Endoscopic submucosal dissection vs. endoscopic mucosal resection in the treatment of early Barrett's neoplasia: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Endoscopic resection is the preferred approach to treat early Barrett's neoplasia, reducing the need for surgical interventions. However, the best choice between endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remains unclear. The study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of EMR vs. ESD for early Barrett's neoplasia. METHODS: An electronic search was conducted in MEDLINE, Central Cochrane, EMBASE, and LILACS until November 2023. Studies comparing ESD vs. EMR in the treatment of patients with early Barrett's neoplasia were included. This study was performed according to the Preferred Report Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. The ROBIN-I tool was used to analyze the risk of bias and GRADE to measure the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: A total of 9352 patients from 15 observational studies were included. Patients undergoing ESD had significantly higher rates of en-bloc (odds ratio [OR] 25.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] 13.82, 48.74; I2 = 52%; P < 0.00001) and R0 (OR 5.10, 95% CI 3.29, 7.91; I2 = 73%; P < 0.00001) with a higher risk of adverse events, including bleeding, stricture formation, and perforation. In a subgroup analysis of patients who did not receive radiofrequency ablation, ESD had a lower recurrence rate than EMR (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05, 0.94; I2 = 88%; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection is more effective than EMR in treating early Barrett's neoplasia at the expense of higher adverse events rates.

EFFICACY AND SAFETY OF ONE ANASTOMOSIS GASTRIC BYPASS IN SURGICAL TREATMENT OF OBESITY: SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS.

BACKGROUND: One anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) has gained prominence in the search for better results in bariatric surgery. However, its efficacy and safety compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) and sleeve gastrectomy (SG) remain ill-defined. AIMS: To compare the efficacy and safety of OAGB relative to RYGB and SG in the treatment of obesity. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Lilacs, and Google Scholar databases for randomized controlled trials comparing OAGB with RYGB or SG in the surgical approach to obesity. We pooled outcomes for body mass index, percentage of excess weight loss, type-2 diabetes mellitus remission, complications, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. Statistical analyses were performed with R software (version 4.2.3). RESULTS: Data on 854 patients were extracted from 11 randomized controlled trials, of which 422 (49.4%) were submitted to OAGB with mean follow-up ranging from six months to five years. The meta-analysis revealed a significantly higher percentage of excess weight loss at 1-year follow-up and a significantly lower body mass index at 5-year follow-up in OAGB patients. Conversely, rates of type-2 diabetes mellitus remission, complications, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were not significantly different between groups. The overall quality of evidence was considered very low. CONCLUSIONS: Our results corroborate the comparable efficacy of OAGB in relation to RYGB and SG in the treatment of obesity, maintaining no significant differences in type-2 diabetes mellitus remission, complications, and gastroesophageal reflux disease rates.

Efficacy and safety of left atrial appendage closure procedure in patients with non-valvular atrial fibrillation with contraindication and/or failure for oral anticoagulants: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: With the aim of reducing the risk of Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA) in patients with Non-Valvular Atrial Fibrillation (NVAF), Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion (LAAO) devices are emerging as an alternative to oral anticoagulants. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy and safety of the LAAO procedure in patients with NVAF and contraindications and/or failure for oral anticoagulants. METHOD: The search for evidence was carried out in the electronic databases Medline and Embase till January 2024. Additional searches were conducted on Google Scholar. The clinical trials registry database was also consulted. Two blinded investigators performed the search, study selection, and data collection, and assessed quality and risk of bias using the Cochrane tool for randomized clinical trials. Meta-analyses of eligible trials were performed using RevMan 5.4.1 software. The random effects model was used for all analyses. RESULTS: Five articles were selected, among which three were non-inferiority randomized clinical trials that analyzed the performance and safety of LAAO devices compared to the use of Vitamin K Antagonists (AVKs) or Novel Oral Anticoagulants (NOACs). No randomized clinical trials were found that analyzed populations with absolute contraindications to oral anticoagulants. Having as primary outcomes analyzed the occurrence of stroke (ischemic or hemorrhagic), cardiovascular or unexplained death and systemic embolism, the non-inferiority of the LAAO procedure compared to the use of oral anticoagulants was verified. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with an absolute contraindication to anticoagulation and/or failure to use oral anticoagulants, evidence for the use of LAAO devices is scarce.

