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Chronic pancreatitis is associated with impaired quality of life, high incidence of comorbidities, serious complications and mortality. Healthcare costs are exorbitant. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for treatment based on scientific evidence, but the gathered level of evidence for any individual topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pàncrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on multidisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 2 of these paper series discuss topics on treatment and follow-up. The therapeutic approach should include assessment of etiological factors, clinical manifestations and complications. The complexity of these patients advocates for detailed evaluation in multidisciplinary committees where conservative, endoscopic, interventional radiology or surgical options are weighed. Specialized multidisciplinary units of Pancreatology should be constituted. Indications for surgery are refractory pain, local complications, and suspicion of malignancy. Enzyme replacement therapy is indicated if evidence of exocrine insufficiency or after pancreatic surgery. Response should be evaluated by nutritional parameters and assessment of symptoms. A follow-up program should be planned for every patient with chronic pancreatitis. © 2021 Elsevier España, S.L.U.

Resumen La pancreatitis cronica se asocia a calidad de vida deteriorada, elevada incidencia de comorbilidades, complicaciones graves y mortalidad. Los costes sanitarios son enormes. Algunas sociedades medicas han elaborado guias clinicas basadas en evidencia cientifica, pero el nivel de evidencia para cada aspecto de la enfermedad suele ser bajo y, consecuentemente, las recomendaciones tienden a ser vagas o debiles. En los presentes documentos de posicionamiento de la Societat Catalana de Digestologia y la Societat Catalana de Pancrees hemos buscado redactar declaraciones bien definidas orientadas al clinico, basadas en revisiones actualizadas de la literatura y acuerdos de expertos. El objetivo es proponer el uso de terminologia comun y circuitos diagnostico/terapeuticos racionales basados en el conocimiento actual. Para este fin se revisaron 51 secciones relacionadas con pancreatitis cronica por 21 expertos de 6 especialidades diferentes para generar finalmente 88 declaraciones que buscan armonizar conceptos y formular recomendaciones precisas. La parte 2 de esta serie de documentos discute temas sobre tratamiento y seguimiento. La aproximacion terapeutica debe incluir la evaluacion de factores etiologicos, manifestaciones clinicas y complicaciones. La complejidad de estos pacientes requiere un estudio detallado individualizado en comites multidisciplinares donde todas las opciones (conservadoras, endoscopicas, de radiologia intervencionista y quirurgicas) sean sopesadas. Deberian constituirse unidades especializadas de pancreatologia. Las indicaciones quirurgicas son dolor refractario, complicaciones locales y sospecha de neoplasia. El tratamiento enzimatico esta indicado si existe evidencia de insuficiencia exocrina o tras cirugia pancreatica. La respuesta debe evaluarse mediante parametros nutricionales y sintomas. Se debe planificar un programa de seguimiento para cada paciente.

The main objective of this study was to analyse the results of the surgical treatment of ampullary neuroendocrine tumours (NET) based on transduodenal ampullectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy, in a reference centre in hepatobiliopancreatic pathology.Retrospective, observational study, including all patients operated on for pancreatic and/or duodenal NET in a reference unit of hepatobiliopancreatic pathology and prospectively registered between January 1Of 181 patients operated on for pancreatic and/or duodenal NET, only 9 were located in the ampulla of Vater, which represents 4.9% of all pancreatic and/or duodenal NET. Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was performed in 6 patients, while 3 patients underwent transduodenal ampullectomy (TDA). Longer surgical time and more postoperative complications were observed in the PD group. There were no differences in hospital stay. Overall and disease-free survival at 5 years in the PD group compared to ATD was 83.3% vs. 100% and 50% vs. 100%, respectively.Ampullary NET without locoregional involvement or risk factors, can be treated by conservative surgeries such as transduodenal ampullectomy.

Introduction Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma is a primary liver neoplasm whose only curative treatment is surgery. The objective of this study was to determine the prognostic factors for survival of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma treated surgically with curative intent. Methods Sixty-seven patients who had been treated surgically for this neoplasm were collected at Bellvitge University Hospital between 1996 and 2017. Epidemiological, clinical, surgical, anatomopathological, morbidity, mortality and survival data have been analysed. Results Postoperative study reflects our centre’s experience in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma over a period of 21 years. Lymphadenectomy was associated with increased morbidity, and vascular invasion in the pathological study was the most important risk factor in the survival analysis. Conclusions This study reflects our centre's experience in the surgical treatment of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma over a period of 21 years. Lymphadenectomy was associated with increased morbidity, and vascular invasion in the pathological study was the most important risk factor in the survival analysis.

Resumen Introduccion El retrasplante hepatico (ReTH) es una indicacion de TH controvertida. Nuestro objetivo fue determinar la tasa de ReTH y las indicaciones, morbilidad, mortalidad posoperatoria y supervivencia actuarial del paciente retrasplantado en nuestra serie. Metodos Estudio retrospectivo de una serie prospectiva de 1.645 pacientes trasplantados entre 1984 y 2018. Se analizan los resultados segun el tipo de ReTH (precoz vs. tardio), periodo de estudio e indicaciones. Resultados Hemos realizado 150 ReTH en 140 pacientes. La tasa de ReTH fue de 9%. El 30% (45) de los ReTH fueron precoces, siendo tardios el otro 70% (105). Las causas mas frecuentes fueron: colangitis isquemica (27%), trombosis de la arteria hepatica (19%), fallo primario del injerto (15%) y recidiva de la cirrosis por virus de la hepatitis C (VHC) (15%). La duracion de la cirugia (395 vs. 270 min; p = 0,001), tiempo de isquemia (435 vs. 390 min; p = 0,005) y necesidad transfusional (8 vs. 5 CH; p = 0,034) fue mayor en los casos de ReTH tardio, mientras que la mortalidad posoperatoria (10 vs. 20%; p = 0,01) fue mejor en los casos de ReTH tardio. La supervivencia actuarial a uno y cinco anos fue de 71% y 58%, respectivamente, con una mejoria significativa en la ultima decada (80% y 64%). Por otra parte, la supervivencia en los casos de ReTH por colangitis isquemica es superior que otras indicaciones (78 vs. 51%; p = 0,02). Conclusiones El retrasplante es complejo y esta asociado a una elevada morbimortalidad. Sin embargo, los resultados han mejorado en los ultimos anos por lo que su indicacion esta justificada.

