Application of Polymer Clip to Ligate the Distal Ureter in Retroperitoneal Laparoscopic Radical Nephroureterectomy

Purpose：Distal ureter management in radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) is challenging. Methods: This study describes a simple endoscopic clip technique with polymer clip ligation for the management of the distal ureter during retroperitoneal laparoscopic RNU. This endoscopic technique was used in 14 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC). Transurethral resection of the bladder cuff was performed using a bipolar β electrode (mounted on resectoscope). Subsequently, a Super Scope (S-scope) with a 5-mm-diameter dual working channel was used with clip applier to deliver the polymer clips, which consequently ligated the ureteral stump and avoided urine spillage from the upper tract. Results: Distal ureter was managed successfully in all 14 cases using polymer clip, without any cases of urine spillage. Conclusions: Therefore, polymer clip ligation technique provides a simple and safe option for distal ureter management in retroperitoneal laparoscopic RNU.

Safety Issues in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scan with Retention of Olympus Long Clips in the Gastrointestinal Tract

Objective: Not all endoscopic clips are compatible with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The aim of this study is to investigate the safety of MRI-incompatible endoscopic clips in patients undergoing MRI scans. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of patients who had received endoscopic clip placement of Olympus Long Clip MRI-incompatible clips and then had undergone MRI scans within two weeks in our hospital between 2014 and 2019. Results: A total of 44,292 patients had undergone an MRI examination at our hospital. Only 15 patients had MRI scans within two weeks after the endoscopic clip placement. Their median age was 65.5 years, and 12 of the 15 patients were men. At the time of the clip placement and MRI scan, four patients were taking anti-coagulation or anti-platelet agents. The indication for endoscopic clip placement of the 15 patients was mucosal/submucosal defect or hemorrhage and colonic perforation. Endoscopic clips were placed in the colon of 14 patients and in the stomach of only one patient for gastric hemorrhage. One patient experienced clip migration and three displayed artifacts in abdominal images. No patient complications of mortality, hemorrhage, or organ perforation occurred. Conclusion: No serious adverse event occurred during MRI scans of patients with MRI-incompatible clips in this study, suggesting that MRI-incompatible clips may be safe to use in MRI scans. However, this does not guarantee the safety of the Long Clip for MRI scans, as further tests are needed to verify that this clip is safe for use during MRI.

Incidental discovery of endourethral clip migration 10 years after radical prostatectomy: A case report and review of the literature

Introduction: Surgical clips (SCs) have been widely used for a variety of surgical procedures over the years. Despite their advantages and proven effectiveness, several clip-related complications have been reported, creating dilemmas as to their optimal use. Case description: Herein, we present a rare delayed and incidental discovery of two endourethral metallic SCs in a 77-year-old male seeking treatment for acute renal colic. The patient had undergone open radical retropubic prostatectomy 10 years ago, and had an uneventful postoperative recovery. Computed tomography scan revealed left-sided hydronephrosis secondary to proximal ureteral calculus, as well as SCs at the level of vesico-urethral (VUR) anastomosis. Flexible cystoscopy confirmed the imaging findings, showing two endourethral clips, partly obstructing the VUR. Firstly, a serial wire-guided dilation took place, followed by left ureteral double-J stent placement. Unfortunately, the clips could not be concurrently removed due to their firm attachment to the bladder neck. Hence, our patient was scheduled for transurethral resection of the bladder neck and simultaneous endoscopic clip removal. Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to highlight such a delayed incidental finding, 10 years after open retropubic radical prostatectomy (RRP), during a JJ stent insertion for obstructive uropathy without previous clip-induced lower urinary tract symptoms. Although rare, physicians should be aware of the potential clip-related complications arising either in the short- or long-term postprostatectomy setting.

