Vedolizumab in Mild-to-Moderate Crohn's Disease Patients Naïve to Biological Therapy: A Multicentric Observational Study.

Background: In real-world experience, the number of patients using vedolizumab as first-line biological therapy was low. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab in mild-to-moderate Crohn's disease (CD) biologic-naïve patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective multicentric cohort study with patients who had clinical activity scores (Harvey-Bradshaw Index [HBI]) measured at baseline and weeks 12, 26, 52, as well as at the last follow-up. Clinical response was defined as a reduction ≥3 in HBI, whereas clinical remission as HBI ≤4. Mucosal healing was defined as the complete absence of ulcers in control colonoscopies. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the persistence with vedolizumab. Results: From a total of 66 patients, 53% (35/66) reached clinical remission at week 12. This percentage increased to 69.7% (46/66) at week 26, and 78.8% (52/66) at week 52. Mucosal healing was achieved in 62.3% (33/53) of patients. Vedolizumab was well tolerated, and most adverse events were minor. During vedolizumab treatment, 3/66 patients underwent surgery. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the effectiveness and safety of vedolizumab as a first-line biological agent in patients with mild-to-moderate CD.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT OF ADULT CROHN'S DISEASE AND ULCERATIVE COLITIS PATIENTS: A CONSENSUS FROM THE BRAZILIAN ORGANIZATION OF CROHN'S DISEASE AND COLITIS (GEDIIB).

BACKGROUND: Despite optimized medical therapy, contemporary risk of surgery in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) after 10 years of diagnosis is 9.2% in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 26.2% in Crohn's disease, (CD) in the biological era. OBJECTIVE: This consensus aims to detail guidance to the most appropriate surgical procedures in different IBD scenarios. In addition, it details surgical indications and perioperative management of adult patients with CD and UC. METHODS: Our consensus was developed by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists representing the Brazilian Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (GEDIIB), with the Rapid Review methodology being conducted to support the recommendations/statements. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the disease phenotypes, surgical indications, and techniques. After structuring the recommendations/statements, the modified Delphi Panel methodology was used to conduct the voting by experts in IBD surgery and gastroenterology. This consisted of three rounds: two using a personalized and anonymous online voting platform and one face-to-face presential meeting. Whenever participants did not agree with specific statements or recommendations, an option to outline possible reasons was offered to enable free-text responses and provide the opportunity for the experts to elaborate or explain disagreement. The consensus of recommendations/statements in each round was considered to have been reached if there was ≥80% agreement. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This consensus addressed the most relevant information to guide the decision-making process for adequate surgical management of CD and UC. It synthesizes recommendations developed from evidence-based statements and state-of-art knowledge. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the different disease phenotypes, indications for surgery and perioperative management. Specific focus of our consensus was given to elective and emergency surgical procedures, determining when to indicate surgery and which procedures may be the more appropriate. The consensus is targeted to gastroenterologists and surgeons interested in the treatment and management of adult patients with CD or UC and supports decision-making of healthcare payors, institutional leaders, and/or administrators.

Brazilian national bariatric registry - pilot study.

INTRODUCTION: Brazil is a world leader in bariatric surgery. However, the actual number of surgeries performed in the country is still unknown. It is necessary to implement an instrument to monitor the quality of care provided. This study evaluated the implementation of a Bariatric Surgery Data Registry in Brazil. METHODOLOGY: the registry was developed with Dendrite Clinical Systems Ltd., with data collected prospectively on an internet-based software. Seven centers were selected based on surgical volume and data entry commitment. The project covered three years after system implementation. RESULTS: 1,363 procedures performed by 17 surgeons were included. Most patients were female (67.2%), with average age of 39 years old and average baseline BMI of 41.5kg/m2. Diabetes mellitus was present in 34.5%, and hypertension in 40.1%. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 79.3%, 95.5% by laparoscopy. There was one in-hospital death of cardiovascular cause. The average hospital stay was 2.03 days. The surgery-related complication rate was 0.97% in the first month, with three reoperations. Short-term follow-up was recorded in 75.6% and one-year follow-up in 21.64%. Total body weight loss was 10% in 30 days, rising to 33.3% after one year, with no difference between surgical techniques. CONCLUSIONS: the population profile was in accordance with the global registry of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. The main difficulty encountered was low postoperative data entry. The experience acquired in this project will help advance data collection and knowledge of the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery in Brazil.

