Publications by authors named "Till Wehrmann"

A uniform and comprehensive terminology is essential in the correct documentation of diagnostic or therapeutic endoscopic procedure. In the German-speaking world, the standard terminology available so far is based on a previous version published in 1999. Therefore, the German Society for Gastroenterology, Digestive and Metabolic Diseases (DGVS) has undergone a comprehensive revision and re-structuring of the terminology.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Aim: Pneumatic dilation (PD) is the most popular nonsurgical treatment for achalasia. This study investigated predicting factors, including manometric subtypes for symptom recurrence in the long term, in patients with achalasia treated with a single PD.

Methods: Between 1983 and 2013, a total of 107 patients were treated initially with a single PD and included in this longitudinal cohort study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Study Aims: The Integrated Pulmonary Index (IPI) is a mathematically-determined factor based on parameters of capnography and pulse oximetry, which should enable sensitive detection of impaired respiratory function. Aim was to investigate whether an additional measurement of the IPI during sedation for interventional endoscopy, compared to standard monitoring alone, allows a reduction of sedation-related respiratory depression.

Patients And Methods: 170 patients with standard monitoring randomly underwent either a blinded recording of capnography (control group, n=87) or capnography, including automated IPI calculation (IPI group, n=83), during deep sedation with midazolam and propofol.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background And Study Aims: This was to determine whether intervention based on additional capnographic monitoring reduces the incidence of hypoxemia during midazolam and propofol sedation for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).

Methods: Patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists [ASA] I – IV) scheduled for ERCP under midazolam and propofol sedation were randomly assigned to a control arm with standard monitoring or an interventional arm with additional capnographic monitoring. In both arms detection of apnea prompted withholding of propofol administration, stimulation of the patient, insertion of a nasopharyngeal tube, or further measures.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background/aims: Insertion of a nasopharyngeal airway (NPA) during endoscopic sedation is only recommended in the event of respiratory problems. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of routine insertion of an NPA during sedation in gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy.

Methods: Between July 2009 and April 2012, patients with colonoscopy or expected longer-lasting or therapeutic upper GI endoscopy were pseudo-randomized in a weekly alternating fashion to perform sedation (midazolam in combination with propofol) with or without NPA insertion.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Achalasia is a primary esophageal motor disorder. The etiology is still unknown and therefore all treatment options are strictly palliative with the intention to weaken the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Current established endoscopic therapeutic options include pneumatic dilation (PD) or botulinum toxin injection.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Despite recent advances in imaging techniques, adequate classification of esophageal lesions is still challenging. Accurate staging of tumors of the esophagus is a precondition for targeted therapy. In this retrospective, multicenter study, we report the role of high-frequency endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) catheter probes in pretherapeutic staging of esophageal neoplasms and thus guiding treatment decisions.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Aim: To investigate endoscopic findings in patients with Schatzki rings (SRs) with a focus on evidence for eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).

Methods: We consecutively approached all adult patients scheduled for elective outpatient upper endoscopy for a variety of indications at the German Diagnostic Clinic, Wiesbaden, Germany between July 2007 and July 2010. All patients with endoscopically diagnosed SRs, defined as thin, symmetrical, mucosal structures located at the esophagogastric junction, were prospectively registered.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Precut sphincterotomy (PCS) is a well-established alternative after repeated unsuccessful attempts of common bile duct (CBD) cannulation using standard catheters and/or guide-wire. Commonly used instruments for precutting are the needle-knife and a modified traction-type sphincterotome. In 1996, a so-called 'baby-sphincterotome' with a preshaped, small-caliber 3 Fr tip was developed, which enables cannulation and precutting in one step.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objectives: The aim of this randomized study was to determine whether intervention based on additional capnographic monitoring reduces the incidence of arterial oxygen desaturation during propofol sedation for colonoscopy.

Methods: Patients (American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (ASA) 1-3) scheduled for colonoscopy under propofol sedation were randomly assigned to either a control arm with standard monitoring (standard arm) or an interventional arm in which additional capnographic monitoring (capnography arm) was available. In both study arms, detection of apnea or altered respiration induced withholding propofol administration, stimulation of the patient, chin lift maneuver, or further measures.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Beside the traditional, intermittent bolus application of propofol, continuous propofol infusion via infusion pump is an alternative procedure for deep sedation during long-lasting interventional endoscopy. However, up to now, there are no randomized comparisons for gastrointestinal endoscopy.

Methods: One hundred patients (ERCP: n = 60, EUS: n = 40) were randomly assigned to receive intermittent bolus application ("bolus group") or continuous infusion ("perfusor group") of propofol sedation after induction with 3 mg midazolam for deep sedation.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) of pancreatic duct stones followed by ERCP with mechanical clearance of the pancreatic duct and subsequent stenting is an established treatment option for chronic calcific pancreatitis.

Objective: To test the efficacy of a modified transportable mini-lithotripter for ESWL of pancreatic duct stones.

Design: Prospective single-center study.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Sedation is the drug-induced reduction of a patient's consciousness. The aim of sedation in endoscopic procedures is to increase the patient's comfort and to improve endoscopic performance, especially in therapeutic procedures. The most commonly used sedation regimen for conscious sedation in gastrointestinal endoscopy is still the combination of benzodiazepines with opioids.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

The present article describes the recommendations regarding the use of propofol by non-anesthesiologists from published guidelines. Furthermore, safety and efficacy data regarding the use of propofol in the hands of gastroenterologists are also reviewed. Although there are no studies comparing the safety and efficacy of propofol administration by anesthesiologists versus non-anesthesiologists for sedation during endoscopy, there is strong evidence that propofol administration by non-anesthesiologists is safe and efficacious for the majority of patients undergoing routine endoscopic procedures.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

It has been demonstrated that a processed EEG derivative may reflect the patient's level of consciousness during endoscopic sedation. However, to date a clinical benefit of EEG monitoring with respect to relevant safety parameters in routine gastrointestinal endoscopy has not been demonstrated. During long-lasting procedures (e.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

A 73-year-old male developed fever and jaundice 6 months after an episode of acute necrotizing pancreatitis. During endoscopic retrograde cholangiography, a distal bile duct compression was documented and stent insertion led to resolution of jaundice, however, the febrile condition persisted. A pancreatic necrosis measuring 11x7 cm was shown by computed tomography (CT) and the patient was referred for necrosectomy.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Objective: Midazolam sedation for upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy exacerbates minimal hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in patients with liver cirrhosis, therefore an alternative drug regimen for these patients is warranted. The aim of this randomized, controlled study was to assess whether the use of the short-acting propofol as a sedative for GI endoscopy could prevent the exacerbation of minimal HE in patients with liver cirrhosis.

Material And Methods: The study comprised patients with liver cirrhosis without clinical HE who had undergone upper GI endoscopy for therapeutic purposes (intended variceal band ligation).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background & Aims: Endoscopist-directed propofol sedation (EDP) remains controversial. We sought to update the safety experience of EDP and estimate the cost of using anesthesia specialists for endoscopic sedation.

Methods: We reviewed all published work using EDP.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF