Activity of Spanish gastroenterology units before and after the COVID-19 pandemic: an assessment using the EFIC_AD tool, developed by the Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva (SEPD).

INTRODUCTION: the COVID-19 pandemic had a strong impact on the healthcare model. The Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva (SEPD) offered gastroenterology care units (UAAD) an instrument (EFIC_AD) to record and analyze their efficacy and efficiency. Thus, the impact of the pandemic on the activity of UAAD was assessed. METHODS: A descriptive study, based on the EFIC_AD registry for the period 2019-2021, of activity regarding admissions, clinic visits, and endoscopic as well as non-endoscopic tests, and endoscopy room performance. RESULTS: data were collected from up to 42 hospitals (22 with ≥ 500 beds). Overall, activity during 2020 compared to 2019 decreased by 12.30 % for admissions and 40 % for pH-metries (16.70 % for new clinic visits; 14.34 % for referrals from primary care; 24.70 % for gastroscopies; 32.50 % for colonoscopies; 31.00 % for endoscopic ultrasounds; 18.20 % for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCPs); 38.00 % for manometries; 23.60 % for abdominal ultrasounds; 36.17 % for liver transient elastographies [Fibroscan®]). The levels achieved during 2019 were not fully recovered during 2021 except for digestive motility studies, and virtually for endoscopy room performance rate (88.15 % in 2019; 67.77 % in 2020; 85.93 % in 2021). CONCLUSIONS: during 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic led to a markedly decreased in specific activities at UAAD, which was not fully recovered in 2021 despite endoscopy room performance return to normal.

Endoscopic management of intraluminal gastric band erosion using a laser lithotripsy probe.

Intraluminal erosion of adjustable and non adjustable gastric bands generally occurs years after placement. Different endoscopic techniques have been described for the management of bands that erode the gastric wall, using endoscopic scissors, rigid endoscopic guides wire coupled to a mechanical lithotripter or even less frequently used devices such as the Gastric Band Cutter System to cut it. We present a clinical case in which we used a lithotripsy laser probe to break the band with great effectiveness without complications.

Actividad de las unidades de aparato digestivo españolas antes y durante la pandemia COVID-19: evaluación mediante la herramienta EFIC_AD de la Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva (SEPD)

Introducción: la pandemia COVID-19 afectó intensamente el modelo asistencial sanitario. La Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva (SEPD) ofrece a las unidades asistenciales de aparato digestivo (UAAD) una herramienta (EFIC_AD) en la que registrar y analizar su eficacia y eficiencia. Sobre esta base se ha estudiado el impacto de la pandemia sobre la actividad de esas UAAD. Métodos: estudio descriptivo basado en el registro EFIC_AD durante el periodo 2019-2021 sobre la actividad en hospitalización, consulta y exploraciones endoscópicas y no endoscópicas y el rendimiento de las salas de endoscopia. Resultados: se recogieron datos de hasta 42 centros hospitalarios (22 de ellos ≥ 500 camas). En conjunto, la actividad en 2020, respecto a 2019, descendió entre un 12,30 % para los ingresos y un 40 % para las pHmetrías (16,70 % nuevos en consulta, 14,34 % derivaciones desde Atención Primaria, 24,70 % gastroscopias, 32,50 % colonoscopias, 31,00 % ecoendoscopias, 18,20 % colangiopancreatografías retrógradas endoscópicas [CPRE], 38,00 % manometrías, 23,60 % ecografías abdominales, 36,17 % elastografías transitorias hepáticas [FibroScan®]). Los niveles de 2019 no se recuperaron completamente en 2021 excepto para los estudios de motilidad digestiva, aunque sí en la práctica los de los rendimientos de las salas de endoscopia (88,15 % en 2019, 67,77 % en 2020, 85,93 % en 2021). Conclusiones: durante 2020, la pandemia COVID-19 provocó un destacado descenso de la actividad propia de las UAAD que no se recuperó totalmente en 2021, a pesar de la normalización de los rendimientos de las salas de endoscopia (AU)

Pancreatic encephalopathy, a little known complication of acute pancreatitis.

