Endoscopic therapy using a self-expandable metallic stent with an anti-migration system for postorthotopic liver transplantation anastomotic biliary stricture.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic therapy using multiple plastic stents (MPSs) is the standard therapy for postorthotopic liver transplantation (p-OLT) anastomotic biliary stricture (ABS). However, this approach demands repeated procedures. Recent studies using fully covered self-expandable metallic stents (FCSEMS) have shown encouraging results, but migration occurs in 10% to 40% of cases. The objective of this retrospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment using FCSEMS with an anti-migration system (Am-FCSEMS) in patients with p-OLT ABS. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic treatment using an Am-FCSEMS in patients with p-OLT ABS. METHODS: This study was conducted in a private tertiary care centre in São Paulo, Brazil and was approved by our institution's Human Research Committee. From April 2018 to October 2020, regardless of previous endoscopic treatment (MPS or FCSEMS), 17 patients with p-OLT ABS and indications for endoscopic therapy were included in this study. The exclusion criteria were pregnancy, nonanastomotic biliary or hilar stricture, hepatic artery stenosis/thrombosis, isolated biliary fistulae, a distance shorter than 2 cm from the stricture to the hepatic hilum, and patient refusal. The primary endpoint was the efficacy of p-OLT ABS endoscopic treatment using an Am-FCSEMS that remained in place for a 12-mo period. Biliary sphincterotomy was performed in patients with native papilla, and an Am-FCSEMS (10 mm in final diameter and 60 or 80 mm in length) was placed (HanarostentTM MI Tech, Co). Balloon stricture dilation was performed only if necessary to introduce the stent. RESULTS: Three patients were excluded due to loss to follow-up before stent removal. Among the 14 patients included and followed, 7 were women, and the average age was 56 years (range: 28-76). The average period of Am-FCSEMS placement was 362 ± 109 d. Technical success occurred in all 14 patients (100%). There were no cases of distal stent migration. Complete resolution of the stricture occurred in 13/14 patients (92.85%). Adverse events occurred in 3/14 patients (21.42%): 2 patients with mild acute pancreatitis (14.28%) and 1 patient (7.14%) with stent dysfunction (occlusion by biliary sludge and stones, which was treated endoscopically without the need for stent removal). No deaths occurred related to therapy. All stents were removed using foreign body forceps or snares without difficulty. After Am-FCSEMS removal, all 13 patients who had ABS resolution were followed-up for an average of 411 ± 172 d, and there was no stricture recurrence or need for further endoscopic therapy. CONCLUSION: In this retrospective study, endoscopy therapy using an Am-FCSEMS for p-OLT ABS was safe and effective, with a high stricture resolution rate that was probably due to the absence of stent migration.

Há lugar para a avaliação colangioscópica na estenose biliar anastomótica pós-transplante hepático de doador cadáver? / Is there a place for cholangioscopic evaluation of biliary anastomotic stricture after deceased donor liver transplant?

