Escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol em veias safenas magnas e suas tributárias bilateralmente em tempo único / Bilateral foam polidocanol sclerotherapy of great saphenous veins and their tributaries in synchronous procedure

Resumo Contexto A insuficiência venosa crônica é uma entidade com alta prevalência. Os casos avançados apresentam morbidade elevada. Objetivos Avaliar os riscos e benefícios da escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol em pacientes que foram submetidos ao tratamento das veias safenas magnas bilateralmente em tempo único. Métodos Foram revistos retrospectivamente 55 pacientes (110 membros) portadores de incompetência bilateral das veias safenas magnas submetidas a tratamento escleroterápico com espuma bilateralmente, em tempo único, usando uma dose máxima de 20 mL de espuma de polidocanol por paciente. Resultados Das 110 safenas analisadas, obteve-se a oclusão de 81 (73,6%) com uma sessão, de 106 (96,3%) com duas sessões e de 110 (100%) com três sessões. Houve oclusão bilateral das safenas magnas em 27 pacientes (50%) em uma sessão, em 34 (62%) em duas sessões e em 55 (100%) em três sessões. De 11 pacientes portadores de úlceras, houve cicatrização total de sete (63%) e parcial de três (27%) 42 dias após a escleroterapia. Houve lipotimia autolimitada e escotomas visuais em um paciente (1,8%) e manchas em três (5,45%); 19 pacientes (34,5%) foram submetidos a punção para drenagem de coágulo retido. Conclusões A escleroterapia com espuma de polidocanol em veias safenas magnas em tempo único mostrou-se uma técnica segura e eficaz em pacientes selecionados.

Abstract Background Chronic venous insufficiency is a highly prevalent disease. Advanced cases have high morbidity. Objectives To evaluate the risks and benefits of foam sclerotherapy in patients who underwent bilateral treatment of the great saphenous veins in a single procedure, in selected cases of advanced venous insufficiency. Methods We retrospectively reviewed 55 patients (110 limbs) with bilateral incompetence of the great saphenous veins who had undergone foam sclerotherapy treatment bilaterally, using a maximum dose of 20 ml of foam per patient and inelastic compression. Results In 81 (73.6%) of the 110 saphenous veins analyzed, occlusion was obtained in the first session. After a second session this figure rose to 106 (96.3%) and all 110 (100%) veins were occluded after three sessions. Bilateral occlusion of the great saphenous veins was achieved in 27 patients (50%) in one session, in 34 (62%) patients in two sessions, and in 55 (100%) patients in three sessions. At 42 days after sclerotherapy, there was complete ulcer healing in seven (63%) of the 11 patients with ulcers and partial healing in 3 (27%) of these patients. One patient (1.8%) had self-limited lipothymia and visual scotomas, 3 patients (5.45%) had skin spots, and 19 patients (34.5%) developed retained intravascular coagulum. Conclusions Bilateral foam sclerotherapy in a synchronous procedure is an option to be considered for treatment of varicose veins of the lower limbs.

Elimination of saphenous reflux after tributary sclerotherapy: report of two cases / Abolição do refluxo de safena após escleroterapia de colaterais: relato de dois casos

Abstract Most patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) and reflux in the saphenous vein are treated with saphenous stripping or ablation. The venous hemodynamics approach offers the possibility of treating saphenous reflux without eliminating the saphenous vein. We present 2 cases in which venous reflux was eliminated while preserving the great saphenous vein, after treatment with hemodynamic sclerotherapy using a protocol of synergic use of Dextrose and long pulse Nd YAG 1064 laser. These cases show that treating the tributaries responsible for saphenous reflux can correct hemodynamic imbalances and restore normal flow in the great saphenous vein with improvements in symptoms and esthetics. Long-term results are still uncertain.