Brazilian national bariatric registry - pilot study / Registro nacional de dados em cirurgia bariátrica - estudo piloto

ABSTRACT Introduction: Brazil is a world leader in bariatric surgery. However, the actual number of surgeries performed in the country is still unknown. It is necessary to implement an instrument to monitor the quality of care provided. This study evaluated the implementation of a Bariatric Surgery Data Registry in Brazil. Methodology: the registry was developed with Dendrite Clinical Systems Ltd., with data collected prospectively on an internet-based software. Seven centers were selected based on surgical volume and data entry commitment. The project covered three years after system implementation. Results: 1,363 procedures performed by 17 surgeons were included. Most patients were female (67.2%), with average age of 39 years old and average baseline BMI of 41.5kg/m2. Diabetes mellitus was present in 34.5%, and hypertension in 40.1%. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass was performed in 79.3%, 95.5% by laparoscopy. There was one in-hospital death of cardiovascular cause. The average hospital stay was 2.03 days. The surgery-related complication rate was 0.97% in the first month, with three reoperations. Short-term follow-up was recorded in 75.6% and one-year follow-up in 21.64%. Total body weight loss was 10% in 30 days, rising to 33.3% after one year, with no difference between surgical techniques. Conclusions: the population profile was in accordance with the global registry of the International Federation for the Surgery of Obesity and Metabolic Disorders. The main difficulty encountered was low postoperative data entry. The experience acquired in this project will help advance data collection and knowledge of the safety and effectiveness of bariatric surgery in Brazil.

RESUMO Introdução: o Brasil é líder mundial em cirurgia bariátrica. No entanto, o número de cirurgias realizadas no país ainda é desconhecido. É necessário um instrumento para monitorar a qualidade da assistência prestada. Este estudo avaliou a implantação de um Registro de Dados de Cirurgia Bariátrica no Brasil. Metodologia: O registro foi desenvolvido com a Dendrite Clinical Systems Ltd., com dados coletados prospectivamente em software na internet. Sete centros foram selecionados, baseado no volume cirúrgico e compromisso de inserção de dados. O projeto abrangeu três anos após implementação. Resultados: foram incluídos 1.363 procedimentos realizados por 17 cirurgiões. A maioria dos pacientes eram mulheres (67,2%), com idade média de 39 anos e IMC basal médio de 41,5kg/m2. Diabetes mellitus estava presente em 34,5% e hipertensão em 40,1%. Bypass gástrico em Y de Roux foi realizado em 79,3%, 95,5% por laparoscopia. Houve um óbito hospitalar de causa cardiovascular. A média de permanência hospitalar foi de 2,03 dias. A taxa de complicações relacionadas à cirurgia foi 0,97% no primeiro mês, com três reoperações. Seguimento de curto prazo foi registrado em 75,6% e de um ano em 21,64%. A perda de peso corporal total foi de 10% em 30 dias, aumentando para 33,3% após um ano, sem diferença entre técnicas cirúrgicas. Conclusões: o perfil populacional está de acordo com o registro global da IFSO. A principal dificuldade encontrada foi a baixa inserção de dados pós-operatórios. A experiência adquirida neste projeto ajudará no conhecimento da segurança e eficácia da cirurgia bariátrica no Brasil.

HEMATOPOIETIC STEM CELL TRANSPLANTATION AND CROHN'S DISEASE: POSITION PAPER FROM THE TRANSPLANTATION COMMITTEE OF THE BRAZILIAN GROUP FOR THE STUDY OF INFLAMMATORY BOWEL DISEASES (GEDIIB).

