Medical treatment for sphincter of oddi dysfunction: can it replace endoscopic sphincterotomy?

Aim: To report the results of a medical management of sphincter of oddi dysfunction (SOD) after an intermediate follow-up period.

Methods: A total of 59 patients with SOD (2 men and 57 women, mean age 51 years old) were included in this prospective study. After medical treatment for one year, the patients were clinically re-evaluated after an average period of 30 mo.

Endoanal ultrasonography-assisted percutaneous transperineal management of anorectal sepsis.

Purpose: We aimed to analyze the feasibility and efficacy of a new transperineal access to treat anorectal sepsis (fistulae and abscesses) under endoanal ultrasonography guidance.

Methods: Twenty-five patients (80% Crohn disease) were included retrospectively. Twenty-one patients had fistulae (perianal, urethroanal, and anovaginal) treated by injection of heterologous fibrin glue and cyanoacrylate.

Can papillary carcinomas be treated by endoscopic ampullectomy?

Background: The utility of endoscopic ampullectomy versus surgical ampullectomy remains a topic of debate, particularly for the treatment of malignant tumors. The goal of this study was to prospectively establish the outcomes of endoscopic ampullectomy, with focus on carcinoma.

Methods: From February 2002 to December 2008, 61 patients underwent endoscopic ampullectomy.

Endoscopic management of colonic perforation owing to angiogenesis inhibitors.

Angiogenesis inhibitors have markedly improved, in combination with chemotherapy, the outcome of patients with metastatic solid tumors. Bevacizumab, the brand name of which is Avastin, is the first monoclonal antibody IgG1 used against the vascular endothelial growth factor involved in tumor proliferation. Gastrointestinal perforation is a well-known adverse event of bevacizumab therapy.

Large endoscopic mucosal resection for colorectal tumors exceeding 4 cm.

Aim: To evaluate the feasibility and the outcome of endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) for large colorectal tumors exceeding 4 cm (LCRT) undergoing piecemeal resection.

Methods: From January 2005 to April 2008, 146 digestive tumors larger than 2 cm were removed with the EMR technique in our department. Of these, 34 tumors were larger than 4 cm and piecemeal resection was carried out on 26 colorectal tumors.