Resumo A maioria dos pacientes com insuficiência venosa crônica e refluxo na veia safena é tratada com retirada ou ablação da safena. A hemodinâmica venosa traz a possibilidade de tratar esses pacientes sem eliminar a veia safena. Nós apresentamos dois casos de refluxo parcial de veia safena magna resolvidos com escleroterapia hemodinâmica. Usamos um protocolo de uso sinergístico de glicose 75% e Nd-YAG laser 1064. Os casos nos mostram que o tratamento das tributárias pode corrigir o refluxo da veia safena e obter melhora clínica e cosmética. Os resultados de longo prazo ainda são incertos.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for chronic venous disease with ulcer. A prospective multiple outcome cohort study / Escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma para doença venosa crônica com úlcera: coorte prospectiva de múltiplos desfechos

Abstract Background Chronic Venous Disease (CVD) is the main cause of chronic leg ulcers. Varicose veins are the most frequent cause of venous leg ulcers (VLU). 50.9% of Brazilian women have varicose veins and ulcer prevalence is as high as 4%. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy (UGFS) is a low-cost treatment option for varicose veins. Objectives To analyze UGFS outcomes in patients with VLU. Methods Prospective consecutive single center cohort study. Patients with great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux and VLU were treated and followed-up for 180 days. The following were studied: quality of life (QoL), disease severity, healing, and elimination of GSV reflux. The Aberdeen questionnaire, a venous clinical severity score, and Duplex scanning (DS) results were analyzed. Results 22 patients aged 35 to 70 years were treated. There was improvement in quality of life, disease severity reduced, and ulcer diameter reduced (p < 0.001; ANOVA). 77.27% of VLU healed completely (95%CI: 59.76-94.78%). The dimensions of 20/22 VLU reduced (90.91%; 95%CI: 78.9-100%). GSV reflux was eliminated in 63.64% (95%CI: 43.54-83.74%). Men had greater QoL benefit and women had more complications. There were no severe complications. The VLU that had healed completely at the end of the study were smaller at baseline than those that did not completely heal. The GSV that were completely occluded at the end of the study were smaller at baseline than those that were not completely occluded (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney). Conclusion The results suggest that most patients benefited from UGFS.

Resumo Contexto A doença venosa crônica (DVC) é a principal causa de úlceras crônicas em membros inferiores. As varizes dos membros inferiores são a causa mais frequente de úlcera venosa (UV). No Brasil, 50,9% das mulheres têm varizes e a prevalência da úlcera chega a 4%. A escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma (EEE) é uma alternativa de baixo custo para tratamento de varizes de membros inferiores. Objetivos Analisar evolução de portadores de UV tratados com EEE. Métodos Coorte prospectiva e consecutiva em um único serviço. Portadores de UV com veia safena magna (VSM) insuficiente foram acompanhados por 180 dias após EEE. Foram estudadas: qualidade de vida, gravidade da doença, cicatrização e eliminação do refluxo. Foram utilizados questionário Aberdeen, escore clínico venoso e ultrassom Doppler. Resultados Foram tratados 22 pacientes com idade entre 35 a 70 anos. Houve melhora na qualidade de vida, redução da gravidade da doença, e redução dos diâmetros das úlceras (p < 0.001; ANOVA). Houve redução das dimensões em 90,91% das úlceras [intervalo de confiança de 95% (IC95%) 78,9-100%], e cicatrização completa em 77,27% (IC95% 59,76-94,78%). O refluxo foi eliminado em 63,64% (IC95% 43,54-83,74%) das VSM. Homens tiveram maior benefício em qualidade de vida, e mulheres apresentaram mais complicações. Não houve complicações graves. As UV completamente cicatrizadas e as VSM que apresentaram oclusão completa apresentavam dimensões inicialmente menores quando comparadas às das UV não completamente cicatrizadas e das VSM não completamente ocluídas (p < 0,05; Mann-Whitney). Conclusões Os resultados sugerem que EEE foi benéfica para a maioria dos pacientes.