Crohn's disease (CD) is a relapse-remitting inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive system. This heterogeneous disease has multiple factors that contribute to an abnormal immune response to intestinal microorganisms. Treatment is based on the use of anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologic biologic agents either alone or in combination. Surgical treatment is usual and, ten years after diagnosis, more than 80% of patients report having undergone surgical procedures related to the disease. Unfortunately, none of the treatments described offer a cure, and many cases become refractory or without therapeutic options. In this scenario, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been suggested because clinical remission was obtained in patients who had CD associated with malignant hematological diseases and an alternative since the first reports in 2010. In this report, the Transplantation Committee of the Brazilian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases reviews the history and results of the procedure in patients with CD, detailing and discussing the various relevant points that permeate hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy in this disease.

Transplante de células tronco hematopoiéticas e doença de Crohn: posição do Comitê de Transplantes do Grupo Brasileiro para estudo das doenças inflamatórias do intestino (GEDIIB) / Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and crohn's disease: position paper from the transplantation committee of the brazilian group for the study of inflammatory bowel diseases (gediib)

ABSTRACT Crohn's disease (CD) is a relapse-remitting inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any part of the digestive system. This heterogeneous disease has multiple factors that contribute to an abnormal immune response to intestinal microorganisms. Treatment is based on the use of anti-inflammatories, corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and biologic biologic agents either alone or in combination. Surgical treatment is usual and, ten years after diagnosis, more than 80% of patients report having undergone surgical procedures related to the disease. Unfortunately, none of the treatments described offer a cure, and many cases become refractory or without therapeutic options. In this scenario, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has been suggested because clinical remission was obtained in patients who had CD associated with malignant hematological diseases and an alternative since the first reports in 2010. In this report, the Transplantation Committee of the Brazilian Group for the Study of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases reviews the history and results of the procedure in patients with CD, detailing and discussing the various relevant points that permeate hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and cell therapy in this disease.

RESUMO A doença de Crohn (DC) é uma doença inflamatória intestinal (DII) recidivante recorrente que pode afetar qualquer parte do sistema digestivo. É doença heterogênea e possui múltiplos fatores que contribuem para uma resposta imune anormal aos microrganismos intestinais. O tratamento baseia-se no uso de anti-inflamatórios, corticosteroides e imunossupressores e imunobiológicos que são utilizados isoladamente ou em combinação. O tratamento cirúrgico é frequente e 10 anos após o diagnóstico, mais de 50% dos pacientes relatam terem sido submetidos a procedimentos cirúrgicos relacionados à doença. Infelizmente, nenhum dos tratamentos descritos oferece cura, e inúmeros casos tornam-se refratários ou sem opções terapêuticas. Nesse cenário, o transplante de células-tronco hematopoéticas (TCTH) em decorrência da remissão clínica de pacientes que apresentavam DC associada a doenças hematológicas malignas, passou a ser alternativa desde os primeiros resultados em 2010. Neste relato, a Comissão de Transplantes do Grupo Brasileiro de Estudo das Doenças Inflamatórias Intestinais revisa a história e os resultados do procedimento em pacientes com DC, detalhando e discutindo os diversos pontos relevantes que permeiam o TCTH e a terapia celular no tratamento da moléstia.

Banded RYGB Ring Slippage Endoscopic Removal with Self-expandable Stents: a Comparative Study Between Metallic and Plastic One.

PURPOSE: Banded Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) was a common bariatric procedure in the 2000s, and the ring slippage is one of its late adverse events. Both plastic and metallic stents have been reported as adjunct methods to induce erosion and facilitate endoscopic removal of the ring. OBJECTIVE: To compare the safety and effectiveness of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) and plastic stents (SEPS) to treat ring slippage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a retrospective longitudinal study analyzing consecutive patients with ring dysfunction treated with stents plus endoscopic removal. RESULTS: Ninety patients were enrolled (36 SEMS vs. 54 SEPS). The mean age was 48.56 ± 13.07 and 45.6 ± 12.1 in the SEMS and SEPS groups, respectively. All patients had band slippage, but 24 from SEMS group and 23 from SEPS group had further complications. There were more complications in metallic stent concerning mean absolute number of therapy-related adverse events (1.33 ± 0.48 vs. 1.72 ± 0.5, p > 0.05) and time until erosion (14.9 ± 1.6 vs. 13.8 ± 1.4 days, p > 0.05). Female sex and age > 41 years old correlated with longer time to band erosion and higher incidence of adverse events in SEMS patients. In SEPS group, only female sex was a risk factor for adverse events. CONCLUSION: Both procedures were efficient at inducing band erosion with similar safety profiles. Older and female patients are at a higher risk of treatment-related adverse events, especially those receiving SEMS.