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Biliary complications remain one of the most important causes of morbidity and graft loss after liver transplant (LT). Endoscopic therapy of biliary complications has proven to be effective over time, leaving surgical treatment restricted to only very few cases. However, we cannot yet predict which patients will have the greatest potential to benefit from endoscopic treatment. OBJECTIVE On this premise we decide to conduct this study to evaluate the role and safety of single operator cholangioscopy (SOC) in the endoscopic treatment of post-LT biliary anastomotic strictures (AS). METHODS: Between March/2016 and June/2017, 20 consecutive patients referred for endoscopic treatment for biliary anastomotic stricture were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years old, and a deceased LT performed within at least 30 days. Exclusion criteria were non-anastomotic biliary stricture, biliary leakage, cast syndrome, any previous endoscopic therapy, pregnancy and inability to provide informed consent. All patients underwent SOC before endoscopic therapy with fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) and after stent removal. RESULTS: At pre-treatment SOC, stricture orifice and fibrotic changes could be visualized in all patients, vascular changes and surgical sutures in 60% and acute inflammatory changes in 30%. SOC was essential for guidewire placement in five cases. FCSEMS was successfully deployed in all patients. Stricture resolution rate was 44.4% (median stent indwelling 372 days). Stricture recurrence was 12.5% (median follow-up of 543 days). Adverse events were distal (66.6%) and proximal (5.5%) stent migration, stent occlusion (16.6%), severe abdominal pain (10%) and mild acute pancreatitis (10%). SOC was repeated after FCSEMS removal. Post-treatment SOC showed fibrotic changes in all but one patient; vascular and acute inflammatory changes were less frequent in comparison to index procedure. The disappearance of suture material was remarkable. None of the cholangioscopic findings were statistically correlated to treatment outcome or stricture recurrence. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with SOC is feasible in post-LT patients with AS. Cholangioscopic findings can be classified into fibrotic, vascular and acute inflammatory changes. Cholangioscopy may be helpful to assist guidewire passage, but Its overall role for changing management is post-LT patients was not demonstrated.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: As complicações biliares continuam sendo uma das principais causas de morbidade e perda do enxerto após o transplante hepático. O tratamento endoscópico das complicações biliares provou ser eficaz ao longo do tempo, deixando o tratamento cirúrgico restrito a casos de exceção. No entanto, ainda não podemos prever quais pacientes terão maior potencial de se beneficiar da terapia endoscópica. OBJETIVO: Nesta premissa, decidimos realizar este estudo para avaliar o papel e a segurança da colangioscopia peroral de operador único (CPO) no tratamento endoscópico das estenoses anastomóticas biliares (EA) pós-transplante hepático. MÉTODOS: Entre março de 2016 e junho de 2017, 20 pacientes consecutivos encaminhados para tratamento endoscópico da EA biliar foram incluídos neste estudo prospectivo de coorte observacional. Os critérios de inclusão foram idade superior a 18 anos e um transplante hepático de doador falecido realizado há pelo menos 30 dias. Pacientes com estenose biliar não anastomótica, fístula biliar, "cast" síndrome, qualquer terapia endoscópica prévia, gravidez e incapacidade de fornecer consentimento informado foram excluídos. Todos os pacientes foram submetidos à CPO antes da terapia endoscópica com prótese metálica autoexpansível totalmente coberta (PMAEC) e após a sua remoção. RESULTADOS: Na CPO realizada antes do tratamento endoscópico, o orifício de estenose e alterações fibróticas foram visualizadas em todos os pacientes, alterações vasculares e a presença de suturas cirúrgicas em 60%, enquanto alterações inflamatórias agudas em 30%. A CPO foi determinante para a transposição do fio-guia através da estenose em cinco casos. Uma PMAEC foi implantada com sucesso em todos os pacientes. A taxa de resolução da estenose foi de 44,4% (tempo médio de permanência de 372 dias). A recorrência da EA foi de 12,5% (acompanhamento médio de 543 dias). Os eventos adversos foram migração distal (66,6%) e proximal (5,5%) da prótese metálica, oclusão da PMAEC (16,6%), dor abdominal intensa (10%) e pancreatite aguda leve (10%). A CPO foi repetida após a remoção da PMAEC. A colangioscopia realizada após o tratamento endoscópico mostrou alterações fibróticas em todos, exceto em um paciente; alterações vasculares e inflamatórias agudas foram menos frequentes em comparação à CPO inicial. O desaparecimento do material de sutura, observado em todos os casos, foi notável. Nenhum dos achados colangioscópicos foram estatisticamente correlacionados ao resultado do tratamento ou à recorrência de estenose. CONCLUSÃO: A colangioscopia peroral é viável nos pacientes pós-transplante hepático com estenose biliar anastomótica. Os achados colangioscópicos podem ser classificados em alterações inflamatórias agudas, fibróticas e vasculares. A colangioscopia pode ser útil para auxiliar na passagem do fio-guia, mas seu papel geral na mudança de tratamento nos pacientes pós-transplante hepático não foi demonstrado.

IS THERE A PLACE FOR CHOLANGIOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF BILIARY ANASTOMOTIC STRICTURE AFTER DECEASED DONOR LIVER TRANSPLANT?