Therapeutic Endoscopic Procedures on a Human Cadaver—A Pilot Feasibility Study

Introduction The traditional apprentice model of teaching therapeutic endoscopic skills is inadequate due to unpredictable frequency and high stakes for patient outcome. Simulation had gained widespread acceptance for training modules. But all the procedures cannot be trained on simulator. We designed a novel human cadaver hands-on training module for practicing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG), endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVL), endoscopic injection (EI), snare polypectomy (SP), thermal cautery (TC), and endoscopic clip (EC) placement. Methods A single preserved pre-coronavirus disease 2019 human cadaver was used as a training model. Twelve trainees (6 teams) used the module to acquire and practice new skills of PEG, EVL, EI, SP, and EC using standard endoscope and regular endoscopic accessories. All the trainees completed the course evaluation using a 5-point Likert scale (5= strongly agree). Results The training resulted in a self-reported increase in equipment familiarity and all the trainees felt uniformly that they are better prepared for performing the procedures on real patients. They strongly agreed that this exhaustive hands-on exercise has more educational value than attending lectures. Conclusion Human cadaver can be used for trainees to hone therapeutic endoscopic skills by teaching modules with predefined learning objectives.

Colonic Transendoscopic Enteral Tubing: Route for a Novel, Safe, and Convenient Delivery of Washed Microbiota Transplantation in Children

Aim. Colonic transendoscopic enteral tubing (TET) has been used for delivering fecal microbiota transplantation by washed preparation since 2015, which was recently named as washed microbiota transplantation (WMT). However, there are few reports available regarding the feasibility and safety of these studies in low-age population. This study is aimed at evaluating the safety, feasibility, and value of colonic TET in 3-7 years old children. Methods. All patients aged 3-7 years who underwent colonic TET in our center for WMT or medication were prospectively evaluated. The feasibility and safety of TET were evaluated. A questionnaire was completed by the children’s parents to evaluate the children’s response to the colonic TET as well as the parent’s satisfaction. Results. Forty-seven children were included (mean age 5 years). TET was implemented into the colon of all the patients, and the success rate of the procedure was 100%. The median retention time of TET tube within the colon was 6 (IQR 5-7) days in 45 patients with tube falling out spontaneously, and the maximum retention time was up to 21 days. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that endoscopic clip number ( P = 0.009 ) was an independent contributing factor for the retaining time of tube. With increase in the number of large clips, the retention time of TET tube was prolonged. No discomfort was reported during injection of the microbiota or medication suspension through the TET tube. During the follow-up, no severe adverse events were observed. All children’s parents were satisfied with TET. Interestingly, the proportion of children’s parents choosing TET as the delivery way of WMT increased from 29.79% before to 70.21% after TET ( P < 0.001 ). Conclusions. This study, for the first time, demonstrates that colonic TET is a novel, safe, and convenient colonic delivery way for WMT and medication in children aged 3-7 years.

Minimally invasive video-assisted sphincter-sparing treatment of complex rectal fistulas using the VAAFT technique

Background. Video-assisted anal fistula treatment (VAAFT) is a new minimally invasive sphincter-sparing technology.Objective: to describe technical characteristics of VAAFT and evaluate short-term outcomes.Materials and methods. We used a specialized surgical video system (VAAFT®; Karl Storz) for the treatment of complex high rectal fistulas. This technology allows a surgeon to use a special fistuloscope to perform visual examination of the fistula, find its internal opening, and detect secondary fistula passages and inflows. In addition to visual inspection, it is possible to simultaneously conduct a cytological brush through the working channel of the endoscope in order to clear the fistula from detritus and desquamate lining mucosa, and then perform fistula ablation using a monopolar electrode. The internal opening of the fistula can be either closed by a flap or sutured using a linear stapling device or closed using an endoscopic clip with additional sealing of the suture line with biological glue.Results. Between September 2017 and August 2019, a total of 112 patients underwent VAAFT® surgeries. Ninety-three patients (83 %) were followed up for 6 months postoperatively. We observed no significant complications during the follow-up period. The majority of study participants (85 %) did not experience severe pain (>2–4 points on a visual-analog scale) in the early postoperative period. Primary healing was achieved in 98 patients (87.5 %) within 2–3 months. Eighty-nine individuals (79.5 %) were followed up for more than 1 year. Rectal fistula healing within 1 year after VAAFT® surgery was observed in 82 % of patients.Conclusions. The main advantage of the VAAFT® technique is the combination of the diagnostic stage for fistula visualization and identification of the internal opening with the possibility of simultaneous surgical treatment.