A 62-year-old male presented with severe post-endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (post-ERCP) acute pancreatitis. He required admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) twice due to respiratory and renal failure and neurological deterioration. On the hospitalization ward, he presented a fluctuating alteration of the level of consciousness, with bradypsychia, disorientation and somnolence, which persisted after hemodynamic, metabolic and renal stabilization. A brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed showing focal lesions due to small vessel disease, some with cavitations due to necrosis, and mild to moderate subcortical atrophy. A diagnosis of pancreatic encephalopathy was made given the clinical and radiological findings. The patient recovered full cognitive capacity after one week with adequate nutrition supported by protein supplementation.

Endoscopic treatment of postoperative esophagogastric leaks with fully covered self-expanding metal stents

BACKGROUND: the management of postoperative esophageal leaks is a huge therapeutic challenge. Thanks to the advances in endoscopy, treatment with esophageal stents has been proposed as a valid option. AIMS: the main objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of fully covered esophageal metal stents in the treatment of postoperative esophageal leaks. METHODS: a retrospective observational study was performed in patients with postoperative esophageal leaks, treated with fully covered self-expandable metal stents between June 2011 and May 2018. RESULTS: twenty-five patients were evaluated and 34 stents were placed. The closure of the leak was observed in 21 patients after removal of the stent, with an overall technical success rate of 84 %. The mean time with a stent placed for closure of the fistula was 55.7 ± 27.11 days/patient (mean of 39 ± 24.30 days/stent). The most frequent complication was a partial distal stent migration (7/34 stents), followed by five cases of complete migration into the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: endoscopic treatment with fully covered selfexpandable metal stents seems to be an effective and safe first-line treatment for postoperative esophageal leaks, according to the experience in our center

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Endoscopic treatment of postoperative esophagogastric leaks with fully covered self-expanding metal stents.

BACKGROUND: the management of postoperative esophageal leaks is a huge therapeutic challenge. Thanks to the advances in endoscopy, treatment with esophageal stents has been proposed as a valid option. AIMS: the main objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the use of fully covered esophageal metal stents in the treatment of postoperative esophageal leaks. METHODS: a retrospective observational study was performed in patients with postoperative esophageal leaks, treated with fully covered self-expandable metal stents between June 2011 and May 2018. RESULTS: twenty-five patients were evaluated and 34 stents were placed. The closure of the leak was observed in 21 patients after removal of the stent, with an overall technical success rate of 84 %. The mean time with a stent placed for closure of the fistula was 55.7 ± 27.11 days/patient (mean of 39 ± 24.30 days/stent). The most frequent complication was a partial distal stent migration (7/34 stents), followed by five cases of complete migration into the stomach. CONCLUSIONS: endoscopic treatment with fully covered self-expandable metal stents seems to be an effective and safe first-line treatment for postoperative esophageal leaks, according to the experience in our center.

The role of endoscopy in caustic ingestion in the pediatric population: experience in a tertiary center.

INTRODUCTION: caustic ingestion in children is rare but has potentially serious consequences. AIM: to analyze the clinical and endoscopic features and the type of caustic ingested in our population. METHODS: the upper endoscopies performed in this setting, as well as the characteristics of patients and caustics, were analyzed from 2010 to 2018. RESULTS: fifty-one endoscopies were performed (48 cases of witnessed intake or high suspicion and three with a low suspicion) in patients with a mean age of 2.55 years. Alkali ingestion was more frequent (88.2 %) and 56.9 % of the endoscopies were normal, which was more frequent among those who ingested bleach (72 %). Alkali tended to produce more esophageal injuries (31.1 %) and acids tended to produce esophageal (20 %) and esophageal-gastric injuries (20 %). Four patients developed esophageal stenosis during follow-up. DISCUSSION: even though more than half of the studies were normal, endoscopy is important in the diagnosis and prognosis of these patients.

