A Head-to-Head Comparison of Computed Tomography Colonography, Optical Colonoscopy, and Colon Endoscopic Capsule for the Detection of Polyps After Partial Colectomy or Rectosigmoidectomy for Colorectal Cancer: A Pilot Study.

Background and objective Optical colonoscopy is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) and it allows for biopsy and resection, as well as documentation of synchronous lesions. CT colonography (CTC) and colon endoscopic capsule (CEC) are also recommended as alternative minimally invasive or non-invasive procedures. Prospective studies comparing these three approaches are scarce in the current literature. In light of this, the aim of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of polyp detection between these three methods in patients with a history of curative surgical resection of CRC. Methods Patients were consecutively recruited and all procedures were sequentially conducted on the same day. The primary endpoint was the detection rate of polyps, whereas secondary endpoints were the detection of polyps according to size and location, and the adverse events caused by these procedures. Results A total of 21 patients were consecutively included and all of them underwent all three interventions. No adverse events, local recurrences, or metachronous lesions were detected. In two cases with elevated carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), CTC unveiled distant metastasis. Optical colonoscopy registered a mean of 0.4 polyp >6 mm and 1.3 polyps <6 mm per patient. CTC unveiled only 0.5 polyp >6 mm/patient and no smaller lesions were documented, whereas findings for the colon capsule comprised an average of 0.4 polyps >6 mm and 0.7 polyps <6 mm per patient. Statistical difference was not demonstrated, except for virtual colonoscopy in terms of the total number of polyps detected in comparison to optical colonoscopy. Conclusions Optical colonoscopy showed superior results in comparison to virtual colonoscopy while there was no statistical difference in comparison to colon capsule. Notwithstanding occasional difficulties, all three techniques were well tolerated. Hence, decisions concerning the use of each diagnostic method should be based on their availability, professional expertise, contraindications, and patient preferences.

Association between mucosal surface pattern under near focus technology and Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Many studies evaluated magnification endoscopy (ME) to correlate changes on the gastric mucosal surface with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, few studies validated these concepts with high-definition endoscopy without ME. AIM: To access the association between mucosal surface pattern under near focus technology and H. pylori infection status in a western population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including all patients referred to routine upper endoscopy. Endoscopic exams were performed using standard high definition (S-HD) followed by near focus (NF-HD) examination. Presence of erythema, erosion, atrophy, and nodularity were recorded during S-HD, and surface mucosal pattern was classified using NF-HD in the gastric body. Biopsies were taken for rapid urease test and histology. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients were analyzed from August to November 2019. Of those, 47 (25.1%) were H. pylori+, and 42 (22.5%) had a previous H. pylori treatment. In the examination with S-HD, erythema had the best sensitivity for H. pylori detection (80.9%). Exudate (99.3%), nodularity (97.1%), and atrophy (95.7%) demonstrated better specificity values, but with low sensitivity (6.4%-19.1%). On the other hand, the absence of erythema was strongly associated with H. pylori- (negative predictive value = 92%). With NF-HD, 56.2% of patients presented type 1 pattern (regular arrangement of collecting venules, RAC), and only 5.7% of RAC+ patients were H. pylori+. The loss of RAC presented 87.2% sensitivity for H. pylori detection, 70.7% specificity, 50% positive predictive value, and 94.3% negative predictive value, indicating that loss of RAC was suboptimal to confirm H. pylori infection, but when RAC was seen, H. pylori infection was unlikely. CONCLUSION: The presence of RAC at the NF-HD exam and the absence of erythema at S-HD were highly predictive of H. pylori negative status. On the other hand, the loss of RAC had a suboptimal correlation with the presence of H. pylori.

Adverse Events and Complications with Intragastric Balloons: a Narrative Review (with Video).

Intragastric balloon (IGB) is a minimally invasive and reversible therapy for weight loss with a good efficacy and safety profile. Introduced in the 1980s, IGBs have significantly evolved in the last couple of decades. They mechanically act by decreasing the volume of the stomach and its reservoir capacity, delaying gastric emptying, and increasing satiety leading to a subsequent weight loss. Despite the low rates of complications and mortality associated with IGBs, adverse events and complications still occur and can range from mild to fatal. This review aims to provide an update on the current scientific evidence in regard to complications and adverse effects of the use of the IGB and its treatment. This is the first comprehensive narrative review in the literature dedicated to this subject.

ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF POST-FUNDOPLICATION ANATOMY AND CORRELATION WITH SYMPTOMATOLOGY.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic aspect of fundoplication anatomy: Normal aspect of Nissen fundoplication. Upper digestive endoscopy is important for the evaluation of patients submitted to fundoplication, especially to elucidate postoperative symptoms. However, endoscopic assessment of fundoplication anatomy and its complications is poorly standardized among endoscopists, which leads to inadequate agreement. AIM: To assess the frequency of postoperative abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy using a modified endoscopic classification and to correlate endoscopic findings with clinical symptoms. METHOD: This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a single center. Patients were submitted to a questionnaire for data collection. Endoscopic assessment of fundoplication was performed according to the classification in study, which considered four anatomical parameters including the gastroesophageal junction position in frontal view (above or at the level of the pressure zone); valve position at retroflex view (intra-abdominal or migrated); valve conformation (total, partial, disrupted or twisted) and paraesophageal hernia (present or absent). RESULTS: One hundred patients submitted to fundoplication were evaluated, 51% male (mean age: 55.6 years). Forty-three percent reported postoperative symptoms. Endoscopic abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy were reported in 46% of patients. Gastroesophageal junction above the pressure zone (slipped fundoplication), and migrated fundoplication, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative symptoms. There was no correlation between symptoms and conformation of the fundoplication (total, partial or twisted). CONCLUSION: This modified endoscopic classification proposal of fundoplication anatomy is reproducible and seems to correlate with symptomatology. The most frequent abnormalities observed were slipped and migrated fundoplication, and both correlated with the presence of symptoms.

Endoscopic evaluation of post-fundoplication anatomy and correlation with symptomatology / Avaliação endoscópica da anatomia após fundoplicatura e correlação com sintomatologia

ABSTRACT Background: Upper digestive endoscopy is important for the evaluation of patients submitted to fundoplication, especially to elucidate postoperative symptoms. However, endoscopic assessment of fundoplication anatomy and its complications is poorly standardized among endoscopists, which leads to inadequate agreement. Aim: To assess the frequency of postoperative abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy using a modified endoscopic classification and to correlate endoscopic findings with clinical symptoms. Method: This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a single center. Patients were submitted to a questionnaire for data collection. Endoscopic assessment of fundoplication was performed according to the classification in study, which considered four anatomical parameters including the gastroesophageal junction position in frontal view (above or at the level of the pressure zone); valve position at retroflex view (intra-abdominal or migrated); valve conformation (total, partial, disrupted or twisted) and paraesophageal hernia (present or absent). Results: One hundred patients submitted to fundoplication were evaluated, 51% male (mean age: 55.6 years). Forty-three percent reported postoperative symptoms. Endoscopic abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy were reported in 46% of patients. Gastroesophageal junction above the pressure zone (slipped fundoplication), and migrated fundoplication, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative symptoms. There was no correlation between symptoms and conformation of the fundoplication (total, partial or twisted). Conclusion: This modified endoscopic classification proposal of fundoplication anatomy is reproducible and seems to correlate with symptomatology. The most frequent abnormalities observed were slipped and migrated fundoplication, and both correlated with the presence of symptoms.

RESUMO Racional: A endoscopia digestiva alta é importante ferramenta para a avaliação de pacientes submetidos à fundoplicatura, principalmente para elucidar os sintomas pós-operatórios. Entretanto, a avaliação endoscópica da sua anatomia e complicações é atualmente pouco padronizada entre os endoscopistas, o que leva à disparidade de laudos e condutas. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de anormalidades pós-operatórias da fundoplicatura através de uma classificação endoscópica e correlacionar os achados endoscópicos com os sintomas clínicos. Método: Este é estudo observacional prospectivo, realizado em um único centro. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um questionário para coleta de dados. A avaliação endoscópica da fundoplicatura foi realizada de acordo com a classificação em estudo, que considerou quatro parâmetros anatômicos, incluindo a posição da junção gastroesofágica em vista frontal (acima ou no nível da zona de pressão); posição da válvula na visão retroflexa (intra-abdominal ou migrada); conformação valvar (total, parcial, desgarrada ou torcida) e hérnia paraesofágica (presente ou ausente). Resultados: Foram avaliados 100 pacientes submetidos à fundoplicatura, 51% homens (idade média: 55,6 anos). Quarenta e três por cento relataram sintomas pós-operatórios. Anormalidades endoscópicas da anatomia da fundoplicatura foram relatadas em 46% dos pacientes. Junção gastroesofágica acima da zona de pressão (fundoplicatura deslizada) e fundoplicatura migrada foram significativamente correlacionadas com a ocorrência de sintomas pós-operatórios. Não houve correlação entre sintomas e conformação da fundoplicatura (total, parcial ou torcida). Conclusão: Essa classificação endoscópica modificada proposta para avaliar a anatomia da fundoplicatura é reprodutível e parece correlacionar-se com a sintomatologia. As anormalidades mais frequentes observadas foram fundoplicaturas migradas e deslizadas, e ambas se correlacionaram com a presença de sintomas.

