Banana fruit (Musa sp.) DNA-magnetite nanoparticles: Synthesis, characterization, and biocompatibility assays on normal and cancerous cells.

Magnet-mediated gene therapy has gained considerable interest from researchers as a novel alternative for treating genetic disorders, particularly through the use of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs)-such as magnetite NPs (Fe3O4NPs)-as non-viral genetic vectors. Despite their commercial availability for specific genetic transfection, such as in microglia cell lines, many potential uses remain unexplored. Still, ethical concerns surrounding the use of human DNA often impede genetic research. Hence, this study examined DNA-coated Fe3O4NPs (DNA-Fe3O4NPs) as potential transfection vectors for human foreskin fibroblasts (HFFs) and A549 (lung cancer) cell lines, using banana (Musa sp.) as a low-cost, and bioethically unproblematic DNA source. Following coprecipitation synthesis, DNA-Fe3O4NP characterization revealed a ζ-potential of 40.65 ± 4.10 mV, indicating good colloidal stability in aqueous media, as well as a superparamagnetic regime, evidenced by the absence of hysteresis in their magnetization curves. Successful DNA coating on the NPs was confirmed through infrared spectra and surface analysis results, while magnetite content was verified via characteristic X-ray diffraction peaks. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) determined the average size of the DNA-Fe3O4NPs to be 14.69 ± 5.22 nm. TEM micrographs also showed no morphological changes in the DNA-Fe3O4NPs over a 30-day period. Confocal microscopy of HFF and A549 lung cancer cell lines incubated with fluoresceinamine-labeled DNA-Fe3O4NPs demonstrated their internalization into both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Neither uncoated Fe3O4NPs nor DNA-Fe3O4NPs showed cytotoxicity to A549 lung cancer cells at 1-50 µg/mL and 25-100 µg/mL, respectively, after 24 h. HFFs also maintained viability at 1-10 µg/mL for both NP types. In conclusion, DNA-Fe3O4NPs were successfully internalized into cells and exhibited no cytotoxicity in both healthy and cancerous cells across a range of concentrations. These NPs, capable of binding to various types of DNA and RNA, hold promise for applications in gene therapy.

The conundrum in endoscopic management of duodenal polyps: a tertiary cancer center experience.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic mucosal resection of duodenal polyps (EMR) is a challenging intervention. The aim of this study was to review the patient characteristics, techniques, procedure outcomes, adverse events, and recurrence of duodenal polyps. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Patients were included if they had pathologically confirmed non-ampullary duodenal polyps and had received EMR with at least one follow-up EGD for surveillance. Descriptive statistics were employed to report the findings. RESULTS: A total of 65 patients underwent a total of 90 EMRs for duodenal polyps. The mean age was 65.4 years, and 29 of the patients were female. Complete resection of the visible mass was achieved in 96.9% of cases. Endoscopic hemostasis was required in 18.5% of patients. Delayed bleeding occurred in 9%, and delayed perforations requiring surgical intervention occurred in 2.2% of patients with no mortality. Surgery after EMR was needed in 12.7% of cases. Eleven (16.9%) patients had recurrent duodenal adenoma on follow-up EGD. CONCLUSION: Duodenal polyps can be safely resected and have a notable recurrence rate. This is particularly true for adenomas, warranting post-resection endoscopic surveillance. The appropriate interval for post-resection surveillance of duodenal adenomas should be a focus of future study.

Full-thickness resection: troubleshooting, tips, and tricks for success in the colorectum.

Video 1Difficult scenarios encountered during colorectal full thickness resection and their management: (1) Inability to advance device to target lesion; (2) injury to extraluminal structures; (3) anal trauma; (4) anal stenosis; (5) luminal edema after resection; (6) difficulty in grasping lesion; (7) recommendation for "mini time-out"; (8) Summary.

How much progress have we made?: a 20-year experience regarding esophageal stents for the palliation of malignant dysphagia.