Restablecimiento de la actividad en los servicios de Digestivo. Recomendaciones de la SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU y AEG / Resumption of activity in gastroenterology departments. Recommendations by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG

El artículo recoge el conjunto de medidas propuestas por la SEPD, la AEEH, el GETECCU y la AEG que pretenden servir de ayuda a los servicios en su reincorporación a la actividad habitual. Hemos confeccionado una serie de recomendaciones prácticas respecto al manejo y a la reintroducción progresiva de la actividad asistencial. Estas recomendaciones están guiadas por la escasa y cambiante evidencia disponible y serán objeto de futuras actualizaciones en base a las necesidades diarias y a la disponibilidad del material fungible para adecuarse a ellas, y se podrán implementar en cada servicio en función de la incidencia acumulada de SARS-CoV-2 en cada región y de la carga que la epidemia ha ocasionado en cada uno de los hospitales. Los objetivos generales de estas recomendaciones son: a) Proteger a nuestros pacientes de los riesgos de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y prestarles una atención de calidad. b) Proteger a todos los profesionales sanitarios de los riesgos de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. c)Recuperar el normal funcionamiento de nuestros servicios en un entorno de riesgo continuado de infección por SARS-CoV-2

The set of measures proposed by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG are aimed to help departments in their resumption of usual activity. We have prepared a number of practical recommendations regarding patient management and the stepwise resumption of healthcare activity. These recommendations are based on the sparse, changing evidence available, and will be updated in the future according to daily needs and the availability of expendable materials to suit them; in each department they will be implemented depending upon the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in each region, and the burden the pandemic has represented for each hospital. The general objectives of these recommendations include: (a) To protect our patients against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to provide them with high-quality care. (b) To protect all healthcare professionals against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2. (c)To resume normal functioning of our departments in a setting of ongoing risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2

Resumption of activity in gastroenterology departments. Recommendations by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG. / Restablecimiento de la actividad en los servicios de Digestivo. Recomendaciones de la SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU y AEG.

The set of measures proposed by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG are aimed to help departments in their resumption of usual activity. We have prepared a number of practical recommendations regarding patient management and the stepwise resumption of healthcare activity. These recommendations are based on the sparse, changing evidence available, and will be updated in the future according to daily needs and the availability of expendable materials to suit them; in each department they will be implemented depending upon the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in each region, and the burden the pandemic has represented for each hospital. The general objectives of these recommendations include: (a)To protect our patients against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to provide them with high-quality care. (b)To protect all healthcare professionals against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2. (c)To resume normal functioning of our departments in a setting of ongoing risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Factores asociados a la presencia de valores alterados de calprotectina fecal en pacientes con estudio endoscópico panentérico normal / No disponible

INTRODUCCIÓN: la calprotectina fecal es un parámetro útil a la hora de decidir si un paciente se puede beneficiar de la realización de estudios endoscópicos. No obstante, cierto número de individuos sintomáticos y con cifras elevadas de este marcador no tendrán lesiones endoscópicas. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar qué factores se asocian a cifras alteradas de calprotectina fecal en pacientes con estudios endoscópicos de intestino delgado y colon normales. MÉTODOS: estudio prospectivo y observacional de pacientes con síntomas digestivos. Se ha analizado la asociación de diferentes variables con cifras alteradas de calprotectina y estudios endoscópicos (cápsula de intestino delgado y colonoscopia) negativos. RESULTADOS: se incluyen 143 pacientes (98 mujeres - 68,5 %), con una edad media 40,06 ± 16,42 (15-82) años. El consumo de tabaco y la toma de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos se asoció a la presencia de cifras alteradas de calprotectina y estudios endoscópicos negativos (p: 0,029 y p: 0,006). Los valores medios de calprotectina fecal fueron significativamente mayores entre los fumadores, consumidores de antiinflamatorios y pacientes con test positivo de sobrecrecimiento bacteriano de intestino delgado. El tabaquismo (OR: 3,505; p: 0,028), la toma de antiinflamatorios (OR: 3,473; p: 0,021) y el sobrecrecimiento bacteriano (OR: 3,172; p: 0,013) son factores de riesgo independientes para presentar una calprotectina alterada sin lesiones endoscópicas. No se obtuvo asociación con ninguna otra variable. CONCLUSIONES: el consumo de tabaco y de antiinflamatorios no esteroideos tiene una fuerte asociación con la presencia de valores elevados de calprotectina en ausencia de lesiones endoscópicas. Se ha observado también asociación con el sobrecrecimiento bacteriano de intestino delgado

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Restablecimiento de la actividad en los servicios de digestivo. Recomendaciones de la SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU y AEG / No disponible