Tratamento cirúrgico de pacientes adultos com doença de Crohn e retocolite ulcerativa: um consenso da Organização Brasileira de Doença de Crohn e Colite (GEDIIB) / Surgical management of adult crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis patients: a consensus from the brazilian organization of crohn's disease and colitis (gediib)

ABSTRACT Background: Despite optimized medical therapy, contemporary risk of surgery in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) after 10 years of diagnosis is 9.2% in patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 26.2% in Crohn's disease, (CD) in the biological era. Objective: This consensus aims to detail guidance to the most appropriate surgical procedures in different IBD scenarios. In addition, it details surgical indications and perioperative management of adult patients with CD and UC. Methods: Our consensus was developed by colorectal surgeons and gastroenterologists representing the Brazilian Study Group of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (GEDIIB), with the Rapid Review methodology being conducted to support the recommendations/statements. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the disease phenotypes, surgical indications, and techniques. After structuring the recommendations/statements, the modified Delphi Panel methodology was used to conduct the voting by experts in IBD surgery and gastroenterology. This consisted of three rounds: two using a personalized and anonymous online voting platform and one face-to-face presential meeting. Whenever participants did not agree with specific statements or recommendations, an option to outline possible reasons was offered to enable free-text responses and provide the opportunity for the experts to elaborate or explain disagreement. The consensus of recommendations/statements in each round was considered to have been reached if there was ≥80% agreement. Results and conclusion: This consensus addressed the most relevant information to guide the decision-making process for adequate surgical management of CD and UC. It synthesizes recommendations developed from evidence-based statements and state-of-art knowledge. Surgical recommendations were structured and mapped according to the different disease phenotypes, indications for surgery and perioperative management. Specific focus of our consensus was given to elective and emergency surgical procedures, determining when to indicate surgery and which procedures may be the more appropriate. The consensus is targeted to gastroenterologists and surgeons interested in the treatment and management of adult patients with CD or UC and supports decision-making of healthcare payors, institutional leaders, and/or administrators.

RESUMO Contexto: Apesar da terapia medicamentosa otimizada, o risco contemporâneo de cirurgia nas doenças inflamatórias intestinais (DII) após 10 anos do diagnóstico é de 9,2% em pacientes com retocolite ulcerativa (RCU) e de 26,2% na doença de Crohn (DC) na era biológica. Objetivo: Este consenso visa detalhar as orientações para os procedimentos cirúrgicos mais adequados em diferentes cenários da DII. Além disso, detalha as indicações cirúrgicas e o manejo perioperatório de pacientes adultos com DC e RCU. Métodos: Nosso consenso foi desenvolvido por cirurgiões colorretais e gastroenterologistas representantes da Organização Brasileira de Doença de Crohn e Colite (GEDIIB), com a metodologia de revisão rápida sendo conduzida para respaldar as recomendações. As recomendações cirúrgicas foram estruturadas e mapeadas de acordo com os fenótipos da doença, indicações cirúrgicas e técnicas. Após a estruturação das recomendações, a metodologia modificada do Painel Delphi foi utilizada para conduzir a votação por especialistas em cirurgia de DII e gastroenterologia. Esta consistiu em três rondas: duas com recurso a uma plataforma de votação online personalizada e anônima e uma reunião presencial. Sempre que os participantes não concordavam com afirmações ou recomendações específicas, era oferecida uma opção de delinear possíveis razões para permitir respostas em texto livre e dar a oportunidade para os especialistas elaborarem ou explicarem a discordância. O consenso de recomendações/declarações em cada rodada foi considerado alcançado se houve concordância ≥80%. Resultados e conclusão Este consenso abordou as informações mais relevantes para orientar o processo de tomada de decisão para o manejo cirúrgico adequado de DC e RCU. Ele sintetiza recomendações desenvolvidas a partir de evidências e conhecimento de alto nível. As recomendações cirúrgicas foram estruturadas e mapeadas de acordo com os diferentes fenótipos da doença, indicações para cirurgia e manejo perioperatório. O foco específico do nosso consenso foi dado aos procedimentos cirúrgicos eletivos e de emergência, determinando quando indicar a cirurgia e quais procedimentos podem ser os mais adequados. O consenso é direcionado a gastroenterologistas e cirurgiões interessados no tratamento e manejo de pacientes adultos com DC ou RCU e apoia a tomada de decisões de pagadores de saúde, líderes institucionais e/ou administradores.

