Results of endoscopic biliary drainage in patients with malignant hilar stricture

Abstract In Malignant Hilar Biliary Stricture (MHBS) palliative biliary drainage is a frequent strategy, improving the quality of life, reducing pruritus, loss of appetite and relieving cholangitis. The endoscopic approach is an effective, although challenging procedure. This study aimed to evaluate technical and clinical success rates of biliary drainage by ERCP. This is a retrospective study including all patients with MHBS referred to Instituto do Cancer do Hospital de São Paulo (ICESP) submitted to biliary drainage by ERCP, between January 2010 and December 2017. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to evaluate predictors of clinical failure, as total bilirubin levels, Bismuth classification, number of hepatic sectors drained and presence of cholangitis. In total, 82 patients presenting unresectable MHBS were included in this study. 58.5% female and 41.5% male, with a mean age of 60±13 years. Bismuth classification grades II, IIIA, IIIB and IV were noted in 23.2%, 15.9%, 14.6% and 46.3%, respectively. Technical and clinical success was achieved in 92.7% and 53.7% respectively. At multivariable logistic-regression analyses, Bismuth IV strictures were related to higher clinical failure rates when compared to other strictures levels, with an Odds Ratio of 5.8 (95% CI 1.28‒20.88). In conclusion, endoscopic biliary drainage for malignant hilar biliary stricture had a high technical success but suboptimal clinical success rate. Proximal strictures (Bismuth IV) were associated with poor drainage outcomes.

Endoscopy infection control strategy during the COVID-19 pandemic: experience from a tertiary cancer center in Brazil

OBJECTIVES: Strategic planning for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) care has dominated the agenda of medical services, which have been further restricted by the need for minimizing viral transmission. Risk is particularly relevant in relation to endoscopy procedures. This study aimed to describe a contingency plan for a tertiary academic cancer center, define a strategy to prioritize and postpone examinations, and evaluate the infection rate among healthcare workers (HCWs) in the endoscopy unit of the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo (ICESP). METHODS: We created a strategy to balance the risk of acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and to mitigate the effects of postponing endoscopic procedures in oncological patients. A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all endoscopies between March and June 2020 compared with those during the same period in 2019 was carried out. All HCWs were interviewed to obtain clinical data and SARS-CoV-2 test results. RESULTS: During the COVID-19 outbreak, there was a reduction of 55% in endoscopy cases in total. Colonoscopy was the most affected modality. The total infection rate among all HCWs was 38%. None of the senior digestive endoscopists had COVID-19. However, all bronchoscopists had been infected. One of three fellows had a serological diagnosis of COVID-19. Two-thirds of all nurses were infected, whereas half of all technicians were infected. CONCLUSIONS: In this pandemic scenario, all endoscopy services must prioritize the procedures that will be performed. It was possible to maintain some endoscopic procedures, including those meant to provide nutritional access, tissue diagnosis, and endoscopic resection. Personal protective equipment (PPE) seems effective in preventing transmission of COVID-19 from patients to digestive endoscopists. These measures can be useful in planning, even for pandemics in the future.

Ressecção da mucosa endoscópica sob imersão dágua para lesões colorretais não pediculadas. Um estudo prospectivo de braço único / Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection for non-pedunculated colorectal lesions. a prospective single-arm study

