow up. CONCLUSION: Small, periampullary, choledochal diverticula are a newly reported, likely acquired anomaly of the biliary tract that are frequently associated with sphincter of Oddi dysfunction and may be secondary to biliary hypertension. These acquired lesions should not be classified as CC.

Congenital anterior urethral valves and diverticula: diagnosis and management in six cases.

BACKGROUND: Anterior urethral valves (AUVs) are rare congenital anomalies causing lower urinary tract obstruction in children. Although they are referred to as valves, these obstructive structures often occur in the form of a diverticulum. The urethra in these cases shows saccular or bulbar dilatation known as anterior urethral diverticulum (AUD). They typically occur where there is a defect in the corpus spongiosum, leaving a thin-walled urethra. This segment of the urethra balloons out during voiding, simulating a mass that is sometimes visible along the ventral wall of the penis. The swelling is fluctuant and urine dribbles from the meatus on compression. The present study highlights the clinical approach in identifying the condition and its treatment options, especially for those, presenting with urethral diverticula. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We have studied children with congenital anterior urethral valves and diverticula. Six patients of AUVs with diverticula were admitted during the period of 2000-2007 and were prospectively evaluated. The mean age of presentation was 16 months (15 days to 4 years). Straining at micturition and a palpable penile swelling were the most common presenting features. The diagnosis was established by voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and supported by ultrasonography (USG). All patients were treated with single-stage open surgical excision except one who died preoperatively due to urosepsis. Initial lay opening of the penoscrotal urethra and delayed repair were done in one patient. RESULTS: The surgical outcome was successful in all but one patient, who died of delayed presentation with severe back pressure changes, urinary ascitis and urosepsis. On long-term follow-up, all patients demonstrated good stream of urine. The renal functions were normal and the patients had no evidence of urinary infections. CONCLUSION: We propose that, the patients of AUVs, if not excessively delayed for treatment are otherwise well in terms of general condition as opposed to patients of posterior urethral valves. The diagnosis is easily established by VCUG and the severity is revealed by a sonogram. Open surgical excision is the method of choice for patients with a urethral diverticulum; however, cystoscopic fulguration is also feasible in selected patients. The outcome is excellent with minimal morbidity and mortality.

Diverticular disease increases and effects younger ages: an epidemiological study of 10-year trends.

INTRODUCTION: Little data exists on epidemiological trends of diverticular disease (DD). This study of 2,979 admissions over 10 years aimed to examine the epidemiological trends of DD admissions and clinical outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all admissions with DD from 1995 to 2004 was performed. General population data for the area was obtained from the national Census and local primary care trust. RESULTS: Annual admissions for DD increased from 71 to 263 (p = 0.000). There was a trend of decreasing mean age from 71.2 years in 1995 to 68.1 in 2004 (p = 0.06). Admissions younger than 50 years increased from eight in 1995 to 42 in 2003 (p = 0.005). The mean age and size of the catchment population remained stable in that time. More emergency admissions underwent surgery (14.4%, n = 54) than electives (6.1%, n = 66) and had longer lengths of stay (25.2 vs. 9.2 days; p = 0.000). More patients under 50 (19.6%, n = 21) had surgery compared with older ones (8.8%, n = 100; p = 0.000). Recurrent admissions increased from 18 to 72 per year (p = 0.000) but were not associated with poor clinical outcomes. There were 21 deaths overall. Deaths were more likely in emergencies (p = 0.000, OR = 56.42) and those aged over 80 (p = 0.000, OR = 2.87). Mortality was independent of co-morbidity and other demographic factors. CONCLUSION: DD admissions increased, unexplained by an ageing population, increasingly affecting younger patients who are more likely to undergo surgery, particularly as emergencies. Emergency admissions are associated with longer stay and higher mortality. Recurrent admission cannot be used as guide to elective surgery. Efforts should be made to treat more DD electively.

Inflammatory bowel disease, peptic ulcer and diverticular disease as certified causes of death in an English population 1979-2003.

BACKGROUND: When gastrointestinal diseases are certified as causes of death, they are often not selected as the underlying cause. Until recently, only one underlying cause of death has been coded and analysed in official national statistics in England and many other countries. AIMS: To report on the total 'burden of mortality' from some common gastrointestinal diseases, and whether it has changed over time, including all certified causes of death as well as underlying causes, (i) in the Oxford region from 1979 to 2003, (ii) in England from 1996 to 2003; and to quantify the under-ascertainment of cause-specific mortality when based on underlying cause alone. METHODS: We searched death certificate data from the Oxford Record Linkage Study database, and from English national data, for specified gastrointestinal diseases certified as underlying or contributory causes of death. RESULTS: For all the conditions studied, underlying-cause-coded mortality missed a substantial percentage of all certified deaths. The extent of underestimation varied according to the periods in which different criteria were used for the selection of the underlying cause. For example, in Oxford, in the latest period 1993-2003, underlying-cause-coded mortality identified only 37% of all death certificates with ulcerative colitis, 47% of Crohn's disease, between 62 and 68% for the different types of peptic ulcer and 66% of diverticular disease. CONCLUSIONS: Studies of mortality for these diseases should take account of all certified causes as well as underlying-cause mortality. This is particularly important for analyses that go across periods of change to the rules for selecting the underlying cause of death.