Liver retransplantation (LRT) is a controversial indication. Our aim was to evaluate the rate of LRT at our institution, and to analyze its indications and short- and long-term results.We conducted a retrospective study of a prospectively collected database, including 1645 LT from 1984 to 2018. Results have been analyzed depending on type of LRT (early vs late), study period and indications.We performed 150 LRT in 140 patients. The LRT rate was 9%. Of these, 45 LRT were early (30%), and the other 70% were late LRT. The main indications were: ischemic cholangitis (27%), arterial thrombosis (19%), primary non-function (15%), and HCV recurrence (15%). Mean surgery duration (395 vs. 270 min; P = .001), cold ischemia time (435 vs. 390 min; P = .005) and transfused units required (8 vs. 5 RBC; P = .034) were higher in cases of late LRT. Postoperative mortality (10 vs. 20%; P = .01) was better in cases of late LRT. One- and 5-year actuarial survival rates were 71% and 58%, respectively, which were significantly better during the last decade (80% and 64%). Five-year actuarial survival for ischemic cholangitis is better than other indications, such as recurrence of HCV (78 vs. 51%; P = .02).Liver retransplantation is complex and associated with high morbidity and mortality. However, indications and long-term results have improved during recent years. Therefore, LRT is justified.

There are uncertainties concerning the possible benefits derived from the insertion of double-pigtail plastic stents (DPS) within lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDS). The aim of this study was to determine whether a DPS within a biliary LAMS offers a potential benefit in EUS-guided CDS for the palliative management of malignant biliary obstruction. This was a multicentre retrospective study at three tertiary institutions. Period: May 2015 to August 2020. Two interventional strategies (LAMS alone and LAMS plus DPS) were compared. The choice was the endoscopist’s discretion. Inclusion: unresectable/inoperable biliopancreatic tumours with previous failed ERCP. Clinical success: bilirubin decrease > 30% at 4 weeks. Forty-one consecutive cases of EUS-CDS using biliary LAMS were treated (22 women; mean age, 72.3 years) during the study period. The procedure was technically successful in 39 (95.1%), who were managed using the two strategies (22 LAMS alone; 17 LAMS plus DPS). No differences between the groups, in terms of clinical success (77.3 vs 87.5%, p = 0.67), adverse events (AEs, 13.6 vs 11.8%, p = 0.99), recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO, 13.6 vs 23.5%, p = 0.67), or survival rate (p = 0.67) were encountered. The LAMS alone group had a shorter length of procedure (50 min vs 66 min, p = 0.102). No risk factors related to clinical success, AEs, RBO, or survival were detected. The technical variant of adding a coaxial DPS within LAMS in EUS-CDS seems not to be enough to prevent biliary morbidities, and it is a time-consuming strategy. Although prospective studies are needed, these results do not support its routine use.

Chronic pancreatitis tends to develop a number of complications that may constitute the form of presentation of the disease. Some societies have issued guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic pancreatitis complications, but the level of evidence for any topic is usually low and recommendations tend to be weak. We aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on multidisciplinary expert agreement. The goal was to propose defined terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 14 sections related to complications and special forms of chronic pancreatitis (early chronic, groove and autoimmune pancreatitis) were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 32 statements. Featured statements assert common bile duct stenosis does not require invasive treatment (endoscopic or surgical) unless cholestasis, cholangitis, lithiasis or other symptoms develop. Pancreatic duct strictures and calculi should be approached (after ruling out malignancy) if causing pain, pancreatitis, pseudocysts or other complications. Treatment of symptomatic pseudocysts must be individualized, considering associated main duct stenosis, vascular and pericystic complications. Higher risk conditions for pancreatic cancer are advance age, smoking, genetic background, recent diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis or diabetes, and appearance of new symptoms. Groove pancreatitis can initially be treated with conservative measures. Both prednisolone or rituximab can induce remission and maintenance of autoimmune pancreatitis. Internal fistula, vascular complications, bacterial overgrowth, osteoporosis and renal lithiasis require specific therapeutic approaches.

Introduction Chronic pain in chronic pancreatitis is difficult to manage. The objective of our study is to assess the control of pain that is refractory to medical treatment in patients with an inflammatory mass in the head of the pancreas, as well as to compare the two surgical techniques. Methods A retrospective study included patients treated surgically between 1989 and 2011 who had been refractory to medical treatment with inflammation of the head of the pancreas. An analysis of the short and long-term results was done to compare patients who had undergone pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) and/or resection of the head of the pancreas with duodenal preservation (RHPDP). Results 22 PD and 12 RHPDP were performed. Postoperative complications were observed in 14% of patients, the most frequent being delayed gastric emptying (14.7%) and pancreatic fistula (11.7%). No statistically significant differences were found in terms of surgical technique. Pain control was satisfactory in 85% of patients, 43% presented de novo diabetes mellitus, and 88% returned to their work activities. Fourteen patients died during follow-up, 7 due to malignancies, and some were related to tobacco use and alcohol consumption. The overall 5 and 10 year survival rates were 88% and 75% respectively. Conclusion Cephalic resection in patients with intractable pain in chronic pancreatitis is an effective therapy that provides good long-term results in terms of pain control, with no significant differences between the two surgical techniques. Patients with chronic pancreatitis have a high mortality rate associated with de novo malignancies.