El artículo recoge el conjunto de medidas propuestas por la SEPD, la AEEH, GETECCU y la AEG que pretenden servir de ayuda a los servicios en su reincorporación a la actividad habitual. Hemos confeccionado una serie de recomendaciones prácticas respecto al manejo y a la reintroducción progresiva de la actividad asistencial. Estas recomendaciones están guiadas por la escasa y cambiante evidencia disponible y serán objeto de futuras actualizaciones, en base a las necesidades diarias y la disponibilidad del material fungible para adecuarse a las mismas; y se podrán implementar en cada servicio en función de la incidencia acumulada de SARS-CoV-2 en cada región y de la carga que la epidemia ha ocasionado en cada uno de los hospitales. Los objetivos generales de estas recomendaciones son: · Proteger a nuestros pacientes de los riesgos de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 y prestarles una atención de calidad. · Proteger a todos los profesionales sanitarios de los riesgos de la infección por SARS-CoV-2. · Recuperar el normal funcionamiento de nuestros servicios en un entorno de riesgo continuado de infección por SARS-CoV-2

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Resumption of activity in gastroenterology departments. Recommendations by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG.

The set of measures proposed by SEPD, AEEH, GETECCU and AEG are aimed to help departments in their resumption of usual activity. We have prepared a number of practical recommendations regarding patient management and the stepwise resumption of healthcare activity. These recommendations are based on the sparse, changing evidence available, and will be updated in the future according to daily needs and the availability of expendable materials to suit them; in each department they will be implemented depending upon the cumulative incidence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in each region, and the burden the pandemic has represented for each hospital. The general objectives of these recommendations include: • To protect our patients against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2 and to provide them with high-quality care. • To protect all healthcare professionals against the risks of infection with SARS-CoV-2. • To resume normal functioning of our departments in a setting of ongoing risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2.

Factors associated with the presence of abnormal levels of fecal calprotectin in patients with negative panenteric studies.

BACKGROUND: fecal calprotectin is a selection tool prior to endoscopic studies in patients with gastrointestinal symptoms. However, some symptomatic patients with altered fecal calprotectin will not have any endoscopic lesions. The aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with the presence of altered fecal calprotectin in patients with negative endoscopic studies of the colon and small bowel. METHODS: this was an observational, prospective study of patients with digestive symptoms. The association of different clinical factors with elevated fecal calprotectin in the absence of endoscopic lesions of the colon and small bowel were analyzed. RESULTS: 143 patients were included in the study, 98 were female (68.5 %) and the mean age was 40.06 ± 16.42 (15-82) years. Smoking and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug intake were associated with altered fecal calprotectin in patients with a negative endoscopy of the colon and small bowel (p = 0.029 and p = 0.006). The mean values of fecal calprotectin were significantly higher in smokers, users of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and patients with small intestine bacterial overgrowth. Smoking (OR: 3.505; p = 0.028), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake (OR: 3.473; p = 0.021) and small intestine bacterial overgrowth (OR: 3.172; p = 0.013) were independent risk factors for altered fecal calprotectin in the absence of endoscopic lesions. No association was found for any of the other variables. CONCLUSIONS: smoking and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are strongly associated with elevated levels of fecal calprotectin in symptomatic patients with a negative colonoscopy and capsule endoscopy of the small bowel. Small intestine bacterial overgrowth is also associated.

Indicadores de calidad de la enteroscopia Procedimiento de la enteroscopia / No disponible

Enmarcado dentro del proyecto "Indicadores de calidad en endoscopia digestiva", liderado por la Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva (SEPD), el objetivo es proponer los procedimientos e indicadores de estructura, proceso y resultado necesarios para aplicar y evaluar la calidad en la enteroscopia. Para ello, se ha realizado una búsqueda de indicadores de calidad en enteroscopias. La calidad de la evidencia se ha analizado aplicando la escala de clasificación utilizada en GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) definiéndola como de calidad alta, moderada, baja y muy baja. Se ha identificado para enteroscopia un total de 10 indicadores de procesos (uno de preprocedimiento, ocho de procedimiento y uno de resultado), siendo los más importantes la indicación adecuada y la elección de una vía de acceso idónea

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Quality indicators in enteroscopy. Enteroscopy procedure.

