Tube-in-tube endoscopic vacuum therapy for treatment of colorectal anastomotic leaks: A low-cost, patient-friendly, feasible and efficient technical modification of sponge-based endoscopic vacuum therapy.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Colorectal endoscopic vacuum therapy (CR EVT) is usually performed using sponges passed through the anus. It may be associated with patient discomfort and displacement of the aspiration tube. METHODS: With the tube-in-tube endoscopic vacuum therapy modification (CR TT-EVT), it is possible to position the aspiration tube in the pelvic cavity through the abdominal wall. In addition, it allows frequent cleaning of the fistula, eliminates the need for programmed device changes, and enables a standardized approach to such a wide variety of fistulas, leaks, and perforations. RESULTS: Here is a technical note on how to perform CR TT-EVT, while we are at the early phase of our case series we have reached 100% of technical success.

Association between mucosal surface pattern under near focus technology and Helicobacter pylori infection.

BACKGROUND: Many studies evaluated magnification endoscopy (ME) to correlate changes on the gastric mucosal surface with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. However, few studies validated these concepts with high-definition endoscopy without ME. AIM: To access the association between mucosal surface pattern under near focus technology and H. pylori infection status in a western population. METHODS: Cross-sectional study including all patients referred to routine upper endoscopy. Endoscopic exams were performed using standard high definition (S-HD) followed by near focus (NF-HD) examination. Presence of erythema, erosion, atrophy, and nodularity were recorded during S-HD, and surface mucosal pattern was classified using NF-HD in the gastric body. Biopsies were taken for rapid urease test and histology. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-seven patients were analyzed from August to November 2019. Of those, 47 (25.1%) were H. pylori+, and 42 (22.5%) had a previous H. pylori treatment. In the examination with S-HD, erythema had the best sensitivity for H. pylori detection (80.9%). Exudate (99.3%), nodularity (97.1%), and atrophy (95.7%) demonstrated better specificity values, but with low sensitivity (6.4%-19.1%). On the other hand, the absence of erythema was strongly associated with H. pylori- (negative predictive value = 92%). With NF-HD, 56.2% of patients presented type 1 pattern (regular arrangement of collecting venules, RAC), and only 5.7% of RAC+ patients were H. pylori+. The loss of RAC presented 87.2% sensitivity for H. pylori detection, 70.7% specificity, 50% positive predictive value, and 94.3% negative predictive value, indicating that loss of RAC was suboptimal to confirm H. pylori infection, but when RAC was seen, H. pylori infection was unlikely. CONCLUSION: The presence of RAC at the NF-HD exam and the absence of erythema at S-HD were highly predictive of H. pylori negative status. On the other hand, the loss of RAC had a suboptimal correlation with the presence of H. pylori.

ENDOSCOPIC EVALUATION OF POST-FUNDOPLICATION ANATOMY AND CORRELATION WITH SYMPTOMATOLOGY.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic aspect of fundoplication anatomy: Normal aspect of Nissen fundoplication. Upper digestive endoscopy is important for the evaluation of patients submitted to fundoplication, especially to elucidate postoperative symptoms. However, endoscopic assessment of fundoplication anatomy and its complications is poorly standardized among endoscopists, which leads to inadequate agreement. AIM: To assess the frequency of postoperative abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy using a modified endoscopic classification and to correlate endoscopic findings with clinical symptoms. METHOD: This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a single center. Patients were submitted to a questionnaire for data collection. Endoscopic assessment of fundoplication was performed according to the classification in study, which considered four anatomical parameters including the gastroesophageal junction position in frontal view (above or at the level of the pressure zone); valve position at retroflex view (intra-abdominal or migrated); valve conformation (total, partial, disrupted or twisted) and paraesophageal hernia (present or absent). RESULTS: One hundred patients submitted to fundoplication were evaluated, 51% male (mean age: 55.6 years). Forty-three percent reported postoperative symptoms. Endoscopic abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy were reported in 46% of patients. Gastroesophageal junction above the pressure zone (slipped fundoplication), and migrated fundoplication, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative symptoms. There was no correlation between symptoms and conformation of the fundoplication (total, partial or twisted). CONCLUSION: This modified endoscopic classification proposal of fundoplication anatomy is reproducible and seems to correlate with symptomatology. The most frequent abnormalities observed were slipped and migrated fundoplication, and both correlated with the presence of symptoms.