Effectiveness and Safety of the Allurion Swallowable Intragastric Balloon for Short-term Weight Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Obesity poses a severe health problem worldwide, with an estimated impact on 17.5% of the adult population by 2035. Among the endoscopic applications for treating this comorbidity, intragastric balloons are the most widely used. The new liquid-filled swallowable balloon meets the requirements of major guidelines and allows significant weight loss with few adverse events. This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to demonstrate the efficacy and safety profile of this new device for weight loss. METHODS: We conducted a search from 2016 to 2024 to assess the efficacy of the swallowable intragastric balloon for weight loss, including improvements in metabolic profiles and anthropometric measurements. Additionally, we evaluated potential adverse events related to the device to demonstrate its safety. RESULTS: Eleven observational studies totalling 2107 patients were included, showing a reduction of 4.75 in BMI (95% CI: -5.02; -4.47), a mean total weight loss of 12.47% (95% CI: -13.77; -11.17), a mean excess weight loss of 48.04% (95% CI: -50.61; -45.48), and a rate of serious adverse events of 0.90%. An improvement in the metabolic profile was observed for three parameters: HDL, triglycerides, and glycaemia. CONCLUSION: The swallowable liquid-filled intragastric balloon is safe and effective for managing weight loss within a four-month follow-up period.

Endoscopic Versus Surgical Treatment for Ampullary Lesions: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis.

Ampullary lesions (ALs) can be treated through either an endoscopic approach (EA) or a surgical approach (SA). However, it is important to note that EAs carry a significant risk of incomplete resection, while opting for surgical interventions can result in substantial morbidity. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for R0 resection, recurrence, adverse events in general, major adverse events, mortality, and length of hospital stay between SAs and EAs. Electronic databases were searched from inception to 2023. We identified nine independent studies. The risk difference was -0.32 (95% CI: -0.50, -0.15; p <0.001) for R0, 0.12 (95% CI: 0.06, 0.19; p < 0.001) for recurrence, -0.22 (95% CI: -0.43, 0.00; p 0.05) for overall adverse events, -0.11 (95% CI: -0.32, 0.10; p = 0.31) for major complications, -0.01 (95% CI: -0.02, 0.01; p = 0.43) for mortality, and -14.69 (95% CI: -19.91, -9.47; p < 0.001) for length of hospital stay. As expected, our data suggest a higher complete resection rate and lower recurrence from surgical interventions, but this is associated with an elevated risk of adverse events and a longer hospital stay.

Pure cut vs. Endocut in endoscopic biliary sphincterotomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials.

Background and study aims Biliary sphincterotomy is a crucial step in endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), a procedure known to carry a 5% to 10% risk of complications. The relationship between Pure cut, Endocut, post-ERCP pancreatitis (PEP) and bleeding is unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared these two current types and their relationships with adverse events. Patients and methods This systematic review involved searching articles in multiple databases until August 2023 comparing pure cut versus Endocut in biliary sphincterotomy. The meta-analysis followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Results A total of 987 patients from four randomized controlled trials were included. Overall pancreatitis: A higher risk of pancreatitis was found in the Endocut group than in the Pure cut group ( P =0.001, RD=0.04 [range, 0.01 to 0.06]; I 2 =29%). Overall immediate bleeding: Statistical significance was found to favor Endocut, ( P =0.05; RD=-0.15 [range, -0.29 to -0.00]; I 2 =93%). No statistical significance between current modes was found in immediate bleeding without endoscopic intervention ( P =0.10; RD=-0.13 [range, -0.29 to 0.02]; I 2 =88%), immediate bleeding with endoscopic intervention ( P =0.06; RD=-0.07 [range, -0.14 to 0.00]; I 2 =76%), delayed bleeding (P=0.40; RD=0.01 [range, -0.02 to 0.05]; I 2 =72%), zipper cut ( P =0.58; RD=-0.03 [range, -0.16 to 0.09]; I 2 =97%), perforation ( P =1.00; RD=0.00 [range, -0.01 to 0.01]; I 2 =0%) and cholangitis ( P =0.77; RD=0.00 [range, -0.01 to 0.02]; I 2 =29%). Conclusions The available data in the literature show that Endocut carries an increased risk for PEP and does not prevent delayed or clinically significant bleeding, although it prevents intraprocedural bleeding. Based on such findings, Pure cut should be the preferred electric current mode for biliary sphincterotomy.

