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Our cumulative experience with transendoscopic miniprobes
1Centro Médico Teknon, Centro Internacional de Medicina Avanzada, Barcelona, Spain. varas@dr.teknon.es
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|July 14, 2005
Summary
Transendoscopic miniprobes (TEMPs) offer a safe and effective diagnostic alternative, with 620 examinations performed between 1996-2004. These probes demonstrated 0% perforation and mortality rates, highlighting their safety for gastrointestinal evaluations.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Imaging
- Endoscopy
Background:
- Transendoscopic miniprobes (TEMPs) are emerging as a potential diagnostic tool.
- While currently having specific indications, they may soon rival radial and sectorial endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the utility and safety of TEMPs in gastrointestinal examinations.
- To assess the range of applications and outcomes associated with TEMP usage.
Main Methods:
- A total of 620 TEMP examinations were conducted between November 1996 and July 2004.
- Various radial and linear TEMPs from different manufacturers (Microvasive, Olympus, Fuji) were utilized, with frequencies ranging from 7.5 to 20 MHz.
- Probes varied in diameter (2.0-2.6 mm) and length (950-2050 mm), with some designed for intraductal use and others employing a preload system.
Main Results:
- The esophagus and stomach were the most frequently examined organs (60%), followed by the rectum and colon (30%).
- Primary indications included cancer staging (35%) and submucosal lesions (30%), with a 65% combined rate.
- No aspirations, perforations, or mortality were recorded; morbidity was 10%, primarily due to abdominal pain. One malignant rectal stenosis was not passed.
Conclusions:
- Over a 93-month period, 620 TEMP explorations were performed, averaging 11 per month.
- TEMP durability averaged around 100 gut explorations.
- The study confirmed 0% perforation and mortality rates, establishing TEMPs as a safe endoscopic diagnostic method.