Real-world treatment patterns and disease control over one year in patients with inflammatory bowel disease in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) with a remission-relapsing presentation and symptomatic exacerbations that have detrimental impacts on patient quality of life and are associated with a high cost burden, especially in patients with moderate-to-severe disease. The Real-world Data of Moderate-to-Severe Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Brazil (RISE BR) study was a noninterventional study designed to evaluate disease control, treatment patterns, disease burden and health-related quality of life in patients with moderate-to-severe active IBD. We report findings from the prospective follow-up phase of the RISE BR study in patients with active UC or CD. AIM: To describe the 12-mo disease evolution and treatment patterns among patients with active moderate-to-severe IBD in Brazil. METHODS: This was a prospective, noninterventional study of adult patients with active Crohn's disease (CD: Harvey-Bradshaw Index ≥ 8, CD Activity Index ≥ 220), inadequate CD control (i.e., calprotectin > 200 µg/g or colonoscopy previous results), or active ulcerative colitis (UC: Partial Mayo score ≥ 5). Enrollment occurred in 14 centers from October 2016 to February 2017. The proportion of active IBD patients after 9-12 mo of follow-up, Kaplan-Meier estimates of the time to mild or no activity and a summary of treatment initiation, discontinuation and dose changes were examined. RESULTS: The study included 118 CD and 36 UC patients, with mean ± SD ages of 43.3 ± 12.6 and 44.9 ± 16.5 years, respectively. The most frequent drug classes at index were biologics for CD (62.7%) and 5-aminosalicylate derivates for UC patients (91.7%). During follow-up, 65.3% of CD and 86.1% of UC patients initiated a new treatment at least once. Discontinuations/dose changes occurred in 68.1% of CD patients [median 2.0 (IQR: 2-5)] and 94.3% of UC patients [median 4.0 (IQR: 3-7)]. On average, CD and UC patients had 4.4 ± 2.6 and 5.0 ± 3.3 outpatient visits, respectively. The median time to first mild or no activity was 319 (IQR: 239-358) d for CD and 320 (IQR: 288-358) d for UC patients. At 9-12 mo, 22.0% of CD and 20.0% of UC patients had active disease. CONCLUSION: Although a marked proportion of active IBD patients achieved disease control within one year, the considerable time to achieve this outcome represents an unmet medical need of the current standard of care in a Brazilian real-world setting.