Endoscopic Tunneled Stricturotomy with Full-Thickness Dissection in the Management of a Sleeve Gastrectomy Stenosis.

INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is becoming the most commonly performed bariatric surgery. Despite clinical efficacy, adverse events have gradually increase due to its rapid adoption. Sleeve stenosis is the second most common adverse event, occurring in 0.7 to 4% of patients undergoing laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Endoscopic management with pneumatic balloon dilation (PBD) or stent placement is commonly performed, with a success rate of up to 88%. Recently, Moura et al. (VideoGIE 4(2):68-71, 2018) described a new technique, named as endoscopic tunneled stricturotomy. In this video, we demonstrated the evolution of this technique including full-thickness dissection with staple line disruption. METHODS: A 28-year-old woman with a BMI of 35.3 kg/m2 who underwent LSG, presented with dysphagia to solid food. An upper GI series showed a stenosis at the level of the incisura angularis. The patient was then referred for endoscopic evaluation. RESULTS: She underwent three endoscopic PBD in an attempt to treat the stenosis. Unfortunately, her symptoms did not improve. After failed PBD treatment, an endoscopic tunneled stricturotomy with full-thickness dissection was performed. The procedure is performed in 6 steps: (1) identification of the stenosis, (2) submucosal injection 3-5 cm before the stenosis, (3) incision, (4) submucosal tunneling, (5) stricturotomy with full-thickness dissection, and (6) mucosal closure. During follow-up, the patient maintained a 1200-cal diet, without recurrence of symptoms. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic tunneled stricturotomy with full-thickness dissection is feasible and appears to be safe and effective in the management of stenosis after sleeve gastrectomy. This procedure may be an option after conventional treatment failure or may be considered as a primary alternative.

Endoscopic Management of Anchor Erosion Adjacent to the Pylorus Following Duodenal-Jejunal Bypass Sleeve.

INTRODUCTION: Obesity is a pandemic associated with significant comorbidities such as type 2 diabetes (T2DM). RYGB is an effective treatment modality for obesity and T2DM. However, bariatric surgery is currently limited to a relatively small population of patients. The duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve (DJBS) has recently emerged as a promising therapy for obesity and T2DM by providing similar physiological effects to RYGB. We describe a case of a patient with a previously placed DJBS presenting with abdominal pain from anchor erosion managed with an endoscopic approach. METHODS: A 58-year-old man with obesity and T2DM who had failed prior medical therapy for obesity was referred for DJBS placement. This was placed without complications. At 8 weeks follow-up, he developed abdominal pain and vomiting prompting immediate endoscopic evaluation. RESULTS: EGD revealed an anchor erosion resulting in mild stenosis of the pylorus. Additionally, hyperplastic tissue was found to be adhered to the device in the duodenal bulb. Endoscopic removal with balloon dilation was unsuccessful, and a stent was placed in a "stent-in-stent" fashion through the sleeve to compress the area of tissue ingrowth encouraging local tissue necrosis and device extraction. At 15 days follow-up, the stent was removed; however, the DJBS remained adhered and immobile. Next, the ingrowing hyperplastic tissue was resected in a piecemeal fashion. This resulted in mobilization of the sleeve anchors in the duodenal bulb and successful removal of the DJBS. CONCLUSIONS: DJBS endoscopic removal is safe and effective even in challenging cases, thus preventing the need for surgical intervention.

An innovative laparoscopic and endoscopic technique in an animal model: combined gastric full-thickness tumor resection.