Endoscopic evaluation of post-fundoplication anatomy and correlation with symptomatology / Avaliação endoscópica da anatomia após fundoplicatura e correlação com sintomatologia

ABSTRACT Background: Upper digestive endoscopy is important for the evaluation of patients submitted to fundoplication, especially to elucidate postoperative symptoms. However, endoscopic assessment of fundoplication anatomy and its complications is poorly standardized among endoscopists, which leads to inadequate agreement. Aim: To assess the frequency of postoperative abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy using a modified endoscopic classification and to correlate endoscopic findings with clinical symptoms. Method: This is a prospective observational study, conducted at a single center. Patients were submitted to a questionnaire for data collection. Endoscopic assessment of fundoplication was performed according to the classification in study, which considered four anatomical parameters including the gastroesophageal junction position in frontal view (above or at the level of the pressure zone); valve position at retroflex view (intra-abdominal or migrated); valve conformation (total, partial, disrupted or twisted) and paraesophageal hernia (present or absent). Results: One hundred patients submitted to fundoplication were evaluated, 51% male (mean age: 55.6 years). Forty-three percent reported postoperative symptoms. Endoscopic abnormalities of fundoplication anatomy were reported in 46% of patients. Gastroesophageal junction above the pressure zone (slipped fundoplication), and migrated fundoplication, were significantly correlated with the occurrence of postoperative symptoms. There was no correlation between symptoms and conformation of the fundoplication (total, partial or twisted). Conclusion: This modified endoscopic classification proposal of fundoplication anatomy is reproducible and seems to correlate with symptomatology. The most frequent abnormalities observed were slipped and migrated fundoplication, and both correlated with the presence of symptoms.

RESUMO Racional: A endoscopia digestiva alta é importante ferramenta para a avaliação de pacientes submetidos à fundoplicatura, principalmente para elucidar os sintomas pós-operatórios. Entretanto, a avaliação endoscópica da sua anatomia e complicações é atualmente pouco padronizada entre os endoscopistas, o que leva à disparidade de laudos e condutas. Objetivo: Avaliar a frequência de anormalidades pós-operatórias da fundoplicatura através de uma classificação endoscópica e correlacionar os achados endoscópicos com os sintomas clínicos. Método: Este é estudo observacional prospectivo, realizado em um único centro. Os pacientes foram submetidos a um questionário para coleta de dados. A avaliação endoscópica da fundoplicatura foi realizada de acordo com a classificação em estudo, que considerou quatro parâmetros anatômicos, incluindo a posição da junção gastroesofágica em vista frontal (acima ou no nível da zona de pressão); posição da válvula na visão retroflexa (intra-abdominal ou migrada); conformação valvar (total, parcial, desgarrada ou torcida) e hérnia paraesofágica (presente ou ausente). Resultados: Foram avaliados 100 pacientes submetidos à fundoplicatura, 51% homens (idade média: 55,6 anos). Quarenta e três por cento relataram sintomas pós-operatórios. Anormalidades endoscópicas da anatomia da fundoplicatura foram relatadas em 46% dos pacientes. Junção gastroesofágica acima da zona de pressão (fundoplicatura deslizada) e fundoplicatura migrada foram significativamente correlacionadas com a ocorrência de sintomas pós-operatórios. Não houve correlação entre sintomas e conformação da fundoplicatura (total, parcial ou torcida). Conclusão: Essa classificação endoscópica modificada proposta para avaliar a anatomia da fundoplicatura é reprodutível e parece correlacionar-se com a sintomatologia. As anormalidades mais frequentes observadas foram fundoplicaturas migradas e deslizadas, e ambas se correlacionaram com a presença de sintomas.

Papillary fistulotomy vs conventional cannulation for endoscopic biliary access: A prospective randomized trial.

