Prótesis colónicas en el tratamiento paliativo del cáncer colónico. Nuestra evaluación tras 10 años de experiencia / Self-expanding metal stents in the palliative treatmentof coloncancer. Results of 10 years of experience

Introducción: la colocación de prótesis metálicas autoexpansibles (PAE) por vía endoscópica surge como opción terapéutica para la obstrucción colónica neoplásica en dos situaciones: como tratamiento paliativo y como puente a la cirugía curativa. Este procedimiento evita cirugías en dos tiempos y disminuye la probabilidad de colostomía definitiva y sus complicaciones con el consecuente deterioro de la calidad de vida. Objetivo: comunicar nuestra experiencia en la colocación de PAE para el tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción colorrectal neoplásica. Diseño: retrospectivo, longitudinal, descriptivo y observacional. Material y métodos: se incluyeron todos los pacientes a quienes el mismo grupo de endoscopistas les colocó PAE con intención paliativa por cáncer colorrectal avanzado entre agosto de 2008 y diciembre de 2019. Fueron analizadas las variables demográficas y clínicas, el éxito técnico y clínico, las complicaciones tempranas y tardías y la supervivencia. Resultados: se colocó PAE en 54 pacientes. La media de edad fue 71 años. El 85% de las lesiones se localizó en el colon izquierdo. En el 57% de los pacientes se realizó en forma ambulatoria. El éxito técnico y clínico fue del 92 y 90%, respectivamente y la supervivencia media de 209 días. La tasa de complicaciones fue del 29,6%, incluyendo un 14,8% de obstrucción y un 5,6% de migración. La mortalidad tardía atribuible al procedimiento fue del 5,6%, ocasionada por 3 perforaciones tardías: 2 abiertas y 1 microperforación con formación de absceso localizado. Conclusiones: la colocación de PAE como tratamiento paliativo de la obstrucción neoplásica colónica es factible, eficaz y segura. Permitió el manejo ambulatorio o con internación breve y la realimentación temprana, mejorando las condiciones para afrontar un eventual tratamiento quimioterápico paliativo. Las mayoría de las complicaciones fueron tardías y resueltas endoscópicamente en forma ambulatoria. (AU)

Introduction: endoscopic placement of self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) emerges as a therapeutic option for neoplastic obstruction of the colon in two situations: as palliative treatment and as a bridge to curative surgery. This procedure avoids two-stage surgeries and reduces the probability of permanent colostomy and its complications with the consequent deterioration in quality of life. Objective: to report our experience in the placement of SEMS as palliative treatment in neoplastic colorectal obstruction. Design: retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study. Methods: all patients in whom the same group of endoscopists performed SEMS placement with palliative intent for advanced colorectal cancer between August 2008 and December 2019 were analyzed. Data collected were demographic and clinical variables, technical and clinical success, early and late complications, and survival. Results: SEMS were placed in 54 patients. The average age was 71 years. Eighty-five percent were left-sided tumors. In 57% of the patients the procedure was performed on an outpatient basis. Technical and clinical success was 92 and 90%, respectively, and median survival was 209 days. The complication rate was 29.6%, including 14.8% obstruction and 5.6% migration. Late mortality attributable to the procedure was 5.6%, caused by 3 late perforations: 2 open and 1 microperforation with localized abscess formation. Conclusions: The placement of SEMS as a palliative treatment for neoplastic colonic obstruction is feasible, effective and safe. It allowed outpa-tient management or brief hospitalization and early refeeding, improving the conditions to face an eventual palliative chemotherapy treatment. Most complications were late and resolved endoscopically on an outpatient basis. (AU)

Transanal minimally-invasive surgery (TAMIS): experience with no closure of the rectal defect

