PURPOSE To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous balloon dilation of biliary-enteric anastomotic strictures resulting from surgical repair of laparoscopic cholecystectomy-related bile duct injuries. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 61 patients were referred to our institution from 1995 to 2010 for treatment of obstruction at the biliary-enteric anastomosis following surgical repair of laparosc...

ing episodes of epigastric pain due to a large stone in the main pancreatic duct and a long (approximately 3 cm) stricture at the head of the pancreas (l" Fig. 1 a). She underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), where dilation of the pancreatic duct was performed using an 8-mm biliary dilating balloon (Boston Scientific, Natick, Massachusetts, USA) (l" Fig. 1 b). Four sin...

The choledocho-choledochostomy stricture is one of the most frequent complications occurring after liver transplantation. Today endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may be considered one of the most common methodologic approaches for the diagnosis; at the same time it provides an effective treatment of the stenosis, avoiding more invasive surgery. Biliary flow through a strictured ana...

Subglottic injury (SGI) is a known complication of prolonged intubation in neonates and infants and can lead to failed extubation. SGI is a spectrum that includes mucosal edema, ulceration, granulation perichondritis, and mature scar formation. Although medical management aimed at treating mucosal edema and extraesophageal reflux is successful in treating a majority of patients, some require su...

Endoscopic papillary large-balloon dilation (EPLBD) is a relatively new technology for removing large bile duct stones [1]. The efficacy and safety of EPLBD have been reported; however, severe complications occur in approximately 10% of patients [2]. Hemorrhage is one of the most common complications, and endoscopic hemostasis is effective [3]. Herein, we present a case of rupture of a pseudoan...

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of warfarin anticoagulation after small balloon pre-dilation for treating Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) complicated with inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis. Methods: This prospective study analyzed the consecutive clinical data of 53 patients with BCS complicated with IVC thrombosis, who were admitted in our hospital from Jan...

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS  Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is often performed in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Our aim was to validate a treatment approach with the objective of decreasing ERCP related adverse events (AEs). PATIENTS AND METHODS  All patients who had undergone ERCP for PSC during the period from 2002 - 2012 were identified (group I)....

Abstract Background Small bowel fibrostenotic strictures are common in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). No global consensus recommendations on definitions, diagnosis and clinical management available. Methods Several systematic reviews followed by a RAND/University of California Los Angeles appropriateness study the fibrostenosing CD practice were performed. A panel 28 experts patient repres...

Here, we describe balloon catheter dilation at the upper esophageal sphincter (UES) in three sporadic inclusion body myositis (s-IBM) patients with dysphagia. Initially, we performed IVIg therapy, and, three months later, switched to balloon dilation therapy. A 12-Fr balloon catheter was inserted from the mouth under fluoroscopy and the balloon inflated at the UES. The catheter was pulled back ...