Endoscopic approach for management of biliary strictures in liver transplant recipients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The most common biliary complication after liver transplantation is anastomotic stricture (AS) and it can occur isolated or in combination with other complications. Liver graft from a cadaveric donor or a living donor has an influence on the incidence of biliary strictures as well as on the response to endoscopic treatment. Endoscopic treatment using balloon dilation and insertion of biliary stents by endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is the initial approach to these complications. AIM: The aim of this article is to compare different endoscopic techniques to treat post-liver transplantation biliary strictures. METHODS: The search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scielo-LILACS and Cochrane Library databases through June 2015. A total of 1100 articles were retrieved. Ten clinical trials were analyzed, and seven were included in the meta-analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The endoscopic treatment of AS was equally effective when compared the use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMS) vs. plastic stents, but the use of FCSEMS was associated with a lower complication risk. The treatment of AS with balloon dilation or balloon dilation associated with plastic stents presented similar results. Deceased donor liver transplantation reduced the risk of biliary stenosis and the endoscopic treatment in these patients was more effective when compared with Living donor liver transplantation.

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.

Endoscopic gastrostomy: critical analysis in a regional referral hospital / Gastrostomía endoscópica: análisis crítico en un hospital referencial regional

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 were women. 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.

Introducción: La gastrostomía endoscópica percutânea (GEP) es un procedimento endoscópico-quirúrgico seguro y efectivo para el acceso enteral y para la descompresión gastrointestinal, constituyéndose como una excelente alternativa a la gastrostomía quirúrgica. Las indicaciones clínicas son variadas y comprenden principalmente: necesidad de soporte nutricional enteral prolongado por complicaciones de las enfermedades neurológicas, geriátricas y oncológicas, así como la descompresión del tracto gastrointestinal. Aunque es segura y eficaz, se puede producir una serie de posibles complicaciones relacionadas al momento (precoz temprano o tardío) de la realización del procedimiento y a la gravedad (mayor o menor). Objetivo: Evaluar las indicaciones y complicaciones relacionadas a la realización de la GEP en pacientes seleccionados de un sector de endoscopia digestiva de un hospital regional de referencias. Materiales y métodos: Fue realizado un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes sometidos a la GEP en el periodo de mayo de 2013 a abril de 2015. Los pacientes fueron identificados a partir de la investigación de los registros y formulario estándar de datos. Resultados: Fueron analizados 53 casos. La edad media fue de 70,47 años con un 60,37% del sexo femenino. La indicación principal verificada fue la necesidad de soporte nutricional enteral, siendo 73,58% por complicaciones neurológicas, 15,09% geriátricas, 9,43% oncológicas; y 1,88% de las indicaciones fueron para descomprensión gastrointestinal. Ocurrieron complicaciones en 24,52% de los pacientes: 23,07% mayores y 76,93% menores. En relación al momento, fueron verificados ocho casos de complicaciones tardías y cinco de complicaciones precoces (tempranas). Conclusión: La GEP se mostró como un método eficaz y seguro para el acceso enteral. Los índices de complicación fueron semejantes a los datos evidenciados en la literatura.

Tratamento endoscópico das estenoses biliares pós-transplante hepático: revisão sistemática da literatura e metanálise / Endoscopic treatment of post-liver transplantation biliary strictures: systematic literature review and meta-analysis

As complicações biliares mais comuns pós-transplante hepático são as estenoses da anastomose, as estenoses não-anastomóticas e as fístulas biliares e podem ocorrer de diferentes modos, de forma isolada ou associada. A origem do enxerto (doador cadáver ou doador vivo) tem influência na incidência de estenose biliar, bem como na resposta ao tratamento endoscópico. A terapêutica endoscópica utilizando-se esfincterotomia, dilatação balonada da estenose e inserção de próteses biliares através da CPRE é utilizada como método inicial de tratamento dessas complicações. Objetivos: Comparar as diferentes técnicas de tratamento endoscópico das estenoses biliares pós-transplante hepático. Método: Foi realizada uma revisão sistemática da literatura e metanálise sendo a busca conduzida nas bases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scielo - LILACS e Biblioteca Cochrane até junho de 2015. A metanálise foi executada utilizando-se os softwares Review Manager, 2012 (RevMan) versão 5.2 e OpenMetaAnalyst e os cálculos dos desfechos foram feitos comparando-se os resultados dos estudos incluídos utilizando-se a diferença de risco absoluto e adotando-se um intervalo de confiança (IC) de 95%. Os estudos foram agrupados comparando-se transplantes hepáticos com doador cadáver versus doador vivo; dilatação biliar endoscópica com balão exclusiva versus dilatação biliar endoscópica com balão associada à inserção de próteses plásticas e próteses biliares plásticas comparadas à prótese biliar metálica por endoscopia. Os desfechos clínicos analisados foram incidência da estenose biliar, falha do tratamento endoscópico, resolução da estenose, recorrência da estenose e complicações. Resultados: Foram recuperados 1.110 artigos, sendo motivo de análise dez ensaios clínicos, com apenas um Ensaio Clínico Randomizado e nove Ensaios Clínicos não randomizados, dos quais sete foram incluídos na metanálise. Comparando-se doador cadáver e doador vivo observou-se redução da incidência de estenose biliar...