Background: In transanalminimally-invasive surgery (TAMIS), the closure of the rectal defect is controversial, and endoluminal suture is one of the most challenging aspects. The goal of the present study is to evaluate the short- andmedium-term complications of a consecutive series of patients with extraperitoneal rectal injuries who underwent TAMIS without closure of the rectal defect. Materials and Methods: A prospective, longitudinal, descriptive study conducted between August 2013 and July 2019 in which all patients with extraperitoneal rectal lesions, who were operated on using the TAMIS technique, were consecutively included. The lesions were: benign lesions ≥ 3 cm; neuroendocrine tumors ≤ 2 cm; adenocarcinomas in stage T1N0; and adenocarcinomas in stage T2N0, with high surgical risk, or with the patients reluctant to undergo radical surgery, and others with doubts about complete remission after the neoadjuvant therapy. Bleeding, infectious complications, rectal stenosis, perforations, and death were evaluated. Results: A total of 35 patients were treated using TAMIS without closure of the defect. The average size of the lesionswas of 3.68±2.1 cm(95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 0.7cmto 9 cm), their average distance from the anal margin was of 5.7±1.48cm, and the average operative time was of 39.2±20.5 minutes, with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 1 year. As for the pathologies, they were: 15 adenomas; 3 carcinoid tumors; and 17 adenocarcinomas. In all cases, the rectal defect was left open. The overall morbidity was of 14.2%. Two patients (grade II in the Clavien-Dindo classification) were readmitted for pain treatment, and three patients (grade III in the Clavien-Dindo classification) were assisted due to postoperative bleeding, one of whom required reoperation. Conclusion: The TAMIS technique without closure of the rectal defect yields good results, and present a high feasibility and low complication rate. (AU)

Usefulness of a mobile app to improve performance of specialists in responding correctly to CRC screening and surveillance clinical scenarios.

Background and study aims The adherence to and knowledge of physicians about colorectal cancer (CRC) screening and surveillance guidelines is still suboptimal, threatening the effectiveness of CRC screening. This study assessed the usefulness of a mobile decision support system (MDSS) to improve physician ability to recommend proper timing of and intervals for CRC screening and surveillance. Patients and methods This was a binational, single-blinded, randomized clinical trial including gastroenterologists and colorectal surgeons from Argentina and Uruguay. The specialists were invited to respond to a questionnaire with 10 CRC screening and surveillance clinical scenarios, randomized into two groups, with and without access to a dedicated app (CaPtyVa). The main outcome measure was the proportion of physicians correctly solving at least 60 % of the clinical cases according to local guidelines. Results A total of 213 physicians were included. The proportion of physicians responding correctly at least 60 % of the vignettes was higher in the app group as compared to the control group (90 % versus 56 %) (relative risk [RR] 1.6 95 % confidence interval [CI] 1.34-1.91). The performance was also higher in the app group for both vignette categories: CRC screening (93 % vs 75 % RR 1.24, 95 %CI 1.01-1.40) and surveillance (85 % vs 47 % RR 1.81 95 %CI 1.46-2.22), respectively. Physicians considered the app easy to use and of great utility in daily practice. Conclusions A MDSS was shown to be a useful tool that improved specialist performance in solving CRC screening and surveillance clinical scenarios. Its implementation in daily practice may facilitate the adherence of physicians to CRC screening and surveillance guidelines.

[Endoscopic treatment of cicatricial pyloric stenosis of peptic origin in a 4-year-old boy]. / Tratamiento endoscópico de la obstrucción del tracto de salida gástrico de origen péptico-cicatricial en un niño de 4 años.

Gastric outlet obstruction is an uncommon condition in children. Traditionally, surgery has been the standard mode of treatment, but it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic treatment has emerged as an alternative to conventional treatment. We present the case of a 4-year-old patient with refractory prepyloric stenosis secondary to peptic ulcer disease. The picture begins with vomiting and abdominal pain of 2 months of evolution. Pre-pyloric stenosis was confirmed. Faced with the lack of response to medical treatment and balloon dilation, radiated incisions were made with electrocautery and steroid injections. When medical treatment is not sufficient, endoscopic balloon therapy should be the first therapeutic gesture in this type of stenosis; given its refractoriness, we believe it is important to highlight the usefulness of endoscopic treatment, which could prevent surgery and associated morbidity and mortality.