Endoscopic sphincterotomy for acute relapsing pancreatitis associated with periampullary diverticula: a long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Periampullary diverticula (PAD) are extraluminal outpouchings of the duodenum arising within a radius of 2-3 cm from the ampulla of Vater. Data concerning the association of PAD with biliopancreatic disease are inconsistent, but an association between acute pancreatitis and PAD has been reported. The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic sphincterotomy (ES) in a Greek cohort of patients with acute relapsing pancreatitis associated with PAD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 344 patients who had undergone ERCP between 1994 and 2005 for investigation of acute pancreatitis were retrospectively entered into a database. Of these patients, 11 (3.19% ; median age: 69 years; range: 58-78; 3 men, 8 women) were found to have acute relapsing pancreatitis associated with PAD. All patients underwent ES and were followed for new episodes of acute pancreatitis or other complications. RESULTS: No further episodes of acute pancreatitis occurred after ES, during a long-term follow-up (median: 4.3 years, range: 1.9-10.4). Two patients (18.2%) presented post-procedure mild pancreatitis and one patient (9.1%) post-ES stenosis with two small common bile duct stones and was treated with ES and extraction of stones. CONCLUSION: ES is the treatment of choice for patients with acute relapsing pancreatitis associated with PAD.

[Diverticulosis and diverticulitis]. / Divertikulose und Divertikulitis.

Alterations in the colon wall, motility disorders, and certain nutritional habits are the essential factors in the development of colon diverticula. Thus, with advancing age this results in a high incidence in Western industrialized countries. The clinical picture is usually one of symptom-free diverticulosis. Diverticular disease can be associated with minor symptoms, but in complicated cases with diverticulitis and diverticular hemorrhage, it is potentially fatal. Further complications include abscess formation, fistula development, and obstruction. Barium double-contrast imaging exhibits the highest diagnostic sensitivity in diverticulosis but is contraindicated in cases of suspected complicated diverticular disease due to the danger of perforation. In these instances, sonography, computed tomography, or magnetic resonance imaging are performed. For diverticular hemorrhage, coloscopy not only represents a possible diagnostic tool but also a therapeutic option for various techniques of hemostasis. Treatment of diverticulitis and its complications requires careful consideration of conservative and surgical approaches and close interdisciplinary cooperation.

Carcinoma in a bladder diverticulum: presentation and treatment outcome.

PURPOSE: In this retrospective review we characterize the outcomes of patients treated for transitional cell carcinoma in a bladder diverticulum. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 1986 and 2001, 39 patients were treated for tumors in a bladder diverticulum. All patients underwent initial transurethral resection of the tumor. Based on cystoscopic evaluation, bimanual examination and computerized tomography findings, tumors were classified as superficial (Ta, Tis), superficially invasive confined to diverticulum (T1) or extra diverticular (T3+). Patients with superficial or superficially invasive disease were treated either conservatively with repeat transurethral resection, or with partial or radical cystectomy. Patients with extra diverticular extension were treated with partial or radical cystectomy when amenable to surgical extirpation. Predictors of outcome were assessed by univariate and multivariate analyses. End point was overall and disease-specific survival. RESULTS: Of our cohort of 39 patients 13 (33%) presented with superficial disease, 13 (33%) with superficially invasive tumors and 13 (33%) with invasive (extra diverticular) disease. Actuarial 5-year disease specific survival for the cohort was 72 +/- 5.4%. Significant differences in 5-year disease specific survival were observed among patients presenting with superficial tumors (83 +/- 9%), superficially invasive tumors (67 +/- 7%) and extra diverticular disease (45 +/- 14%). Of the patients presenting with T1 tumors the primary mode of treatment did not correlate with outcome. In a multivariate model clinical staging was the only independent predictor of outcome and concomitant carcinoma in situ reached borderline significance. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support a conservative approach for tumors confined to the bladder diverticulum, provided complete removal is feasible and close surveillance ensues.