Esophageal stents are widely used for the palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction. Advances in technology have made esophageal stenting technically feasible and widespread for such obstruction, but complications remain frequent. We present outcomes of a large cohort undergoing esophageal stent placement for malignant esophageal obstruction at a tertiary care cancer center. Patients who underwent placement of esophageal stents for malignancy-related esophageal obstruction between 1 January 2001 and 31 July 2020 were identified. Exclusion criteria included stents placed for benign stricture, fistulae, obstruction of proximal esophagus (proximal to 24 cm from incisors), or post-surgical indications. Patient charts were reviewed for demographics, procedure and stent characteristics, complications, and follow-up. A total of 242 patients underwent stent placement (median age: 64 years, 79.8% male). The majority, 204 (84.3%), had esophageal cancer. During the last two decades, there has been an increasing trend in the number of esophageal stents placed. Though plastic stents were previously used, these are no longer utilized. Complications are frequent and include early complications of pain in 68 (28.1%) and migration in 21 (8.7%) and delayed complications of recurrent symptoms of dysphagia in 46 (19.0%) and migration in 26 (10.7%). Over the study period, there has not been a significant improvement in the rate of complications. During follow-up, 92 (38%) patients required other enteral nutrition modalities after esophageal stent placement. No patient, treatment, or stent characteristics were significantly associated with stent complication or outcome. Esophageal stent placement is an increasingly popular method for palliation of malignant dysphagia. However, complications, particularly pain, migration, and recurrent symptoms of dysphagia are common. Almost 40% of patients may also require other methods of enteral access after esophageal stent placement. Given the high complication rates and suboptimal outcomes, removable stents should be considered as first-line in the case of poor palliative response.

Endoscopic Ultrasound for the Diagnosis and Staging of Biliary Malignancy.

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the most common neoplasm of the biliary tract. The biological behavior and prognosis of CCA vary depending on the tumor's location in the biliary tree, dictating a different diagnostic, and treatment approach. Establishing a diagnosis of CCA remains a challenge and up to 20% of biliary strictures can yield indeterminate results, despite extensive evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has become an effective diagnostic tool, as it provides high-quality images of the bile duct and allows for the sampling of strictures in the same plane of view. In this chapter, we explore the utility of EUS as a diagnostic and staging tool for biliary cancers.

Combination of a dynamic rigidizing overtube and a novel injectable needle-type knife to facilitate colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Video 1Combination of a dynamic rigidizing overtube and a novel injectable needle-type knife to facilitate colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection.

Performing Endoscopic Retrograde Cholagiopancreatpgraphy and Endoscopic Ultrasound for Management of Malignant Bile Duct Obstruction in a Patient With a Situs Inversus Totalis.

Situs inversus totalis (SIT) is a rare anomaly characterized by the transposition of organs. We present a case of a 67-year-old White woman with a history of SIT, who presented with fatigue, jaundice, and abnormal liver enzymes. Endoscopic ultrasound demonstrated a solid lesion at the distal common bile duct (CBD). Subsequent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography displayed severe stenosis in the CBD. A plastic stent was placed into the CBD, resulting in successful biliary decompression. Biliary brushings and biopsy showed atypical cells, suspicious for carcinoma. Ensuing pancreaticoduodenectomy confirmed cholangiocarcinoma. Although challenging, endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in SIT can be successfully performed in preoperative evaluation for possible pancreaticobiliary cancers.

Cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy vs. conventional therapy for complex bile duct stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones has a high success rate ranging from 85% to 95%. Bile duct stones >15 mm are difficult and frequently require lithotripsy. Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) allows lithotripsy with similar success rates. AIM: To determine the efficacy and safety of cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy used in the treatment of difficult to remove bile duct stones vs. conventional therapy. METHODS: Search was based in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Lilacs/Bireme. Studies enrolling patients referred for the removal of difficult bile duct stones via POC were considered eligible. Two analyses were carried out separately, one included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and another observational studies. RESULTS: Forty-six studies were selected (3 RTC and 43 observational). In the analysis there was no statistical significant difference between successful endoscopic clearance (RD=-0.02 CI: -0.17, 0.12/I²=0%), mean fluoroscopy time (MD=-0.14 CI -1.60, 1.32/I²=21%) and adverse events rates (RD=-0.06 CI: -0.14, 0.02/I²=0%), by contrast, the mean procedure time favored conventional therapy with statistical significance (MD=27.89 CI: 16.68, 39.10/I²=0%). In observational studies, the successful endoscopic clearance rate was 88.29% (CI95: 86.9%-90.7%), the first session successful endoscopic clearance rate was 72.7 % (CI95: 69.9%-75.3%), the mean procedure time was 47.50±6 min for session and the number of sessions to clear bile duct was 1.5±0.18. The adverse event rate was 8.7% (CI95: 7%-10.9%). CONCLUSIONS: For complex common bile duct stones, cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy has a success rate that is similar to traditional ERCP techniques in terms of therapeutic success, adverse event rate and means fluoroscopy time. Conventional ERCP methods have a shorter mean procedure time.

The First Study Evaluating Effectiveness and Safety of the Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty in HIV Patients.

The authors evaluated, retrospectively, the endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty impact in seven HIV patients, regarding effectiveness and safety outcomes. The mean baseline body mass index (BMI) was 33.76 kg/m2. The mean baseline CD4+ cell count was 690.43 cells/mm3, and the baseline viral load was undetectable. After 6 months, absolute weight loss, percentage of excess weight loss, percentage total weight loss, and BMI reduction were 20.2 ± 2.6 kg, 85.5 ± 11.1%, 21.3 ± 2.4%, and 7.1 ± 0.8 kg/m2, respectively. No patients presented severe adverse events. After 6 months, the viral load remained undetectable and the mean CD4+ cell count was 710.57 cells/mm3. The endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty is an effective and safe procedure to perform in obese HIV patients.

Cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy vs. conventional therapy for complex bile duct stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis / Litotripsia guiada por colangioscopia vs. terapias convencionais no tratamento da litíase biliar complexa: revisão sistemática e metanálise

ABSTRACT Introduction: Endoscopic removal of common bile duct stones has a high success rate ranging from 85% to 95%. Bile duct stones >15 mm are difficult and frequently require lithotripsy. Peroral cholangioscopy (POC) allows lithotripsy with similar success rates. Aim: To determine the efficacy and safety of cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy used in the treatment of difficult to remove bile duct stones vs. conventional therapy. Methods: Search was based in Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Lilacs/Bireme. Studies enrolling patients referred for the removal of difficult bile duct stones via POC were considered eligible. Two analyses were carried out separately, one included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and another observational studies. Results: Forty-six studies were selected (3 RTC and 43 observational). In the analysis there was no statistical significant difference between successful endoscopic clearance (RD=-0.02 CI: -0.17, 0.12/I²=0%), mean fluoroscopy time (MD=-0.14 CI -1.60, 1.32/I²=21%) and adverse events rates (RD=-0.06 CI: -0.14, 0.02/I²=0%), by contrast, the mean procedure time favored conventional therapy with statistical significance (MD=27.89 CI: 16.68, 39.10/I²=0%). In observational studies, the successful endoscopic clearance rate was 88.29% (CI95: 86.9%-90.7%), the first session successful endoscopic clearance rate was 72.7 % (CI95: 69.9%-75.3%), the mean procedure time was 47.50±6 min for session and the number of sessions to clear bile duct was 1.5±0.18. The adverse event rate was 8.7% (CI95: 7%-10.9%). Conclusions: For complex common bile duct stones, cholangioscopy-guided lithotripsy has a success rate that is similar to traditional ERCP techniques in terms of therapeutic success, adverse event rate and means fluoroscopy time. Conventional ERCP methods have a shorter mean procedure time.