BACKGROUND: Biliary complications remain one of the most important causes of morbidity and graft loss after liver transplant (LT). Endoscopic therapy of biliary complications has proven to be effective over time, leaving surgical treatment restricted to only very few cases. However, we cannot yet predict which patients will have the greatest potential to benefit from endoscopic treatment. OBJECTIVE: On this premise we decide to conduct this study to evaluate the role and safety of single operator cholangioscopy (SOC) in the endoscopic treatment of post-LT biliary anastomotic strictures (AS). METHODS: Between March/2016 and June/2017, 20 consecutive patients referred for endoscopic treatment for biliary anastomotic stricture were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years old, and a deceased LT performed within at least 30 days. Exclusion criteria were non-anastomotic biliary stricture, biliary leakage, cast syndrome, any previous endoscopic therapy, pregnancy and inability to provide informed consent. All patients underwent SOC before endoscopic therapy with fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) and after stent removal. RESULTS: At pre-treatment SOC, stricture orifice and fibrotic changes could be visualized in all patients, vascular changes and surgical sutures in 60% and acute inflammatory changes in 30%. SOC was essential for guidewire placement in five cases. FCSEMS was successfully deployed in all patients. Stricture resolution rate was 44.4% (median stent indwelling 372 days). Stricture recurrence was 12.5% (median follow-up of 543 days). Adverse events were distal (66.6%) and proximal (5.5%) stent migration, stent occlusion (16.6%), severe abdominal pain (10%) and mild acute pancreatitis (10%). SOC was repeated after FCSEMS removal. Post-treatment SOC showed fibrotic changes in all but one patient; vascular and acute inflammatory changes were less frequent in comparison to index procedure. The disappearance of suture material was remarkable. None of the cholangioscopic findings were statistically correlated to treatment outcome or stricture recurrence. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with SOC is feasible in post-LT patients with AS. Cholangioscopic findings can be classified into fibrotic, vascular and acute inflammatory changes. Cholangioscopy may be helpful to assist guidewire passage, but Its overall role for changing management is post-LT patients was not demonstrated.

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR INVASIVE PROCEDURES IN PATIENTS WITH DISEASES OF THE LIVER AND BILIARY TRACT: REPORT OF A JOINT MEETING OF THE BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF HEPATOLOGY (SBH), BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF DIGESTIVE ENDOSCOPY (SOBED) AND BRAZILIAN SOCIETY OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY AND ENDOVASCULAR SURGERY (SOBRICE).

Liver and biliary tract diseases are common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Invasive procedures are usually performed in those patients with hepatobiliary diseases for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Defining proper indications and restraints of commonly used techniques is crucial for proper patient selection, maximizing positive results and limiting complications. In 2018, the Brazilian Society of Hepato-logy (SBH) in cooperation with the Brazilian Society of Interventional Radiology and Endovascular surgery (SOBRICE) and the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SOBED) sponsored a joint single-topic meeting on invasive procedures in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the aforementioned meeting. It is intended to guide clinicians, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, radiologists, and endoscopists for the proper use of invasive procedures for management of patients with hepatobiliary diseases.

Metal versus plastic stents for anastomotic biliary strictures after liver transplantation: a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Biliary anastomotic stricture occurs in 15% to 20% of patients after deceased orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). It is usually treated endoscopically with multiple plastic stents (MPSs), although the use of fully covered self-expandable metal stents (cSEMSs) is emerging. This study aims to compare the efficacy and safety of cSEMSs versus MPSs in these patients. METHODS: A single-center, open-label, randomized clinical trial was performed. Patients were randomized to single cSEMSs for 6 months or to MPS placement, exchanged every 3 months over 1 year. The primary outcome was stricture resolution. Crossover therapy was considered for failure or recurrence. Secondary outcomes were sustained improvement, morbidity, and mortality. RESULTS: Between October 2009 and January 2014, 162 patients with post-OLT biliary adverse events were assessed for eligibility. Sixty-four were prospectively randomized (1:1) to cSEMSs or MPSs. Baseline characteristics were comparable. Technical success was 100%. Median follow-up was 36.4 and 32.9 months for the cSEMS and MPS groups, stricture resolution at last stent removal was achieved in 83.3% and 96.5% (P = .19), and stricture recurrence was observed in 32% and 0%, respectively (P < .01). Adverse events occurred in 23.3% and 6.4% of ERCPs in the cSEMS and MPS groups, respectively (P < .01), with 13.3% of acute pancreatitis in the cSEMS group and 2.1% in the MPS group (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: cSEMSs were comparable with MPSs regarding post-OLT biliary anastomotic stricture resolution. cSEMSs allowed fewer procedures and had a positive effect on cost. Duration of treatment with cSEMSs should be further investigated. Sphincterotomy should be considered for all patients. (Clinical trial registration number: NCT 01148199.).

Endoscopic surveillance of extensive esophageal papillomatosis not amenable to endoscopic therapy / Controle endoscópico de papilomatose esofágica extensa sem indicação para tratamento endoscópico

ABSTRACT We present two cases of esophageal papillomatosis, a very rare reported disease leading to dysphagia and did not improve after endoscopic treatment. Both patients refused surgery and they were followed-up for 3 years, but no significant clinical or endoscopic changes were seen.

