Abstract: We report the case of a 33-year-old woman with chronic calcifying pancreatitis in whom an intraductal pancreatic stone with a diameter of 8 mm was successfully disintegrated with extracorporeal shock waves, permitting subsequent endoscopic extraction of the fragments The patient had a mild attack of pancreatitis after the treatment We conclude that shockwave lithotripsy of a pancreatic duct stone in patients with chronic pancreatitis is possible It should, however, be viewed with reservation until further experience has been gained

Abstract: Complications in relation to fiberoptic gastrointestinal endoscopy were recorded prospectively during the five-year period 1980-1984. Diagnostic esophago-gastroduodenoscopy (EGD) had non-fatal complications in ten out of 7,314 procedures (0.14%) and three deaths (0.04%). Therapeutic EGD had non-fatal complications in eight out of 440 procedures (1.8%) and two deaths (0.5%). Diagnostic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) had non-fatal complications in 15 out of 1,930 procedures (0.8%) and one death (0.05%). Therapeutic ERCP had non-fatal complications in 14 out of 554 procedures (2.5%) and six deaths (1.1%). Diagnostic colonoscopy had non-fatal complications in five out of 3,538 procedures (0.14%) and therapeutic colonoscopy in 21 out of 1,055 procedures (2.0%). There were no deaths in connection with diagnostic or therapeutic colonoscopy. The recommendations based on this series are: Put greater emphasis on a proper evaluation of indications and contraindications. Avoid sedation of patients with respiratory failure. If possible, postpone procedures which may cause bleeding in patients with impaired hemostasis until proper correction has been achieved.

Abstract: The widely differing mortality rates of severe gastroduodenal hemorrhage reported in the literature (10-30%), are due to very inhomogeneous patient groups The purpose of this study was therefore to rank various clinical and endoscopical factors by giving them points from 0 to 6, both to establish comparable groups and to use them as prognostic parameters for a potential fatality rate One hundred and ninety-three patients with severe gastroduodenal bleeding, verified at emergency gastroscopy immediately after admission, were admitted to this prospective study The statistical assessment of the prognosis for these 8 factors revealed a linear correlation between increasing score and mortality rate for the following risk factors: patient age, activity and intensity of hemorrhage, type and number of associated illnesses, various therapeutic procedures Only the type of the source and the site of the hemorrhage did not correlate well By adding up the points of all risk factors for every patient we calculated the overall score and established a correlation to the mortality rate: A definite statistical correlation was demonstrated between increasing score and fatal outcome If a patient with a score of less than 20 points did survive in 100%, the mortality rate increased linearly to 833% in patients with a score of 40 points Using this scoring system it is possible to establish comparable groups of patients - which seems indispensable for a critical examination of various therapeutic procedures Furthermore, this score can serve as a predictor of the probability of a fatal outcome shortly after patient admission

Abstract: Pre-operative staging of rectal cancer could be significantly improved by the imaging method of endorectal ultrasound. Using high-frequency transducers a complex rectal wall pattern was demonstrated. Depending on in vitro or in vivo examinations and on US probes of different frequency the current interpretation is not uniform. Agreement exists on the interpretation of the muscularis propria which is of clinical importance. Objective and precise criteria for lymph node differentiation have yet to be worked out.

Abstract: Upper gastrointestinal polyps and carcinoma, especially of the periampullary area, may occur in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Upper gastrointestinal polyps were present in about 43% of patients in the polyposis registry of the Cleveland Clinic who underwent screening esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Approximately one-third of these polyps were neoplastic. Three distribution patterns were recognized: 1. fundic, 2. duodenal, and 3. fundic plus duodenal. Despite the occurrence of a few gastric cancers in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis, the risk of carcinoma of the major duodenal papilla and periampullary area is more significant. It is necessary to examine the duodenal papilla with a side-viewing instrument and to obtain biopsy specimens from this structure in these patients. The major duodenal papilla was abnormal in about one-half of our patients in whom this structure was specifically examined with a side-viewing endoscope. The preliminary results of a trial of endoscopic treatment of upper gastrointestinal polyps and lesions of the major duodenal papilla in patients with familial adenomatous polyposis are described.

Abstract: "Golytely", a lavage solution for colonoscopic preparation, has been in clinical use since 1980. Patients usually drink all the fluid (4-61 "Golytely") the morning before colonoscopy. However, clinical observation shows that many, especially elderly, patients have difficulty tolerating these large volumes. We therefore compared two methods of drinking "Golytely" in 36 patients: One group of 18 patients underwent a two-stage lavage preparation (in the evening and the following morning before the examination), the other group drank all the fluid in the early morning before colonoscopy. Patients tolerated the two-stage method significantly better-in terms of nausea (p less than 0.05) and their willingness to repeat the procedure (p less than 0.001). In both groups the bowel was equally clean and the amount of fluid required for preparation did not differ. We conclude that this new method of drinking "Golytely" is far more convenient for the patient and does not reduce the effectiveness of bowel preparation.

