Primary Helicobacter pylori resistance to antimicrobials in the Brussels area in 2021.

This manuscript summarizes current primary resistance of Helicobacter pylori to antibiotics in Brussels in 2021. Resistance rates were estimated at 18% for clarithromycin, 24% for levofloxacin, 52% for metronidazole, and 0% for amoxicillin and tetracycline. When compared to 2016, resistance rates remain stable, except an increase of 30% for metronidazole.

Comparison of demographic characteristics and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy findings in HIV-positive, antiretroviral-treated patients with and without Helicobacter pylori coinfection.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated demographic characteristics in HIV-positive patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) who had upper gastrointestinal (UGI) symptoms requiring UGI endoscopy and compared the findings in patients with and without H. Pylori coinfection. METHODS: We prospectively observed all HIV-infected patients treated with antiretroviral therapy who underwent UGI endoscopy for the first time and were tested for H. pylori from January 2004 to December 2008. Data collected included the following: demographics (age, gender, ethnicity, body mass index [BMI], tobacco use, alcohol intake, and HIV risk behavior); comorbidity (viral hepatitis B or C, any organ dysfunction, or opportunistic disease); medication, including antibiotics, H2 blockers, proton pump inhibitors, and NSAIDs; CD4 cell counts, viral load; symptoms; and endoscopic and histologic diagnoses (H. pylori determined by Giemsa staining). Patients were compared according to H. pylori status (presence vs absence). RESULTS: One hundred and forty-five patients were evaluated. Compared to patients without H. pylori infection (n = 97), those with H. pylori infection (n = 48) had a significantly higher CD4 cell count (p = .008), were more likely to be heterosexual (p = .047), had a higher BMI (p = .027), had a greater incidence of duodenal ulcers (p = .005), had lower viral loads (p < .01), were less likely to have received macrolide antibiotics in the last 3 months (p = .00), and had less comorbidity (p = .03). They were also more frequently of Black African than Caucasians. In multivariate analysis, being heterosexual and having a low viral load were independently associated with an increased risk of having H. Pylori coinfection. CONCLUSION: In the antiretroviral therapy era, HIV-H. pylori coinfection is associated with a greater incidence of duodenal ulcers and higher CD4 counts, higher BMI, less comorbidity, and less frequent use of macrolides.

Single-incision transumbilical laparo-endoscopic gastric benign tumor resection.

INTRODUCTION: The authors report resection of a gastric benign tumor through single-incision laparoscopy, guided by peroperative gastroscopy. VIDEO: A 25-year-old man consulted after diagnosis of a 40 × 20 cm(2) endoluminal lesion of the gastric cardia. Preoperative work-up showed a stromal tumor with invasion of the muscular layer. The umbilical scar was incised and, after placement of a purse-string suture, an 11-mm nondisposable trocar was inserted for a 10-mm 30° angled scope. Curved and reusable instruments (Karl Storz-Endoskope, Tuttlingen, Germany) and straight ultrasonic shears (Ethicon Endosurgery, Cincinnati, OH, US) were inserted transumbilically. Peroperative gastroscopy located the lesion on the smaller gastric curvature, 1 cm from the gastroesophageal junction. A stitch was placed in the center of the lesion, and gastroscopic grasper helped in maintaining the limits of resection. Gastrostomy was closed using two converting absorbable running sutures. Because of the curves of the instruments there was no conflict between the instruments' tips inside the abdomen (Fig. 1a), or between the surgeon's hands outside the abdomen (Fig. 1b). Leak test with the gastroscope checked the integrity of the suture. The specimen was retrieved transumbilically in a plastic bag. RESULTS: Operative time was 150 min, and the umbilical incision was less than 15 mm. The patient was discharged after 5 days, and he is doing well 3 months postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic gastric resection can be safely performed through a single-access. Peroperative gastroscopy permits the limits of resection to be precisely determine, and use of curved and reusable instruments allows surgeon to achieve ergonomic conditions as in classic laparoscopy, without increasing the laparoscopic cost.

Enucleation of a leiomyoma of the mid-esophagus through a right thoracoscopy with the patient in prone position.

BACKGROUND: Leiomyoma is the most common benign esophageal neoplasm. Different open and minimally invasive approaches have been described. We describe a right thoracoscopic enucleation with the patient in the prone position. METHOD: A 49-year-old woman consulted us about solid-diet dysphagia without other symptoms. Preoperative work-up showed the presence of 50 x 28-mm leiomyoma of the middle esophagus, without satellite lymph nodes. The patient underwent general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube, and subsequently was placed in the prone position. A 30 degrees scope was introduced in the right 7th intercostal space on the posterior axillary line. Perioperative gastroscopy permitted localization of the lesion, which appeared to be situated at the level of the azygos vein. Two 5-mm trocars were inserted in the right 5th and 9th intercostal spaces on one line with the first one. The azygos vein was ligated. The muscular layer of the mid-esophagus was opened by coagulating hook. Due to a 2-mm trocarless Cadière's forceps (Microfrance, France), introduced into the right 7th intercostal space, the operative field was well exposed and the lesion was enucleated without mucosal perforation. The muscular layer was closed by interrupted silk 2/0 stitches. A drain was left in the chest cavity. RESULTS: Total operative time was 85 min and blood loss was less than 20 ml. The gastrograffin swallow on postoperative day 2 showed good clearance of the esophagus and absence of leak, hence the patient was allowed a liquid diet. The patient was discharged on postoperative day 3. Benign pathology was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Thoracoscopy in the prone position permits the surgeon to reach the esophagus under excellent working conditions, despite an only partially deflated lung. Gravity displaces blood loss eventually, which allows good visualization, and the surgeon can operate in an ergonomic position. This approach allows for fewer trocars which favorably influences the patient's comfort and reduces the length of hospital stay.

Update of primary Helicobacter pylori resistance to antimicrobials in Brussels, Belgium.

This study aimed to follow the trend of primary antimicrobial resistance in Helicobacter pylori isolates obtained from several centers in Brussels. We observed increasing rates of primary resistance to macrolides (10.5% to 18%) to nitro-imidazoles (28% to 40%) and to fluoroquinolones (12.4% to 22.8%), respectively, from 2008/2009 to 2016.

The liver involvement of the hydatid disease: a systematic review designed for the hepato-gastroenterologist.

Hydatidosis is not uncommon in Western Europe, mainly due to the presence of immigrants from endemic countries, and hepato-gastroenterologist must then be able to manage this infectious disease. The hepatic hydatidosis is due to development in the liver of the larvae of Echinococcus granulosus that causes liver cysts. It can grow in size throughout the years and can give rise to complications, mainly pain, super-infection or cyst rupture. Recent progresses in imaging modalities play an important role in diagnosis, classification and evaluation of response to treatment of the cysts. Imaging techniques led to both Gharbi's and WHO's classifications. Those can provide markers of cyst activity and can help to determine the best therapeutic strategy. By combining two immunodiagnostic techniques, the diagnostic accuracy of laboratory tests is excellent. During the last decade, treatment has improved : the main therapeutic modality in the past was surgery, until the discovery of PAIR procedure (Puncture, Aspiration, Injection, Re-aspiration). Albendazole also plays an important role in the treatment of hydatid cysts either alone or as a pre-procedure or post procedure prophylaxis. This review will cover the major aspects of the disease emphasizing the recent diagnostic and therapeutic advances.