RESUMO Apresentamos dois casos de papilomatose esofágica, lesão raramente relatada, que pode levar à disfagia, e que não teve melhora após tratamento endoscópico. Ambos os pacientes recusaram cirurgia e foram acompanhados por até 3 anos, sem alterações clínicas ou endoscópicas importantes.

Endoscopic surveillance of extensive esophageal papillomatosis not amenable to endoscopic therapy.

We present two cases of esophageal papillomatosis, a very rare reported disease leading to dysphagia and did not improve after endoscopic treatment. Both patients refused surgery and they were followed-up for 3 years, but no significant clinical or endoscopic changes were seen.

Safety of mannitol use in bowel preparation: a prospective assessment of intestinal methane (CH4) levels during colonoscopy after mannitol and sodium phosphate (NaP) bowel cleansing / Segurança do uso do manitol no preparo para colonoscopia: avaliação prospectiva do nível de metano (CH4) intestinal durante colonoscopia após preparo com manitol e fosfato de sódio (NaP)

ABSTRACT Background - Adequate bowel preparation is critical for the quality of colonoscopy. Despite reported occurrence of colonic explosion due to methane and hydrogen production by bacterial fermentation during colonoscopy, gas exchange during the procedure is believed to be effective in lowering existing methane concentration, allowing for safe utilization of mannitol for bowel preparation. Thus, mannitol is widely used for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, considering its low cost and effectiveness for bowel preparation. Objective - The aim of this study was to assess the safety of mannitol for bowel preparation, when compared to sodium phosphate (NaP). Methods - We conducted a prospective observational study in which 250 patients undergoing colonoscopy at Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Hospital Albert Einstein (São Paulo, Brazil) were approached for inclusion in the study. Patients received either mannitol (n=50) or NaP (n=200) for bowel preparation, based on physician indication. Study was conducted from August 2009 to December 2009. The main outcome of interest was presence of detectable levels of methane (CH4) during colonoscopy and reduction in such levels after gas exchange during the procedure. Methane concentrations were measured in three intestinal segments during scope introduction and withdrawal. Safety was assessed as the absence of high levels of methane, defined as 5%. Measurements were made using a multi-gas monitor (X-am 7000, Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA, Lübeck, Germany) connected to a plastic catheter introduced into the working channel of the colonoscope. Additional outcomes of interest included levels of O2. Methane and O2 levels are reported as ppm. Mean, difference and standard deviation of levels of gas measured in both moments were calculated and compared in both groups. Proportions of patients with detectable or high levels of methane in both groups were compared. Continuous variables were analyzed using t test and categorical variables using qui-square tests. The Ethics Committee in both study sites approved the study protocol. Results - Patients in both groups were similar regarding demographics, colonoscopy indication, ASA status and quality of bowel preparation. Seven (3.5%) patients in the NaP group had methane detected during introduction of the endoscope. Methane levels became undetectable during withdrawal of the scope. None of the patients in the mannitol group had detectable levels of methane. O2 levels did not differ in the groups. Conclusion - This is the largest study to assess the safety of mannitol for bowel preparation, considering methane measurements. Our results indicate that mannitol use is as safe as NaP, and gas exchange was efficient in reducing methane concentrations.