Abstract: In a patient with long-standing iron deficiency anemia, diffuse gastric antral vascular ectasia was found endoscopically. Diagnostic problems were the misinterpretation of the macroscopic finding as hemorrhagic inflammation and the microscopic confirmation of the diagnosis from small biopsy particles. Resection of the antrum resulted in a persistent normalization of hematologic parameters. Focal ischemia due to microthrombi in mucosal vessels might be the cause of the tendency of this vascular malformation to bleed.

Abstract: With the aim of evaluating, in a controlled prospective fashion, the efficacy of monopolar electrocoagulation in the emergency treatment of bleeding gastric and stomal ulcers, 37 patients were studied: 16 were electrocoagulated (EC group) while the remaining 21 were treated by conventional methods (control group). The hemorrhage recurred in only one of the 16 patients belonging to the EC group, but in 11 of the 21 control patients (p less than 0.0005). Transfusion requirements were also reduced in the EC group (p less than 0.05), with no significant difference in relation to mortality. Stratifying the results according to hemorrhagic activity, electrocoagulation should be clearly effective in those patients with spurting hemorrhage, taking into account several limitations: deep ulcers bearing gross vessels, and lack of cooperation by the patient. Prophylactic treatment of the bleeding ulcer with a visible non-spurting vessel may be indicated whenever we make a proper selection of the patients with a greater possibility of hemorrhagic recurrence.

Abstract: Fifty-four lesions found in 51 cases of early gastric cancer were treated with the Nd:YAG laser, N2 dye laser, local injection of ethanol, polypectomy and a combination of these methods between November, 1980 and July, 1986. Among these lesions, 34 were followed for more than one year with the endoscope. In 86% of the lesions treated, no recurrence of cancer was detected during the observation period, nor were there any deaths from gastric cancer. An analysis of the results showed that local cure of early gastric cancer in the mucosal layer could be accomplished with many kinds of endoscopic devices and that the difficulties for curative treatment depended on tumor localization and size. Further, we were able to assess local cure after endoscopic treatment on the basis of the endoscopic features of the tumor; local cure presents as a scarred stage with a smooth surface and with no abnormal granules or irregular redness. At present, endoscopic treatment should however, be limited to inoperable cases, since we cannot definitively diagnose lymph node metastasis or depth of cancer invasion.

Abstract: Thirty-one consecutive patients with primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of the stomach were studied to outline the spectrum of endoscopic abnormalities. The 17 men and 14 women had a median age of 65 years. There were 22 patients in stage I and 9 in stage II. Three endoscopic patterns were recognized: diffuse infiltration (9), ulceration (9) and polypoid lesions (13). There was no apparent correlation between the endoscopic appearance and the grading or subtype of the malignancy. Local recurrence did not occur once complete remission was obtained. The disease-free 5-year survival rate was 45%. Recognition of these endoscopic patterns may lead to earlier detection and, hopefully, improved survival.

Abstract: In 19 patients suffering from choledocholithiasis or papillary stenosis, retrograde cholangiography or sphincterotomy failed because of anatomic abnormalities. In such cases, sphincterotomy was then performed with the assistance of a percutaneous catheter. Two complications were observed: moderate bleeding from the transhepatic drain, and a retroperitoneal perforation needing surgery. This combined procedure is very efficient, but gives rise to complications of both the transhepatic and endoscopic routes.

Abstract: The possibility of employing endoscopic laser therapy (ELT) to cure early gastric cancer is discussed from the viewpoint of using endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS). Using EUS the digestive tract wall was seen as a 5-layered structure corresponding to the histological layers. On the basis of this layered structure of the gastric wall, the depth of cancer invasion and the results of laser treatment were evaluated. In 128 cases of gastric cancer examined by EUS and confirmed histologically, when the depth of cancer invasion was classified as mucosal, submucosal, muscularis propria, and deeper-than-subserosal invasion, the accuracy rate was 80%. In 26 cases of early gastric cancer, in the EUS images of the lesions before and after ELT, a lack of the gastric wall caused by the laser irradiation was observed. Furthermore, in the long-term follow-up study using EUS, the residual growth of the extraluminal cancer was detectable. EUS is one of the most promising methods for the evaluation of curative laser treatment of early gastric cancer.