Background and study aims The combination of endoscopy with laparoscopy for full-thickness gastric resection has received much attention. The advantage in using it is removak of the target lesion without resection of excessive normal tissue. The technique could prevent deformed scars, particularly at the cardia and in the prepyloric area. The aim of this protocol was to evaluate a new combined operation for full-thickness resection of the gastric wall. Materials and methods Gastric subepithelial lesions in multiple topographic locations of the stomach were simulated in seven live pigs. Full-thickness gastric resection was undertaken and after assessment of the outcome, the animals were euthanized. The primary endpoint was accomplishment of the procedure following all steps in the new technique, in various gastric locations. The secondary endpoints were duration of the procedure, quality of specimen margins, and complications. Results Resections were successful, complete, and complication-free, ensuring a safe surgical margin of healthy tissue. The procedure was completed in 50 minutes. No mucosal perforation or gas escape occurred. Conclusions The combined technique was safe, effective and minimally invasive. No expensive materials were used. Lesion exposure, gastric content leakage, incomplete resection, and excessive normal tissue elimination were avoided. Human trials of this technique may be warranted.

Endoscopic gastric submucosal dissection: experimental comparative protocol between standard technique and Hybrid-Knife(r) / Dissecção endoscópica submucosa gástrica: protocolo experimental comparativo entre a técnica convencional e o Hybrid-Knife(r)

ABSTRACT Background Endoscopic treatment of superficial gastrointestinal tumors is routinely performed, however the advantages and shortcomings of submucosal pressure-jet dissection is still debated. Objective - Aiming to compare this technique with conventional submucosal dissection, a study was designed in pigs. Methods - Areas of the antral mucosa of the stomach with a diameter of 2 cm2 (6 per animal) were marked, and resected by means of the hybrid-knife (experimental technique), and Flush-knife or IT-knife (controls). An ERBE ICC 300 electrosurgical unit was adopted. End-points were procedural time, complications, and quality of the resected specimen. Results - A total of 27 interventions were conducted in five animals. Time spent with the two options was quite short, and similar: 9.5±3.1 vs 8.0±3.0 minutes (P=0.21). Complications didn't differ (three per group, not significant), and removed specimen looked adequate in both circumstances. Conclusion - The hybrid-knife technique is an acceptable alternative to submucosal dissection, showing no difference compared to the standard technique taking into consideration the procedure, the presence of complications and the quality of the resected specimen.

RESUMO Contexto O tratamento endoscópico de tumores gastrointestinais superficiais é realizado rotineiramente, no entanto as vantagens e deficiências da dissecção submucosa com jato de pressão ainda é debatido. Objetivo - Visando comparar esta técnica com dissecção submucosa convencional, um estudo foi realizado em suínos. Métodos - Áreas da mucosa antral do estômago com um diâmetro de 2 cm2 (um total de 6 por animal) foram marcadas, e a ressecção através do hybrid-knife (técnica experimental), e do Flush-knife ou IT-knife (controles). Uma unidade eletro cirúrgica ERBE ICC 300 foi adotada. Os desfechos foram: tempo do procedimento, complicações e qualidade da amostra ressecada. Resultados - Um total de 27 intervenções foram realizadas em cinco animais. O tempo gasto com as duas técnicas foi curto e semelhante: 9,5±3,1 vs 8,0±3,0 minutos (P=0,21). As complicações não diferiram (três por grupo, não significativas), e amostras retiradas foram adequadas em ambas as circunstâncias. Conclusão - A técnica de hybrid-knife é uma alternativa aceitável para dissecção submucosa, demonstrando não haver diferença em comparação à técnica convencional levando em consideração o tempo de procedimento, a presença de complicações e a qualidade da amostra ressecada.

ENDOSCOPIC GASTRIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION: experimental comparative protocol between standard technique and Hybrid-Knife(r).

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment of superficial gastrointestinal tumors is routinely performed, however the advantages and shortcomings of submucosal pressure-jet dissection is still debated. OBJECTIVE: - Aiming to compare this technique with conventional submucosal dissection, a study was designed in pigs. METHODS: - Areas of the antral mucosa of the stomach with a diameter of 2 cm2 (6 per animal) were marked, and resected by means of the hybrid-knife (experimental technique), and Flush-knife or IT-knife (controls). An ERBE ICC 300 electrosurgical unit was adopted. End-points were procedural time, complications, and quality of the resected specimen. RESULTS: - A total of 27 interventions were conducted in five animals. Time spent with the two options was quite short, and similar: 9.5±3.1 vs 8.0±3.0 minutes (P=0.21). Complications didn't differ (three per group, not significant), and removed specimen looked adequate in both circumstances. CONCLUSION: - The hybrid-knife technique is an acceptable alternative to submucosal dissection, showing no difference compared to the standard technique taking into consideration the procedure, the presence of complications and the quality of the resected specimen.