The most common biliary complications after liver transplantation are anastomotic strictures, non-anastomotic strictures and biliary fistulas and they can occur in different fashions, isolated or in combination. Graft source (cadaveric liver donor or living liver donor) has an influence on the incidence of biliary strictures as well as on the response to endoscopic treatment. The endoscopic treatment using sphincterotomy, balloon dilation and insertion of biliary stents by ERCP (Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatography) is used as an initial endoscopic approach to treat these complications. Objectives: To compare different endoscopic techniques to treat post-liver transplantation biliary strictures. Method: It was performed a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis and the search was carried out on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scielo-LILACS and Cochrane Library databases until June, 2015. The meta-analysis was made using Review Manager, 2012 (RevMan) version 5.2 and OpenMetaAnalyst software and the calculations of the outcomes were made comparing the results from the included papers by using the difference in absolute risks, adopting a confidence interval of 95%. The studies were grouped comparing cadaveric liver donor versus living liver donor grafts; exclusive balloon dilation versus balloon dilation associated with plastic stents insertion; and plastic stents versus totally covered selfexpandable metal stents. The clinical outcomes were biliary stricture incidence, endoscopic treatment failure, stricture resolution, stricture recurrence and complications. Results: There were retrieved 1,100 articles. Ten clinical trials were analyzed, with just one Randomized Clinical Trial and nine Non-Randomized Clinical Trials, out of which seven were included in the meta-analysis. When comparing cadaveric liver donor transplantation to living liver donor transplantation, it was observed a decrease in the incidence of biliary strictures (p=0.0001), as well as...

Manejo endoscópico o quirúrgico de las perforaciones transmurales duodenales post CPRE. Un estudio randomizado prospectivo / Surgical or endoscopic management for post-ERCP large transmural duodenal perforations: a randomized prospective trial

Duodenal perforations are an uncommon adverse event during ERCP. Patients can develop significant morbidity and mortality. Even though surgery has been used to manage duodenal complications, therapeutic endoscopy has seen significant advances. Objective: To compare endoscopic approach with surgical intervention in patients with duodenal perforations post-ERCP. Material and Methods: prospective randomized study in a tertiary center with 23 patients divided in 2 groups. Within 12 hours after the event, the patients underwent endoscopic or surgical approach. Endoscopic approach included closure of the perforation with endoclips and SEMS. Surgical repair included hepaticojejunostomy, suture of the perforation or duodenal suture. The success was defined as closure of the defect. Secondary outcomes included mortality, adverse events, days of hospitalization and costs. Results: The success was 100% in both groups. There was one death in the endoscopic group secondary to sepsis. There was no statistical difference in mortality or adverse events. We noticed statistical difference in favor of the endoscopic group considering shorter hospitalization (4.1 days versus 15.2 days, with p=0.0123) and lower cost per patient (U$14,700 versus U$19,872, with p=0.0103). Conclusions: Endoscopic approach with SEMS and endoclips is an alternative to surgery in large transmural duodenal perforations post-ERCP...