La obstrucción de la salida gástrica es una afección infrecuente en la edad pediátrica. Tradicionalmente, la cirugía ha sido el modo de tratamiento estándar, pero está asociada a mayor morbimortalidad. El tratamiento endoscópico ha surgido como una alternativa al tratamiento convencional. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 4 años con estenosis prepilórica secundaria a enfermedad ulceropéptica. El cuadro clínico empezó con vómitos y dolor abdominal de 2 meses de evolución. Frente a la falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico y a la dilatación endoscópica con balón, se realizaron incisiones radiadas con electrocauterio e inyecciones de esteroides. La terapéutica endoscópica con balón debería ser el primer gesto terapéutico en este tipo de estenosis refractarias al tratamiento médico.

Tratamiento endoscópico de la obstrucción del tracto de salida gástrico de origen péptico-cicatricial en un niño de 4 años / Endoscopic treatment of cicatricial pyloric stenosis of peptic origin in a 4-year-old boy

La obstrucción de la salida gástrica es una afección infrecuente en la edad pediátrica. Tradicionalmente, la cirugía ha sido el modo de tratamiento estándar, pero está asociada a mayor morbimortalidad. El tratamiento endoscópico ha surgido como una alternativa al tratamiento convencional. Presentamos el caso de un paciente de 4 años con estenosis prepilórica secundaria a enfermedad ulceropéptica. El cuadro clínico empezó con vómitos y dolor abdominal de 2 meses de evolución. Frente a la falta de respuesta al tratamiento médico y a la dilatación endoscópica con balón, se realizaron incisiones radiadas con electrocauterio e inyecciones de esteroides. La terapéutica endoscópica con balón debería ser el primer gesto terapéutico en este tipo de estenosis refractarias al tratamiento médico

Gastric outlet obstruction is an uncommon condition in children. Traditionally, surgery has been the standard mode of treatment, but it is associated with higher morbidity and mortality. Endoscopic treatment has emerged as an alternative to conventional treatment. We present the case of a 4-year-old patient with refractory prepyloric stenosis secondary to peptic ulcer disease. The picture begins with vomiting and abdominal pain of 2 months of evolution. Pre-pyloric stenosis was confirmed. Faced with the lack of response to medical treatment and balloon dilation, radiated incisions were made with electrocautery and steroid injections. When medical treatment is not sufficient, endoscopic balloon therapy should be the first therapeutic gesture in this type of stenosis; given its refractoriness, we believe it is important to highlight the usefulness of endoscopic treatment, which could prevent surgery and associated morbidity and mortality.

[Trimming with argon plasma of self-expanding metal stents: report of 7 cases]. / Corte con argón plasma de prótesis autoexpansibles de nitinol: serie de 7 casos.

The use of self-expandable enteral stents for palliation of malignant stenosis may present the complication of concealing the ampulla of Vater behind the metallic mesh. Anchoring in the duodenal wall (distal or partial migration) may also be a complication of biliary metallic stents and therefore may cause difficulty in gaining access to the biliary tract. In these cases of difficult access, a fenestration on the prosthesis ( biliary or enteral) can be created to allow reaching the obstructed biliary tract by means of argon plasma (AP). Were retrospectively analysed 7 cases. Under endoscopic vision, AP was directed to filgurate and cut 6 biliary prosthesis and a duodenal stent. Fulguration and cut of biliary stent was performed in 5 cases of distal partial migration and cholangitis. In one case of obstruction caused by distal migration inside the duodenal stent light, cutting of the biliary stent was performed. A window was created in the enteral prosthesis in order to access the ampulla of Vater and place a biliary tract prosthesis. All cases were resolved successfully and without complications. We conclude that the use of AP to fulgurate and cut nitinol prosthesis was effective and presented no complications in this series.

[Neoplasic colonic obstruction: resolution with self-expanding metallic stents]. / Obstrucción neoplásica de colon: tratamiento con prótesis autoexpansibles.

