EUS-Guided Biliary Drainage Versus ERCP in Malignant Biliary Obstruction Before Hepatobiliary Surgery: An International Multicenter Comparative Study.

INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) is the procedure of choice for patients who cannot undergo endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The outcomes of patients undergoing surgery after EUS-BD for malignancy are unknown. METHODS: We conducted an international, multicenter retrospective comparative study of patients who underwent hepatobiliary surgery after having undergone EUS-BD or ERCP from 6 tertiary care centers. Patient demographics, procedural data, and follow-up care were collected in a registry. RESULTS: One hundred forty-five patients were included: EUS-BD n=58 (mean age 66, 45% male), ERCP n=87 (mean age 68, 53% male). The majority of patients had pancreatic cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, or gallbladder malignancy. In the EUS-BD group, 29 patients had hepaticogastrostomy, 24 had choledochoduodenostomy, and 5 had rendezvous technique done. The most common surgery was Whipple in both groups (n=41 EUS-BD, n=56 ERCP) followed by partial hepatectomy (n=7 EUS-BD, n=14 ERCP) and cholecystectomy (n=2 EUS-BD, n=2 ERCP). Endoscopy clinical success was comparable in both groups (98% EUS-BD, 94% ERCP). Adverse event rates were similar in both groups: EUS-BD (n=10, 17%) and ERCP (n=23, 26%). Surgery technical success and clinical success were significantly higher in the EUS-BD group compared with the ERCP group (97% vs. 83%, 97% vs. 75%). Total Hospital stay from surgery to discharge was significantly higher in the ERCP group (19 d vs. 10 d, P =0.0082). DISCUSSION: Undergoing EUS-BD versus ERCP before hepatobiliary surgery is associated with fewer repeat endoscopic interventions, shorter duration between endoscopy and surgical intervention, higher rates of surgical clinical success, and shorter length of hospital stay after surgery.

Tamsulosin vs. Tadalafil as medical expulsive therapy for distal ureteral stones: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

PURPOSE: Medical expulsive therapy (MET) is recommended for distal ureteral stones from 5 to 10 mm. The best drug for MET is still uncertain. In this review, we aim to compare the effectiveness of tadalafil and tamsulosin for distal ureteral stones from 5 to 10 mm in terms of stone expulsion rate (SER), stone expulsion time (SET) and the side effect profile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive literature search was conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Scopus and Web of Science, from inception until April 2023. Only randomized controlled trials were included in the analysis. RESULTS: Eleven publications with 1,330 patients were included. We observed that tadalafil has a higher SER (OR 0.55, CI 95% 0.38;0.80, p=0.02, I2=52%) and the same efficacy in SET (MD 1.07, CI 95% -0.25; 2.39, p=0.11, I2=84%). No differences were found when comparing side effects as headache, backache, dizziness, and orthostatic hypotension. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil has a higher stone expulsion rate than tamsulosin as a medical expulsive therapy for patients with distal stones from 5 to 10 mm without differences in side effects.

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT), Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) With Biliary Stents in Palliative Treatment of Unresectable Extrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Extrahepatic unresectable cholangiocarcinoma carries a dismal prognosis. In addition to biliary drainage by stent placement; photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) have been tried to prolong survival. In this meta-analysis, we appraise the current known data on the use of PDT, RFA in the palliative treatment of extrahepatic unresectable cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: We searched multiple databases from inception through July 2020 to identify studies that reported on PDT and RFA. Pooled rates of survival, stent patency, 30-, 90-day mortality, and adverse events were calculated. Study heterogeneity was assessed using I2% and 95% prediction interval. RESULTS: A total of 55 studies (2146 patients) were included. A total of 1149 patients underwent treatment with PDT (33 studies), 545 with RFA (22 studies), and 452 patients with stent-only strategy. The pooled survival rate with PDT, RFA, and stent-only groups was 11.9 [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.7-13.1] months, 8.1 (95% CI: 6.4-9.9) months, and 6.7 (95% CI: 4.9-8.4) months, respectively. The pooled time of stent patency with PDT, RFA, and stent-only groups was 6.1 (95% CI: 4.2-8) months, 5.5 (95% CI: 4.2-6.7) months, and 4.7 (95% CI: 2.6-6.7) months, respectively. The pooled rate of 30-day mortality with PDT was 3.3% (95% CI: 1.6%-6.7%), with RFA was 7% (95% CI: 4.1%-11.7%) and with stent-only was 4.9% (95% CI: 1.7%-13.1%). The pooled rate of 90-day mortality with PDT was 10.4% (95% CI: 5.4%-19.2%) and with RFA was 16.3% (95% CI: 8.7%-28.6%). CONCLUSION: PDT seemed to demonstrate better overall survival and 30-day mortality rates than RFA and/or stent-only palliation.

