Endoscopic Vacuum-assisted Closure in a Patient with an Overtube-induced Esophageal Perforation

An esophageal perforation is one of the most fatal clinical events, with a mortality rate of up to 21%. This may arise postoperatively or post-endoscopically. In the past, surgical treatment, such as an esophagectomy, was performed these cases. However, the procedure was challenging and had a high risk of postoperative complications. Recently, advancements in endoscopic techniques have been made, and endoscopic procedures became a common treatment modality for patients with esophageal perforation, even in those with underlying diseases. Among the endoscopic procedures, endoscopic vacuum-assisted closure (E-VAC) has been known to be safe and effective. We present the case of a 64-year-old female with advanced liver cirrhosis and an overtube-induced esophageal perforation during esophageal variceal ligation. She was successfully treated with E-VAC.

Use of n-Butyl 2 Cyanoacrylate without Lipiodol, Using a Modified Protocol in Gastric Variceal Bleed Management: Retrospective Analysis of 2299 Patients

Aim To assess the feasibility and amount of cyanoacrylate glue that can be injected safely per session, complications, and long-term results in GOV1, GOV2 and IGV1 varices, using a modified method. Method All patients from October 2008 to December 2019 presenting to us with variceal bleeding were included. We injected 0.5 mL of cyanoacrylate glue followed by 1.5 mL to 3 mL distilled water in all GOV 1, GOV 2 and IGV varices. Number of glues used were not restricted. Esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) was done for esophageal varices. Follow-up was done at 4 weeks and 3 to 6 months and analyzed. Results 2299 patients received therapy. Male:female, 69%:31%. Causes of varices–cirrhosis (84.9%) and extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) (15.1%). Causes of cirrhosis–alcohol (38.4%), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) (29%), hepatitis B (19.9%), hepatitis C (10.1%), Wilson’s disease (1.8%), and autoimmune diseases (0.9%). As much as 41.1% had blood in stomach and 10.2% had active spurt on index endoscopy. As much as 14.5% required endotracheal intubation (active bleed [53.1%], encephalopathy [40.5%], respiratory distress [6.6%]). As much as 30.9% had GOV1 + GOV2, 1.5% had GOV2 + IGV1, 21.3% had GOV1 + IGV1 and 16.4% had GOV1 + GOV2 + IGV1. Hemostasis could be achieved in 99.2% on index endoscopy. A total of 18 (0.8%) patients had uncontrolled bleed of whom 10 (55.6%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Ongoing bleed was treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPSS) (61.1%) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided coiling (38.8%). Amount of glue required for gastric variceal obturation was 3.6 on index endoscopy, 1.6 on follow-up at 4 to 6 weeks, and 1.2 at 3 months follow up. Glue extrusion with ulcers were seen in 6.4% at 4 to 6 weeks and 4.3% at 3 months. Rebleed occurred in 2.1% and 0.7% patients before 4 weeks and 3 months follow-up, respectively. As much as 1.3% and 1.2% patients were lost to follow-up before 4 weeks and 3 months follow-up sessions, respectively. Complications include pulmonary aspiration in 0.9% and bleeding from ulcers 2.8%. No evidence of pulmonary embolism was seen. In two endoscopic procedures, glue splashing into operator’s eyes occurred. Incidents of needle getting stuck in the varix occurred in three patients. Conclusions Our modified protocol for glue in gastric varices is safe and feasible, as it has less rebleed, no pulmonary embolism and less ulcers with glue extrusion as compared with available literature.

Outcome of Esophageal Variceal Ligation in Cirrhotic Patients: Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Dhaka

Background: Bleeding from esophageal varices in cirrhosis is an emergency condition. Esophageal varices band ligation has shown better results in terms of variceal obliteration as well as having fewer side effects like ulceration, perforation and stricture formation. Methods: This observational study was conducted at the gastroenterology department of BIRDEM general hospital, from September 2014 to March 2015. Subjects were eligible if they had a diagnosis of cirrhosis based on history, physical examination, biochemical parameters and presence of esophageal varices in upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. All patients were tested to determine the cause of liver cirrhosis. All patients under-went upper gastrointestinal endoscopy after consent. Esophageal variceal ligation was done at appropriate situation and patients were followed up later on. SPSS 23 was used for statistical analysis. Results: The sample size was 69. The cumulative mean age was 55.58±14.462 years (range: 20-90), with gender-based mean age of 54.76±15.704 years for males and 57.22±11.739 years for female. Mild portal hypertensive gastropathy (PHG) was found 31 (44.9%) patient and severe PHG 36 (52.2%). Patients were followed up for mean period of 8.52±3.6 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 25 (36.2%) patients, while 06 (8.7%) cases developed re-bleeding during the study period and this type of patients were managed by other modalities or combination therapies. Recurrence of varices occurred in 13 (18.8%). 25 (36.2%) patients reduction of varix size occured after esophageal variceal ligation (EVL), 32 (46.4%) required second session and 12 (17.4%) required more than second session (Table-2). Thirty nine (56.5%) patients experienced minor adverse events like GI discomfort (retrosternal pain or dysphagia), while severe adverse events were noticed in 13 (18.8%) patients. Fundal varix was found among 8 (11.6%) patient on follow up endoscopy and GAVE found in 6 (8.69%) patients. All patient developed PHG during follow up endoscopy. Conclusion: Band ligation eradicates esophageal varices with less complications and a lower re-bleeding rate, but at the same time eradication is associated with more frequent development of PHG and fundal varices. Birdem Med J 2019; 9(1): 63-69

Use of nonselective β blockers after variceal eradication in cirrhotic patients undergoing secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding: a critical review of current evidence

Nonselective β blockers (NSBBs) combined with esophageal variceal ligation (EVL) are recommended for secondary prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding (EVB) in cirrhotic patients according to the current practice guidelines and consensus. However, until now, there is a paucity of recommendations regarding the use of NSBBs in cirrhotic patients who achieved variceal eradication. In this review paper, we firstly introduced a case who achieved variceal eradication after additional use of NSBBs for secondary prophylaxis of EVB and then did not require further endoscopic therapy during repeated endoscopic surveillance, and subsequently discuss the importance of NSBBs for secondary prophylaxis of EVB, the effect of NSBBs after variceal eradication, adherence to NSBBs, screening for variceal recurrence, and timing of endoscopic surveillance after variceal eradication.