RESUMO Contexto - Preparo adequado é fundamental para garantia de boa qualidade em colonoscopia. Apesar de relatos de explosão do cólon durante colonoscopia, secundários à produção de metano e hidrogênio pela fermentação bacteriana, acredita-se que a troca gasosa durante o procedimento diminua a concentração existente de metano, permitindo a utilização com segurança, de manitol para o preparo de cólon. Assim, manitol é largamente utilizado para limpeza dos cólons antes da colonoscopia, especialmente devido ao seu baixo custo e eficácia. Objetivo - O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a segurança do uso de manitol no preparo dos cólons, quando comparado ao uso de fosfo-soda (NaP). Métodos - Este foi um estudo observacional retrospectivo no qual foram incluídos 250 pacientes submetidos a colonoscopia na Universidade Federal de São Paulo e Hospital Albert Einstein (São Paulo - Brasil). Os pacientes receberam preparo de cólon com manitol (n=50) ou NaP (n=200), de acordo com preferências dos médicos que encaminharam os pacientes. O estudo foi realizado entre agosto e dezembro de 2009. O principal resultado pesquisado foi a presença de níveis detectáveis de metano (CH4) durante a colonoscopia, e a redução nestes níveis após troca gasosa durante o procedimento. As concentrações de metano foram dosadas com detector multi-gas (X-am 7000, Dräger Safety AG & Co., KGaA, Lübeck, Alemanha) conectado a um cateter plástico que foi introduzido no canal de instrumentação do colonoscópio. Outro achado de interesse foram níveis de O2. Níveis de metano e O2 foram relatados em ppm. Média, diferença entre as médias e desvio padrão nos níveis dos gases em ambos momentos foram comparados nos dois grupos. A proporção de pacientes com níveis detectáveis ou altos de metano em ambos os grupos foram comparados. Variáveis contínuas foram analisadas com teste t e variáveis categóricas com o teste do qui-quadrado. Os Comitês de Ética de ambas instituições aprovaram o protocolo do estudo. Resultados - Pacientes nos dois grupos foram comparáveis quanto aos dados demográficos, indicação para colonoscopia, classificação ASA e qualidade do preparo do cólon. Sete (3,5%) pacientes no grupo NaP tinham níveis detectáveis de metano durante a introdução do colonoscópio. Os níveis de metano se tornaram indetectáveis durante a retirada do aparelho. Nenhum dos pacientes no grupo manitol tinha níveis detectáveis de metano. Níveis de O2 foram semelhantes nos dois grupos. Conclusão - Este é o estudo com maior casuística que avaliou a segurança do uso de manitol para preparo de cólon, no que diz respeito a dosagem de metano. Nossos resultados indicam que o emprego do manitol é tão seguro quanto o NaP, e que a troca gasosa é eficaz na redução da concentração de metano.

SAFETY OF MANNITOL USE IN BOWEL PREPARATION: a prospective assessment of intestinal methane (CH4) levels during colonoscopy after mannitol and sodium phosphate (NaP) bowel cleansing.

BACKGROUND: - Adequate bowel preparation is critical for the quality of colonoscopy. Despite reported occurrence of colonic explosion due to methane and hydrogen production by bacterial fermentation during colonoscopy, gas exchange during the procedure is believed to be effective in lowering existing methane concentration, allowing for safe utilization of mannitol for bowel preparation. Thus, mannitol is widely used for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, considering its low cost and effectiveness for bowel preparation. OBJECTIVE: - The aim of this study was to assess the safety of mannitol for bowel preparation, when compared to sodium phosphate (NaP). METHODS: - We conducted a prospective observational study in which 250 patients undergoing colonoscopy at Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Hospital Albert Einstein (São Paulo, Brazil) were approached for inclusion in the study. Patients received either mannitol (n=50) or NaP (n=200) for bowel preparation, based on physician indication. Study was conducted from August 2009 to December 2009. The main outcome of interest was presence of detectable levels of methane (CH4) during colonoscopy and reduction in such levels after gas exchange during the procedure. Methane concentrations were measured in three intestinal segments during scope introduction and withdrawal. Safety was assessed as the absence of high levels of methane, defined as 5%. Measurements were made using a multi-gas monitor (X-am 7000, Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA, Lübeck, Germany) connected to a plastic catheter introduced into the working channel of the colonoscope. Additional outcomes of interest included levels of O2. Methane and O2 levels are reported as ppm. Mean, difference and standard deviation of levels of gas measured in both moments were calculated and compared in both groups. Proportions of patients with detectable or high levels of methane in both groups were compared. Continuous variables were analyzed using t test and categorical variables using qui-square tests. The Ethics Committee in both study sites approved the study protocol. RESULTS: - Patients in both groups were similar regarding demographics, colonoscopy indication, ASA status and quality of bowel preparation. Seven (3.5%) patients in the NaP group had methane detected during introduction of the endoscope. Methane levels became undetectable during withdrawal of the scope. None of the patients in the mannitol group had detectable levels of methane. O2 levels did not differ in the groups. CONCLUSION: - This is the largest study to assess the safety of mannitol for bowel preparation, considering methane measurements. Our results indicate that mannitol use is as safe as NaP, and gas exchange was efficient in reducing methane concentrations.

Management of liver transplantation biliary stricture: Results from a tertiary hospital.