Resumen Introduccion El dolor cronico en la pancreatitis cronica es de dificil manejo. El objetivo de nuestro trabajo es la valoracion del control del dolor refractario al tratamiento medico en pacientes afectos de masa inflamatoria en la cabeza pancreatica, asi como comparar dos tecnicas quirurgicas realizadas. Metodos Estudio retrospectivo sobre pacientes intervenidos entre 1989 y 2011 refractarios al tratamiento medico con predominio inflamatorio en la cabeza pancreatica. Se realizo un estudio comparativo a corto y a largo plazo entre los pacientes intervenidos mediante duodenopancreatectomia cefalica (DPC) y/o pancreatectomia cefalica con preservacion duodenal (PCPD). Resultados Se realizaron 22 DPC y 12 PCPD. En el 44% de los casos se presentaron complicaciones posquirurgicas, siendo las mas frecuentes el vaciamiento gastrico retardado (14,7%) y la fistula pancreatica (11,7%). No se evidenciaron diferencias estadisticamente significativas segun la tecnica quirurgica. Se consiguio el control del dolor de forma satisfactoria en el 85% de los pacientes, hubo un 43% de diabetes mellitus de novo, y la reincorporacion a la actividad laboral fue del 88%. Catorce pacientes fallecieron durante el seguimiento; de ellos, 7 a causa de neoplasias, algunas de ellas relacionadas con el consumo de tabaco y alcohol. La supervivencia global a 5 y 10 anos fue del 88 y del 75%, respectivamente. Conclusion La reseccion cefalica en pacientes con dolor intratable en la pancreatitis cronica es una terapeutica eficaz, con buenos resultados a largo plazo en terminos de control del dolor y sin diferencias significativas entre ambas tecnicas quirurgicas. Los pacientes con pancreatitis cronica presentan una elevada mortalidad asociada a neoplasias de novo.

Chronic pancreatitis is a chronic fibroinflammatory disease of the pancreas with prevalence around 50 cases per 100,000 inhabitants. It appears to originate from diverse and yet mixed etiological factors. It shows highly variable presenting features, complication types and disease progression rates. Treatment options are as wide as the multiple personalized scenarios the disease might exhibit at a given time point. Some medical societies have developed guidelines for diagnosis and treatment based on scientific evidence. Although these efforts are to be acknowledged, the gathered level of evidence for any topic is usually low and, therefore, recommendations tend to be vague or weak. In the present series of position papers on chronic pancreatitis from the Societat Catalana de Digestologia and the Societat Catalana de Pancrees we aimed at providing defined position statements for the clinician based on updated review of published literature and on interdisciplinary expert agreement. The final goal is to propose the use of common terminology and rational diagnostic/therapeutic circuits based on current knowledge. To this end 51 sections related to chronic pancreatitis were reviewed by 21 specialists from 6 different fields to generate 88 statements altogether. Statements were designed to harmonize concepts or delineate recommendations. Part 1 of this paper series discusses topics on aetiology and diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Main clinical features are abdominal pain, exocrine and endocrine insufficiency and symptoms derived from complications. Some patients remain symptom-free. Diagnosis (definitive, probable or uncertain) should be based on objective data obtained from imaging, histology, or functional tests. (C) 2021 Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is a low-prevalence, life-threatening condition regardless of treatment, with a 30-50% postoperative (≤60 days) mortality. This study aimed to estimate our postoperative cumulative mortality incidence and assess the feasibility of the diagnostic-therapeutic algorithm used in our clinical practice. We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients treated for AEF at a fully-equipped tertiary healthcare center between January 2008 and December 2020.

Resumen Introduccion El adenocarcinoma de duodeno es una neoplasia poco frecuente, sobre la que existen pocas experiencias publicadas de los resultados tras su reseccion. El objetivo es analizar los resultados obtenidos en nuestro centro tras la reseccion curativa del adenocarcinoma duodenal (AD). Metodos Estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes intervenidos con reseccion curativa por AD entre 1990 y 2017 en nuestro hospital. Resultados Se intervino a 27 pacientes. En 23 casos (85%) se realizo duodenopancreatectomia cefalica (DPC) y en 4 casos (15%) con localizacion en la 3.a-4.a porcion duodenal se realizo duodenectomia (DD) segmentaria. La morbilidad postoperatoria global fue del 67% (18 pacientes). La mortalidad postoperatoria global fue 7% (2 pacientes), sin embargo, la mortalidad postoperatoria relacionada con la cirugia fue de 4% (un paciente). El estudio anatomopatologico evidencio reseccion con margenes libres en todos los casos intervenidos. La mediana de adenopatias resecadas fue 18 (0 a 38), siendo 1 (0 a 8) las adenopatias afectadas. Tras una mediana de seguimiento de 23 (9-69,7) meses, la supervivencia actuarial fue de 62,2 (25,2 a 99,1) meses y la supervivencia actuarial libre de enfermedad fue de 49 (0 a 133) meses. Conclusiones La reseccion quirurgica del AD comporta una elevada morbilidad postoperatoria, sin embargo, consigue una supervivencia prolongada. Dependiendo de la localizacion y en ausencia de infiltracion pancreatica, la DD segmentaria con margenes libres es una alternativa a la DPC.

Introduction:Pancreatic cancer is the seventh leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and surgical resection with radical intent remains the only potentially curative treatment option today. However, borderline resectable pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (BR-PDAC) stand in the gray area between the resectable and unresectable disease since they are technically resectable but have a high probability of incomplete exeresis. Neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) plays an important role in ensuring resection success.Different survival prognostic factors for BR-PDAC have been well described, but evidence on the predictive factors associated with resection after NAT is scarce. This study aims to study if CA 19-9 plasmatic levels and the tumor anatomical relationship with neighboring vascular structures are prognostic factors for resection and survival (both Overall Survival and Progression-Free Survival) in patients with type A BR-PDAC. Methods:This will be a retrospective cohort study using data from type A BR-PDAC patients who received NAT in the Bellvitge University Hospital. The observation period is from January 2010 until December 2019; patients must have a minimum 12-month follow-up. Patients will be classified according to the MD Anderson Cancer Center criteria for BR-PDAC. Discussion:Patients with BR-PDAC have a high risk for a margin-positive resection. Serum Carbohydrate Antigen 19-9 plasmatic levels and vascular involvement stand out as disease-related prognostic factors.This study will provide valuable information on the prognostic factors associated with resection. We will exclude locally advanced tumors and expect this approach to provide more realistic resection rates without selecting those patients that undergo surgical exploration. However, focusing on an anatomical definition may limit the results' generalizability.