Comparative study of strategies to prevent esophageal and periesophageal injury during atrial fibrillation ablation.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prevalence of esophageal and periesophageal thermal injury in patients undergoing radiofrequency (RF) atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation using 8 mm tip catheters during three different esophageal protection strategies. METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients with paroxysmal or persistent AF underwent first ablation procedure, besides esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) combined with radial endosonography (EUS) performed before and after the pulmonary vein (PV) isolation. Before the procedure, patients were randomly assigned to one of three esophageal lesion protection strategies: group I-without any protective or monitoring dispositive and limiting RF applications to 30 W for 20 seconds, in left atrium posterior wall (LAPW); group II-power and time of RF delivery, up to 50 W for 20 seconds at LAPW, limited by esophageal temperature monitoring; group III-applications of RF in LAPW with fixed power application of 50 W for 20 seconds during continuous esophageal cooling. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients were similar in all groups. The four PVs were isolated in 14 (93.3%), 13 (86.7%), and 15 (100%) patients, respectively in groups I, II, and III. The mean RF power was significantly higher (P < .001) in the posterior side of PVs in group III. Post-AF ablation EGD and EUS revealed two esophageal wall ulcerations and two periesophageal mediastinal edemas only in the esophageal cooling group (P = .008). CONCLUSION: Esophageal cooling balloon strategy resulted in a higher RF power energy delivery when ablating at the LA posterior wall, using 8 mm nonirrigated tip catheters under temperature mode control. Despite that, patients presented a relatively low incidence of esophageal and periesophaeal injuries.

Suction versus slow-pull for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration of pancreatic tumors: a prospective randomized trial.

BACKGROUND: Suction (S) is commonly used to improve cell acquisition during endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA). Slow-pull (SP) sampling is another technique that might procure good quality specimens with less bloodiness. We aimed to determine if SP improves the diagnostic yield of EUS-FNA of pancreatic masses. METHODS: Patients with pancreatic solid masses were randomized to four needle passes with both techniques in an alternate fashion. Sensitivity, specificity, positive, and negative predictive values were calculated. Cellularity and bloodiness of cytological samples were assessed and compared according to the technique. RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of suction vs. SP were 95.2% vs. 92.3%; 100% vs. 100; 95.7% vs. 93%, respectively. As to the association of methods, they were 95.6, 100 and 96%, respectively. Positive predictive values for S and SP were 100%. There was no difference in diagnostic yield between S and SP (p = 0.344). Cellularity of samples obtained with SP and Suction were equivalent in both smear evaluation (p = 0.119) and cell-block (0.980). Bloodiness of SP and suction techniques were similar as well. CONCLUSIONS: S and SP techniques provide equivalent sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy. Association of methods seems to improve diagnostic yield. Suction does not increase the bloodiness of samples compared to slow-pull.

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.

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.