Real-world disease activity and sociodemographic, clinical and treatment characteristics of moderate-to-severe inflammatory bowel disease in Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the treatment landscape of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) is essential for improving disease management and patient outcomes. Brazil is the largest Latin American country, and it presents socioeconomic and health care differences across its geographical regions. This country has the highest increase in IBD incidence and prevalence in Latin America, but information about the clinical and treatment characteristics of IBD is scarce. AIM: To describe the sociodemographic, clinical, and treatment characteristics of IBD outpatients in Brazil overall and in the Southeast, South and Northeast/Midwest regions. METHODS: Multicenter, cross-sectional study with a 3-year retrospective chart review component. Patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn's disease (CD) or ulcerative colitis (UC) were consecutively enrolled between October 2016 and February 2017. Active CD at enrollment was defined as a Harvey Bradshaw Index ≥ 8 or a CD Activity Index ≥ 220 or a calprotectin level > 200 µg/g or an active result based on colonoscopy suggestive of inadequate control during the previous year; active UC was defined as a partial Mayo score ≥ 5. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze all variables. RESULTS: In a total of 407 included patients, CD was more frequent than UC, both overall (264 CD/143 UC patients) and by region (CD:UC ratios of 2.1 in the Southeast, 1.6 in the South and 1.2 in the Northeast/Midwest). The majority of patients were female (54.2% of CD; 56.6% of UC), and the mean ages were 45.9 ± 13.8 years (CD) and 42.9 ± 13.0 years (UC). The median disease duration was 10.0 (range: 0.5-45) years for both IBD types. At enrollment, 44.7% [95% confidence interval (CI): 38.7-50.7] of CD patients and 25.2% (95%CI: 18.1-32.3) of UC patients presented with active disease. More than 95% of IBD patients were receiving treatment at enrollment; CD patients were commonly treated with biologics (71.6%) and immunosuppressors (67.4%), and UC patients were commonly treated with mesalazine [5-Aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA)] derivates (69.9%) and immunosuppressors (44.1%). More than 50% of the CD patients had ileocolonic disease, and 41.7% presented with stricturing disease. One-quarter of CD patients had undergone CD-related surgery in the past 3 years, and this proportion was lower in the Northeast/Midwest region (2.9%). CONCLUSION: In Brazil, there are regional variations in IBD management. CD outweighs UC in both frequency and disease activity. However, one-quarter of UC patients have active disease, and most are receiving 5-ASA treatment.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for Crohn's disease: Gaps, doubts and perspectives.

Crohn's disease (CD) is an inflammatory bowel disease that can affect any site of the digestive system. It occurs due to an immunological imbalance and is responsible for intestinal mucosal lesions and complications such as fistulas and stenoses. Treatment aims to stabilize the disease, reducing the symptoms and healing intestinal lesions. Surgical procedures are common in patients. Cell therapy was initially used to treat this disease in patients who also suffered from lymphoma and leukemia and were considered to be good candidates for autologous and allogeneic transplantation. After transplantation, an improvement was also observed in their CD. In 2003, the procedure began to be used to treat the disease itself, and several case series and randomized studies have been published since then; this approach currently comprises a new option in the treatment of CD. However, considerable doubt along with significant gaps in our knowledge continue to exist in relation to cell therapy for CD. Cell therapy is currently restricted to the autologous modality of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and, experimentally, to mesenchymal stromal cells to directly treat lesions of the anal mucosa. This article presents the supporting claims for transplantation as well as aspects related to the mobilization regime, conditioning and perspectives of cell therapy.

Ectopic spleen mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma in the late post-operative period of bariatric surgery.

An ectopic spleen occurs with less than 600 cases reported and has a large series of splenectomies less than 0.3%. Its highest prevalence occurs between 20 and 40 years of age, being more frequent in female patients. To present an original case report on the occurrence of ectopic spleen, mimicking hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after bariatric surgery. Occurrence of migratory spleen after late bariatric surgery, mimicking an HCC discovered in a routine evaluation. JCA patient, male, 66 years old, previously with sleep apnea, hypertensive and diabetic patients on medication regularly, who weighed 112.8 kg, with a BMI of 43.4 kg / m2. After 2 years of by-pass, a routine evaluation identified hepatobiliary surface on hepatic ultrasound performing MRI imaging suggestive of HCC. The team opted for a new laparoscopy with the possibility of cavity inventory beyond the biopsy of the tumor lesion already identified, to track intra-abdominal metastases and to review anatomy. The operation revealed that the suggestive lesion was subcapsular implanted only in the falciform and hepatic surface in segment amenable to total resection. The anatomopathological results of the lesions were described as congenital splenic cells compatible with ectopic spleen. The emergence of the ectopic spleen after laparoscopic bypass has not been reported so far because it is a non-traumatic surgery. The lesion in question had a benign behavior, with hepatic subcapsular implantation restricted to the falciform ligament, capable of total resection. Patient evolved well following follow up with gastroenterologist.

