Abstract
Background
Transgastric endoscopy may represent a viable platform for diagnostic and therapeutic pancreatic interventions with reduced morbidity. In a human cadaver model, we aimed to determine the feasibility of transgastric endoscopic access to the lesser sac, creation of an adequate working space within the lesser sac, and reliable identification of lesser sac anatomic structures.
Methods
In six human cadavers, endoscopic guidance was used to determine an appropriate access site to the lesser sac. Subsequently, endosonographic guidance was used to introduce an aspiration needle into the potential space between the stomach and the pancreas. After creating a fluid cushion and dilating the needle tract, an endoscope was advanced through the gastrotomy into the lesser sac and air insufflation was used to create a working space. Predetermined anatomic structures were systematically sought and marked when recognized. In the final two cadavers, endoscopic closure of the access site was performed.
Results
All six procedures were successful in achieving access to the lesser sac and establishing an adequate working space. The access sites appeared amenable to endoscopic closure. Reliable organ identification, however, was not achieved in all cases, representing one of the immediate barriers to clinical application.
Conclusions
Transgastric endoscopic access to the lesser sac can be achieved reliably and an adequate working space can be established. Additional research addressing endoscopic orientation and organ recognition within the lesser sac is necessary. The immediate potential applications of this approach include differentiating benign from malignant pancreatic pathology.
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Abbreviations
- ERCP:
-
Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
- EUS:
-
Endoscopic ultrasound
- FNA:
-
Fine-needle aspiration
- NOTES:
-
Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
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Disclosures
Amitabh Chak receives research support from Olympus America. Jeffrey Marks sits on the physician advisory board for Apollo Endosurgery. B. Joseph Elmunzer, Christopher J. Sonnenday, Jason R. Taylor, Joseph P. Furlan, Steve Schomisch, James M. Scheiman, and Jeffrey L. Ponsky have no conflicts of interest to declare. No financial support was used for this project. The endoscopes were provided by Olympus Medical Systems. The endoscopic suturing device was provided by Apollo Endosurgery. The endoscopic instruments were provided by Cook Medical, Boston Scientific, Inc., and Olympus America.
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Elmunzer, B.J., Sonnenday, C.J., Taylor, J.R. et al. Endoscopic access to and exploration of the lesser sac in a human cadaver model: opportunity for transgastric endoscopic pancreatic surgery (with video). Surg Endosc 25, 2725–2730 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-011-1607-3
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00464-011-1607-3