AIM: To review results of endoscopic treatment for anastomotic biliary strictures after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) during an 8-year period. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatographys (ERCPs) performed between May 2006 and June 2014 in deceased OLT recipients with anastomotic stricture at a tertiary care hospital. Patients were divided into 2 groups, according to the type of stent used (multiple plastic or covered self-expandable metal stents), which was chose on a case-by-case basis and their characteristics. The primary outcome was anastomotic stricture resolution rate determined if there was no more than a minimum waist at cholangiography and a 10 mm balloon could easily pass through the anastomosis with no need for further intervention after final stent removal. Secondary outcomes were technical success rate, number or ERCPs required per patient, number of stents placed, stent indwelling, stricture recurrence rate and therapy for recurrent anastomotic biliary stricture (AS). Stricture recurrence was defined as clinical laboratorial and/or imaging evidence of obstruction at the anastomosis level, after it was considered completely treated, requiring subsequent interventional procedure. RESULTS: A total of 195 post-OLT patients were assessed for eligibility. One hundred and sixty-four (164) patients were diagnosed with anastomotic biliary stricture. ERCP was successfully performed in 157/164 (95.7%) patients with AS, that were treated with either multiple plastic (n = 109) or metallic billiary stents (n = 48). Mean treatment duration, number of procedures and stents required were lower in the metal stent group. Acute pancreatitis was the most common procedure related complication, occurring in 17.1% in the covered self-expandable metal stents (cSEMS) and 4.1% in the multiple plastic stent (MPS) group. Migration was the most frequent stent related complication, observed in 4.3% and 5.5% (cSEMS and MPS respectively). Stricture resolution was achieved in 86.8% in the cSEMS group and in 91% in MPS group. Stricture recurrence after a median follow up of 20 mo was observed in 10 (30.3%) patients in the cSEMS and 7 (7.7%) in the plastic stent group, a statistically significant difference (P = 0.0017). Successful stricture resolution after secondary treatment was achieved in 66.6% and 62.5% of patients respectively in the cSEMS and plastic stents groups. CONCLUSION: Multiple plastic stents are currently the first treatment option for AS in patients with duct-to-duct anastomosis. cSEMS was associated with increased pancreatitis risk and higher recurrence rate.

New "introducer" PEG-gastropexy with T fasteners: a pilot study.

CONTEXT: Enteral feeding is indicated for patients unable to maintain appropriate oral intake, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the most adequate long-term enteral access. Peristomal infections are the most common complications of PEG, occurring in up to 8% of patients, despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics. The "introducer" PEG-gastropexy technique avoids PEG tube passage through the oral cavity, preventing microorganisms' dislodgment to the peristomal site. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of peristomal wound infection at 7-day post-procedure after conventional "pull" technique versus a new "introducer" PEG-gastropexy kit. Secondary outcomes included success rates, procedure time, and other complications. METHODS: Eighteen patients referred for PEG placement between June and December 2010 were randomly assigned to "pull" PEG with antibiotics or "introducer" PEG-gastropexy technique without antibiotics. RESULTS: Overall success rate for both methods was 100%, although mean procedure duration was higher in the "introducer" PEG-gastropexy group (12.6 versus 6.4 minutes, P = 0.0166). Infection scores were slightly higher in patients who underwent "pull" PEG with antibiotics compared with "introducer" PEG-gastropexy without antibiotics (1.33 ± 0.83 versus 0.75 ± 0.67, P = 0.29). CONCLUSION: Although procedure duration was longer in the "introducer" PEG-gastropexy, infection scores were marginally higher in the "pull" PEG technique.

New "introducer" PEG-gastropexy with T fasteners: a pilot study / Gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea pela técnica de introdução com gastropexia com T-tags: um estudo piloto

CONTEXT: Enteral feeding is indicated for patients unable to maintain appropriate oral intake, and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is the most adequate long-term enteral access. Peristomal infections are the most common complications of PEG, occurring in up to 8 percent of patients, despite the use of prophylactic antibiotics. The "introducer" PEG-gastropexy technique avoids PEG tube passage through the oral cavity, preventing microorganisms' dislodgment to the peristomal site. OBJECTIVES: To compare the incidence of peristomal wound infection at 7-day post-procedure after conventional "pull" technique versus a new "introducer" PEG-gastropexy kit. Secondary outcomes included success rates, procedure time, and other complications. METHODS: Eighteen patients referred for PEG placement between June and December 2010 were randomly assigned to "pull" PEG with antibiotics or "introducer" PEG-gastropexy technique without antibiotics. RESULTS: Overall success rate for both methods was 100 percent, although mean procedure duration was higher in the "introducer" PEG-gastropexy group (12.6 versus 6.4 minutes, P = 0.0166). Infection scores were slightly higher in patients who underwent "pull" PEG with antibiotics compared with "introducer" PEG-gastropexy without antibiotics (1.33 ± 0.83 versus 0.75 ± 0.67, P = 0.29). CONCLUSION: Although procedure duration was longer in the "introducer" PEG-gastropexy, infection scores were marginally higher in the "pull" PEG technique.