Invasive Therapeutic Strategies for Stricturing Crohn's Disease in Childhood: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Crohn's disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory condition of the gastrointestinal tract. Current drugs are not effective for treating the primary fibrotic component of CD. Recommended invasive treatments include endoscopic balloon dilation, surgery with resection, or strictureplasty. This meta-analysis compared invasive treatment techniques for CD-related strictures in the pediatric population. METHODS: The MEDLINE, EMBASE, and LILACS databases were searched from inception to December 2023. This meta-analysis was performed as per the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The outcome was measured by the rate of stenosis recurrence and the adverse events of the techniques. Eligibility criteria were studies that involved the analysis of the recurrence rate of stenosis in pediatric patients with CD requiring surgical intervention after undergoing any of the previously proposed therapies. Additionally, adverse events were analyzed. RESULTS: Three studies comprising a total of 106 endoscopic balloon dilations demonstrated a combined rate of stricture recurrence in patients with CD requiring surgical intervention of 0.171 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.110-0.255). Three studies comprising a total of 49 surgical resections demonstrated a pooled event rate of 0.100 (95% CI, 0.038-0.240). Finally, 2 studies comprising a total of 38 strictureplasties demonstrated a pooled event rate of 0.347 (95% CI, 0.070-0.789). Concerning adverse events, the most common occurrences were found after surgical resection. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical resection is the best option for treating strictures in pediatric CD patients in terms of recurrence rate, compared with endoscopic balloon dilation and strictureplasty. Nevertheless, surgical resection is associated with more adverse events.

This meta-analysis compares techniques for pediatric Crohn's disease­related strictures. Surgical resection, compared with balloon dilation or strictureplasty, is the best option for treating strictures in these patients in terms of recurrence rate but is associated with more adverse events.

Effectiveness of Different Treatment Modalities in Initial and Chronic Phases of Thyroid Eye Disease: A Systematic Review With Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Thyroid eye disease (TED), a common extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves disease, poses significant management challenges due to potential disfigurement, visual impairment, and decreased quality of life. Uncertainties remain about the optimal treatment approach, especially regarding TED duration and its impact on outcomes. OBJECTIVE: This meta-analysis evaluates the effects of various treatments on inflammatory markers and severity endpoints in TED, stratified by disease duration, distinguishing between treatments initiated within the first 6 months (initial phase) and those initiated thereafter (subacute/chronic phase). METHODS: Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search of multiple electronic databases yielded 26 studies meeting predefined inclusion criteria. Methodological quality was assessed, and data were meticulously extracted and analyzed. RESULTS: In the initial phase, treatments like corticosteroids and teprotumumab showed significant improvements in clinical activity score, proptosis, and diplopia. In the subacute/chronic phase, the efficacy of methylprednisolone and teprotumumab is reduced. A "critical window" effect was observed, with treatments showing diminished efficacy after 6 months of TED duration. CONCLUSION: This meta-analysis highlights the importance of tailoring treatment strategies based on TED duration, emphasizing early interventions to maximize benefits. The findings guide clinicians in selecting optimal treatments and underscore the need for further research to refine evidence-based approaches, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life.

The Role of Dietary Intake in the Weight Loss Outcomes of Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass and Sleeve Gastrectomy: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

The relationship between postoperative dietary intake and weight loss after bariatric surgery remains unclear. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published between January 2000 and May 2023, reporting weight loss outcomes, and dietary intake before and after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and sleeve gastrectomy. A total of 42 studies were included. There was no detectable difference in dietary intake between the two procedures. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass induced an average decrease in energy intake of 886 kcal/day at 12-month post-surgery; however, there was no correlation between daily energy intake and weight loss. These findings show a substantial reduction of energy intake in the first year after bariatric surgery but do not support a link between lower energy intake and greater weight loss.

Scissor-assisted vs. conventional endoscopic submucosal dissection for colorectal lesions: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: Colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technically complex procedure. The scissor knife mechanism may potentially provide easier and safer colorectal ESD. The aim of this meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of scissor-assisted vs. conventional ESD for colorectal lesions. METHODS: A search strategy was conducted in MEDLINE, Embase, and Lilacs databases from January 1990 to November 2023 according to PRISMA guidelines. Fixed and random-effects models were used for statistical analysis. Heterogeneity was assessed using I2 test. Risk of bias was assessed using the ROBINS-I and RoB-2 tools. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool. RESULTS: A total of five studies (three retrospective and two randomized controlled trials, including a total of 1575 colorectal ESD) were selected. The intraoperative perforation rate was statistically lower (risk difference [RD] -0.02; 95% confidence interval [CI] -0.04 to -0.01; P = 0.001; I2 = 0%) and the self-completion rate was statistically higher (RD 0.14; 95% CI 0.06, 0.23; P = 0.0006; I2 = 0%) in the scissor-assisted group compared with the conventional ESD group. There was no statistical difference in R0 resection rate, en bloc resection rate, mean procedure time, or delayed bleeding rate between the groups. CONCLUSION: Scissor knife-assisted ESD is as effective as conventional knife-assisted ESD for colorectal lesions with lower intraoperative perforation rate and a higher self-completion rate.