Several techniques have been proposed for liver transplantation with inadequate hepatic artery (HA) anastomosis. We aimed to analyze outcomes of arterial reconstruction with the splenic artery (SA). This was a prospective study of our experience with recipients who underwent arterial anastomosis on the SA compared with patients who underwent standard HA. We included 54 patients in the SA group and 1405 in the HA group. Patients in SA group were more frequently retransplantation (31% vs. 8%; P = 0.001), required more transfusion (11 ± 12 vs. 6 ± 9.9 PRC; P = 0.001), had longer surgeries (424 ± 95 vs. 394 ± 102 min; P = 0.03), and longer hospital stays (28 ± 29 vs. 20 ± 18 days; P = 0.002). There were no differences in vascular and biliary complications (15% and 7%; P = 0.18; and 32% and 23%; P = 0.32), primary dysfunction (11% and 9%; P = 0.74), reoperation (12% and 10%; P = 0.61), postoperative mortality (13% and 7%; P = 0.12) and 5 years survival (66% vs. 63%; P = 0.71). Following primary transplantation, there were no differences. The outcomes of arterial reconstruction using the recipients' SA in adult liver transplantation are comparable to those for standard HA reconstruction after a first transplant.

BACKGROUND Delaying initiation of tacrolimus after liver transplantation (LT) is a potential renal-sparing strategy. We assessed safety and efficacy of delayed initiation of prolonged-release tacrolimus (PR-T) in de novo LT. MATERIAL AND METHODS This was a single-center, single-arm, prospective, 12-month observational study of hepatitis C virus-negative orthotopic LT patients. Immunosuppression included PR-T (initially 0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg/day) initiated on Day 3 post LT, basiliximab (20 mg) on post-transplantation Day 0 and Day 4, and intraoperative corticosteroids (500 mg). Patients received maintenance corticosteroids and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) according to center protocol. MMF dose was adjusted according to thrombocyte count. The primary endpoint was the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) measured using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease 4-variable formula at 12 months. Secondary endpoints included biopsy-confirmed acute rejection (BCAR) and dialysis requirement. Adverse events were recorded. RESULTS Sixty-nine patients (mean age 55.0 years) were included. Most patients started MMF on Day 1 (60.9%) or Day 2 (10.1%), and PR-T on Day 3 (55.1%) or Day 4 (29.0%). Mean tacrolimus trough levels (ng/mL) were: Day 7, 9.5±6.3; Day 10, 9.4±5.4; Month 1, 8.0±3.1; Month 3, 7.8±3.7; Month 6, 8.0±4.1; and Month 12, 7.2±3.1. Mean 12-month eGFR was 77.2±24.5 mL/min/1.73 m2; 72.5% of patients had eGFR >60 mL/min/1.73 m² at 12 months; 89.9% had no eGFR measurements

OBJECTIVE: To use the concept of benchmarking to establish robust and standardized outcome references after pancreatico-duodenectomy (PD). BACKGROUND: Best achievable results after PD are unknown. Consequently, outcome comparisons among different cohorts, centers or with novel surgical techniques remain speculative. METHODS: This multicenter study analyzes consecutive patients (2012-2015) undergoing PD in 23 international expert centers in pancreas surgery. Outcomes in patients without significant comorbidities and major vascular resection (benchmark cases) were analyzed to establish 20 outcome benchmarks for PD. These benchmarks were tested in a cohort with a poorer preoperative physical status (ASA class ≥3) and a cohort treated by minimally invasive approaches. RESULTS: Two thousand three hundred seventy-five (38%) low-risk cases out of a total of 6186 PDs were analyzed, disclosing low in-hospital mortality (≤1.6%) but high morbidity, with a 73% benchmark morbidity rate cumulated within 6 months following surgery. Benchmark cutoffs for pancreatic fistulas (B-C), severe complications (≥ grade 3), and failure-to-rescue rate were 19%, 30%, and 9%, respectively. The ASA ≥3 cohort showed comparable morbidity but a higher in hospital-mortality (3% vs 1.6%) and failure-to-rescue rate (16% vs 9%) than the benchmarks. The proportion of benchmark cases performed varied greatly across centers and continents for both open (9%-93%) and minimally invasive (11%-62%) PD. Centers operating mostly on complex PD cases disclosed better results than those with a majority of low-risk cases. CONCLUSION: The proposed outcome benchmarks for PD, established in a large-scale international patient cohort and tested in 2 different cohorts, may allow for meaningful comparisons between different patient cohorts, centers, countries, and surgical techniques.

Background Delayed gastric emptying (DGE) is the most important cause of an extended hospital stay after pancreatoduodenectomy. Reports suggest that a Roux-en-Y gastroenteric anastomosis may have lower incidence of DGE than a Billroth II reconstruction. The primary aim of this RCT was to compare Billroth II (single loop) and Roux-en-Y (double loop) after pancreatoduodenectomy to determine whether Roux-en-Y reconstruction is associated with a lower incidence of DGE. Secondary endpoints were postoperative complications. Methods This was a randomized unblinded single-centre trial without masked evaluation of the main outcome. Patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy between 2013 and 2015 were randomized to undergo one of two types of gastroenteric anastomosis for reconstruction. Results A total of 80 patients were randomized, 40 in each group. The incidence of DGE was the same in patients undergoing Billroth II or Roux-en-Y gastroenteric anastomosis (both 18 of 40 patients; P = 1·000). The grade of DGE was also similar in the Billroth II and Roux-en-Y groups (grade A, both 10 of 40; grade B, 5 of 40 versus 6 of 40; grade C, 3 of 40 versus 2 of 40; P = 0·962). The mortality rate was 3 per cent, with no significant difference between the two groups. There were no differences in the overall rate of postoperative morbidity, relaparotomy rate or duration of hospital stay. Conclusion The incidence and severity of DGE does not differ between single- or double-loop gastroenteric anastomosis performed after pancreatoduodenectomy. Registration number: NCT00915863 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has generated a worldwide sanitary emergency, forcing the worldwide scientific community to recommend low-evidence-based therapies. These drugs may have been involved with unsuspected side effects. We describe a case of a Primary Aortoenteric Fistula (PAEF) in a patient with a recent history of severe COVID-19, and we hypothesize whether this rare condition may have been triggered by the virus or by the drugs used against it.

"Hemosuccus pancreaticus" (HP), "wirsungorrhagia" or "pseudohemobilia" is a rare cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding consisting of blood loss along the duct of Wirsung with exteriorization through the ampulla of Vater. Due to its rarity, the literature on HP is limited to retrospective studies, case reports, and case series.