INTRODUCTION: The endoscopic placement of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) emerges as a therapeutic option for neoplastic colonic obstruction in two situations: as palliative treatment and as a bridge to surgery. The latter can avoid emergency surgery, thus decreasing the rate of ostomies and the mortality and morbidity associated with them. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and benefits of SEMS placement for the treatment of neoplastic colorectal obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2008 and June 2012, we included in this prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study all the patients suffering from colorectal neoplasia who were subjected to SEMS placement by the same group ofendoscopists. Nitinol SEMS were inserted under endoscopic vision and radioscopic control. RESULTS: Twenty seven SEMS were inserted in 27 patients, 61% of them were male and the average age was 70 years old. Symptoms of colonic suboclussion or obstruction were found in 92% of patients, 88% of the lesions were located in the left-side colon, 41% of cases were performed on an ambulatory basis and 65% of stenting was carried out for palliative purposes. The average time of hospitalization was 6,46 days. Technical and clinical success were 93% and 100%, respectively. Minor complications were observed in 11% of patients. Colonic stenting was followed by elective surgery within one month, by a laparoscopic technique in most cases. CONCLUSION: The placement of SEMS arises as a safe and effective alternative to palliative surgery or as a bridge to elective surgery.

Obstrucción neoplásica de colon: tratamiento con prótesis autoexpansibles / [Neoplasic colonic obstruction: resolution with self-expanding metallic stents].

INTRODUCTION: The endoscopic placement of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) emerges as a therapeutic option for neoplastic colonic obstruction in two situations: as palliative treatment and as a bridge to surgery. The latter can avoid emergency surgery, thus decreasing the rate of ostomies and the mortality and morbidity associated with them. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and benefits of SEMS placement for the treatment of neoplastic colorectal obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2008 and June 2012, we included in this prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study all the patients suffering from colorectal neoplasia who were subjected to SEMS placement by the same group ofendoscopists. Nitinol SEMS were inserted under endoscopic vision and radioscopic control. RESULTS: Twenty seven SEMS were inserted in 27 patients, 61

of them were male and the average age was 70 years old. Symptoms of colonic suboclussion or obstruction were found in 92

of the lesions were located in the left-side colon, 41

of cases were performed on an ambulatory basis and 65

of stenting was carried out for palliative purposes. The average time of hospitalization was 6,46 days. Technical and clinical success were 93

, respectively. Minor complications were observed in 11

of patients. Colonic stenting was followed by elective surgery within one month, by a laparoscopic technique in most cases. CONCLUSION: The placement of SEMS arises as a safe and effective alternative to palliative surgery or as a bridge to elective surgery.

Corte con argón plasma de prótesis autoexpansibles de nitinol: serie de 7 casos / [Trimming with argon plasma of self-expanding metal stents: report of 7 cases].

The use of self-expandable enteral stents for palliation of malignant stenosis may present the complication of concealing the ampulla of Vater behind the metallic mesh. Anchoring in the duodenal wall (distal or partial migration) may also be a complication of biliary metallic stents and therefore may cause difficulty in gaining access to the biliary tract. In these cases of difficult access, a fenestration on the prosthesis ( biliary or enteral) can be created to allow reaching the obstructed biliary tract by means of argon plasma (AP). Were retrospectively analysed 7 cases. Under endoscopic vision, AP was directed to filgurate and cut 6 biliary prosthesis and a duodenal stent. Fulguration and cut of biliary stent was performed in 5 cases of distal partial migration and cholangitis. In one case of obstruction caused by distal migration inside the duodenal stent light, cutting of the biliary stent was performed. A window was created in the enteral prosthesis in order to access the ampulla of Vater and place a biliary tract prosthesis. All cases were resolved successfully and without complications. We conclude that the use of AP to fulgurate and cut nitinol prosthesis was effective and presented no complications in this series.

Obstrucción neoplásica de colon: tratamiento con prótesis autoexpansibles. / [Neoplasic colonic obstruction: resolution with self-expanding metallic stents].