RESUMO Introdução: A remoção endoscópica das litíases do ducto biliar comum tem alta taxa de sucesso variando de 85% a 95%. Litíases do ducto biliar >15 mm são difíceis e frequentemente requerem litotripsia. A colangioscopia peroral permite litotripsia com taxas de sucesso semelhantes. Objetivo: Determinar a eficácia e segurança da litotripsia guiada por colangioscopia no tratamento de litíases biliares difíceis em comparação à terapias convencionais guiadas por colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica. Método: Pesquisa na Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, Lilacs/Bireme de estudos avaliando a eficácia da colangioscopia na remoção de cálculos biliares difíceis. Duas análises foram realizadas separadamente, uma incluiu ensaios clínicos randomizados (ECR) e outros estudos observacionais. Resultados: Quarenta e seis estudos foram selecionados (3 ECR e 43 observacionais). Na análise, não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa na taxa de extração litiásica total (RD=-0,02 IC: -0,17,0,12/I²=0%), tempo médio de fluoroscopia (MD=-0,14 CI -1,60, 1,32/I²=21%) e na taxa de eventos adversos (RD=-0,06 IC: -0,14, 0,02/I²=0%).Por outro lado, o tempo médio do procedimento favoreceu terapêuticas convencionais guiadas por CPRE com significância estatística (MD=27,89 IC: 16,68, 39,10/I²=0%). Nos estudos observacionais, a taxa do tratamento completo por endoscopia foi de 88,29% (IC95: 86,9% a 90,7%), a taxa de sucesso na primeira sessão foi de 72,7% (IC95: 69,9% a 75,3%), o tempo médio do procedimento foi de 47,50±6 min por sessão e o número de procedimentos necessários para remoção total da litíase foi de 1,5±0,18. A taxa de eventos adversos foi de 8,7% (IC95: 7% a 10,9%), com 0,5% considerado como severo. Conclusão: Para litíases biliares difíceis, a litotripsia guiada por colangioscopia tem taxa de sucesso semelhante às terapêuticas convencionais guiadas CPRE em termos de sucesso terapêutico, taxa de eventos adversos e tempo de fluoroscopia. As terapêuticas convencionais guiadas por CPRE têm tempo médio de procedimento menor.

Gastrointestinal ischemia: endoscopic findings in the context of vascular insufficiency.

Gastrointestinal ischemia may result from different causes: hemodynamic shock, thromboembolism, endoscopic or surgical complications, among other causes. Its symptoms are pain, vomiting, bleeding and bloating. Endoscopic findings are pale or blackened mucosa, and exudative and confluent ulcerative lesions. This paper aims to report a case of gastroduodenal ischemia associated with hemodynamic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This is a case of a 56-years- old male with multiple comorbidities, presenting with refractory septic shock and DIC. He underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for investigation of melena, which revealed an extensive deep and exudative gastric ulcer, associated with edematous purplish duodenal mucosa. Due to the severity of the underlying condition, the patient evolved to death, evidencing septic shock as cause of death. Gastroduodenal ischemia is associated with a poor prognosis, in which early diagnosis by UGE is fundamental to guide potential interventions.

Updated analysis of irritable bowel syndrome: a review of the literature / Análisis actualizado del síndrome de intestino irritable: una revisión de la literatura

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic pathology with disorders of the bowel-brain interaction, characterized by abdominal pain localized anywhere in the abdomen as well as bowel habit alteration (constipation, diarrhea or mixed), in the absence of any disease that can cause these symptoms. With the updated concepts according to the latest meeting of experts in Rome 2016, our goal is to raise awareness about irritable bowel syndrome, by reviewing the literature regarding definition, classification, pathophysiology, clinical aspects, treatment, prognosis and the future. IBS is a chronic pathology, characterized by abdominal pain, at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, associated with the alteration of the intestinal bowel habits. With a classification based on the alteration of intestinal bowel movements and in addition to constipation induced by opioids or narcotics, the etiology and pathophysiology are not well explained or well-known so far. The clinical aspects are based on the Rome IV criteria. A good doctor-patient relationship is key to reassuring the patient's doubts about his illness, which increases the chances of adherence to individualized treatment from patient to patient depending on the sing and symptoms that may manifest in those that include: dietary advice, psychological support, in some cases pharmacological prescription, suspension of medications or change medications, minimize the dose of drugs or suspend, according to the needs of the patient as is the case of opioids. The prognosis is still uncertain, and a promising future to illustrate new definitions, classifications, pathophysiologies, clinical aspects and treatments according to the type of clinical manifestation of each patient.