There are uncertainties concerning the possible benefits derived from the insertion of double-pigtail plastic stents (DPS) within lumen-apposing metal stents (LAMS) in EUS-guided choledochoduodenostomy (CDS). The aim of this study was to determine whether a DPS within a biliary LAMS offers a potential benefit in EUS-guided CDS for the palliative management of malignant biliary obstruction.This was a multicentre retrospective study at three tertiary institutions.May 2015 to August 2020. Two interventional strategies (LAMS alone and LAMS plus DPS) were compared. The choice was the endoscopist's discretion. Inclusion: unresectable/inoperable biliopancreatic tumours with previous failed ERCP. Clinical success: bilirubin decrease 30% at 4 weeks.Forty-one consecutive cases of EUS-CDS using biliary LAMS were treated (22 women; mean age, 72.3 years) during the study period. The procedure was technically successful in 39 (95.1%), who were managed using the two strategies (22 LAMS alone; 17 LAMS plus DPS). No differences between the groups, in terms of clinical success (77.3 vs 87.5%, p = 0.67), adverse events (AEs, 13.6 vs 11.8%, p = 0.99), recurrent biliary obstruction (RBO, 13.6 vs 23.5%, p = 0.67), or survival rate (p = 0.67) were encountered. The LAMS alone group had a shorter length of procedure (50 min vs 66 min, p = 0.102). No risk factors related to clinical success, AEs, RBO, or survival were detected.The technical variant of adding a coaxial DPS within LAMS in EUS-CDS seems not to be enough to prevent biliary morbidities, and it is a time-consuming strategy. Although prospective studies are needed, these results do not support its routine use.

Background There are no clearly defined indications for pancreas-preserving duodenectomy. The present study aimed to analyze postoperative morbidity and the outcomes of patients undergoing pancreas-preserving duodenectomy. Methods Patients undergoing pancreas-preserving duodenectomy from April 2008 to May 2020 were included. We divided the series according to indication: scenario 1, primary duodenal tumors; scenario 2, tumors of another origin with duodenal involvement; and scenario 3, emergency duodenectomy. Results We included 35 patients. Total duodenectomy was performed in 1 patient of adenomatous duodenal polyposis, limited duodenectomy in 7, and third + fourth duodenal portion resection in 27. The indications for scenario 1 were gastrointestinal stromal tumor (n = 13), adenocarcinoma (n = 4), neuroendocrine tumor (n = 3), duodenal adenoma (n = 1), and adenomatous duodenal polyposis (n = 1); scenario 2: retroperitoneal desmoid tumor (n = 2), recurrence of liposarcoma (n = 2), retroperitoneal paraganglioma (n = 1), neuroendocrine tumor in pancreatic uncinate process (n = 1), and duodenal infiltration due to metastatic adenopathies of a germinal tumor with digestive hemorrhage (n = 1); and scenario 3: aortoenteric fistula (n = 3), duodenal trauma (n = 1), erosive duodenitis (n = 1), and biliopancreatic limb ischemia (n = 1). Severe complications (Clavien-Dindo ≥ IIIb) developed in 14% (5/35), and postoperative mortality was 3% (1/35). Conclusions Pancreas-preserving duodenectomy is useful in the management of primary duodenal tumors, and is a technical option for some tumors with duodenal infiltration or in emergency interventions.

The outcomes of liver resection (LR) with a narrow margin in patients with transplantable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been studied. The aim was to assess whether narrow margin following up-front LR impacts the incidence, timing, pattern, and transplantability of tumor recurrence in patients with initially transplantable HCC. All initially transplantable HCC patients undergoing hepatectomy with either narrow (

Background & Aims Liver resection (LR) in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥10 mmHg is not encouraged. Here, we reappraised the outcomes of patients with cirrhosis and CSPH who underwent LR for HCC in highly specialised liver centres. Methods This was a retrospective multicentre study from 1999 to 2019. Predictors for postoperative liver decompensation and textbook outcomes were identified. Results In total, 79 patients with a median age of 65 years were included. The Child-Pugh grade was A in 99% of patients, and the median model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 8. The median HVPG was 12 mmHg. Major hepatectomies and laparoscopies were performed in 28% and 34% of patients, respectively. Ninety-day mortality and severe morbidity rates were 6% and 27%, respectively. Postoperative and persistent liver decompensation occurred in 35% and 10% of patients at 3 months. Predictors of liver decompensation included increased preoperative HVPG (p = 0.004), increased serum total bilirubin (p = 0.02), and open approach (p = 0.03). Of the patients, 34% achieved a textbook outcome, of which the laparoscopic approach was the sole predictor (p = 0.004). The 5-year overall survival and recurrence-free survival rates were 55% and 43%, respectively. Conclusions Patients with cirrhosis, HCC and HVPG ≥10 mmHg can undergo LR with acceptable mortality, morbidity, and liver decompensation rates. The laparoscopic approach was the sole predictor of a textbook outcome. Lay summary Patients with cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and clinically significant portal hypertension (defined as a hepatic venous pressure gradient ≥10 mmHg) can undergo resection with acceptable mortality, morbidity, liver decompensation rates, and a textbook outcome. These results can be achieved in selected patients with preserved liver function, good general status, and sufficient remnant liver volume., Graphical abstract, Highlights • Patients with HCC and CSPH can undergo resection, with mortality of 6% and severe morbidity of 27%. • Postoperative and persistent liver decompensation occurred in 35% and 10% of patients, respectively. • Textbook outcome was achieved in 34% of patients. • The laparoscopic approach was identified as a predictor of postoperative liver decompensation and textbook outcome.