INTRODUCTION: The endoscopic placement of self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) emerges as a therapeutic option for neoplastic colonic obstruction in two situations: as palliative treatment and as a bridge to surgery. The latter can avoid emergency surgery, thus decreasing the rate of ostomies and the mortality and morbidity associated with them. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility, safety and benefits of SEMS placement for the treatment of neoplastic colorectal obstruction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2008 and June 2012, we included in this prospective, longitudinal, descriptive and observational study all the patients suffering from colorectal neoplasia who were subjected to SEMS placement by the same group ofendoscopists. Nitinol SEMS were inserted under endoscopic vision and radioscopic control. RESULTS: Twenty seven SEMS were inserted in 27 patients, 61

of them were male and the average age was 70 years old. Symptoms of colonic suboclussion or obstruction were found in 92

of patients, 88

of the lesions were located in the left-side colon, 41

of cases were performed on an ambulatory basis and 65

of stenting was carried out for palliative purposes. The average time of hospitalization was 6,46 days. Technical and clinical success were 93

and 100

, respectively. Minor complications were observed in 11

of patients. Colonic stenting was followed by elective surgery within one month, by a laparoscopic technique in most cases. CONCLUSION: The placement of SEMS arises as a safe and effective alternative to palliative surgery or as a bridge to elective surgery.

Corte con argón plasma de prótesis autoexpansibles de nitinol: serie de 7 casos. / [Trimming with argon plasma of self-expanding metal stents: report of 7 cases].

The use of self-expandable enteral stents for palliation of malignant stenosis may present the complication of concealing the ampulla of Vater behind the metallic mesh. Anchoring in the duodenal wall (distal or partial migration) may also be a complication of biliary metallic stents and therefore may cause difficulty in gaining access to the biliary tract. In these cases of difficult access, a fenestration on the prosthesis ( biliary or enteral) can be created to allow reaching the obstructed biliary tract by means of argon plasma (AP). Were retrospectively analysed 7 cases. Under endoscopic vision, AP was directed to filgurate and cut 6 biliary prosthesis and a duodenal stent. Fulguration and cut of biliary stent was performed in 5 cases of distal partial migration and cholangitis. In one case of obstruction caused by distal migration inside the duodenal stent light, cutting of the biliary stent was performed. A window was created in the enteral prosthesis in order to access the ampulla of Vater and place a biliary tract prosthesis. All cases were resolved successfully and without complications. We conclude that the use of AP to fulgurate and cut nitinol prosthesis was effective and presented no complications in this series.

[Gastric outlet obstruction in malignant stenosis: self expanding metal stents]. / Prótesis enterales autoexpansibles en estenosis maligna del tracto de salida gastroduodenal. Experiencia en un centro.

INTRODUCTION: Gastric outlet obstruction is a complication that can occur in the evolution of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) resolve this situation by endoscopy, thus avoiding a laparoscopic gastroenterotomy. The aim of our study is to report our experience in the palliative treatment with SEMS of gastroduodenal neoplasic obstruction at a monovalent gastroenterology institute in Mar del Plata. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All patients with symptoms of gastric outlet obstruction of neoplasic origin who fit for SEMS between January 2006 and February 2011 were included. Data were collected regarding the patients' clinical characteristics as well as the type of tumor and the efficacy of the procedure measured according to success and complication rates, length of hospital stay and evaluation of clinical benefit, according to performance status scales and gastric outlet obstruction score (GOOS). RESULTS: A total of 17 prosthesis placed in 16 patients were analyzed. In all cases the procedure was completed successfully. The intervention was performed on an outpatient basis in 12 patients (75%). One patient presented within 7 days gastric haemorrhage related with the stent, who was early treated with argon plasma. Late expected com- plications due to prolonged survival were observed in 60% of patients. None of them was serious and resolved spontaneously or by endoscopic treatment. Average survival was 117 days (range 3 to 300 days) and most patients showed subjective improvement in GOOS scale. CONCLUSIONS: SEMS have a high rate of technical and clinical success. However, they are scarcely known in our field. They present an insignificant number of early complications and the resolution of later ones is quite easy. An improvement in GOOS scale and quality of life is achieved.