El síndrome del intestino irritable (SII) es una patología crónica con desordenes de la interacción cerebro intestino, caracterizado por dolor abdominal localizado en cualquier parte del abdomen además de alteración del hábito intestinal como (constipación, diarrea o mixto), en ausencia de alguna enfermedad que pueda causar estos síntomas. Con los conceptos actualizados conforme en la última reunión de expertos en Roma 2016, nuestra meta es dar a conocer más sobre el síndrome del intestino irritable, mediante revisión de la literatura en cuanto a definición, clasificación, fisiopatología, aspectos clínicos, tratamiento, pronóstico y el futuro. El SII es una patología crónica, caracterizado por dolor abdominal, por lo menos 1 día por semana en los últimos 3 meses, asociado a la alteración del hábito intestinal. Con una clasificación basada en la alteración de los hábitos intestinales y además de constipación inducida por opioides o narcóticos, la etiología y fisiopatología no están bien explicadas ni se conocen bien hasta el momento. Los aspectos clínicos son basados en los criterios de Roma IV. Una buena relación médico-paciente es clave para tranquilizar las dudas del paciente sobre su enfermedad, lo que aumenta las posibilidades de adherencia al tratamiento individualizado de paciente a paciente dependiendo de las sintomatologías y signos que puedan manifestar en los que incluyen: asesoramiento dietético, apoyo psicológico, en algunos casos cambiar medicación, disminuir al mínimo la dosis del medicamento o suspender, según las necesidades del paciente como son los casos de los opiodes. El pronóstico todavía incierto, y un futuro prometedor para ilustrar nuevas definiciones, clasificaciones, fisiopatologías, aspectos clínicos, tratamientos posiblemente de acuerdo con el tipo de manifestación clínica de cada paciente.

Gastrointestinal ischemia: endoscopic findings in the context of vascular insufficiency

Gastrointestinal ischemia may result from different causes: hemodynamic shock, thromboembolism, endoscopic or surgical complications, among other causes. Its symptoms are pain, vomiting, bleeding and bloating. Endoscopic findings are pale or blackened mucosa, and exudative and confluent ulcerative lesions. This paper aims to report a case of gastroduodenal ischemia associated with hemodynamic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). This is a case of a 56-yearsold male with multiple comorbidities, presenting with refractory septic shock and DIC. He underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for investigation of melena, which revealed an extensive deep and exudative gastric ulcer, associated with edematous purplish duodenal mucosa. Due to the severity of the underlying condition, the patient evolved to death, evidencing septic shock as cause of death. Gastroduodenal ischemia is associated with a poor prognosis, in which early diagnosis by UGE is fundamental to guide potential interventions.

La isquemia gastroduodenal puede resultar por diferentes causas: shock hemodinámico, tromboembolismo, complicaciones post-procedimientos endoscópicos o quirúrgicos, entre otras. Sus síntomas son dolor, vómito, hemorragia y distensión abdominal. Los hallazgos endoscópicos son mucosa pálida o ennegrecida, lesiones ulcerativas exudativas y confluentes. Este trabajo relata un caso de isquemia gastrointestinal, asociada a choque hemodinámico y coagulación intravascular diseminada (CID). Este es un caso de un hombre de 56 años de edad, con múltiples comorbilidades, que presenta con shock séptico refractario a tratamiento y CID. El paciente se sometió a una endoscopia digestiva alta (EDA) para la investigación de melena, que reveló una extensa úlcera gástrica exudativa y profunda, asociada con mucosa duodenal violácea e inflamada. Debido a la gravedad de la enfermedad de base, el paciente evolucionó a la muerte, siendo el shock séptico como causa principal. La isquemia gastrointestinal es asociada a un mal pronóstico, en el que el diagnóstico precoz por EDA es fundamental para orientar las posibles intervenciones.