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has emerged as a revolutionary method allowing resection of colorectal lesions without submucosal injection. Brazilian literature about this technique is sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was evaluate the efficacy and safety of UEMR technique for removing non-pedunculated colorectal lesions in two Brazilian tertiary centers. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between June 2016 and May 2017. Naïve and non-pedunculated lesions without signs of submucosal invasion were resected using UEMR technique. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with 65 lesions were included. All lesions, except one, were successfully and completely removed by UEMR (success rate 98.5%). During UEMR, two cases of bleeding were observed (3.0%). One patient had abdominal pain on the day after resection without pneumoperitoneum. There was no perforation or delayed bleeding. CONCLUSION: This study supports the existing data indicating acceptable rates of technical success, and low incidence of adverse events with UEMR. The results of this Brazilian study were consistent with previous abroad studies.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A ressecção endoscópica da mucosa sob imersão d'água (REMS) surgiu como um método revolucionário que permite a ressecção de lesões colorretais sem injeção submucosa. A literatura brasileira sobre essa técnica é escassa. OBJETIVO: A finalidade deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia e segurança da técnica REMS na remoção de lesões colorretais não pediculadas em dois centros terciários brasileiros. MÉTODOS: Este estudo prospectivo foi realizado entre junho de 2016 e maio de 2017. As lesões sem tentativa de ressecção prévia, não pediculadas e sem sinais de invasão submucosa foram ressecadas pela técnica REMS. RESULTADOS: Um total de 55 pacientes com 65 lesões foram incluídos. Todas as lesões, exceto uma, foram removidas com sucesso e completamente por REMS (taxa de sucesso de 98,5%). Durante a REMS, foram observados dois casos de sangramento (3,0%). Uma paciente apresentou dor abdominal no dia seguinte à ressecção sem pneumoperitônio. Não houve perfuração ou sangramento tardio. CONCLUSÃO: Este estudo apoia os dados existentes, indicando taxas aceitáveis de sucesso técnico e baixa incidência de eventos adversos com a REMS. Os resultados deste estudo brasileiro foram consistentes com estudos internacionais prévios.

Endoscopic gastrostomy: critical analysis in a regional referral hospital / Gastrostomía endoscópica: análisis crítico en un hospital referencial regional

Introduction: Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) is a safe and effective endoscopic surgical procedure for enteral access and gastrointestinal decompression, and it is an excellent alternative to surgical gastrostomy. There are various clinical indications and these mainly include the need for prolonged enteral nutritional support due to complications from neurological, geriatric and oncological diseases and decompression of the gastrointestinal tract. Although safe and effective, a number of possible complications relating to the time (early or late complications) and severity (minor or major complications) may occur. Objective: To evaluate the indications and complications relating to PEG among selected patients at the digestive endoscopy service of a regional referral hospital. Materials and methods: A retrospective study on patients who underwent PEG between May 2013 and April 2015 was conducted. The patients were identified through searching the medical records and using a standardized data form. Results: 53 cases were analyzed. The average age was 70.47 years and 60.37% of the patients were women. The main indication identified was the need for enteral nutritional support, and 73.58% of these indications were derived from neurological complications, 15.09% from geriatric complications and 9.43% from oncological complications and 1.88% were due to gastrointestinal decompression. Complications occurred in 24.52% of the cases: 23.07% were major and 76.93% were minor. Regarding the time, there were eight cases of late complications and five of early complications. Conclusion: PEG was shown to be an effective and safe method for enteral access. The indication and complication rates were similar to those reported in the literature.

Introducción: La gastrostomía endoscópica percutânea (GEP) es un procedimento endoscópico-quirúrgico seguro y efectivo para el acceso enteral y para la descompresión gastrointestinal, constituyéndose como una excelente alternativa a la gastrostomía quirúrgica. Las indicaciones clínicas son variadas y comprenden principalmente: necesidad de soporte nutricional enteral prolongado por complicaciones de las enfermedades neurológicas, geriátricas y oncológicas, así como la descompresión del tracto gastrointestinal. Aunque es segura y eficaz, se puede producir una serie de posibles complicaciones relacionadas al momento (precoz temprano o tardío) de la realización del procedimiento y a la gravedad (mayor o menor). Objetivo: Evaluar las indicaciones y complicaciones relacionadas a la realización de la GEP en pacientes seleccionados de un sector de endoscopia digestiva de un hospital regional de referencias. Materiales y métodos: Fue realizado un estudio retrospectivo de los pacientes sometidos a la GEP en el periodo de mayo de 2013 a abril de 2015. Los pacientes fueron identificados a partir de la investigación de los registros y formulario estándar de datos. Resultados: Fueron analizados 53 casos. La edad media fue de 70,47 años con un 60,37% del sexo femenino. La indicación principal verificada fue la necesidad de soporte nutricional enteral, siendo 73,58% por complicaciones neurológicas, 15,09% geriátricas, 9,43% oncológicas; y 1,88% de las indicaciones fueron para descomprensión gastrointestinal. Ocurrieron complicaciones en 24,52% de los pacientes: 23,07% mayores y 76,93% menores. En relación al momento, fueron verificados ocho casos de complicaciones tardías y cinco de complicaciones precoces (tempranas). Conclusión: La GEP se mostró como un método eficaz y seguro para el acceso enteral. Los índices de complicación fueron semejantes a los datos evidenciados en la literatura.