AIM: To compare the cannulation success, biochemical profile, and complications of the papillary fistulotomy technique vs catheter and guidewire standard access. METHODS: From July 2010 to May 2017, patients were prospectively randomized into two groups: Cannulation with a catheter and guidewire (Group I) and papillary fistulotomy (Group II). Amylase, lipase and C-reactive protein at T0, as well as 12 h and 24 h after endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, and complications (pancreatitis, bleeding, perforation) were recorded. RESULTS: We included 102 patients (66 females and 36 males, mean age 59.11 ± 18.7 years). Group I and Group II had 51 patients each. The successful cannulation rates were 76.5% and 100%, respectively (P = 0.0002). Twelve patients (23.5%) in Group I had a difficult cannulation and underwent fistulotomy, which led to successful secondary biliary access (Failure Group). The complication rate was 13.7% (2 perforations and 5 mild pancreatitis) vs 2.0% (1 patient with perforation and pancreatitis) in Groups I and II, respectively (P = 0.0597). CONCLUSION: Papillary fistulotomy was more effective than guidewire cannulation, and it was associated with a lower profile of amylase and lipase. Complications were similar in both groups.

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

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

Modified technique for percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy placement. / Técnica modificada para realização da gastro-jejunostomia endoscópica percutânea.

The placement of percutaneous endoscopic gastrojejunostomy (PEG-J) provides diet delivery beyond the angle of Treitz, and it is associated with decrease of complications related to gastroparesis, such as aspiration pneumonia. There are many different techniques to perform a PEG-J described in the literature, with variable degrees of technical success. In this article, we suggest modifications to the technique of PEG-J placement in order to reduce time of procedure and minimize the risk of technical failure.

A realização da gastro-jejunostomia endoscópica percutânea (PEG-J) proporciona nutrição além do ângulo de Treitz, e está associada à diminuição das complicações relacionadas à gastroparesia, como a pneumonia por aspiração. Existem diversas técnicas para realização da PEG-J descritas na literatura, com graus variáveis de sucesso técnico. Neste artigo propomos modificações na técnica de realização da PEG-J, a fim de reduzir o tempo do procedimento e minimizar o risco de insucesso.

Ex vivo and simulator models teaching therapeutic ERCP and EUS: description of SOBED's first course.

Teaching models in endoscopy are important tools to minimize risks derived from endoscopic procedures, taking into account that therapeutic endoscopy, also known as surgical endoscopy, has greatly developed during the last decade. This results from the fact that minimally invasive procedures present relevant contributions and promote more comfort to patients. In this context, ex vivo teaching models and virtual simulators are important tools to the safe acquisition of abilities. In this article, the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy presents and describes its first course of therapeutic ERCP and EUS in models of laboratory teaching.

AN INNOVATIVE EX-VIVO MODEL FOR RAPID CHANGE OF THE PAPILLA FOR TEACHING ADVANCED ENDOSCOPIC RETROGRADE CHOLANGIOPANCREATOGRAPHY PROCEDURES.

Background: Models for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography training allow practice with an expert feedback and without risks. A method to rapidly exchange the papilla can be time saving and accelerate the learning curve. Aim: To demonstrate a newly method of rapid exchange papilla in ex-vivo models to teach retrograde cholangiopancreatography advanced procedures. Methods: A new model of ex-vivo papilla was developed in order to resemble live conditions of procedures as cannulation, papilotomy or fistula-papilotomy, papiloplasty, biliary dilatation, plastic and metallic stentings. Results: The ex-vivo model of papilla rapid exchange is feasible and imitates with realism conditions of retrograde cholangiopancreatography procedures. Conclusion: This model allows an innovative method of advanced endoscopic training.

Racional: Nas últimas décadas os simuladores de colangiopancreatografia retrógrada tiveram grande evolução. Atualmente dispõem-se de vários métodos para realizar o treinamento minimizando os riscos de complicações e tornando a curva de aprendizagem muito rápida. Objetivo: Demonstrar uma variação dos modelos ex-vivos desenvolvidos para o treinamento avançado em colangiopancreatografia retrograda. Método: Foi criado um modelo ex-vivo simulando fatores e condições reais para o treinamento avançado de colangiopancreatografia retrograda como canulação, papilotomia, fistulotomia, papiloplastia e uso de próteses plásticas e metálicas. Resultados: Esse modelo ex-vivo, com a possibilidade de troca rápida da papila, mostrou-se viável e no treinamento simula condições muito próximas às reais. Conclusão: Neste modelo há grande inovação para o treinamento de novos endoscopistas em procedimento avançados na colangiopancreatografia retrógrada.

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.

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.