Sclerotherapy of benign oral vascular lesions with non-diluted ethanolamine oleate / Escleroterapia de lesiones vasculares orales benignas con oleato de etanolamina no diluido

Benign oral vascular lesions are anomalies characterized by the blood vessels proliferation or malformation and the treatment with the sclerosing agent ethanolamine oleate acts irrigating the vessel producing a sterile inflammatory response. The objective of this study was to report and discuss the results from treatment of benign oral vascular lesions with non-diluted ethanolamine oleate through the analysis of clinical records. The sample was composed by the selection of twenty-six patients (12 male and 14 female), with oral vascular malformations. All lesions were treated with intralesional injections of undiluted ethanolamine oleate. These patients attended in Oral Medicine outpatient clinic of the Federal University of Paraná between the years of 2011 to 2015. The average age was 60.65 years, with a higher prevalence for women. The majority of the individuals had one lesion and its location was mostly in the lower lip. The main complaint was about a physical discomfort. The lesions had the average size of 6.52 mm and received a median number of 2.32 applications. Only one patient reported feeling pain in the postoperative week. In most cases the resolution of the lesion was considered partial. Follow-up was obtained up to one month after the end of treatment. The sclerotherapy with undiluted ethanolamine oleate shows acceptable results in the treatment of small benign oral vascular lesions with a few minor side effects.

Las lesiones vasculares orales benignas son anomalías caracterizadas por la proliferación o malformación de los vasos sanguíneos y el tratamiento con el agente esclerosante etanolamina oleato actúa irrigando el vaso produciendo una respuesta inflamatoria estéril. El objetivo de este estudio fue informar y discutir los resultados del tratamiento de lesiones vasculares orales benignas con oleato de etanolamina no diluido a través del análisis de historias clínicas. La muestra estuvo compuesta por la selección de veintiséis pacientes (12 hombres y 14 mujeres), con malformaciones vasculares orales. Todas las lesiones fueron tratadas con inyecciones intralesionales de oleato de etanolamina sin diluir. Estos pacientes acudieron a la clínica ambulatoria de Medicina Oral de la Universidad Federal de Paraná entre los años 2011 a 2015. La edad promedio fue de 60,65 años, con una mayor prevalencia para las mujeres. La mayoría de los individuos tenían una lesión y su ubicación era principalmente en el labio inferior. La queja principal era sobre una molestia física. Las lesiones tenían un tamaño promedio de 6,52 mm y recibieron una mediana de 2,32 aplicaciones. Solo un paciente informó haber sentido dolor en la semana postoperatoria. En la mayoría de los casos, la resolución de la lesión se consideró parcial. El seguimiento se obtuvo hasta un mes después del final del tratamiento. La escleroterapia con oleato de etanolamina sin diluir muestra resultados aceptables en el tratamiento de pequeñas lesiones vasculares orales benignas con algunos efectos secundarios menores.

Sclerotherapy as an esthetic indication in oral vascular malformations: a case series

Abstract Background The use of monoethanolamine oleate 5% is effective for the treatment of vascular malformations with low blood flow. Objectives To report a case series of vascular malformations in the mouth and oral cavity treated with monoethanolamine oleate 5%. Methods A retrospective descriptive study was performed in electronic patient charts covering seven years. Patient demographics, diagnostic resources, lesion site, size, and number of applications of monoethanolamine oleate 5% were collected. Results A total of 21 vascular malformations were recorded, located mostly on the lower lip (52.3%) and resolved in a single application in 14 patients. The authors found 19 patients treated with sclerotherapy. Thirteen were women and six were men, with a mean age of 61 years. Study limitation Small sample size. Conclusions Sclerotherapy is an effective treatment for vascular malformations of the lips and oral cavity, with resolution after only one or two applications (n = 16).

Influência da escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma de polidocanol na qualidade de vida na insuficiência venosa crônica de membros inferiores: resultados iniciais / Influence of polidocanol ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy on quality of life in lower extremity chronic venous disease: initial results

A insuficiência venosa crônica (IVC) não só representa um prejuízo na qualidade de vida (QV), como também gera um ônus aos recursos de saúde pública. A escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma (EEE) vem se mostrando uma boa opção, porém, seu real impacto na QV ainda é incerto. Apresentamos aqui os resultados dos primeiros 27 casos de um estudo prospectivo longitudinal não controlado para avaliação da clínica e QV submetidos a EEE em portadores de IVC CEAP C4 a C6 com contraindicação de cirurgia convencional, com avaliação seriada da clínica por meio do Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) e da QV com o questionário Assessment of Burden Chronic Disease - Venous (ABC-V). Observamos redução do VCSS de 22,2% (p < 0,001) na primeira semana e do score ABC-V de 37,8% (p = 0,003) no primeiro trimestre

Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is not only detrimental to patients' Quality of Life (QoL) but also places a considerable burden on public health resources. Ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy (USFS) is a good treatment option, but its effect on patients' QOL is still unclear. This article presents the results from the first 27 patients in a prospective, longitudinal, non-controlled study for evaluation of the clinical and QOL impact of USFS treatment for CEAP C4 to C6 grade CVI with contraindications for open surgery. Clinical symptoms were measured with the Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) and QOL by the Assessment of Burden Chronic Disease - Venous questionnaire (ABC-V). We observed 22.2% reductions in VCSS (p<0.001) in the first week after the procedure, and a 37.8% reduction in ABC-V scores (p=0.03) over the first 3 months

Escleroterapia endoscópica asistida mediante balón oclusivo como tratamiento de varices gástricas cardiofúndicas de alto riesgo: reporte de dos casos y revisión de la literatura / Fundal variceal bleeding treated with balloon occluded endoscopic inyection sclerotherapy: report of two cases

Management of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by fundal varices is particularly difficult to manage. The options are: transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate or balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO). We report a 63 year-old male with a cirrhosis caused by hepatitis C and a 66 year-old female with a cirrhosis caused by a non-alcoholic steatohepatitis. Both patients had a gastrointestinal bleeding caused by fundal varices and were treated with sclerotherapy with cyanoacrylate assisted with BRTO. Flow was interrupted in the gastro-renal shunt by a femoral access in both patients. The male patient had a new bleeding two months later and died. In the female patient an endosonography performed nine months after the procedure showed absence of remaining varices.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for severe chronic venous insufficiency / Escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma para tratamento da insuficiência venosa crônica grave

ABSTRACT Chronic venous insufficiency is characterized by cutaneous alterations caused by venous hypertension; in severe forms, it progresses to lower limb ulcers. Lower limb varicose veins are the main cause of chronic venous insufficiency, and the classic treatment includes surgery and compressive therapy. Minimally invasive alternative treatments for varicose veins include new techniques such as venous thermal ablation using laser or radiofrequency. The use of different methods depends on clinical and anatomical factors. Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy is the venous injection of sclerosing foam controlled by Doppler ultrasound. Sclerotherapy is very useful to treat varicose veins, and probably, is cheaper than other methods. However, until the present, it is the less studied method.

RESUMO A insuficiência venosa crônica é caracterizada por alterações cutâneas decorrentes da hipertensão venosa que, nas formas graves, evoluem com úlceras nos membros inferiores. As varizes dos membros inferiores são a causa mais frequente de insuficiência venosa crônica, que tem como tratamentos clássicos a cirurgia de varizes e a terapia compressiva. Novas técnicas de termo-ablação venosa por laser e radiofrequência são alternativas minimamente invasivas para o tratamento de varizes. A aplicabilidade dos diferentes métodos é limitada por requisitos anatômicos e clínicos. A escleroterapia ecoguiada com espuma consiste na injeção endovenosa da espuma esclerosante monitorada pelo Ultrassom Doppler. A escleroterapia tem grande aplicabilidade para tratamento das varizes e, provavelmente, é mais barato que outros métodos. Entretanto é, até o momento, o método menos estudado.

Fístula arteriovenosa após escleroterapia com espuma guiada por ultrassom: relato de caso / Arteriovenous fistula after ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy: case report

A escleroterapia com espuma guiada por ultrassom tem ganhado espaço no tratamento da insuficiência venosa crônica secundária a varizes dos membros inferiores. Trata-se de procedimento ambulatorial, de baixo custo e sem necessidade de afastamento das atividades habituais. Apresenta bons resultados clínicos, especialmente nos estágios mais avançados da doença. Quando bem aplicada, apresenta baixas taxas de complicações maiores. Porém, a técnica apresenta altas taxas de recanalização no médio e longo prazo, e seu mecanismo ainda não é totalmente compreendido. O presente artigo descreve um caso de fístula arteriovenosa em segmento de recanalização de veia safena magna, após escleroterapia com espuma guiada por ultrassom, e identificada por exame ultrassonográfico de vigilância pós-procedimento.

Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy has become widespread in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency secondary to varicose veins. It is a low-cost, outpatient procedure that does not require medical leave. It has demonstrated good clinical results, especially in the more advanced stages of the disease. When employed correctly, it results in low rates of major complications. However, the technique exhibits high recanalization rates over mid and long-term follow up. Additionally, the recanalization mechanism has not yet been explained. This article describes an arteriovenous fistula in a recanalized segment of great saphenous vein previously treated with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy that was detected during post-procedure follow-up with ultrasound.

Evaluation of quality of life and photoplethysmography in patients with chronic venous insufficiency treated with foam sclerotherapy

BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy plays a major role in treatment of chronic venous insufficiency, providing clinical and hemodynamic improvement to patients undergoing treatment.OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationships between venous refilling time and impact of venous disease on quality of life and between changes in venous refilling time and improvement of symptoms after ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy for chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Thirty-two patients classified as C4, C5 or C6 answered a questionnaire on quality of life and symptoms and their venous filling time was measured using photoplethysmography before and 45 days after treatment of chronic venous insufficiency with ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy.RESULTS: Statistically significant improvements were observed in quality of life scores and in venous filling time and in the following symptoms: aching, heavy legs, restless legs, swelling, burning sensations, and throbbing (p<0.0001). A similar improvement was also seen in the work and social domains of quality of life (p<0.0001).CONCLUSIONS: As confirmed by questionnaire scores and venous refilling times, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy demonstrated efficacy and resulted in high satisfaction levels and low rates of major complications.

CONTEXTO: A escleroterapia com espuma guiada por ultrassom (EGUS) ocupa lugar de destaque no tratamento da insuficiência venosa crônica (IVC), proporcionando melhora clínica e hemodinâmica aos pacientes submetidos ao tratamento.OBJETIVOS: Verificar a correlação entre dados obtidos por questionário de qualidade de vida e de sintomas com dados obtidos por fotopletismografia (FPG), antes e depois do tratamento por escleroterapia com espuma guiada por ultrassom (EGUS) da insuficiência venosa crônica (IVC). MÉTODOS: Um grupo de 32 pacientes, classificados como C4, C5 e C6, foi submetido à aplicação de questionário de qualidade de vida e sintomas, sendo aferido o tempo de enchimento venoso (TEV) por FPG antes e 45 dias depois do tratamento da IVC através de EGUS. O teste do sinal foi utilizado para análise estatística da melhora dos escores dos questionários e do TEV. O teste de McNemar foi utilizado para avaliação da melhora nos sintomas e do impacto do tratamento nas atividades laborais e sociais dos pacientes.RESULTADOS: Houve melhora nos escores dos questionários de qualidade de vida e no TEV, com significância estatística (p<0,0001). Houve melhora estatisticamente significativa nos sintomas: dor, cansaço, edema, queimação, pernas inquietas e latejamento (p<0,0001). Incremento na qualidade laboral e social após o tratamento apresentou melhora estatisticamente significativa (p<0,0001). Não ocorreram complicações maiores ou efeitos adversos nesta série.CONCLUSÕES: A EGUS mostrou-se eficaz, com alto índice de satisfação e baixas taxas de complicacões maiores, ratificada pelos escores dos questionários e pelos TEVs aferidos pela FPG.