Renal denervation by radiofrequency in patients with hypertension: systematic review and meta-analysis.

The Guidelines Project, which is an initiative of the Brazilian Medical Association, aims to combine information from the medical field to standardize how to conduct and assist in the reasoning and decision-making of doctors. The information provided by this project must be critically evaluated by the physician responsible for the conduct that will be adopted, depending on the conditions and the clinical condition of each patient.

Medium and Long-Term Weight Loss After Revisional Bariatric Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Despite the current increase in revisional bariatric surgery (RBS), data on the sustainability of weight loss remain unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to assess weight loss outcomes in adult patients undergoing RBS with follow-up > 2 years. Twenty-eight observational studies (n = 2213 patients) were included. The %TWL was 27.2 (95%CI = 23.7 to 30.6), and there was a drop in BMI of 10.2 kg/m2 (95%CI = - 11.6 to - 8.7). The %EWL was 54.8 (95%CI = 47.2 to 62.4) but with a high risk of publication bias (Egger's test = 0.003). The overall quality of evidence was very low. Our data reinforce that current evidence on RBS is mainly based on low-quality observational studies, and further higher-quality studies are needed to support evidence-based practice.

Conventional Versus Traction-Assisted Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection for Esophageal, Gastric, and Colorectal Neoplasms: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is increasingly being utilized for the resection of superficial gastrointestinal neoplasms. However, the long procedure time poses a technical challenge for conventional ESD (C-ESD). Traction-assisted ESD (T-ESD) was developed to facilitate the procedure by reducing its duration. This study compares the efficacy and safety of C-ESD versus T-ESD in the treatment of esophageal, gastric, and colorectal neoplasms. Nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed. Traction-assisted ESD exhibited shorter mean dissection times for the esophagus and colorectal regions and lower perforation rates in colorectal cases. No significant differences were observed in en bloc resection or bleeding rates. Traction-assisted ESD proves to be more efficient in mean procedure time for esophageal and colorectal cases and safer in perforation rates for colorectal cases, but similar rates are noted for en bloc resection or bleeding.

Lung cancer screening in Brazil: recommendations from the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, Brazilian Thoracic Association, and Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging.

Although lung cancer (LC) is one of the most common and lethal tumors, only 15% of patients are diagnosed at an early stage. Smoking is still responsible for more than 85% of cases. Lung cancer screening (LCS) with low-dose CT (LDCT) reduces LC-related mortality by 20%, and that reduction reaches 38% when LCS by LDCT is combined with smoking cessation. In the last decade, a number of countries have adopted population-based LCS as a public health recommendation. Albeit still incipient, discussion on this topic in Brazil is becoming increasingly broad and necessary. With the aim of increasing knowledge and stimulating debate on LCS, the Brazilian Society of Thoracic Surgery, the Brazilian Thoracic Association, and the Brazilian College of Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging convened a panel of experts to prepare recommendations for LCS in Brazil. The recommendations presented here were based on a narrative review of the literature, with an emphasis on large population-based studies, systematic reviews, and the recommendations of international guidelines, and were developed after extensive discussion by the panel of experts. The following topics were reviewed: reasons for screening; general considerations about smoking; epidemiology of LC; eligibility criteria; incidental findings; granulomatous lesions; probabilistic models; minimum requirements for LDCT; volumetric acquisition; risks of screening; minimum structure and role of the multidisciplinary team; practice according to the Lung CT Screening Reporting and Data System; costs versus benefits of screening; and future perspectives for LCS.