NEW BOWEL PREPARATION TECHNIQUE FOR COLONOSCOPY: CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARING AQUANET AND MANNITOL.

BACKGROUND: Fifty-five percent of Americans aged 50-65 are submitted to colonoscopy. For over 65-year, this number increases to 64%. In Brazil, it is forecast that the population submitted to colonoscopy will grow, even though inadequate preparation is still a major problem. AIM: To analyze the quality of a new intestinal preparation technique, Aquanet EC-2000®, compared to oral Mannitol solution. METHODS: This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 200 patients with indication for colonoscopy. The sample was randomly allocated to two groups of 100; one group received Aquanet EC-2000® to prepare for colonoscopy and the other Mannitol solution. The Boston scale was used to analyze the results. RESULTS: As expected both preparations produced similar results with the bowel cleansing of the different regions of the colon being classified as Boston scale 3 (excellent) in most patients (p>0.05). CONCLUSION: The results of bowel preparation using Aquanet EC-2000® were similar to using Mannitol solution.

A Case of Adolescent Cronkhite-Canada Syndrome.

The Cronkhite-Canada syndrome (CCS) was first reported in 1955, since then more than 500 cases have been reported, indicating an estimated incidence of one case per 1 million inhabitants. The syndrome occurs predominantly in male, with a ratio of three males to two females. Because of the rarity of the syndrome, there are no evidence-based therapies and the treatments described include a combination of therapies, but none is consistently effective. Surgery is usually reserved for the treatment of complications. Herein, we present a case of adolescent CCS. The patient was a 15-year-old boy who presented with watery diarrhea with 20 episodes a day, vomiting and abdominal pain for 4 weeks, with a weight loss of 8.0 kg (15.0% of initial weight). Endoscopic examination revealed polyposis in the stomach, duodenum, and colon. CCS was diagnosed and the patient was treated with a combined corticosteroid and metronidazole. Followed up at 8 month after the diagnosis, the patient was asymptomatic.

New bowel preparation technique for colonoscopy: clinical trial comparing aquanet and mannitol / Nova técnica de preparo intestinal para colonoscopia: estudo clínico comparativo entre aquanet e manitol

ABSTRACT Background: Fifty-five percent of Americans aged 50-65 are submitted to colonoscopy. For over 65-year, this number increases to 64%. In Brazil, it is forecast that the population submitted to colonoscopy will grow, even though inadequate preparation is still a major problem. Aim: To analyze the quality of a new intestinal preparation technique, Aquanet EC-2000®, compared to oral Mannitol solution. Methods: This prospective longitudinal study enrolled 200 patients with indication for colonoscopy. The sample was randomly allocated to two groups of 100; one group received Aquanet EC-2000® to prepare for colonoscopy and the other Mannitol solution. The Boston scale was used to analyze the results. Results: As expected both preparations produced similar results with the bowel cleansing of the different regions of the colon being classified as Boston scale 3 (excellent) in most patients (p>0.05). Conclusion: The results of bowel preparation using Aquanet EC-2000® were similar to using Mannitol solution.

RESUMO Racional: Cinquenta e cinco por cento dos norte-americanos entre 50-65 anos fazem colonoscopia. Acima de 65 anos o número foi de 64%. No Brasil, estima-se crescente aumento da população submetida à colonoscopia, apesar da preparação inadequada ainda ser um grande problema. Objetivo: Analisar e comparar a qualidade do novo método de preparo intestinal por meio do Aquanet EC-2000® frente ao uso de solução oral de Manitol. Método: Por randomização 200 pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de 100. Um recebeu Aquanet EC-2000® e o outro Manitol. O presente estudo seguiu modelo prospectivo longitudinal por meio da seleção de 200 pacientes com indicação à colonoscopia, formando dois grupos de 100. Para analisar os resultados foi utilizada a escala de Boston. Resultados: Ambos os preparos foram estatisticamente significativos com p<0,05. A escala 3 de Boston foi a mais frequente para ambos os métodos.Além disso, na estatística aplicada às diferentes regiões do cólon para ambos os procedimentos as proporções observadas concordaram com o esperado (3-excelente). Conclusão: Os resultados do preparo intestinal utilizando Aquanet EC-2000® foram semelhantes aos do Manitol.