Within the project "Quality Indicators in Gastrointestinal Endoscopy," under the leadership of the Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva (SEPD), our goal is to propose the procedures and the structure, process, and outcome indicators required for the application and assessment of quality in enteroscopy. To this end a search was performed for quality indicators in enteroscopy. Quality of evidence was measured by using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation) system, and classified as high, moderate, low, and very low. A total of 10 process indicators (one preprocedure, eight procedure, one postprocedure) were identified for enteroscopy, with appropriate indication and choice of most efficient route being most significant.

Los servicios de digestivo en el Sistema Nacional de Salud del siglo XXI. Estándares de organización y funcionamiento para un servicio centrado en el paciente / No disponible

La Sociedad Española de Patología Digestiva ha elaborado un documento de consenso sobre los estándares y recomendaciones que considera fundamentales en la organización de las unidades de digestivo para desarrollar sus actividades con eficiencia y calidad. Se han definido cuatro grupos de procesos clave: la atención al paciente adulto agudamente enfermo, la endoscopia digestiva ambulatoria, la consulta e interconsulta en patología digestiva y la asistencia integral del paciente con patología digestiva crónica compleja. Como procesos de soporte se han identificado la estructura y el funcionamiento de las unidades de digestivo y, como procesos estratégicos, la formación e investigación. Se han elaborado, asimismo, los estándares para algunas unidades funcionales y monográficas de digestivo: Unidad de Endoscopia Digestiva, Unidad de Hepatología y Unidad Multidisciplinar de Enfermedad Inflamatoria Intestinal, así como para determinados procedimientos: colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica, colonoscopia y gastroscopia. Los estándares serán ampliados a otras unidades y procedimientos en la medida en que se vayan desarrollando. Los estándares elaborados deben ser revisados en el plazo máximo de cinco años

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Digestive units in the National Health System of the 21st century. Organizational and management standards for a patient-centered service.

The Spanish Society of Digestive Pathology has set a consensus document on the standards and recommendations for gastroenterology units (GU). These standards are considered as relevant in the organization and management of the unit to develop their activities with efficiency and quality. Four key groups of processes have been identified: a) care for the acutely ill adult patient; b) outpatient digestive endoscopy; c) in-hospital support to other services and outpatient clinics; and d) management of patients with chronic complex digestive pathology. Standards for organization and management of the unit were classified within the group of support processes, and training and research as strategic processes. Standards have also been developed for some functional and monographic units such as endoscopy, hepatology and inflammatory bowel disease; as well as for certain procedures including endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography, colonoscopy and gastroscopy. The standards will be set for other units and procedures as they are developed. The standards developed must be reviewed within a maximum period of five years.

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in the management of biliary complications after orthotopic liver transplantation

Background: biliary complications are frequent after orthotopic liver transplantation and the management of these complications with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is available. The aims of the study were to analyze the experience in the endoscopic management of biliary complications after liver transplantation in a third level center. Furthermore, the factors associated with higher rates of technical and clinical success were determined. Methods: this was an observational retrospective study of ERCPs performed in patients with biliary complications after liver transplantation between February 2012 and January 2017. The factors analyzed were: demographics, time between transplantation and ERCP, indications for ERCP, strategy of stenting (only plastic stents, only self-expandable metallic stents, plastic followed by metallic stents and metallic followed by plastic stents), technical and clinical success and complications. Results: one hundred and sixty-eight endoscopies were performed in 58 patients. Thirty-three patients (56.9%) presented with early complications. The most frequent indication for ERCP was anastomotic stenosis (57.8%). Technical success in the first ERCP was achieved in 43 patients (74.1%). Early onset of biliary complications was associated with higher rates of technical success (OR: 6.49; p: 0.036). Clinical success was obtained in 36 cases (62.1%). Patients with early complications had a higher probability of having good clinical response (OR: 11.16; p: 0.033). The results were worse in patients with only plastic stents (50% of clinical success). Eleven complications were observed among 168 ERCPs (6.54%), including two pancreatitis, five bleeding events, three cholangitis and one micro-perforation. Conclusions: ERCP is safe and useful in the management of biliary complications after liver transplantation. Early onset of complications is associated with better results. Some patients will need repeated procedures to obtain a good clinical response

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