Post cricoid tumours; a limiting factor for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy insertion in cancer patients: Results from a tertiary care hospital.

Background And Study Aims: The aim of this study was to review all episodes of PEG insertion in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) at a cancer specialist centre.

Patients And Methods: Using a structured data extraction form, we abstracted patients' demographic data and clinical information including the primary site of tumour, TNM staging, whether PEG tube was inserted successfully, any complications resulting from PEG tube insertion and duration the tube was in place.

Results: We identified a total of 339 HNC patients who had received at least one attempted PEG tube insertion.

Enteral stents are safe and effective to relieve malignant gastric outlet obstruction in the elderly.

Background: Nausea, vomiting and intolerance to oral intake are usually the first presenting symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction, which not only cause malnutrition and increases chances of aspiration pneumonia but also greatly impair the quality of life. Self expandable metallic stents (SEMS) are both effective and safe to relieve the distressing symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of endoscopic enteral stent insertion in malignant gastric outlet obstruction in older versus younger patients.

Biliary sphincter of Oddi dysfunction: response rates after ERCP and sphincterotomy in a 5-year ERCP series and proposal for new practical guidelines.

Introduction: The diagnosis and management of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD) is challenging.

Aims: Retrospective review of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) performed for biliary SOD between 2003 and 2007 and proposal for new management guidelines.

Methods: Patients were identified from the ERCP database.

Failed biliary access following needle knife fistulotomy: is repeat interval ERCP worthwhile?

Objective: Needle knife fistulotomy is a useful alternative in gaining access to the biliary system when standard cannulation techniques have been exhausted. Where access cannot be achieved following fistulotomy the convention has been to abandon further endoscopic attempts. Recent experience at our center suggests that repeat ERCP is frequently successful.

NSAID-induced colopathy. A case series.

The adverse effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on the upper gastrointestinal tract and small intestine are well established. The effect of such therapy on the large intestine, so called NSAID colopathy, is less well described. We present four such cases demonstrating the characteristic endoscopic findings.

Successful outcome of sphincterotomy and 7 French pigtail stent insertion in the management of post-cholecystectomy bile leaks.

Background: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is widely used to manage post-cholecystectomy bile leaks. However, the best endoscopic intervention remains controversial. We investigated the success of a 7 French double pigtail stent following sphincterotomy in the management of such bile leaks.