Updated analysis of irritable bowel syndrome: a review of the literature.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic pathology with disorders of the bowel-brain interaction, characterized by abdominal pain localized anywhere in the abdomen as well as bowel habit alteration (constipation, diarrhea or mixed), in the absence of any disease that can cause these symptoms. With the updated concepts according to the latest meeting of experts in Rome 2016, our goal is to raise awareness about irritable bowel syndrome, by reviewing the literature regarding definition, classification, pathophysiology, clinical aspects, treatment, prognosis and the future. IBS is a chronic pathology, characterized by abdominal pain, at least 1 day per week in the last 3 months, associated with the alteration of the intestinal bowel habits. With a classification based on the alteration of intestinal bowel movements and in addition to constipation induced by opioids or narcotics, the etiology and pathophysiology are not well explained or well-known so far. The clinical aspects are based on the Rome IV criteria. A good doctor-patient relationship is key to reassuring the patient's doubts about his illness, which increases the chances of adherence to individualized treatment from patient to patient depending on the sing and symptoms that may manifest in those that include: dietary advice, psychological support, in some cases pharmacological prescription, suspension of medications or change medications, minimize the dose of drugs or suspend, according to the needs of the patient as is the case of opioids. The prognosis is still uncertain, and a promising future to illustrate new definitions, classifications, pathophysiologies, clinical aspects and treatments according to the type of clinical manifestation of each patient.

Primary adenocarcinoma arising in esophageal colon interposition for corrosive esophageal injury: a case report and review of the literature.

Background and study aims Colon interposition for benign strictures is associated with significant perioperative complications that carry high morbidity and mortality. Although rarely reported in the literature, adenocarcinoma can occur as a late complication in an interposed colonic segment. We report a case of a late-stage adenocarcinoma in a colonic interposition performed for benign esophageal stricture.

THE EFFICACY OF THE DIFFERENT ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENTS VERSUS SHAM, PHARMACOLOGIC OR SURGICAL METHODS FOR CHRONIC GASTROESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic antireflux treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are still evolving, and most of the published studies address symptom relief in the short-term. Objective - We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on evaluating the efficacy of the different endoscopic procedures. METHODS: Search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MedLine, Cochrane, SciELO, and EMBASE for patients with chronic GERD (>6 months), over 18 years old and available follow up of at least 3 months. The main outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of the different endoscopic treatments compared to sham, pharmacological or surgical treatment. Efficacy was measured by different subjective and objective outcomes. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 16 RCT, totaling 1085 patients. The efficacy of endoscopic treatments compared to sham and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treatment showed a significant difference up to 6 months in favor of endoscopy with no heterogeneity (P<0.00001) (I2: 0%). The subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant difference up to 6 months in favor of endoscopy: endoscopy vs PPI (P<0.00001) (I2: 39%). Endoscopy vs sham (P<0.00001) (I2: 0%). Most subjective and objective outcomes were statistically significant in favor of endoscopy up to 6 and 12 months follow up. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows a good short-term efficacy in favor of endoscopic procedures when comparing them to a sham and pharmacological or surgical treatment. Data on long-term follow up is lacking and this should be explored in future studies.

