Background Contemporary EUS-guided FNA techniques involve the use of a needle, with an air column within the lumen, with or without suction. We describe a novel technique with an aim to improve the ...quality of the aspirate. Objective To compare a novel “wet suction” technique (WEST) with the conventional FNA technique (CFNAT) of EUS-guided FNA using a 22-gauge FNA needle. Design Prospective, single-blind, and randomized trial. Setting Two large tertiary-care hospitals. Patients All consecutive adult patients presenting for EUS with possible FNA of solid lesions were offered the chance to participate in the study. Methods All lesions were sampled with the same needle by using alternating techniques. Patients were randomized to the WEST versus the CFNAT for the first pass. If the first pass was made with the WEST, the second pass was made with the CFNAT, and subsequent passes were made in an alternating manner by using the same sequence. All FNAs were performed using 22-gauge needles. Main Outcome Measurements Specimen adequacy, cellularity, and blood contamination of EUS-guided FNA aspirates graded on a predefined scale. Results The WEST yielded significantly higher cellularity in a cell block compared with the CFNAT, with a mean cellularity score of 1.82 ± 0.76 versus 1.45 ± 0.768 ( P < .0003). The WEST cell block resulted in a significantly better specimen adequacy of 85.5% versus 75.2% ( P < .035). There was no difference in the amount of blood contamination between the 2 techniques. Limitations Lack of cross check and grading by a second cytopathologist. Conclusion The novel WEST resulted in significantly better cellularity and specimen adequacy in cell blocks of EUS-guided FNA aspirate of solid lesions than the CFNAT.
OBJECTIVE:Our objective was to analyze factors predicting outcomes after a total pancreatectomy and islet autotransplantation (TP-IAT).
BACKGROUND:Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is increasingly treated by ...a TP-IAT. Postoperative outcomes are generally favorable, but a minority of patients fare poorly.
METHODS:In our single-centered study, we analyzed the records of 581 patients with CP who underwent a TP-IAT. Endpoints included persistent postoperative “pancreatic pain” similar to preoperative levels, narcotic use for any reason, and islet graft failure at 1 year.
RESULTS:In our patients, the duration (mean ± SD) of CP before their TP-IAT was 7.1 ± 0.3 years and narcotic usage of 3.3 ± 0.2 years. Pediatric patients had better postoperative outcomes. Among adult patients, the odds of narcotic use at 1 year were increased by previous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and stent placement, and a high number of previous stents (>3). Independent risk factors for pancreatic pain at 1 year were pancreas divisum, previous body mass index >30, and a high number of previous stents (>3). The strongest independent risk factor for islet graft failure was a low islet yield—in islet equivalents (IEQ)—per kilogram of body weight. We noted a strong dose-response relationship between the lowest-yield category (<2000 IEQ) and the highest (≥5000 IEQ or more). Islet graft failure was 25-fold more likely in the lowest-yield category.
CONCLUSIONS:This article represents the largest study of factors predicting outcomes after a TP-IAT. Preoperatively, the patient subgroups we identified warrant further attention.
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