EUS-guided Choledochoduodenostomy Versus Hepaticogastrostomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage (EUS-BD) has emerged as an alternative in cases of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) failure. Two types of EUS-BD methods for achieving biliary drainage when ERCP fails are choledochoduodenostomy (CDS) or hepaticogastrostomy (HGS). However, there is no consensus if one approach is better than the other. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate these 2 main EUS-BD methods. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane database, LILACS from inception through April 8, 2017, using the following search terms in various combinations: biliary drainage, biliary stent, transluminal biliary drainage, choledochoduodenostomy, hepaticogastrostomy, endoscopic ultrasound-guided biliary drainage. We selected studies comparing CDS and HGS in patients with malignant biliary obstruction with ERCP failure. Pooled odds ratio (OR) were calculated for technical success, clinical success, and adverse events and difference of means calculated for duration of procedure and survival after procedure. RESULTS: A total of 10 studies with 434 patients were included in the meta-analysis: 208 underwent biliary drainage via HGS and the remaining 226 via CDS. The technical success for CDS and HGS was 94.1% and 93.7%, respectively, pooled OR=0.96 [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.39-2.33, I=0%]. Clinical success was 88.5% in CDS and 84.5% in HGS, pooled OR=0.76 (95% CI=0.42-1.35, I=17%). There was no difference for adverse events OR=0.97 (95% CI=0.60-1.56), I=37%. CDS was about 2 minutes faster with a pooled difference in means of was -2.69 (95% CI=-4.44 to -0.95). CONCLUSION: EUS-CDS and EUS-HGS have equal efficacy and safety, and are both associated with a very high technical and clinical success. The choice of approach may be selected based on patient anatomy.

EUS-guided Versus Percutaneous Gallbladder Drainage: Isn't It Time to Convert?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic ultrasound-guided drainage (EUS-GLB) is a minimally invasive option for patients with cholecystitis who are poor surgical candidates. Compared with percutaneous drainage (PC-GLB), earlier studies have demonstrated similar efficacy with improved quality of life. We present a multicenter, international experience comparing PC-GLB and EUS-GLB in nonsurgical patients with cholecystitis. METHODS: All patients who underwent either PC-GLB drainage or EUS-GLB drainage from 7 centers between January 2010 and December 2015 were included. Technical success was defined as successful placement of a catheter or stent into the gallbladder. Clinical success was defined as resolution of clinical symptoms after intervention. Adverse events, length of stay, and the need for repeat interventions and/or hospitalizations were recorded for all patients. RESULTS: A total of 155 patients were included (mean age 74±14.24 y; range, 31 to 96; 56% male). Forty-two patients underwent EUS-GLB and 113 patients underwent PC-GLB. Technical success was achieved in 40 patients (95%) in the EUS-GLB group and 112 patients (99%) in the PC-GLB group (P=0.179). Clinical success was achieved in 40 patients (95%) in the EUS-GLB group and 97 patients (86%) in the PC-GLB group (P=0.157). There was no difference in hospital readmission rates between the 2 groups (14% vs. 24%; P=0.194). However, there was significantly higher number of patients requiring repeat interventions in the PC-GLB group (n=28, 24%) compared with the EUS-GLB group (n=4, 10%) (P=0.037). There was no difference in adverse events between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-GLB is safe and efficacious, with comparable technical and clinical success rates and no difference in adverse events. In addition, EUS-GLB offers a potential cost-saving benefit and morbidity benefit by demonstrating a decreased number of repeat interventions.

Rendez-Vous laparoendoscopic after ERCP failure in patient with Billroth II gastrectomy.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the treatment of choice in patients with choledocholithiasis. However,despite its high success rate, in some cases it is not successful, requiring alternative therapy. Billroth II partial gastrectomy is a condition associated with an important failure rate of ERCP. When endoscopic treatment fails, surgical exploration of the bile duct is the most common approach. However, the surgery is related to a greater complexity of execution and morbimortality. We describe the case of a patient with choledocholithiasis and Billroth II partial gastrectomy, submitted to the combined treatment called rendez-vous laparoendoscopic, after failure of ERCP, which unites in a single stage the endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis and laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder. We conclude that this therapeutic approach was effective, safe, with low cost and without complications.

Ex vivos models to teaching therapeutic endoscopic ultrasound (T-EUS).

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound training has a learning curve greater than the other endoscopic therapeutic techniques. One of the preclinical teaching methods is the use of ex vivo porcine models. AIM: To describe five ex vivo porcine models for training in therapeutic echoendoscopic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using porcine digestive tract containing esophagus, stomach, duodenum, spleen, liver and gallbladder, five models for therapeutic echoendoscopy training were described. With other segments of the porcine pieces (such as the bladder, spleen segment and omentum segment) and with easily accessible materials (such as grape and ultrasound gel), lesions were simulated to be treated. These models were applied in the Hands on course at the IRCAD (Institut de recherche contre les cancers de l'appareil digestif) Barretos of 2017. Endoscopic equipment and instruments are the same as those used in clinical practice. RESULT: The models are easily reproducible and do not require exchange during the hands on course period. Endoscopic and echographic imaging and tactile sensitivity are similar to the real one. CONCLUSION: The models described in this study demonstrated to be realistic, easy to reproduce and allow repetition during the same session. However, comparative studies are necessary to verify the real impact on teaching.

Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy applied in pediatrics: endoscopic and histological findings, including Helicobacter pylori.

OBJECTIVE: To present and discuss the endoscopic and histological results, as well as the incidence of Helicobacter pylori and other diseases, indications and characteristics of upper digestive endoscopies performed in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-five endoscopies were performed in children aged six months to 11 years (mean 7.69 years), from February 2013 to January 2016. In 200 patients, endoscopies were diagnostic and serial biopsies were performed (esophagus, stomach and duodenum), in 120 of them. RESULTS: The indication of endoscopy was diagnosed in 88.89% of the patients, and in 26 patients, a therapeutic procedure was performed. The most frequent endoscopic findings were esophagitis in 49 patients, gastritis in 84 and duodenitis in 16 patients. Four duodenal ulcers were diagnosed. In the therapeutic endoscopies, six gastrostomies were performed, 14 foreign body withdrawals, five nasoenteral tube passages and esophageal dilatation. The H. pylori survey was performed by anatomopathological method and was positive in 26 (13%) of the 200 patients in whom it was searched. CONCLUSION: pediatric endoscopy is an important niche of the digestive endoscopy, where it is important to emphasize the relevance of the institutional structure that performs these procedures, in order to conduct them safely, being able to treat possible and feasible complications.

EUS-guided pancreatic drainage for pancreatic strictures after failed ERCP: a multicenter international collaborative study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (ERP) is considered first-line therapy for management of symptomatic pancreatic duct obstruction. Technical failure with ERP occurs when the main pancreatic duct cannot be cannulated. EUS-guided drainage of the pancreatic duct is a minimally invasive alternative to surgery for failed conventional ERP. We present an international, multicenter study on the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided pancreatic drainage (EUS-PD) for patients who fail conventional endoscopic therapy. METHODS: Between January 2006 and December 2015, 80 patients underwent EUS-PD at 4 academic centers in 3 countries. Patient demographics, medical history, procedure data, and follow-up clinical data were collected. Technical success was defined as successful pancreatic duct drainage with stent placement. Clinical success was defined as resolution or improvement of symptoms or improvement on postprocedure imaging. RESULTS: Eighty patients (62.5% men; mean age, 58.2 ± 15.5 years) were included. All patients had attempted ERP and/or extracorporeal lithotripsy if needed before EUS-PD. Technical success was achieved in 89% of patients (n = 71). Clinical success was achieved in 81% of patients overall (65/80) and in 92% of patients who achieved technical success (65/71). Immediate adverse events occurred in 20% of patients (n = 16) and delayed adverse events occurred in 11% of patients (n = 9). CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate endoscopic expertise, EUS-PD offers a minimally invasive, more effective, and safer alternative to some surgical PD procedures. Prospective studies are needed to evaluate long-term outcomes. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT01522573.).

Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy for refractory gastroparesis: results from the first multicenter study on endoscopic pyloromyotomy (with video).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastric per-oral endoscopic myotomy (G-POEM) recently has been reported as minimally invasive therapy for gastroparesis. The aims of this study were to report on the first multicenter experience with G-POEM and to assess the efficacy and safety of this novel procedure for patients with gastroparesis with symptoms refractory to medical therapy. METHODS: All patients with gastroparesis who underwent endoscopic pyloromyotomy (G-POEM) at 5 medical centers were included. Procedures were performed following the same principles as esophageal POEM. Clinical response was defined as improvement in gastroparetic symptoms with absence of recurrent hospitalization. Adverse events were graded according to the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy lexicon. RESULTS: A total of 30 patients with refractory gastroparesis (11 diabetic, 12 postsurgical, 7 idiopathic) underwent G-POEM. Previous therapies included Botox injection in 12, transpyloric stenting in 3, and PEG with jejunal extension (PEGJ) in 1. Nausea/vomiting were the predominant symptoms in 25 patients. Weight loss was present in 27 patients with an average of 10% loss of body weight. G-POEM was completed successfully in all 30 (100%) patients with a mean procedure time of 72 minutes (range, 35-223 min). The mean myotomy length was 2.6 ± 2.3 cm. The mean length of hospital stay was 3.3 days (range, 1-12 days). Two adverse events occurred in 2 (6.7%) patients, including 1 capnoperitoneum and 1 prepyloric ulcer, rated as mild and severe, respectively. Clinical response was observed in 26 (86%) patients during a median follow-up of 5.5 months. Four patients (2 diabetic, 1 postsurgical, 1 idiopathic cause) did not respond to G-POEM. Repeat gastric emptying scan was obtained in 17 patients, normalized in 8 (47%), and improved in 6 (35%) patients. CONCLUSION: G-POEM is a technically feasible procedure. This small non-randomized study suggests the effectiveness of G-POEM for the treatment of patients with gastroparesis refractory to medical therapy. It concomitantly results in normalization of GES in a significant proportion of treated patients.

An international multicenter study comparing EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage with enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde pancreatography after Whipple surgery.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Endoscopic management of post-Whipple pancreatic adverse events (AEs) with enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (e-ERP) is associated with high failure rates. EUS-guided pancreatic duct drainage (EUS-PDD) has shown promising results; however, no comparative data have been done for these 2 modalities. The goal of this study is to compare EUS-PDD with e-ERP in terms of technical success (PDD through dilation/stent), clinical success (improvement/resolution of pancreatic-type symptoms), and AE rates in patients with post-Whipple anatomy. METHODS: This is an international multicenter comparative retrospective study at 7 tertiary centers (2 United States, 2 European, 2 Asian, and 1 South American). All consecutive patients who underwent EUS-PDD or e-ERP between January 2010 and August 2015 were included. RESULTS: In total, 66 patients (mean age, 57 years; 48% women) and 75 procedures were identified with 40 in EUS-PDD and 35 in e-ERP. Technical success was achieved in 92.5% of procedures in the EUS-PDD group compared with 20% of procedures in the e-ERP group (OR, 49.3; P < .001). Clinical success (per patient) was attained in 87.5% of procedures in the EUS-PDD group compared with 23.1% in the e-ERP group (OR, 23.3; P < .001). AEs occurred more commonly in the EUS-PDD group (35% vs 2.9%, P < .001). However, all AEs were rated as mild or moderate. Procedure time and length of stay were not significantly different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-PDD is superior to e-ERP in post-Whipple anatomy in terms of efficacy with acceptable safety. As such, EUS-PDD should be considered as a potential first-line treatment in post-pancreaticoduodenectomy anatomy when necessary expertise is available.

Efficacy of self-expandable metal stents in management of benign biliary strictures and comparison with multiple plastic stents: a meta-analysis.

Background and study aims There is burgeoning interest in the utilization of covered self-expandable metal stents (CSEMSs) for managing benign biliary stricture (BBS). This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated cumulative stricture resolution and recurrence rates using CSEMSs and compared performance of CSEMSs and multiple plastic stents (MPS) in BBS management. Method Searches in several databases identified studies including ≥ 10 patients that utilized CSEMSs for BBS treatment. Weighted pooled rates were calculated for stricture resolution and recurrence. Pooled risk ratios (RRs) comparing CSEMSs with MPS were calculated for stricture resolution, stricture recurrence, and adverse events. Pooled difference in means was calculated to compare number of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographies (ERCPs) in each group.  Results The meta-analysis included 22 studies with 1298 patients. Weighted pooled rate for BBS resolution with CSEMS was 83 % (95 % confidence limits [95 %CLs] 78 %, 87 %; I2 = 72 %). On meta-regression analysis, resolution in chronic pancreatitis patients and post-orthotopic liver transplant patients were significant predictors of heterogeneity. Weighted pooled rate for stricture recurrence with CSEMSs was 16 % (11 %, 22 %). Overall rate of adverse events requiring intervention and/or hospitalization was 15 %. Four randomized controlled trials with 213 patients compared CSEMSs with MPS: the pooled RRs for stricture resolution, recurrence, and adverse events were 1.07 (0.97, 1.18), 0.88 (0.48, 1.63), and 1.16 (0.71, 1.88), respectively with no heterogeneity. Pooled difference in means for number of ERCPs was - 1.71 ( - 2.33, - 1.09) in favor of CSEMS. Conclusions CSEMSs appear to have excellent efficacy in BBS management. They are as effective as MPS but require fewer ERCPs to achieve clinical success.