A eficácia dos diferentes tratamentos endoscópicos versus métodos sham, farmacológicos ou cirúrgicos para o refluxo gastroesofágico crônico: uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise / The efficacy of the different endoscopic treatments versus sham, pharmacologic or surgical methods for chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Endoscopic antireflux treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are still evolving, and most of the published studies address symptom relief in the short-term. Objective - We aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis focused on evaluating the efficacy of the different endoscopic procedures. METHODS: Search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MedLine, Cochrane, SciELO, and EMBASE for patients with chronic GERD (>6 months), over 18 years old and available follow up of at least 3 months. The main outcome was to evaluate the efficacy of the different endoscopic treatments compared to sham, pharmacological or surgical treatment. Efficacy was measured by different subjective and objective outcomes. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 16 RCT, totaling 1085 patients. The efficacy of endoscopic treatments compared to sham and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) treatment showed a significant difference up to 6 months in favor of endoscopy with no heterogeneity (P<0.00001) (I2: 0%). The subgroup analysis showed a statistically significant difference up to 6 months in favor of endoscopy: endoscopy vs PPI (P<0.00001) (I2: 39%). Endoscopy vs sham (P<0.00001) (I2: 0%). Most subjective and objective outcomes were statistically significant in favor of endoscopy up to 6 and 12 months follow up. CONCLUSION: This systematic review and meta-analysis shows a good short-term efficacy in favor of endoscopic procedures when comparing them to a sham and pharmacological or surgical treatment. Data on long-term follow up is lacking and this should be explored in future studies.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: Os tratamentos endoscópicos para a doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) ainda estão em evolução e a maioria dos estudos publicados abordam o alívio dos sintomas em curto prazo. OBJETIVO: Pretendemos realizar uma revisão sistemática e meta-análise focada na avaliação da eficácia dos diferentes procedimentos endoscópicos. MÉTODOS: A pesquisa foi restrita a ensaios clínicos randomizados em MedLine, Cochrane, SciELO e EMBASE para pacientes com DRGE crônica (>6 meses), com mais de 18 anos e acompanhamento disponível por pelo menos 3 meses. O principal desfecho foi avaliar a eficácia dos diferentes tratamentos endoscópicos em comparação com o tratamento sham, farmacológico ou cirúrgico. A eficácia foi medida por diferentes resultados subjetivos e objetivos. RESULTADOS: Analisamos dados de 16 ensaios clínicos randomizados, totalizando 1085 pacientes. A eficácia dos tratamentos endoscópicos em comparação com o tratamento com sham e inibidores da bomba de prótons mostrou uma diferença significativa até 6 meses a favor da endoscopia sem heterogeneidade (P<0,00001) (I2: 0%). A análise do subgrupo mostrou diferença estatisticamente significativa até 6 meses a favor da endoscopia: endoscopia vs inibidores da bomba de prótons (P<0,00001) (I2: 39%). Endoscopia vs sham (P<0,00001) (I2: 0%). A maioria dos resultados subjetivos e objetivos foram estatisticamente significativos em favor da endoscopia até 6 e 12 meses de acompanhamento. CONCLUSÃO: Esta revisão sistemática e meta-análise mostrou uma boa eficácia a curto prazo em favor dos procedimentos endoscópicos ao compará-los a tratamento sham, farmacológico ou cirúrgico. Não existem dados sobre o acompanhamento a longo prazo e isso deve ser explorado em estudos futuros.

Comparison between endoscopic sphincterotomy vs endoscopic sphincterotomy associated with balloon dilation for removal of bile duct stones: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

AIM: To compare gallstones removal rate and incidence of bleeding, pancreatitis, use of mechanical lithotripsy, cholangitis and perforation between isolated sphincterotomy vs sphincterotomy associated with balloon dilation of papilla in choledocholithiasis through the meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review according to the PRISMA guidelines. Literature search was restricted to randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on MedLine, Cochrane Library, LILACS, and EMBASE database platforms in July 2017. The manual search included references of retrieved articles. We extracted data focusing on outcomes: The primary endpoint was the stones removal rate; Secondary endpoints were rates of pancreatitis, bleeding, use of mechanical lithotripsy (ML), perforation and cholangitis. RESULTS: Eleven RCTs with 1824 patients were included. EST was associated with more post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) bleeding [FE RD-0.02, CI (-0.03, -0.00), I2 = 33%, P = 0.05] and more need of mechanical lithotripsy in general [RE RD-0.16, CI (-0.25, -0.06), I2 = 90%, P = 0.002] and in subgroup analysis of stones greater than 15 mm [RE RD-0.20, CI (-0.38, -0.02), I2 = 82%, P = 0.003]. Incidence of pancreatitis [FE RD-0.01, CI (-0.03, 0.01), I2 = 0, P = 0.36], cholangitis [FE RD-0.00, CI (-0.01, 0.01), I2 =0, P = 0.97] and perforation [FE RD-0.01, CI (-0.01, 0.00), I2 = 0, P = 0.23] was similar between the groups as well as similar stone removal rates in general [FE RD-0.01, CI (-0.01, 0.04), I2 = 0, P = 0.23] and pooled analysis of stones greater than 15 mm [FE RD-0.02, CI (-0.02, 0.07), I2 = 11%, P = 0.31]. CONCLUSION: Through meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials we found that isolated sphincterotomy was associated with more post-ERCP bleeding and more need for mechanical lithotripsy. However, there was no statistical difference in the stone removal rate between isolated sphincterotomy and sphincterotomy associated with balloon dilation in the approach to remove gallstones.