Screening and diagnostic tools for autism spectrum disorder: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder, with main manifestations related to communication, social interaction, and behavioral patterns. The slight dynamics of change in the child over time require that the onset of clinical manifestations presented by the child be more valued, with the aim of stabilizing the condition. Faced with a variety of methods for diagnosing ASD, the question arises as to which method should be used. This systematic review aims to recommend the best tools to perform screening and diagnosis. METHODOLOGY: This systematic review followed the PRISMA guidelines. The databases MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL (Cochrane), and Lilacs were accessed, and gray and manual searches were performed. The search strategy was created with terms referring to autism and the diagnosis/broad filter. The studies were qualitatively evaluated and quantitatively. Statistical analysis was performed using Meta-diSc-2.0 software, the confidence interval was 95 %. RESULTS: The M-CHAT-R/F tool demonstrated a sensitivity of 78 % (95 % CI 0.57‒0.91) and specificity of 0.98 (95 % CI 0.88-1.00). The diagnostic tools demonstrated sensitivity and specificity respectively of: ADOS, sensitivity of 87 % (95 % CI 0.79‒0.92) and specificity 75 % (95 % CI 0.73‒0.78); ADI-R demonstrated test sensitivity of 77 % (95 % CI 0.56‒0.90) and specificity 68 % (95 % CI 0.52‒0.81), CARS test sensitivity was 89 % (95 % CI 0.78‒0.95) and specificity 79 % (95 % CI 0.65‒0.88). CONCLUSION: It is mandatory to apply a screening test, the most recommended being the M-CHAT-R/F. For diagnosis CARS and ADOS are the most recommended tools.

HOT VERSUS COLD SNARE FOR COLORECTAL POLYPECTOMIES SIZED UP TO 10MM: A SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND META-ANALYSIS OF RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIALS.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer, and prevention relies on screening programs with resection complete resection of neoplastic lesions. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the best snare polypectomy technique for colorectal lesions up to 10 mm, focusing on complete resection rate, and adverse events. METHODS: A comprehensive search using electronic databases was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials comparing hot versus cold snare resection for polyps sized up to 10 mm, and following PRISMA guidelines, a meta-analysis was performed. Outcomes included complete resection rate, en bloc resection rate, polypectomy, procedure times, immediate, delayed bleeding, and perforation. RESULTS: Nineteen RCTs involving 8720 patients and 17588 polyps were included. Hot snare polypectomy showed a higher complete resection rate (RD, 0.02; 95%CI [+0.00,0.04]; P=0.03; I 2=63%), but also a higher rate of delayed bleeding (RD 0.00; 95%CI [0.00, 0.01]; P=0.01; I 2=0%), and severe delayed bleeding (RD 0.00; 95%CI [0.00, 0.00]; P=0.04; I 2=0%). Cold Snare was associated with shorter polypectomy time (MD -46.89 seconds; 95%CI [-62.99, -30.79]; P<0.00001; I 2=90%) and shorter total colonoscopy time (MD -7.17 minutes; 95%CI [-9.10, -5.25]; P<0.00001; I 2=41%). No significant differences were observed in en bloc resection rate or immediate bleeding. CONCLUSION: Hot snare polypectomy presents a slightly higher complete resection rate, but, as it is associated with a longer procedure time and a higher rate of delayed bleeding compared to Cold Snare, it cannot be recommended as the gold standard approach. Individual analysis and personal experience should be considered when selecting the best approach.

Radiofrequency ablation for ampullary neoplasia with intraductal extension after endoscopic papillectomy: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Noninvasive ampullary neoplasms may be removed by surgery or endoscopy. However, given the morbidity and mortality associated with surgery, endoscopic papillectomy (EP) is the preferred approach. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) after EP has emerged as a promising alternative therapy to avoid surgery after incomplete EP. Our goal was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of RFA for residual or recurrent lesions with intraductal extension after endoscopic papillectomy. Patients and methods The inclusion criteria include clinical trials, cohort studies, and case series evaluating patients with residual or recurrent lesions with intraductal extension after EP treated with RFA. Case reports, duplicated data, and studies with follow-up periods < 10 months were excluded. The metanalysis evaluated adverse events, surgical conversion rate, clinical success and recurrence. Results Seven studies were selected, totaling 124 patients. RFA was associated with a clinical success rate of 75.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 65.0-88.0%; I 2 = 23.484) in a mean follow-up period < 10 months. However, the biliary stricture rate was 22.2% (95% CI 12.1-28.4%; I 2 = 61.030), 14.3% of pancreatitis (95% CI 8.8-22.3%; I 2 < 0.001), 7.0% of cholangitis (95% CI 3.3-14.5%; I 2 < 0.001), 4.0% of bleeding (95% CI 1.7-9.3%; I 2 < 0.001), and recurrence of 24.3% (95% CI 16.0-35.0%; I 2 = 23.484). Conclusions RFA is feasible and appears to be effective for managing residual or recurrent lesions with intraductal extension after EP. However, long-term follow-up and high-quality studies are required to confirm our findings.

Correction: Intraductal radiofrequency ablation plus biliary stent versus stent alone for malignant biliary obstruction: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1055/a-2204-8316.].