Abstract: Three cases of herpetic esophagitis are reported in which the endoscopic features were non-specific and the triad of odynophagia, retrosternal pain and fever was absent, suggesting that the endoscopic and clinical presentation may be more variable than previously described.

Abstract: World experience now overwhelmingly supports the policy of conservative management by endoscopic snare polypectomy of "focal" cancer in polyps (malignancy in adenomas and polypoid carcinomas), providing that the polyp is pedunculated and that endoscopic and histological criteria are favorable. Invasion to within 2-3 mm of the snare-resection line is acceptable, providing that the advancing tumour margin is well-circumscribed. Unfavourable characteristics include poorly differential tumour, involvement of stalk vessels, and sessile configuration. This management policy applied to 90 patients between 1971 and 1981 resulted in successful 5-year follow-up of the 74 patients treated by polypectomy alone. Among the 16 patients managed surgically, no local lymph nodes were involved in any case, although 4 patients were found to have residual local tumour at the polypectomy site.

Abstract: At present, video endoscopic systems (VE) are available from four companies. We have had an opportunity to test these instruments in clinical practice. In principle, all the VE's are similar in that they employ charge coupling devices (CCD-chips) as image sensors, but they differ significantly in CCD chip technology and in the color acquisition technique. The basic aspects of CCD chip and transmission technology of relevance to the endoscopist are discussed. The mechanical properties of the endoscopes are listed. Finally, we provide an outlook on the determinants of the optical performance of VE's. The optical performance of a VE can be characterized by its resolution and color performance.

Abstract: One-hundred-seventy-five patients with oesophageal variceal bleeding and liver cirrhosis who underwent long-term injection sclerotherapy were prospectively followed for 44 +/- SD 17 months. While aetiology (alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic cirrhosis) had no influence on survival, the Child status assessed at the time of initiation of sclerotherapy was of important prognostic value (mortality rate after a mean follow-up of 44 months: Child A 5%, Child B 45%, and Child C 83%). Initiation of sclerotherapy (elective vs. emergency) had no influence on survival in the A/B patients, whereas electively treated Child C patients had a somewhat better outcome than those in whom sclerotherapy was started during active bleeding. Rebleeding, especially within the first two months after starting repeat sclerotherapy, was significantly influenced by the Child status of the patients. About one-fourth of all deaths were combined with rebleeding in the Child B and C patients, but none of the A patients had intestinal bleeding prior to death. It is concluded that Child A patients have an excellent long-term prognosis after variceal haemorrhage treated by repeated endoscopic injection of the varices.

Abstract: An oesophageal tube provided with a foam-rubber cuff is described. The outside diameter of the cuff can be diminished while the tube is being introduced. After implantation, the expanded foam-rubber cuff achieves additional sealing of the oesophago-bronchial fistula. The tube described is suitable for sealing off oesophago-bronchial fistulae in the absence of the tumour-induced stenosis of the oesophagus.

Abstract: Through the use of echography after establishing the pneumoperitoneum, it is possible to recognize the presence of intra-abdominal adhesions and the distribution of gas. Using this method, the laparoscopist is able to form a picture of the intra-abdominal situation with regard to the site of the adhesions and the pneumoperitoneal chambers. This enables him to choose the best site for the insertion of the trocar both for the avoidance of possible incidents, and for optimal inspection. This method has been successfully employed in 39 patients with large abdominal surgical scars. Laparoscopy confirmed the echographic findings in almost all the cases. Thus, in 38% of cases the laparoscopic "inspection site" chosen was atypical with respect to the usual sites for the insertion of the laparoscope, but always proved to be the most suitable.

Abstract: Plusieurs cas de syndrome de Sjogren, de polyarthrite rhumatoide, de lupus erythemateux dissemine ont ete observes dans cette famille

Abstract: Using a newly designed basket catheter, endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy was attempted in 14 patients with common bile duct stones following endoscopic sphincterotomy, and was successful in all cases Endoscopic mechanical lithotripsy is a supplementary means of removing common bile duct stones after endoscopic sphincterotomy, and its usefulness is highly rated In some cases, however, there is difficulty in inserting the basket catheter into the common bile duct and grasping the gallstone The newly designed forceps was accordingly developed, to smash these bile duct stone more reliably and effectively

Abstract: We describe a patient who developed an esophageal adenocarcinoma 25 years after esophagomyotomy for achalasia. The tumor arose in a Barrett's esophagus, suggesting gastroesophageal acid reflux following the Heller procedure.