Ethanol sclerotherapy of head and neck venous malformations / Escleroterapia com etanol em malformações venosas da cabeça e pescoço

Objective This retrospective study evaluated the results of sclerotherapy with low doses of ethanol for treatment of head and neck venous malformations. Methods We treated 51 patients, 37 females. Median age was 23 years. Patients were treated with percutaneous intralesional injection of alcohol every two weeks and followed up prospectively for a median period of 18 months. Most lesions affected the face and cosmetic disfigurement was the most frequent complaint. Results We performed a median of 7 sessions of sclerotherapy. Complete resolution or improvement was observed in 48 patients presented. Five cases of small skin ulceration, two cases of hyperpigmentation and two of paresthesia were documented; all of them were treated conservatively. Conclusion Percutaneous sclerotherapy with low doses of ethanol is a safe and effective treatment modality for venous malformations affecting the head and neck. .

Objetivo Estudo retrospectivo que analisou os resultados da escleroterapia, com doses baixas de etanol, realizada sob anestesia local para tratamento de malformações venosas na cabeça e pescoço. Métodos Foram tratados 51 pacientes, sendo 37 do gênero feminino. A mediana de idade foi de 23 anos. Os pacientes foram tratados com injeções alcoólicas nas lesões, por via percutânea, em sessões quinzenais, e acompanhados prospectivamente por um período mediano de 18 meses. A maioria das lesões acometia a face e a queixa principal mais frequente foi deformidade estética. Resultados Foram realizadas, em média, sete sessões de escleroterapia. Resolução completa ou melhora foi observada em 48 pacientes. Cinco pacientes apresentaram pequena úlcera cutânea, dois hiperpigmentação e dois parestesia, sendo todos tratados conservadoramente. Conclusão A escleroterapia percutânea com doses baixas de etanol é um método seguro e eficaz para tratar malformações venosas na cabeça e pescoço. .

Comparación de la efectividad de la ligadura vs esclerosis endoscópica en pacientes con sangrado de várices esofágicas en el Hospital Hernán Henríquez de Temuco: estudio de cohortes comparativas / Comparison of band ligation with sclerotherapy for the treatment of bleeding esophageal varices

Background: Endoscopic band ligation is the treatment of choice for bleeding esophageal varices. However it is not clear if this procedure is associated with less early and late mortality than sclerotherapy. Aim: To assess rates of re-bleeding and mortality in cohorts of patients with bleeding esophageal varices treated with endos-copic injection or band ligation. Patients and Methods: Analysis of medical records and endoscopy reports of two cohorts of patients with bleeding esophageal varices, treated between 1990 and 2010. Of these, 54 patients were treated with sclerotherapy and 90 patients with band ligation. A third cohort of 116patients that did not require endoscopic treatment, was included. The mean analyzed follow up period was 2.5 years (range 1-16). Collection of data was retrospective for patients treated with sclerotherapy and prospective for patients treated with band ligation. Rates of re-bleeding and medium term mortality were assessed. Results: During the month ensuing the first endoscopic treatment, re-bleeding was recorded in 39 and 72% of patients treated with band ligation and sclerotherapy, respectively (p < 0.01). The relative risk of bleeding after band ligation was 0.53 (95% confidence limits 0.390.73). Death rates until the end of follow up were 20 and 48% among patients with treated with band ligation and sclerotherapy, respectively (p < 0.01), with a relative risk of dying for patients subjected to band ligation of 0.41 (95% confidence limits 0.25-0.68). Conclusions: Band ligation was associated with lower rates of re-bleeding and mortality in these cohorts of patients.

Prospective study of bacteremia rate after elective band ligation and sclerotherapy with cyanoacrylate for esophageal varices in patients with advanced liver disease / Estudo de bacteriemia relacionada à ligadura elástica versus injeção de cianocrilato para varizes esofágicas em pacientes com doença hepática avançada

