Endoscopic clipping for gastrointestinal bleeding: emergency and prophylactic indications.

Endoscopic clipping has become a common practice among endoscopists. Several models are available, most frequently being introduced via the working channel of the endoscope (through-the-scope); however, larger clips can also be mounted onto the distal tip of the endoscope (over-the-scope). The main indications for endoclip placement include providing effective mechanical hemostasis for bleeding lesions and allowing endoscopic closure of gastrointestinal perforations. Endoclips can also be used prophylactically after endoscopic resection; however, this practice is still controversial. This review discusses the main indications for endoscopic clipping in the esophagus, stomach, duodenum and colon to manage acute bleeding lesions, and the criteria to be used in the prevention of delayed post-polypectomy bleeding.

Unsedated Transnasal Endoscopy for Preoperative Examination of Bariatric Patients: a Prospective Study.

BACKGROUND: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy is a preoperative examination commonly required for candidates to bariatric surgery (BS). Overweight individuals have a greater risk of cardiorespiratory complications during endoscopy under sedation. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility, tolerance, and cardiovascular stress of transnasal endoscopy (TNE) without sedation in obese patients eligible for BS. METHODS: This prospective study enrolled obese adult patients with indication for BS that consented to undergo unsedated preoperative TNE. All examinations were carried out in an outpatient center. The outcomes assessed were endoscopic findings, procedural success, patients' tolerance according to a visual analogic scale, cardiovascular stress estimated by double product (i.e., systolic blood pressure × heart rate) and adverse events. Statistical analyses were used to compare each patient's double product among different examination periods. RESULTS: Ninety-four patients (77.6% female) completed the study, with an average body mass index (BMI) of 53 kg/m2 (range, 35-73.4 kg/m2). There were 63 super-obese individuals (67%), with BMI > 50 kg/m2. In 93 patients (98.9%), unsedated TNE was successfully completed up to the second part of the duodenum. TNE failed in one patient. Tolerance was rated as excellent or good in 95.7%. Minimal cardiovascular stress was noted in obese individuals, whereas the double product remained stable throughout the procedure in super-obese patients. Three patients (3.2%) had self-limited epistaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Unsedated TNE for preoperative endoscopic evaluation of obese patients is feasible, safe, and well tolerated and should be preferentially considered when examining super-obese patients.

Polietilenoglicol na constipação intestinal crônica funcional em crianças / Polyethylene glycol in the treatment of chronic functional constipation in children

OBJETIVO: Rever a literatura sobre o uso do polietile-noglicol no tratamento da constipação intestinal crônica funcional em crianças. FONTES DOS DADOS: Foram selecionadas publicações entre 1998 e 2009, utilizando as bases de dados Medline e SciELO. Foram incluídos estudos relevantes referentes à constipação, ao uso do polietilenoglicol em adultos, a diretriz recente da NASPGHAN e os critérios de ROMA III relativos às doenças intestinais funcionais. SÍNTESE DOS DADOS: O tratamento da constipação intestinal em crianças é dividido em várias etapas não consecutivas. O uso prolongado de laxativos é uma dessas etapas; no entanto, as opções terapêuticas são restritas. Os efeitos adversos e a dificuldade de aceitação pela criança são os principais problemas que surgem com o uso prolongado de laxativos. O polietilenoglicol é um laxativo osmótico utilizado para o tratamento da constipação, com absorção de 0,2 por cento, insípido e inodoro, disponível com os pesos moleculares 3350 e 4000 Dalton, com ou sem adição de eletrólitos. Estudos randomizados e controlados demonstraram ser o polietilenoglicol um agente efetivo na melhora dos sintomas, além de ser seguro, pois não foram relatados efeitos colaterais significativos. CONCLUSÕES: O polietilenoglicol é superior aos outros agentes osmóticos em relação ao sabor e à aceitação pelas crianças. O uso diário é seguro e efetivo e pode ser considerado uma opção terapêu-tica na constipação intestinal crônica funcional em pediatria.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature about the use of the polyethylene glycol in the treatment of chronic functional constipation in children. DATA SOURCE: Articles published between 1998 and 2009 were selected from Medline and SciELO databases. Relevant articles concerning constipation, the use of polyethylene glycol in adults, the recent NASPGHAN guideline and the ROMA III criteria were also included. DATA SYNTHESIS: The treatment of functional constipa-tion in children is composed of several stages, among which is the long-term use of laxative drugs. The therapeutic options are limited and they carry problems related to long-term use, especially due to the adverse effects and child's low adherence to the treatment. Polyethylene glycol is an odorless, tasteless and minimally absorbed osmotic agent, available in 3350 and 4000 molecular weights, with or without electrolytes. Good results have been reported in controlled and randomized studies regarding the improve-ment of symptoms of constipation. It is considered safe, without significant side effects. CONCLUSIONS: Polyethylene glycol is superior to other osmotic agents as far as taste and children's acceptance are concerned. Low daily doses are safe and effective. It is a good treatment option for chronic functional constipation in children.