Introducción: Las perforaciones duodenales son un evento adverso poco frecuente durante la CPRE. Los pacientes pueden desarrollar morbilidad y mortalidad significativas. La cirugía se ha utilizado para tratar las complicaciones duodenales, pero la endoscopia terapéutica ha visto avances significativos. Objetivo: comparar abordaje endoscópico con intervención quirúrgica en perforaciones duodenales post CPRE. Materiales y Métodos: estudio prospectivo aleatorizado en un centro terciario con 23 pacientes divididos en 2 grupos. 12 horas después del evento, los pacientes fueron sometidos a tratamiento endoscópico o quirúrgico. El abordaje endoscópico incluyó el cierre de la perforación con endoclips y stent metálico autoexpandible. La reparación quirúrgica incluyó hepaticoyeyunostomía, sutura de la perforación o sutura duodenal. El éxito se definió como el cierre del defecto. Los resultados secundarios incluyeron: mortalidad, eventos adversos, días de hospitalización y costos. Resultados: El éxito fue del 100% en ambos grupos. Hubo una muerte en el grupo endoscópico secundaria a sepsis. No hubo diferencia estadísticamente significativa. Hubo una diferencia estadística a favor del grupo endoscópico en vista de la hospitalización más corta (4,1 días frente a 15,2 días, p=0,0123) y menor costo por paciente (U$ 14 700 frente a U$ 19 872, p=0,0103). Conclusión: El abordaje endoscópico es una alternativa a la cirugía en perforaciones duodenales post CPRE...

Biliary transpapillary endoscopic balloon dilation for treating choledocholithiasis.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transpapillary papilloplasty in patients with choledocholithiasis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed at Hospital Ana Costa, in the city of Santos, Brazil, over the last five years were retrospectively evaluated using the hospital's information database. The success of the procedure and complications due to residual calculi, pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation were evaluated. RESULTS: From January 2010 to May 2014, 1860 ERCP procedures were performed. Fifty-five patients were evaluated here. Their ages ranged from 12 to 98 years (mean, 66.3; standard deviation, 19.34; median, 71). Thirty-two patients (58.2%) were women. Sixteen (29.1%) presented giant choledocholithiasis, with calculi larger than 12 mm. Twenty-seven (49.1%) had mul-tiple choledocholithiasis. CONCLUSION: In view of the therapeutic efficacy and low complication rate among our patients, we can conclude that endoscopic papilloplasty is a safe and effective method for endoscopic treatment of choledocolithiasis in selected cases.

Dilatación endoscópica biliar transpapilar con balón para el tratamiento de la colédoco litiasis / Biliary transpapillary endoscopic balloon dilation for treating choledocholithiasis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transpapillary papilloplasty in patients with choledocholithiasis. Materials and methods: All endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed at Hospital Ana Costa, in the city of Santos, Brazil, over the last five years were retrospectively evaluated using the hospitalÆs information database. The success of the procedure and complications due to residual calculi, pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation were evaluated. Results: From January 2010 to May 2014, 1860 ERCP procedures were performed. Fifty-five patients were evaluated here. Their ages ranged from 12 to 98 years (mean, 66.3; standard deviation, 19.34; median, 71). Thirty-two patients (58.2%) were women. Sixteen (29.1%) presented giant choledocholithiasis, with calculi larger than 12 mm. Twenty-seven (49.1%) had multiple choledocholithiasis. Conclusion: In view of the therapeutic efficacy and low complication rate among our patients, we can conclude that endoscopic papilloplasty is a safe and effective method for endoscopic treatment of choledocolithiasis in selected cases...

Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la papiloplastía trnaspapilar en la colédoco litiasis. Material y métodos: Todas las colangoipancreatografías retrogradas endoscópicas (CPRE) realizadas en el Hospital Ana Costa en la ciudad de Santos Brasil, en los últimos cinco años fueron evaluadas retrospectivamente usando la base de datos del hospital. El éxito y las complicaciones del procedimiento debido a cálculos residuales, pancreatitis, sangrados y perforación fueron estudiados. Resultados: De enero del 2010 a mayo del 2014, se realizaron 1860 CPREs. Se estudiaron 55 pacientes, cuyas edades fluctuaron entre 12 a 98 años con una media de 66,3 y desviación estándar de 19,34. Treinta dos pacientes fueron mujeres (58,2%). 16 (29,1%) tuvieron litiasis coledociana gigante con cálculos mayores de 12 mm y veintisiete (49,1%) tuvieron litiasis múltiple. Conclusión: En vista de la eficacia y la poca frecuencia de complicaciones entre nuestros pacientes podemos concluir que la papilotomía endoscópica es un método seguro y efectivo para el tratamiento de la coledocolitiasis en casos seleccionados...

Surgical or endoscopic management for post-ERCP large transmural duodenal perforations: a randomized prospective trial.