Carbon dioxide versus air insufflation enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the insufflation of CO 2 and ambient air in enteroscopy. SEARCH SOURCES: The investigators researched the electronic databases MedLine, Cochrane Library, Central, LILACS, BVS, Scopus and Cinahl. The grey search was conducted in the base of theses of the University of São Paulo, books of digestive endoscopy and references of selected articles and in previous systematic revisions. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The evaluation of eligibility was performed independently, in a non-blind manner, by two reviewers, firstly by title and abstract, followed by complete text. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by consensus. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS METHOD: Through the spreadsheet of data extraction, where one author extracted the data and a second author checked the extraction. Disagreements were resolved by debate between the two reviewers. The quality analysis of the studies was performed using the Jadad score. The software RevMan 5 version 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Four randomized clinical trials were identified, totaling 473 patients submitted to enteroscopy and comparing insufflation of CO 2 and ambient air. There was no statistical difference in the intubation depth between the two groups. When CO 2 insufflation was reduced, there was a significant difference in pain levels 1 hour after the procedure (95 % IC, -2.49 [-4.72, -0.26], P : 0.03, I 2 : 20%) and 3 hours after the procedure (95% IC, -3.05 [-5.92, -0.18], P : 0.04, I 2 : 0 %). There was a usage of lower propofol dosage in the CO 2 insufflation group, with significant difference (95 % IC, -67.68 [-115.53, -19.84], P : 0.006, I 2 : 0 %). There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to the use of pethidine and to the oxygen saturation. LIMITATIONS: Restricted number of randomized clinical trials and nonuniformity of data were limitations to the analysis of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of CO 2 as insufflation gas in enteroscopy reduces the pain levels 1 hour and 3 hours after the procedure, in addition to the reduction of the sedation (propofol) dosage used.

Endoscopic polymer injection and endoluminal plication in treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: evaluation of long-term results.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Us of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) has made endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) more efficient, with reduction in morbidity and complications. However, some patients persist with symptoms despite medical treatment and some are not compliant with it or cannot afford it for financial reasons, and thus they require non-pharmacological therapeutic options such as surgical fundoplication. Surgery may be effective in the short term, but there is related morbidity and concern about its long-term efficacy. The possibility of minimally invasive endoluminal surgeries has resulted in interest in and development of newly endoscopic devices. Good short-term results with surgical fundoplication lack of studies of is with long follow-up justify our interest in this study. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of endoscopic polymer injection and endoluminal full-thickness plication in the long-term control of GERD. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-seven patients with GERD who underwent an endoscopic procedure were followed up for 60 months and evaluated for total response (RT), partial response (RP) and no response (SR) to endoscopic treatment with reintroduction of PPIs. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients received polymer injection (G0) and 26 endoluminal plication (G1). The number of patients with no response to endoscopic treatment with reintroduction of PPIs increased in time for both techniques (G0 P  = 0.006; G1 P  < 0.001). There was symptomatic improvement up to 12 months, with progressive loss of this trending up to 60 months in G0 and G1 ( P  < 0.001). Health-related quality of life score (GERD-HRQL) demonstrated TR in G0 and G1 at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. The 60-month analysis showed an increased number of patients with SR in both groups. The quality of life assessment (SF-36) showed benefit in G0 up to 3 months. G0 showed a higher rate of complications. There were no deaths. There was healing of esophagitis at 3 months in 45 % of patients in G0 and 40 % in G1. There was no improvement in manometric or pH findings. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic therapies were ineffective in controlling GERD in the long term.