Background and aim Given their poor prognosis, patients with residual disease (RD) in the re-resection specimen of an incidental gallbladder carcinoma (IGBC) could benefit from a better selection for surgical treatment. The Gallbladder Cancer Risk Score (GBRS) has been proposed to preoperatively identify RD risk more precisely than T-stage alone. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of RD and to validate the GBRS in a retrospective series of patients. Material and methods A prospectively collected database including 59 patients with IGBC diagnosed from December 1996 to November 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. Three locations of RD were established: local, regional, and distant. The effect of RD on overall survival (OS) was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method. To identify variables associated with the presence of RD, characteristics of patients with and without RD were compared using Fisher’s exact test. The relative risk of RD associated with clinical and pathologic factors was studied with a univariate logistic regression analysis. Results RD was found in 30 patients (50.8%). The presence of RD in any location was associated with worse OS (29% vs. 74.2%, p = 0.0001), even after an R0 resection (37.7% vs 74.2%, p = 0.003). There was no significant difference in survival between patients without RD and with local RD (74.2% vs 64.3%, p = 0.266), nor between patients with regional RD and distant RD (16.1% vs 20%, p = 0.411). After selecting patients in which R0 resection was achieved (n = 44), 5-year survival rate for patients without RD, local RD, and regional RD was, respectively, 74.2%, 75%, and 13.9% (p = 0.0001). The GBRS could be calculated in 25 cases (42.3%), and its usefulness to predict the presence of regional or distant RD (RDRD) was confirmed (80% in high-risk patients and 30% in intermediate risk p = 0.041). Conclusion RDRD, but not local RD, represents a negative prognostic factor of OS. The GBRS was useful to preoperatively identify patients with high risk of RDRD. An R0 resection did not improve OS of patients with regional RD.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the placement of a coaxial double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) within a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) may improve the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs).This was a retrospective cohort study including patients with PFCs and an indication for transmural drainage. Two strategies (LAMS alone or LAMS plus DPS) were used at the endoscopist's discretion.A total of 41 patients were treated (21 LAMS alone; 20 LAMS plus DPS). The characteristics of the PFCs, and the technical and clinical success rates did not differ between groups. The LAMS alone group had a significantly higher rate of adverse events than the LAMS plus DPS group (42.9 % vs. 10.0 %;The addition of a coaxial DPS to LAMS was associated with a lower rate of adverse events in EUS-guided drainage of PFCs.The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the placement of a coaxial double-pigtail plastic stent (DPS) within a lumen-apposing metal stent (LAMS) may improve the safety of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided drainage of pancreatic fluid collections (PFCs).This was a retrospective cohort study including patients with PFCs and an indication for transmural drainage. Two strategies (LAMS alone or LAMS plus DPS) were used at the endoscopist’s discretion.A total of 41 patients were treated (21 LAMS alone; 20 LAMS plus DPS). The characteristics of the PFCs, and the technical and clinical success rates did not differ between groups. The LAMS alone group had a significantly higher rate of adverse events than the LAMS plus DPS group (42.9 % vs. 10.0 %;The addition of a coaxial DPS to LAMS was associated with a lower rate of adverse events in EUS-guided drainage of PFCs.

Introduction The need for fluoroscopy guidance in patients undergoing endoscopic ultrasound-guided transmural drainage (EUS-TMD) of peripancreatic fluid collections (PFCs) remains unclear. Aims The aim of this study was to compare general outcomes of EUS-TMD of PFCs under fluoroscopy (F) vs fluoroless (FL). Methods This is a comparative study with a retrospective analysis of a prospective and consecutive inclusion database at a tertiary centre, from 2009 to 2015. All patients were symptomatic pseudocyst (PSC) and walled-off pancreatic necrosis (WON). Two groups were assigned depending on availability of fluoroscopy. The groups were heterogeneous in terms of their demographic characteristics, PFCs and procedure. The main outcome measures included technical and clinical success, incidences, adverse events (AEs), and follow-up. Results Fifty EUS-TMD of PFCs from 86 EUS-guided drainages were included during the study period. Group F included 26 procedures, PSC 69.2%, WON 30.8%, metal stents 61.5% (46.1% lumen-apposing stent) and plastic stents 38.5%. Group FL included 24 procedures, PSC 37.5%, WON 62.5%, and metal stents 95.8% (lumen-apposing stents). Technical success was 100% in both groups, and clinical success was similar (F 88.5%, FL 87.5%). Technical incidences and intra-procedure AEs were only described in group F (7.6% and 11.5%, respectively) and none in group FL. Procedure time was less in group FL (8 min, p = 0.0341). Conclusions Fluoroless in the EUS-TMD of PFCs does not involve more technical incidences or intra-procedure AEs. Technical and clinical success was similar in the two groups.

Resumen Introduccion Se ha definido un grupo de resecabilidad borderline resectable (APBR) en el adenocarcinoma de pancreas. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar los resultados en el tratamiento quirurgico tras neoadyuvancia del APBR. Metodo Entre 2010 y 2014 incluimos pacientes afectos de APBR en un protocolo de neoadyuvancia y cirugia, estadificados mediante tomografia computarizada multidetector (TCMD). El tratamiento con quimioterapia se baso en gemcitabina y oxaliplatino (GEMOX). Posteriormente, se realizo TCMD para descartar progresion, y se administro 5-FU en infusion y radioterapia concomitante. Se practico TCMD y reseccion en ausencia de progresion. Se realizo un estudio estadistico descriptivo, dividiendo la serie en grupo reseccion (grupo GR) y grupo progresion (grupo PROG). El seguimiento finalizo en febrero de 2016. Resultados Indicamos tratamiento neoadyuvante a 22 pacientes, 11 de ellos fueron finalmente intervenidos. Se realizaron 9 duodenopancreatectomias cefalicas, una duodenopancreatectomia total y una pancreatectomia corporocaudal. De los 11 pacientes, 7 requirieron algun tipo de reseccion vascular; 5 resecciones venosas, uno arterial y otro ambas. No hubo mortalidad postoperatoria, 7 (63%) tuvieron alguna complicacion y 4 fueron reintervenidos. La estancia hospitalaria postoperatoria mediana fue 17 dias (7-75). El estudio patologico evidencio margenes microscopicos libres (R0) en el 63% de los pacientes y ausencia de afectacion adenopatica en 10 pacientes (ypN0). Al cierre del estudio, todos los pacientes habian fallecido, con una supervivencia actuarial mediana de 13 meses (9,6-16,3). La supervivencia actuarial mediana del grupo GR fue superior al grupo PROG (25 vs. 9 meses; p Conclusion El tratamiento neoadyuvante del APBR permite seleccionar un grupo de pacientes en el que la reseccion consigue una supervivencia superior al grupo en el que se observa progresion. La reseccion pancreatica posneoadyuvancia requiere resecciones vasculares en la mayoria de los casos.