INTRODUCTION: Duodenal perforations are an uncommon adverse event during ERCP. Patients can develop significant morbidity and mortality. Even though surgery has been used to manage duodenal complications, therapeutic endoscopy has seen significant advances. OBJECTIVE: To compare endoscopic approach with surgical intervention in patients with duodenal perforations post-ERCP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: prospective randomized study in a tertiary center with 23 patients divided in 2 groups. Within 12 hours after the event, the patients underwent endoscopic or surgical approach. Endoscopic approach included closure of the perforation with endoclips and SEMS. Surgical repair included hepaticojejunostomy, suture of the perforation or duodenal suture. The success was defined as closure of the defect. Secondary outcomes included mortality, adverse events, days of hospitalization and costs. RESULTS: The success was 100% in both groups. There was one death in the endoscopic group secondary to sepsis. There was no statistical difference in mortality or adverse events. We noticed statistical difference in favor of the endoscopic group considering shorter hospitalization (4.1 days versus 15.2 days, with p=0.0123) and lower cost per patient (U$14,700 versus U$19,872, with p=0.0103). CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic approach with SEMS and endoclips is an alternative to surgery in large transmural duodenal perforations post-ERCP.

Endoscopic ultrasound hemostasis techniques.

Since its development, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from a simple diagnostic technique to an important therapeutic tool for interventional endoscopy. EUS analysis provides real-time imaging of most major thoracic and abdominal vessels, and the possibility to use needle puncture with a curved linear array echoendoscope as a vascular intervention. In this review, we describe the endoscopic ultrasound approach to vascular therapy outside of the gastrointestinal wall.

Endoscopic ultrasound hemostasis techniques / Técnicas de hemostasia por ultrasonido endoscópico

Since its development, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved from a simple diagnostic technique to an important therapeutic tool for interventional endoscopy. EUS analysis provides real-time imaging of most major thoracic and abdominal vessels, and the possibility to use needle puncture with a curved linear array echoendoscope as a vascular intervention. In this review, we describe the endoscopic ultrasound approach to vascular therapy outside of the gastrointestinal wall.

Desde su introducción, la ultrasonografía endoscópica (USE) evolucionó de una técnica diagnóstica a un procedimiento terapéutico. La USE proporciona una imagen en tiempo real de la mayoría de los grandes vasos torácicos y abdominales, brindando la posibilidad de utilizar la aguja de punción a través del ecoendoscopio como una intervención vascular. En esta revisión, describimos la intervención vascular por fuera de la pared gastrointestinal mediante ecoendoscopia.

Lesões Císticas do Pâncreas / Prancreatic cystic lesions

As lesões císticas do pâncreas são peculiares em relação ao diagnóstico e ao tratamento. O recurso da ecoendoscopia promoveu melhor processo na diferenciação entre as lesões com características benignas e as malignas. Trata-se de afecção de alta possibilidade de cura na ocasião do diagnóstico precoce, oferecendo-se tratamento efetivo e impactante. Didaticamente, podemos dividir em tipos de lesões macro e microcística: a primeira poderá apresentar-se com características de malignidade; já a segunda demonstra-se ser lesão benigna. As lesões císticas tipo IPMN estão detalhadas neste artigo e o tratamento cirúrgico é a opção justificada naqueles pacientes com lesões no ducto pancreático principal. Caso contrário, nos pacientes com IPMN dos ductos secundários, o acompanhamento poderá ser feito pela ecoendoscopia. Finalmente, as lesões císticas do pâncreas devem ser avaliadas por abordagem multidisciplinar, alcançando-se assim o melhor tratamento possível ao paciente.

The cystic pancreatic lesions have particularities regarding diagnostic and treatment ways. The resources on EUS raised up better process to be diferetiating those cases with benign and malignant features. It is a lesion with high probability to bring an early diagnosis and with an effective and prompt treatment. It will be didactly share the types of lesions in macro and microcystics, the first one could be raised up the features of malignancy, on the other hand the last one push up the benigns lesions. IPMN lesions are detailed in the manuscript and in those patients with main pancreatic duct lesions the surgical treatment is the rationale otpion. Otherwise, patients with side branch IPMN, the follow up could be taken by using EUS findings. Finally, pancreatic cystic lesions should be assessed by multidisciplinary approach intending the best treatment chance.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided choledochoduodenostomy and duodenal stenting in patients with unresectable periampullary cancer: one-step procedure by using linear echoendoscope.