CONTEXTO: A nutrição enteral está indicada para pacientes incapazes de manter aporte voluntário adequado e a gastrostomia endoscópica percutânea (GEP) é a via preferencial para acesso enteral de longa duração. As infecções periostomais são as principais complicações da GEP, ocorrendo em até 8 por cento dos pacientes, a despeito do uso de antibiótico profilático. A GEP pela técnica de introdução com gastropexia evita a passagem da sonda de gastrostomia pela cavidade oral, prevenindo contra o deslocamento de microorganismos ali presentes até o sítio da ostomia. OBJETIVO: Comparar a incidência de infecção periostomal no 7º dia após GEP por técnica de tração versus GEP pela técnica de introdução com gastropexia. Objetivos secundários incluíram: taxa de sucesso, tempo de procedimento e outras complicações. MÉTODOS: Dezoito pacientes encaminhados ao setor de endoscopia do Hospital Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, para realização de GEP entre junho e dezembro de 2010, foram randomizados para realização de gastrostomia pela técnica de tração com antibioticoterapia profilática ou pela técnica de introdução com gastropexia sem antibiótico profilaxia. RESULTADOS: A taxa de sucesso para ambos os métodos foi de 100 por cento, apesar do tempo do procedimento ter sido mais longo no grupo da técnica de introdução (12,6 versus 6,4 min, P = 0,0166). Os índices de infecção foram discretamente superiores no grupo de GEP por tração, com antibioticoterapia profilática, em comparação ao grupo GEP por introdução com gastropexia (1,33 ± 0,83 versus 0,75 ± 0,67, P = 0,29). CONCLUSÃO: Apesar da duração do procedimento ter sido mais longa no grupo GEP por introdução com gastropexia, a taxa de infecção foi discretamente mais elevada no grupo GEP por tração.

Incidence, risk factors and ERCP outcome for biliary complications after cadaveric OLT.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Biliary complications (BC) occur in up to 39.5% of patients after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), being an important source of post-transplant morbidity. The aim is to evaluate the incidence of BC after OLT, associated risk factors and outcome after endoscopic treatment. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective case series between June 2005 and December 2008, including 195 patients that underwent 216 OLT from deceased donors. Thirty-one patients (14.3%) presented at least 1 BC, anastomotic stricture being the most frequent (83.8%). Non-anastomotic stricture was present in 1 (3.2%) and anastomotic fistula in 1. One patient presented anastomotic disconnection at ERCP. RESULTS: BC occurred 94.6 (7-487) days after OLT. Twenty-seven patients underwent endoscopic treatment, on average 2.6 ERCPs were performed per patient. Global endoscopic treatment success rate was 77.3%; being 73.7% for stenosis and 100% (3/3) for anastomotic fistula with stenosis. Recurrence of biliary stricture was observed in 3 patients, all referred to endoscopic re-treatment. ERCP complications: 2 (2.8%) stent migrations, 1 (1.4%) early stent occlusion, 1 (1.4%) respiratory distress and 1(1.4%) severe acute pancreatitis and death. There was no correlation between studied risk factors and BC's occurrence. CONCLUSION: ERCP was effective for the treatment of BC after OLT. Studied risk factors had no correlation with BC.

Prediction of esophageal varices in hepatic cirrhosis by noninvasive markers.

OBJECTIVE: To determine whether Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) classification, AST to platelet ratio index (APRI), and laboratory tests could predict the presence of esophageal varices (EV) or varices which need prophylactic therapy (medium or large size EV). METHODS: Three hundred patients with cirrhosis (193 men; mean age 53.1 years; majority with chronic C hepatitis) were prospectively analyzed. The presence of EV (any size and medium or large EV) was correlated with patients' characteristics (MELD, CTP classification, APRI, platelets count, and liver tests). RESULTS: One hundred and seventy-one patients (57%) had EV, of whom 35% (105) had varices which need prophylactic therapy (VPT). The distribution of EV according to CTP classification was as follows: A, 49%; B, 75.3% and C, 80%. Independent predictors of EV were: MELD higher than 8 (P=0.02); APRI higher than 1.64 (P=0.01); platelet count lower than 93,000/mm³ (P<0.01); aspartate aminotransferase higher than 1.34 × UNL (P=0.01), and total bilirubin higher than 1 mg/dl (P=0.04). MELD higher than 8 had the highest discriminative value for presence of EV (sensitivity=80.1%; specificity=51.2%; area under receiver operating characteristics=0.68). Factors independently associated with VPT were: thrombocytopenia (<92,000/mm³; P<0.01) and aspartate aminotransferase higher than 1.47 × UNL (P=0.03). Platelet count lower than 92,000/mm³ had sensitivity of 65.7%, specificity of 57.9%, and an area under receiver operating characteristics of 0.62 for the presence of VPT. CONCLUSION: High values on MELD are associated with EV and thrombocytopenia, with varices which need prophylactic therapy. As a result of their low sensitivity and specificity, it is suggested to maintain the recommendation of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for all patients with cirhosis.