The availability of new imaging techniques has conditioned an increase in the incidental diagnosis of small nonfunctioning pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNET-NF). The best treatment is controversial, some authors advise a conservative approach in selected cases. Our aim is to analyze the evolution of incidental, small size PNET-NF, treated with clinical follow-up without surgery.We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective database of patients diagnosed incidentally with PNET-NF since November 2007 to September 2015. We include those with PNET-NF ≤2cm and asymptomatic. The diagnosis was performed using imaging tests indicating endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration in case of doubts in the diagnosis. The follow-up was performed at our center, registering clinical and/or radiological changes.We included 24 patients with a median age of 70 years, and a similar distribution in terms of sex. The diagnosis was made through computed tomography multidetector or magnetic resonance imaging and octreotide scan. The tumors were located mainly in the head and neck (46%), with a mean size of 11,5±3,55mm at diagnosis (5-19mm). In 2 cases endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration was used (8%), confirming the diagnosis of low-grade PNET with Ki675%. The median follow-up was 39 months (7-100). In 19 patients (79%) they remained the same size, 21% (5) increased its size with a mean of 2,6±2mm (1-6). No cases had progression of disease.In selected patients, non-surgical management of PNET-NF is an option to consider, when they are asymptomatic and ≤2cm. Larger studies with more patients and more time of follow-up are needed to validate this non-operative approach.

Resumen Objetivo La disponibilidad de nuevas tecnicas de imagen ha condicionado un incremento en el diagnostico incidental de pequenos tumores neuroendocrinos pancreaticos no funcionantes (TNP-NF). El mejor tratamiento de estos tumores es controvertido: algunos autores aconsejan una actitud conservadora en casos seleccionados. Nuestro objetivo es analizar la evolucion de TNP-NF incidentales de pequeno tamano, tratados con seguimiento clinico sin cirugia. Metodos Se realizo un analisis retrospectivo de una base de datos prospectiva de pacientes diagnosticados incidentalmente de TNP-NF desde noviembre de 2007 hasta septiembre de 2015. Incluimos aquellos con TNP-NF ≤ 2 cm y asintomaticos. El diagnostico se realizo mediante pruebas de imagen, indicando ecoendoscopia-puncion en caso de dudas diagnosticas. El seguimiento se hizo en nuestro centro, con registro de cambios clinicos y radiologicos. Resultados Incluimos a 24 pacientes con una mediana de edad de 70 anos y distribucion similar en cuanto al sexo. El diagnostico se realizo mediante tomografia computarizada multidetector, resonancia nuclear magnetica y gammagrafia con octreotide. Los tumores se localizaban principalmente en cabeza y cuello (46%), con un tamano medio de 11,5 ± 3,55 mm al diagnostico (5-19 mm). En 2 casos se asocio ecoendoscopia-puncion (8%), confirmando el diagnostico de TNP de bajo grado con Ki67 Conclusion En pacientes seleccionados, el manejo no quirurgico de TNP-NF, asintomaticos y ≤2 cm es una opcion a tener en cuenta. Son necesarios estudios con mayor numero de pacientes y un seguimiento mayor para validar esta opcion conservadora.

Resumen Introduccion El tratamiento de los tumores neuroendocrinos pancreaticos no funcionantes (TNEPNF) es la reseccion en caso de enfermedad localizada o metastasis hepaticas resecables. Existe controversia en metastasis hepaticas irresecables. Metodos Analizamos los datos perioperatorios y de supervivencia de 63 pacientes resecados por TNEPNF entre 1993 y 2012, dividiendolos en 3 escenarios: A, reseccion pancreatica (44 pacientes); B, reseccion pancreatica y hepatica por metastasis hepaticas sincronicas (12 pacientes), y C, reseccion pancreatica en presencia de metastasis hepaticas irresecables (6 pacientes). Se estudiaron factores pronosticos de supervivencia y recidiva. Resultados Las cirugias mas frecuentes fueron, pancreatectomia corporocaudal (51%) y duodenopancreatectomia cefalica (38%). El 44% de los pacientes requirieron una cirugia asociada, resecando sincronicamente pancreas e higado en 9. Dos pacientes recibieron un trasplante hepatico durante el seguimiento. Segun la clasificacion de la OMS, se distribuyeron en G1: 10 (16%), G2: 45 (71%) y G3: 8 (13%). La morbimortalidad postoperatoria fue del 49 y del 1,6%, respectivamente. Al cierre del estudio, 43 (68%) seguian vivos, con una supervivencia actuarial media de 9,6 anos. La clasificacion de la OMS y la recidiva fueron factores de riesgo de mortalidad en el estudio multivariante. La supervivencia actuarial mediana por escenarios fue de 131 meses (A), 102 meses (B) y 75 meses (C), sin diferencias estadisticamente significativas. Conclusiones El tratamiento del TNEPNF sin enfermedad a distancia es la reseccion. Las metastasis hepaticas resecables en los tumores bien diferenciados deben resecarse. La reseccion del tumor pancreatico con metastasis hepaticas sincronicas irresecables debe considerarse en TNEPNF bien diferenciados. El grado de clasificacion de la OMS y la recidiva son factores de riesgo de mortalidad a largo plazo.