OBJECTIVE: Describe a case series of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD) associated with duodenal self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) placement using solely the linear echoendoscope in seven patients with obstructive jaundice and duodenal obstruction due to unresectable periampullary cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: EUS-CD in the first portion of the duodenum, associated with duodenal SEMS placement was performed in seven patients with unresectable periampullary cancer with obstructive jaundice and invasive duodenal obstruction. Laboratory tests and clinical follow-up were performed until patient's death. The procedure was performed by an experienced endoscopist under conscious sedation. The puncture position was chosen based on EUS evaluation, at the common bile duct (CBD) above the tumor, through the distal part of the duodenal bulb. After that, the needle was withdrawn and a wire-guided needle knife was used to enlarge the site puncture in the duodenal wall. Then, a partially covered SEMS was passed over the guide, through the choledochoduodenal fistula. Duodenal SEMS placement was performed during the same endoscopic procedure. RESULTS: The procedure was performed in seven patients, ranging between 34 and 86 years. Technical success of EUS-CD, by the stent placement, occurred in 100% of the cases. There were no early complications. Duodenal SEMS placement was effective in 100% of the cases that remained alive after a follow-up of 7 and 30 days. CONCLUSION: The results suggest therapeutic EUS one-step procedure drainage as an alternative for these patients, with good clinical success, feasible technique and safety.

Tratamento endoscópico do câncer retal precoce / Endoscopic treatment of early rectal cancer

Relata-se um caso de tratamento endoscópico de câncer retal precoce. Paciente do sexo masculino, 63 anos, foi admitido no Serviço de Endoscopia do Hospital Ana Costa para a realização de colonoscopia para seguimento de doença diverticular dos cólons. Durante o procedimento, além da diverticulose, observou-se lesão plano-elevada em reto médio, que foi ressecada em bloco com alça de polipectomia precedida de injeção de solução de azul de metileno na submucosa. A peça foi submetida a estudo anatomopatológico, que evidenciou adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado com margens circunferenciais livres. Foi realizada ecoendoscopia transrretal perilesional, com o intuito de detectar a presença de neoplasia residual e acometimentos linfáticos e vasculares com resultados negativos. A conduta a seguir foi a realização de seguimento com retossigmoidoscopia flexível e colonoscopia para detecção de recidiva do tumor.

We report a case of endoscopic treatment of early rectal cancer. A male patient, 63 years, was admitted to the Endoscopy Unit, Hospital Ana Costa, Santos, SP, for colonoscopy to follow-up colon diverticular disease. During the procedure, beyond diverticulosis, a high level lesion in medium rectum was observed, which was resected en bloc with polipectomy loop preceded by injection of methylene blue in submucosa. The piece underwent pathologic evaluation, which showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with free circunferencial margins. It was performed perilesional transrretal ultrasound in order to detect the presence of residual neoplastic superficial vascular and lymphatic affections with negative results. The path to follow was to conduct screening with flexible retosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy for detection of recurrence tumor.

Biliary drainage in patients with unresectable, malignant obstruction where ERCP fails: endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy versus percutaneous drainage.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography may fail because of malignant involvement of the second portion of the duodenum and the major papilla. Alternatives include percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) or surgical bypass. Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided choledochoduodenostomy (EUS-CD) has been reported as an alternative. OBJECTIVE: To prospectively compare EUS-CD and PTBD in patients with unresectable malignant biliary obstruction. DESIGN: Prospective and randomized study. SETTING: Tertiary center. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Success and efficacy comparison EUS-CD with PTBD. RESULTS: Twenty-five subjects were randomized (13 EUS-CD and 12 PTBD). Mean age was 67 years (SD, 11.9). The 2 groups were similar before intervention in terms of quality of life [EUS-CD (58.3) vs. PTBD (57.8); P=0.78], total bilirubin (16.4 vs. 17.2; P=0.7), alkaline phosphatase (539 vs. 518; P=0.7), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (554.3 vs. 743.5; P=0.56). All procedures were technically and clinically successful in both groups. At 7-day follow-up there was a significant reduction in total bilirubin in both the groups (EUS-CD, 16.4 to 3.3; P=0.002 and PTBD, 17.2 to 3.8; P=0.01), although no difference was noted comparing the 2 groups (EUS-CD to PTBD; 3.3 vs. 3.8; P=0.2). There was no difference between the complication rates in the 2 groups (P=0.44), EUS-CD (2/13; 15.3%) and PTBD (3/12; 25%). Costs were similar in the 2 groups also ($5673-EUS-CD vs. $7570-PTBD; P=0.39). LIMITATIONS: Small sample size and single center study. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-CD can be an effective and safe alternative to PTBD with similar success, complication rate, cost, and quality of life.