LAPAROENDOSCOPIC TRANSGASTRIC RESECTION OF SUBEPITHELIAL JUXTACARDIAC TUMORS.

BACKGROUND: With a prevalence of 0.4-3.5%, subepithelial lesions of the upper digestive tract are discovered during endoscopic procedures. Treatment depends on etiological and pathophysiological information, ability to diagnose and the different technical resources available. AIM: To demonstrate the effectiveness of a surgical technique that combines endoscopy and videolaparoscopy in the transgastric resection of subepithelial juxtacardic lesions. METHOD: The patients were assisted with a technical combination between endoscopy and laparoscopy. After diagnosis of subepithelial tumor, intraoperative endoscopy was performed after pneumoperitoneum and placement of laparoscopic tweezers. Through endoscopy, the following steps were performed: demarcation of surgical margins, visualization of the intragastric image for the laparoscopic procedure and removal of the surgical specimen. By laparoscopy the following steps were performed: intragastric intra-abdominal access, resection of the part and closure of the gaps. RESULTS: This technique was applied in two cases in order to evaluate its initial results. There were two videolaparoendoscopic resections of juxtacardiac gastric tumors of the posterior wall. Both had their endoscopic diagnosis confirmed. After laparoendoscopic and tomographic and/or ecoendoscopic diagnostic complementation and preoperative performance, the laparoendoscopic procedure was indicated. The patients had a good recovery, with a short hospitalization time and no complications. CONCLUSION: The combined use of videolaparoscopy and endoscopy is a safe and effective technique for transgastric resection of juxtacardiac subepithelial lesions. It may be important for definitive diagnosis of the tumor.

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in a severe refractory Crohn's disease patient with intestinal stoma: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can be used in the treatment of patients with refractory Crohn's disease (CD) when no alternative treatment is available. However, HSCT increases the risk of infections, in particular during the aplasia of mobilization and conditioning. Moreover, intestinal stomas in CD augment the risk of morbidity in immunocompromised patients and under aplastic conditions. The objective of this report was to describe the results of the first year after HSCT in a CD patient with an intestinal stoma. METHODS: The patient was assessed in respect to disease symptoms and endoscopic findings before the procedure and 30, 90, 180, and 365 days after HSCT. RESULTS: No complications were observed during mobilization and conditioning with sufficient CD34+ cells being harvested in just one apheresis session. Toxicity was restricted to the hematological series. Scores of all the CD indexes and the quality of life of the patient improved. However, two of three endoscopic scores remained unchanged even though improvements were found in the appearance of the lesions. CONCLUSION: HSCT may be an alternative treatment for refractory CD in patients with an intestinal stoma, and a priori, carefully selected patients with stomas should not be excluded as candidates for this procedure.

COLONOSCOPY: RANDOMIZED COMPARATIVE STUDY OF INSUFFLATION WITH CARBON DIOXIDE VERSUS AIR.

BACKGROUND: In Brazil, an increasing number of people are submitted to colonoscopy, either for screening or for therapeutic purposes. AIM: To evaluate whether there are advantages of using carbon dioxide (CO2) over air for insufflation. METHODS: Two hundred and ten of 219 patients were considered eligible for this study and were randomized into two groups according to the gas insufflation used: Air Group (n=104) and CO2 Group (n=97). The study employed a double-blind design. RESULTS: The Air and CO2 Groups were similar in respect to bowel preparation evaluated using the Boston scale, age, gender, previous surgery, maneuvers necessary for the advancement of the device, and presence of polyps, tumors or signs of diverticulitis. However, "waking up with pain" and "pain at discharge" were more prevalent in the Air Group, albeit not statistically significant, with post-exam bloating seen only in the Air Group. The responses to a questionnaire, applied to analyze the late post-exam period, showed more comfort with the use of CO2. CONCLUSIONS: The use of CO2 is better than air as it avoids post-examination bloating, thereby providing greater comfort to patients.