MicroRNAs from the miR-200 family are commonly associated with the inhibition of the metastatic potential of cancer cells, following inhibition of ZEB transcription factors expression and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. However, previous studies performed in pancreatic adenocarcinoma revealed a more complex picture challenging this canonical model. To gain better insights into the role of miR-200 family members in this disease, we analyzed the expression of miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c, miR-141, miR-429, and miR-205, and ZEB1, ZEB2, and CDH1 in pancreatic tumors and matching normal adjacent parenchyma and patient-derived xenografts. We found that miR-200a, miR-429, and miR-205 are frequently overexpressed in pancreatic tumors, whereas CDH1 is downregulated, and ZEB1 and ZEB2 levels remain unchanged. Furthermore, we measured a positive correlation between miR-200 family members and CDH1 expression, and a negative correlation between ZEB1 and miR-200c, miR-141, and miR-205 expression, respectively. Interestingly, we identified significant changes in expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition regulators and miR-200 members in patient-derived xenografts. Lastly, functional studies revealed that miR-141 and miR-429 inhibit the tumorigenic potential of pancreatic cancer cells. Taken together, this comprehensive analysis strongly suggests that miRNAs from the miR-200 family, and in particular miR-429, may act as a tumor suppressor gene in pancreatic cancer. Keywords: pancreatic cancer, patient-derived xenograft, miR-200 family, miR-429

Introduction Duodenal adenocarcinoma is a rare malignancy. Given the rarity of the disease, there is limited data related to resection results. The objective is to analyze results at our hospital after the curative resection of duodenal adenocarcinoma (DA). Material and methods The variables were retrospectively collected from patients operated on between 1990 and 2017 at our hospital. Results A total of 27 patients were treated. Twenty-three patients (85%) underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy, and 4 patients (15%) with tumors located in the third and fourth portions of the duodenum underwent segmental duodenal resection. The overall postoperative morbidity was 63% (17 patients). Postoperative mortality was 7% (2 patients); however, postoperative mortality related to surgery was 4% (1 patient). All patients had negative resection margins. A median of 18 lymph nodes (range, 0–38) were retrieved and evaluated, with a median of 1 involved node (range, 0–8). Median follow up was 23 (9–69.7) months. Actuarial overall survival was 62.2 (25.2–99.1) months. Actuarial disease-free survival was 49 (0–133) months. Conclusions The surgical treatment of duodenal adenocarcinoma is associated with a high morbidity, although it achieves considerable survival. Depending on the tumor location and if there is no pancreatic infiltration, segmental duodenal resection with negative margins is an alternative to cephalic pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Background and study aims: the use of endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has increased in cases of failed endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and there are some concerns. The main aim of the study was to determine the role of EUS-BD in a palliative case cohort. The secondary aim was to compare the efficacy, safety and survival of EUS-BD and ERCP procedures. Patients and methods: this was an observational study at a single tertiary institution, with a consecutive inclusion from January 2015 to December 2016. The inclusion criteria were unresectable tumors of the biliopancreatic region with an indication of BD. Statistical comparison analysis was performed between the ERCP and EUS-BD groups. The incidence between groups was compared using the Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. The log rank test was used to compare the risk of death. Results: fifty-two cases with an indication of palliative BD were included in the study. Transpapillary drainage via ERCP was possible in 44 procedures and EUS-BD was required in eight cases; 15.4% of the cohort and seven using lumen apposing metal stent (LAMS). The technical and clinical success of global endoscopic BD was 100% and 88.5% (ERCP: 84.6% and 78.9%; EUS-BD: 100% and 62.5%, respectively). Pancreatitis was the most frequent adverse event (AE) in the ERCP group (9.62%) and bleeding in the EUS-BD (25%). There were fatal AEs in ERCP (1.9%) and EUS-BD (25%) cases. Patient survival was higher with ERCP transpapillary stents compared to EUS-guided stents, which was statistically significant (p = 0.007). Conclusions: the requirement of EUS-BD in palliative biliopancreatic pathology is not marginal. EUS-BD is associated with a lower survival rate and a higher rate of fatal AE, which argues against its use as a first choice procedure.

Resumen Introduccion La duodenopancreatectomia cefalica (DPC) es el tratamiento de eleccion de los tumores del area periampular. Esta intervencion presenta una elevada morbilidad postoperatoria, y suele estar contraindicada en los pacientes con hepatopatia cronica (CH). Analizar los resultados de la DPC en pacientes cirroticos, y compararlos con los de pacientes no cirroticos. Metodos Entre abril de 1994 y noviembre de 2014 registramos de forma prospectiva a todos los pacientes a los que se les realizo una DPC por cancer del area periampular en el Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge. Se recogieron de forma prospectiva variables preoperatorias, intraoperatorias y del postoperatorio inmediato. Se definio grupo de estudio a los pacientes tratados mediante DPC y afectos de cirrosis hepatica (grupo CH), y grupo control a pacientes intervenidos sin cirrosis hepatica (grupo NCH); se realizo un estudio caso/control (1/2). Resultados Registramos a 15 pacientes del grupo CH, todos ellos con una buena funcion hepatica (Child A), y a 30 del grupo NCH. La causa de la hepatopatia fue VHC (60%) y enolismo (40%). En los 3 instantes estudiados, los pacientes del grupo CH presentaron una cifra de plaquetas en sangre inferior y una ratio de protrombina superior, respecto al grupo NCH. La morbilidad postoperatoria fue del 60%, con una estancia media de 25 ± 19 dias; sin diferencias significativas en la incidencia de complicaciones entre el grupo CH y NCH (73 vs. 53%; p = 0,1). La presencia de ascitis durante el postoperatorio fue superior en el grupo CH respecto al NCH (28 vs. 0%; p Conclusiones La DPC es una intervencion segura entre los pacientes hepatopatas con buena funcion hepatica preoperatoria, a pesar de comportar una elevada morbilidad.

Background and Aims When ERCP fails, EUS-guided interventional techniques may be an alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the general outcomes and safety of EUS-guided methylene blue cholangiopancreatography in patients with failed ERCP in benign biliopancreatic diseases. Methods Patients with benign biliopancreatic diseases and failed ERCP were included. EUS-guided cholangiopancreatography plus injection of methylene blue was performed, and then ERCP using coloring agent flow as an indicator of papilla orifice was performed. Procedures were prospectively collected in this observational, single-center study. Technical success, clinical success, and adverse events were analyzed retrospectively. Results Eleven patients were included (10 choledocholithiasis, 1 pancreatic stricture). The main reason for failed ERCP was an unidentifiable papilla. EUS-guided ductal access with cholangiopancreatography and papilla orifice identification was obtained in all cases. Technical success and clinical success rates of 91% were achieved, with successful biliopancreatic drainage in 10 patients. Adverse events included 1 peripancreatic abscess attributed to a precut, which was successfully treated. No adverse events were related to the first EUS-guided stage. Conclusion EUS-guided cholangiopancreatography with methylene blue injection seems to be a feasible and helpful technique for treatment in patients with benign biliopancreatic diseases with previous failed ERCP because of an undetectable papilla.