Management of common bile duct stones in cirrhotic patients with coagulopathy: a comparison of supra-papillary puncture and standard cannulation technique.

BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Bleeding is not uncommon following endoscopic sphincterotomy. Supra-papillary puncture (SPP) might be safer than standard cannulation (SC) techniques in patients with coagulopathy. The aim of the study was to compare the safety and effectiveness of SPP and SC. PATIENT AND METHODS: This was a prospective case control intervention study. Decompensated cirrhotic patients with coagulopathy and choledocolithiasis underwent SC and SPP methods for biliary access. RESULTS: One hundred five patients (56 [53.3%] men, mean [SD] age 56 [15.8]) underwent ERCP. SC and SPP were performed in 63 and 42 patients, respectively. Biliary access was achieved in 56/63 (89%) and 40/42 (95%) of patients undergoing SC and SPP, respectively (P = 0.13; 95% CI [-0.16; 0.03]). Complications occurred in 10/63 (15.8%) patients undergoing SC and 5/42 (11.9%) SPP (P = 0.28; 95% CI [-0.17, 0.16]). Five (7.9%) and two (3.2%) episodes of post-sphincterotomy bleeding was seen in the SC and SPP groups, respectively (P = 0.36; 95% CI [-0.16, 0.05]). In contrast, three (4.8%) episodes of pancreatitis were seen in the SC and none in the SPP group (P = 0.05; 95% CI [0.001; 0.004]). A cost-effectiveness analysis demonstrated that SPP is an acceptable alternative at an ICER of US$ 5,974.92 per additional successful procedure. CONCLUSION: SPP is a safe and effective technique for the management of common bile duct stones in decompensated cirrhotic patients. Conditional to the willingness-to-pay and to the local ERCP-related costs, SPP is also a cost-effective alternative to the SC methods. SPP is associated with a lower rate of complications but larger studies to validate these findings are necessary.

Análise do papel da colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) como método terapêutica na terceira idadé / Analysis of the role of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) as a therapeutic method for the elderly

Introdução: Tem-se observado mudança demográfica im»portante nas sociedades ocidentais decorrente do aumento da expectativa de vida, com aumento progressivo do número de pacientes idosos. Paralelamente a isso, observou-se incidência aumentada de afecções das vias biliares, particularmente a doen»ça litiásica e as suas complicações nesse grupo populacional. A Baixada Santista atrai a população idosa por ser uma região que detém o segundo melhor índice de desenvolvimento social do Estado de São Paulo (IEME-2002) e o terceiro melhor índice de desenvolvimento humano do Estado, ocupando o quinto lugar no Brasil, segundo o Programa das Nações Unidas para o Desenvolvimento - PNUD. Objetivo: O presente estudo objeti»vou avaliar e discutir o impacto da colangiopancreatografia re»trógrada endoscópica (CPRE) como método diagnóstico e tera»pêutico das afecções biliodigestivas em pacientes idosos na Baixada Santista. Métodos: Foram analisados retrospectivamente dados referentes a 247 pacientes submetidos a CPRE no HAC»Santos, no período de janeiro de 2003 a janeiro de 2006, con»siderando-se como variáveis: sexo, idade, etnia, indicações, diag»nósticos obtidos, procedimentos realizados, complicações relacionadas ao procedimento e mortalidade, enfatizando-se os dados em pacientes idosos (acima de 60 anos de idade). Resul»tados: Considerando-se os idosos, verificou-se que a CPRE foi realizada em 146 (62,9%) do total de pacientes efetivamente estudados (232). As principais indicações para o procedimento foram a suspeita de coledocolitíase em 122/232 (52,7%), icterí»cia obstrutiva em 86/232 (37%) e pancreatite aguda em 24/ 232.

Endoscopic treatment of severe benign post-operative bile duct stricture: an efficient and safe option in patients unsuitable for surgery

The authors present a male patient submitted to conventional emergency cholecystectomy who later on developed a complex stenosis of the common liver duct. Considering the impossibility of surgical treatment, they decided to pass multiple prostheses and were successful in the endoscopic treatment, which was proven in the cholangiography performed when the prostheses were removed.