Divertículo duodenal / Duodenal diverticulum

El duodeno es el segundo sitio más común, luego del colon, para la presentación de los divertículos intestinales. Generalmente es asintomático y su hallazgoes incidental durante la cirugía. Puede manifestarsecon ictericia, por compresión extrínseca de la vía biliar o cálculos; así también puede presentarse comopancreatitis. La morbilidad puede ser producida por hemorragia o perforación, hallazgos documentados en 5 por ciento de los casos. El divertículo duodenal es causa poco frecuente de enfermedad del tracto digestivo. Su diagnóstico es accidental durante procedimientos diagnósticos como series gastroduodenales, colangiogramas, tomografías o endoscopías. La terapéutica médico-quirúrgica al tratamiento exclusivamente de las complicaciones. Para el endoscopista el divertículo periampular constituye un factor de riesgo durante el ERCP. Presentamos una revisión de los artículos más importantes que versan sobre el tema incluyendo frecuencia, epidemiología, métodos diagnósticos, tratamiento quirúrgico, morbilidad, mortalidad y pronóstico. Los aspectos considerados en este artículo orientan al clínico, cirujano, gastroenterólogo y endoscopista en su investigación diagnóstica

Diverticulosis--a primary cause of life-threatening complications in rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of complicated diverticular disease as a cause of death in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: In 1989 there were in Finland 1,666 deaths in subjects entitled to specially reimbursed medication for RA under the nationwide sickness insurance scheme. A retrospective clinical study was performed on these cases. RESULTS: In 12 subjects, four males and eight females, the underlying cause of death was diverticular disease; the expected number was two. The mean age at death was 74 years in males and 80 years in females. The duration of RA ranged from 4 to 22 years (mean 13 years). In none of these cases was the death connected in the death certificate to RA or its treatment, yet all the subjects had been taking antirheumatic medication, usually two or three different drugs, at the time of death. CONCLUSION: Complicated diverticular disease, probably related to antirheumatic medication, is a more important cause of death in patients with RA than is generally recognized.

National audit of complicated diverticular disease: analysis of index cases.

Details of 300 patients with complicated diverticular disease from 30 hospitals between 1985 and 1988 were entered into a national audit organized by the Surgical Research Society. Complications present on admission included acute phlegmon (n = 104), pericolic abscess (n = 34), purulent peritonitis (n = 40), large bowel obstruction (n = 31), faecal peritonitis (n = 23), pericolic abscess complicated by fistula (n = 28) and lower gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 40). The overall mortality rate was 11.3 per cent (acute phlegmon, 4 per cent; purulent peritonitis, 27 per cent; pericolic abscess, 12 per cent; faecal peritonitis, 48 per cent; large bowel obstruction, 6 per cent; bleeding, 2 per cent; fistula, 4 per cent). Acute phlegmon was treated without operation in 78 patients (75.0 per cent) and by resection in 24 (23.1 per cent). Management of purulent peritonitis generally involved Hartmann's procedure (62 per cent) or resection and primary anastomosis (15 per cent). Similarly, patients with pericolic abscess usually underwent Hartmann's procedure (38 per cent) or resection and primary anastomosis (35 per cent). The principal operation for faecal peritonitis was Hartmann's resection (83 per cent). Large bowel obstruction was managed conservatively in four patients (13 per cent), by Hartmann's procedure in nine (29 per cent), and by resection and primary anastomosis with or without a proximal stoma in 13 (42 per cent). Most patients (82 per cent) with fistula associated with an abscess were managed by resection and primary anastomosis; 90 per cent with acute gastrointestinal bleeding were treated without operation.

Reversal of Hartmann's procedure: effect of timing and technique on ease and safety.

PURPOSE: The optimal time for reversal of Hartmann's procedure is controversial. Significant operative difficulty and morbidity have been reported for Hartmann's reversal. The purpose of this study was to examine 11 years' experience with Hartmann's reversal, with particular attention to rate of reversibility, operative difficulty, and timing of reversal. METHODS: Case records of all patients undergoing either Hartmann's procedure or Hartmann's reversal at St. Vincent's Hospital between 1981 and 1991 were examined. Patients having Hartmann's reversal were divided into an early group (before 15 weeks) and a late group (after 15 weeks). These groups were compared in terms of morbidity and mortality, bed stay, and operative difficulty. RESULTS: Hartmann's procedure was performed on 111 patients, mostly for advanced cancer and complicated diverticular disease. Of 96 patients who survived, 50 (52 percent) underwent reversal. Of those with diverticular disease, 40 of 48 (83 percent) underwent reversal. Mortality for Hartmann reversal was 2 percent; anastomotic leak rate 4 percent; and overall complication rate 26 percent. Early reversal was performed in 13 patients and late reversal in 37 patients. There was no difference between these groups in mortality, morbidity, or anastomotic leakage. However, bed stay was longer in the early group and graded operative difficulty greater. In particular, cases in which adhesion density was most severe and in which accidental enterotomy occurred were more common in the early group (P = 0.02, Miettinen's modification of Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Hartmann's reversal can be performed with an acceptable morbidity and mortality in most survivors of complicated diverticular disease. Operative difficulty appears to be less after a delay of 15 weeks.