Abstract: In order to improve the diagnosis of submucosal gastric malignancies, a new method of endoscopic fine-needle aspiration cytology was evaluated. The method is compared with conventional forceps biopsy and brush cytology, and technical problems are discussed. It is concluded that endoscopic fine-needle aspiration cytology is a simple and safe procedure, but further development of the method and more clinical experience are required before the diagnostic capability of the method can be established.

Abstract: Colonoscopy with biopsy was included in the surveillance of 19 patients with ureterosigmoidostomy, because of the high incidence of colonic carcinoma reported in such cases. The patients were examined 1-6 times, at intervals of 1-2 years, 4-36 years after the urinary diversion. Random biopsies from the distal colon and rectum showed only discrete changes, and no dysplasia. Polyps with dysplastic changes were found close to ureteral anastomoses in three patients. For routine check-up of the rectosigmoid region and the ureteral implantation sites, examination with a flexible sigmoidoscope seems to be adequate and preferable, giving easy access to the risk zone for the development of cancer. Caution should be exercised, however, when performing biopsy close to the ureteral orifices.

Abstract: We have conducted a study aimed at testing the color performance of video endoscopes in quantitative terms for the first time. The video endoscopes investigated were from Fuji, Olympus, Toshiba/Machida, and Welch-Allyn. The tests were carried out with an opto-electronic color analyser using standardized color charts and a neutral grey chart. Hue and chroma of the reproduced colors were measured. The Olympus video endoscope reproduces the hue very well, showing only slight color desaturation. The Fuji video endoscope had a yellowish tint, whereas the picture obtained with the WA video endoscope produced an inhomogeneous picture with a pronounced red/purplish cast at the top of the screen and almost neutral reproduction at the lower half. The Toshiba video endoscope was the only one with a color chip, and reproduced hue fairly well, but its colors were weakly saturated.

Abstract: A number of techniques of surgical endoscopy have been used in the management of a post-traumatic biliary fistula. The endoscopic sphincterotomy with placement of a perfused nasobiliary catheter, followed by the insertion of a biliary stent allowed the fistula to dry out. A secondary stricture of the left hepatic duct was treated by endoscopic internal drainage after the insertion of a transhepatic guidewire by an epigastric route. This kind of combined transhepatic and endoscopic procedure is useful in some difficult cases.

Abstract: Laparoscopic findings of the liver in 13 cases with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) diagnosed by wedge or needle biopsy were investigated. The characteristic features of laparoscopic appearance--gentle undulation--were observed in 11 out of 13 (85%) patients with PBC. These gentle undulations were irregularly shaped areas from 0.5 to 3 cm in diameter. Those observed in s-PBC were greater in number and more pronounced than those in a-PBC. In the concave areas of these undulations, the number of portal tracts was significantly greater than in the convex areas (p less than 0.005). On the contrary, the number of interlobular bile ducts in the concave area was significantly less than in the convex area (p less than 0.005). Therefore, gentle undulation was relatively specific to PBC, and was caused by scar formation and chronic non-suppurative destructive cholangitis in the portal area.

Abstract: Using endoscopic neodymium-YAG laser application permits successful treatment of ulcerated bleeding cancer. Further, palliative, ablative laser irradiation of tumors in inoperable patients avoids obstruction. Pre-operative recanalization of obstructive colorectal cancer causing ileus or subileus permits pre-operative orthograde bowel lavage as well as total colonoscopy, thus converting emergency surgery with staged procedures or intra-operative colon lavage into normal elective primary resection with all preoperative diagnostic and treatment modalities.

Abstract: The subject of this study was the optical performance of video-endoscopic systems (VE) in terms of maximal resolving power and resolvable picture elements. Olympus, Toshiba/Machida, Fujinon, and Welch Allyn video gastroscopes were tested. A GIF Q 10 fiberscope from Olympus was also included for comparison. The resolution measurements were made at various distances using two independent methods--electronic analysis of the TV signal, and visual evaluation of the resolution, of a standardized test target. The results obtained with the two methods were in perfect agreement. The resolution of fine details clearly depends on the distance between the distal end and the target because of decreasing image scale. Depending on the individual optical design, the various VE's show maxima at different distances. At shorter distances, the image is degraded by defocusing. An optimal distance which is as small as possible is desired for clinical routine. Apart from the fiberscope this requirement is best met by the Fuji system. The greatest resolution is obtained with the Toshiba system but at the cost of the viewing angle which is the smallest of all the systems. Fuji combines relatively high resolution with a large viewing angle. Because of the widely varying viewing angle a comparison based solely on resolution cannot represent the true imaging capability of the system. We therefore eliminated purely optical parameters and calculated the number of resolvable picture elements per line. We regard this number to be a fair characterization of both TV and fiber systems.