CONTEXT: Band ligation (BL) is the most appropriate endoscopic treatment for acute bleeding or prophylaxis of esophageal variceal bleeding. Sclerotherapy with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (CY) can be an alternative for patients with advanced liver disease. Bacteremia is an infrequent complication after BL while the bacteremia rate following treatment with CY for esophageal varices remains unknown. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate and compare the incidence of transient bacteremia between cirrhotic patients submitted to diagnostic endoscopy, CY and BL for treatment of esophageal varices. METHODS: A prospective study comprising the period from 2004 to 2007 was conducted at Hospital of Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, SP, Brazil. Cirrhotic patients with advanced liver disease (Child-Pugh B or C) were enrolled. The patients were divided into two groups according treatment: BL Group (patients undergoing band ligation, n = 20) and CY Group (patients receiving cyanoacrylate injection for esophageal variceal, n = 18). Cirrhotic patients with no esophageal varices or without indication for endoscopic treatment were recruited as control (diagnostic group n = 20). Bacteremia was evaluated by blood culture at baseline and 30 minutes after the procedure. RESULTS: After 137 scheduled endoscopic procedures, none of the 58 patients had fever or any sign suggestive of infection. All baseline cultures were negative. No positive cultures were observed after CY or in the control group - diagnostic endoscopy. Three (4.6 percent) positive cultures were found out of the 65 sessions of band ligation (P = 0.187). Two of these samples were positive for coagulase-negative staphylococcus, which could be regarded as a contaminant. The isolated microorganism in the other case was Klebsiella oxytoca. The patient in this case presented no evidence of immunodeficiency except liver disease. CONCLUSIONS: There was no significant difference in bacteremia rate between these three groups. BL or CY injection for non-bleeding esophageal varices may be considered as low-risk procedures regarding bacteremia even when performed on patients with advanced liver disease.

CONTEXTO: A ligadura elástica é considerada o melhor tratamento endoscópico para o sangramento agudo por varizes esofágicas ou para profilaxia do sangramento varicoso, sendo a escleroterapia com N-2-butil-cianoacrilato uma alternativa para os pacientes com doença hepática avançada e distúrbio de coagulação. Bacteriemia é uma complicação rara associada à ligadura elástica, por outro lado, a incidência de bacteriemia relacionada com o uso de N-2-butil-cianoacrilato permanece desconhecida. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar e comparar a incidência de bacteriemia transitória entre os pacientes cirróticos submetidos a endoscopia digestiva alta diagnóstica, escleroterapia com N-2-butil-cianoacrilato ou ligadura elástica para tratamento das varizes esofágicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo realizado entre 2004 e 2007 foi conduzido no Hospital da Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP, Brasil. Cirróticos com doença hepática avançada (Child B ou C) foram incluídos. Os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o tratamento: grupo ligadura elástica (pacientes submetidos a ligadura elástica, n = 20) e grupo N-2-butil-cianoacrilato (pacientes submetidos a injeção de N-2-butil-cianoacrilato, n = 18). Cirróticos sem varizes esofágicas ou com varizes esofágicas sem indicação de tratamento endoscópico foram recrutados como controles (grupo endoscopia diagnóstica, n = 20). Bacteriemia foi avaliada por hemocultura basal e 30 minutos após o procedimento. RESULTADOS: Dos 137 procedimentos endoscópicos realizados, nenhum dos 58 pacientes apresentou febre ou qualquer sinal sugestivo de infecção. Todas as hemoculturas de base foram negativas. Nenhuma cultura positiva foi observada após o uso de N-2-butil-cianoacrilato ou no grupo controle. Três (4,6 por cento) culturas positivas foram encontradas após as 65 sessões de ligadura elástica (P = 0,187). Duas dessas foram positivas para Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo, provavelmente relacionadas à contaminação. O microorganismo isolado no terceiro caso foi Klebsiella oxytoca. Nesse caso, o paciente apresentava a própria doença hepática como única situação relacionada à imunodeficiência. CONCLUSÕES: Não houve diferença significante na incidência de bacteriemia entre os três grupos de pacientes. Ligadura elástica ou injeção de N-2-butil-cianoacrilato para profilaxia do sangramento varicoso podem ser considerados procedimentos de baixo risco quanto ao surgimento de bacteriemia, mesmo em pacientes com doença hepática avançada.