Endoscopic follow-up of cyanoacrylate obliteration of gastric varices.

Bleeding from gastric varices is a life-threatening condition. We report our experience with cyanoacrylate injection. Twenty three patients with portal hypertension and gastric varices underwent intra-variceal injection of a cyanoacrylate/lipiodol solution (1:1). Study endpoint was variceal obliteration. Mean follow-up was 25.3 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 87% of patients. Recurrence occurred in one patient (4.3%) and rebleeding in another case (4.3%). Mild abdominal pain was described in 13% of patients. Overall mortality was 21.7% and rebleeding related mortality rate was 4.3%. Our results confirm that cyanoacrylate injection is effective and safe to eradicate gastric varices.

Endoscopic follow-up of cyanoacrylate obliteration of gastric varices / Seguimento endoscópico da erradicação de varizes gástricas com cianoacrilato

Bleeding from gastric varices is a life-threatening condition. We report our experience with cyanoacrylate injection. Twenty three patients with portal hypertension and gastric varices underwent intra-variceal injection of a cyanoacrylate/lipiodol solution (1:1). Study endpoint was variceal obliteration. Mean follow-up was 25.3 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 87 percent of patients. Recurrence occurred in one patient (4.3 percent) and rebleeding in another case (4.3 percent). Mild abdominal pain was described in 13 percent of patients. Overall mortality was 21.7 percent and rebleeding related mortality rate was 4.3 percent. Our results confirm that cyanoacrylate injection is effective and safe to eradicate gastric varices.

Sangramento por varizes gástricas é grave. Relato de experiência com injeção de cianoacrilato. Vinte e três pacientes com hipertensão portal e varizes gástricas foram tratados com injeção intravasal de solução de cianoacrilato/lipiodol (1:1). O objetivo do estudo foi alcançar obliteração da variz. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi 25,3 meses. Obliteração foi atingida em 87 por cento dos pacientes. Recidiva foi observada em um (4,3 por cento) e ressangramento em outro caso (4.3 por cento). Dor abdominal ocorreu em 13 por cento dos pacientes. A mortalidade global foi de 21,7 por cento e 4,3 por cento relacionada ao ressangramento. Estes resultados confirmam a injeção de cianoacrilato como efetiva e segura na erradicação das varizes gástricas.

Terapêutica endoscópica nas complicações biliares pós-transplantes hepáticos / Endoscopic management of biliary complications after liver transplantation

Objetivo: Avaliar retrospectivamente os resultados do tratamento endoscópico das complicações biliares em pacientes submetidos a transplante hepático. Métodos: Foram avaliados pacientestransplantados hepáticos encaminhados ao Serviço de Endoscopia do Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, no período de Julho de 2005 a Julho de 2008, para realização de colangiopancreatografiaretrógrada endoscópica por suspeita de complicação biliar. Resultados: Oitenta e dois pacientes (57 homens, média de idade de 49,4 anos) foram estudados retrospectivamente entre Julho de 2007 e Julho de 2008. Nesse período foram realizadas 276 colangiopancreatografias retrógradas endoscópicas (3,2/paciente).Neste grupo, 57,3% receberam órgão de doador cadáver e 42,7% intervivos. Estenose biliar foi diagnosticada em 56 pacientes (91% anastomótica) e o sucesso da terapêutica endoscópica nestes casos foi de 56% (7% ainda em tratamento). Fístula biliar foidiagnosticada em 28 pacientes (50% anastomóticas) e a taxa de sucesso do tratamento endoscópico foi de 62,9%, sendo que 7,1% estão ainda em tratamento. Conclusões: Complicações biliares pós-transplante hepático são relativamente comuns e o tratamentoendoscópico mostra bons resultados.