Hemorragia digestiva alta causada por pólipo gástrico hiperplásico: relato de caso / Upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage caused by hyperplastic polyp: case report

Conceitualmente, hemorragia digestiva alta (EDA) é definida como qualquer sangramento de localização proximal ao ângulo de Treitz na prática originária do esôfago, estômago e duodeno. Apesar dos avanços, tanto na área diagnóstica quanto terapêutica, a hemorragia digestiva continua sendo uma importante causa de morbimortalidade, com alta incidência e de grande impacto econômico. Mesmo com novas técnicas endoscópicas, a mortalidade permanece elevada com o passar dos anos. No presente artigo, relatamos o caso de uma paciente de 80 anos de idade que deu entrada em nosso serviço, referindo 2 episódios de hematêmeses nas 12 horas que antecederam à admissão hospitalar. Após estabilização hemodinâmica, foi submetida à EDA que revelou grande pólipo gástrico, sem sinais de sangramento ativo. Optou-se por terapia mecânica hemostática combinada (endoloop e hemoclips), com sucesso. Porém houve ressangramento da lesão, com instabilidade hemodinâmica, e a segunda tentativa de hemostasia mecânica foi associada à correção do INR com plasma, já que a paciente fazia uso crônico de warfarin devido à fibrilação atrial crônica. Paciente evoluiu bem, tendo alta após 3 dias da segunda abordagem endoscópica. Estudos recentes evidenciam que a terapia combinada é mais efetiva do que a monoterapia no controle das hemorragias digestivas altas. No presente caso, optamos por dois métodos mecânicos, com êxito somente após a segunda abordagem. Neste caso, a coagulopatia foi o principal fator predisponente na ocorrência do ressagramento. Portanto sempre se deve atentar para sua correção em casos em que se acredite que a alteração possa influenciar negativamente no prognóstico.

Conceptually, upper gastrointestinal bleeding is defined as any bleeding located proximal to the angle of Treitz, originating from the esophagus, stomach and duodenum. Despite advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic methods, gastrointestinal bleeding remains a important cause of morbidity and mortality, with high incidence and economic impact. Even with new endoscopic techniques, mortality remains high over the years. In this article, we report a case of a 80-year-old woman who was admitted in our hospital, referring 2 episodes of hematemeses, 12 hrs before the admission. After hemodynamic stabilization, we submit de patient to a EGD that revealed a large gastric polyp with no signs of active bleeding. We chose a combined therapy, mechanical and haemostatic (end loop and hem clips), successfully. But after this, there was rebreeding, hemodynamic instability, and a second attempt was tried. In the second approach we associated mechanical therapy to correction of INR with plasma, since the patient had chronic use of warfare due to chronic atria fibrillation. Patient recovered well and was discharged three days after the second endoscopic approach. Recent studies show that combined therapy is more effective than monoterapia in controlling high digestive bleeding. In this case we chose two mechanical methods, successfully only after the second approach. In this case the coagulopathy was the main predisposing factor in the rebleeding occurrence. Therefore we must always be attentive to its correction in cases where we believe that it can negatively influence the prognosis.

Combination of N-acetylcysteine and metformin improves histological steatosis and fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

AIM: There is no proven medical therapy for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Oxidative stress and insulin resistance are the mechanisms that seem to be mostly involved in its pathogenesis. The aim of our study was to evaluate the efficacy of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in combination with metformin (MTF) in improving the aminotransferases and histological parameters (steatosis, inflammation, hepatocellular ballooning, and fibrosis) after 12 months of treatment. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients (mean age 53 +/- 2 years [36-68] and body mass index [BMI] 29 [25-35]) with biopsy-proven NASH were enrolled in the study. NAC (1.2 g/day) and MTF (850-1000 mg/day) were given orally for 12 months. All patients underwent evaluation of serum aminotransferases, fasting lipid profile and serum glucose, anthropometric parameters, and nutritional status at 0 and 12 months. A low calorie diet was prescribed for all patients. RESULTS: Serum alanine aminotransferase, high-density lipoprotein, insulin, and glucose concentrations and thehomeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index were reduced significantly at the end of study (P < 0.05). The BMI declined, but without statistical significance. Aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels were not altered with the treatment. Liver steatosis and fibrosis decreased (P < 0.05), but no improvement was noted in lobular inflammation or hepatocellular ballooning. The NASH activity score was significantly improved after treatment. CONCLUSION: Based on the biochemical and histological evidence in this pilot study, NAC in combination with MTF appears to ameliorate several aspects of NASH, including fibrosis. Further studies of this form of combination therapy are warranted to assess its potential efficacy.