Sclerotherapy of hydroceles and spermatoceles with alcohol: results and effects on the semen analysis

PURPOSE: To evaluate the success rates of sclerotherapy of the tunica vaginalis with alcohol for the treatment of hydroceles and/or spermatoceles, as well as, evaluation of pain, formation of hematomas, infection and its effects in spermatogenesis . MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 69 patients, with offsprings and diagnosis of hydrocele and/or spermatocele, were treated during the period from April 2003 to June 2007. Semen analysis was obtained from patients who were able to provide us with samples. The sclerotherapy with alcohol at 99.5 percent was undertaken as outpatient procedure. RESULTS: The average volume drained pre-sclerotherapy was 279.82 mL (27 to 1145). The median follow-up was 43 months (9 to 80). A total of 114 procedures were performed on 84 units, with an average of 1.35 procedures / unit and an overall success rate of 97.62 percent. Of the 69 patients, 7 (10.14 percent) reported minor pain immediately after the procedure, 3 (4.35 percent) moderate pain and 2 (2.89 percent) intense pain. Post-Sclerotherapy spermograms revealed reduction of the parameters regarding: concentration, motility and morphology up to 6 months post procedure , with return to normal parameters 12th months after procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy of hydroceles and spermatoceles with 99.5 percent alcohol is an efficient procedure that can be perormed without difficulties, cost-effectiveness, with few side effects and which may be performed in patients who wish fertility.

Utilización de la escleroterapia con espuma en úlceras varicosas de miembros inferiores / Use of foam sclerotherapy in the treatment of varicose ulcers of lower extremities

La úlcera varicosa es una de las complicaciones más temidas y frecuentes de la insuficiencia venosa crónica, por la sintomatología y discapacidad que provoca en el paciente y los elevados costos que ocasiona. Se presenta un caso de un paciente con antecedentes de de várices en miembros inferiores, y una úlcera varicosa de varios años de evolución en el miembro inferior izquierdo rebelde a diferentes tratamientos, a la cual se le realiza la técnica escleroterapia con espuma y se logra su cicatrización con una evolución favorable

The varicose ulcer is one of the more frequent and fearsome complications of chronic venous insufficiency due to its symptomatology and disability provoked in a patient with a history of lower extremities varices and the high related costs. This is the case a patient with a background of lower extremities varices and a varicose ulcer of some years of evolution in the left lower limb unmanageable for different treatments being necessary to perform the foam sclerotherapy technique achieving its healing with a favorable course

Efficacy of absolute alcohol injection compared with band ligation in the eradication of esophageal varices

RACIONAL: Escleroterapia endoscópica tem indicação absoluta no tratamento das varizes de esôfago. Ressangramento é comum durante o período de tratamento, antes que as varizes sejam erradicadas. OBJETIVO: Comparar duas técnicas de erradicação endoscópica de varizes de esôfago: escleroterapia com álcool absoluto e ligadura elástica. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Quarenta e seis pacientes com cirrose hepática e varizes de esôfago foram prospectivamente randomizados em dois grupos de tratamento: escleroterapia endoscópica com álcool absoluto e ligadura elástica. Os pacientes foram incluídos no estudo se tivessem varizes de grosso calibre com sinais de alto risco de sangramento. Consentimento informado por escrito foi obtido de cada paciente e o estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição onde o estudo foi realizado. Após a erradicação, todos os pacientes foram seguidos durante 1 ano para avaliar a taxa de ressangramento e a recidiva das varizes. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos foram parecidos exceto no que se refere ao sexo masculino, mais comum no grupo da escleroterapia. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante em relação a erradicação das varizes (78,3% no grupo da escleroterapia vs. 73,9% no grupo da ligadura), recidiva (26,7% vs. 42,9%, respectivamente) e mortalidade relacionada a qualquer causa (21,7% vs. 13,9%). No grupo da escleroterapia houve necessidade de maior número de sessões para obtenção da erradicação completa das varizes. Neste mesmo grupo observou-se alta taxa de ressangramento (34,8%) e presença de mais úlceras associadas com dor retroesternal logo após o procedimento. Não houve diferença na morbimortalidade global. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento com ligadura elástica requer menos sessões do que a escleroterapia com álcool absoluto para erradicar as varizes de esôfago. Ambos os métodos são igualmente eficazes, a curto prazo, no que diz respeito à taxa de erradicação e recidiva das varizes.