Laparoendoscopic rendez-vous: a safe alternative to the treatment of choledocholithiasis.

The choice treatment for choledocholithiasis when associated with lithiasic cholecystitis is endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). However, in some cases this therapeutic fails, which requires an alternative method to extract the stones. The surgical approach tends to be the next step, but it is related to greater complexity of achievement and higher complications rates. In 1993, Deslandres et al. developed the combined treatment called laparoendoscopic rendez-vous, that unites in a single stage the endoscopic treatment of choledocholithiasis and laparoscopic removal of the gallbladder. We report the case of a patient diagnosed with common bile duct (CBD) stones, in which the conventional CPRE was not successful, and was taken to treatment by laparoendoscopic approach. We conclude, based on this case and on other published studies, that this therapeutic modality has advantages for being feasible, presenting low complications rate, shorter hospital stay and acceptable cost.

Biliary ileus: case report.

Biliary ileusis a uncommon cause of mechanical bowel obstruction, affecting older adult patients who often have other significant medical conditions. It is caused by intestinal impaction of a gallstone that enters the bowel via a cholecysto-enteric fistula. The mortality rate is considerable, ranging between 12 and 27%. Treatment in most cases is surgical, aimed at the resolution of the intestinal obstruction. We report the case of a 55 year old patient diagnosed with biliary ileus, wich evolved without complications after a enterolithotomy. We have concluded, based on the literature that an early diagnosis associated with appropriate therapy can lead to a better prognosis.

Perforated Meckel's diverticulum.

We report a patient with diffuse peritonitis due to perforation of Meckel's diverticulum. This patient was referred to the operating room and underwent bowel resection segment encompassing the area of the diverticulum and terminoterminal primary enteroanastomosis on two levels with good evolution. The diverticulum complications are often related to the presence of ectopic mucosa, specially the gastric and pancreatic type. Since preoperative diagnosis is difficult and infrequent, in most cases this anomaly is confirmed only during surgery. Surgical resection of the affected intestinal segment is the mainstay of treatment in both diverticula diagnosed incidentally, as the complicated by inflammation, bleeding, obstruction or perforation. We conclude that in cases of acute abdomen punctured, the diagnosis of Meckel's diverticulum should be considered.

Endoscopic gastrostomy: critical analysis in a regional referral hospital.

INTRODUCTION: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a safe and effective endoscopic surgical procedure for enteral access and gastrointestinal decompression, and it is an excellent alternative to surgical gastrostomy. There are various clinical indications and these mainly include the need for prolonged enteral nutritional support due to complications from neurological, geriatric and oncological diseases and decompression of the gastrointestinal tract. Although safe and effective, a number of possible complications relating to the time (early or late complications) and severity (minor or major complications) may occur. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the indications and complications relating to PEG among selected patients at the digestive endoscopy service of a regional referral hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study on patients who underwent PEG between May 2013 and April 2015 was conducted. The patients were identified through searching the medical records and using a standardized data form. RESULTS: 53 cases were analyzed. The average age was 70.47 years and 60.37% of the patients werewomen. The main indication identified was the need for enteral nutritional support, and 73.58% of these indications were derived from neurological complications, 15.09% from geriatric complications and 9.43% from oncological complications and 1.88% were due to gastrointestinal decompression. Complications occurred in 24.52% of the cases: 23.07% were major and 76.93% were minor. Regarding the time, there were eight cases of late complications and five of early complications. CONCLUSION: PEG was shown to be an effective and safe method for enteral access. The indication and complication rates were similar to those reported in the literature.