Epidemiological aspects of endoscopic resections of colorectal polyps in patients at an endoscopy training center in the Santos region, Brasil / Aspectos epidemiológicos de las resecciones endoscópicas de los pólipos colo-rectales en un centro de entrenamiento de endoscopía en la región de Santos, Brasil

Introduction: Colorectal polyps are structures that project from the surface of the mucosal layer of the large intestine. They are classified as neoplastic or non-neoplastic. Early detection of pre-neoplastic lesions is important for preventing colorectal cancer. These can be resected so as to decrease the morbidity and mortality rates. Colonoscopy is the gold-standard procedure for diagnosing and resecting precursor lesions. Objective: To evaluate the epidemiological, endoscopic and histological aspects of endoscopic resection of lesions of the colon and rectum at a training center. Materials and method: A search was conducted in the database of our institution covering the period from January 2011 to July 2014. Cases that underwent endoscopic resection of polyps and/or colorectal lesions were selection. The following variables were defined: general data on the patients (age, gender and indication from the examination) and data on the polypoid lesion (number, histological type and topographic distribution). Results: 678 lesions were identified in 456 examinations. Regarding sex, 242 (53.1%) were female and 214 (46.9%) were male. The mean age was 64.54 years, with extremes of 5 and 94 years. The most frequent locations were the rectum (21%) and sigmoid (20%). Histologically, 34.7% were hyperplastic polyps and 58.9% were adenomatous polyps, of which 74.1% were tubular, 10.6% tubulovillous, 2% villous and 13% indeterminate; and 1.7% were adenocarcinomas. In 65.4% of the cases, the examination showed that only one polyps was present, while 34.6% had two or more lesions. Conclusion: In our clinic, with a mean of 250 examinations/month, the parameters evaluated were compatible with the results reported in the literature.

Introducción: Los pólipos colorrectales son estructuras que se proyectan en la superficie de la capa mucosa del intestino grueso. Son clasificados en neoplásicos y no neoplásicos. La detección precoz de lesiones preneoplásicas es relevante en la prevención del cáncer colorrectal. Pueden ser resecados y reducir los índices de morbimortalidad. La colonoscopia es el patrón de oro para el diagnóstico y resección de lesiones precursoras. Objetivo: Evaluar aspectos epidemiológicos, endoscópicos e histológicos relacionados a las resecciones endoscópicas de lesiones de colon y recto en un centro de entrenamiento. Matariales y métodos: Fue realizada una búsqueda en la base de datos de nuestra institución durante el período de enero de 2011 a julio de 2014. Se seleccionaron aquellos sometidos a las resecciones endoscópicas de pólipos y/o lesiones colorrectales. Las siguientes variables fueron definidas: datos generales de los pacientes (edad género e indicación del examen) y datos de la lesión polipoidea (número, tipo histológico, distribución topográfica). Resultados: Fueron identificadas 678 lesiones en 456 exámenes. Con relación al sexo, 242 (53,1 %) eran del género femenino y 214 (46,9 %) masculino. El promedio de edad fue de 64,54 años, con extremos de 5 y 94 años. La ubicación más frecuente fue en el recto (21 %) y sigmoide (20 %). Histológicamente, 34,7% eran pólipos hiperplásicos y 58,9% adenomatosos, siendo 74,1% tubulares, 10,6% tubulovellosos, 2% vellosos y 13% indeterminados y, 1,7% correspondieron a adenocarcinomas. En el 65,4% de los casos existía solamente un pólipo al hacer el examen, 34,6% presentaban dos o más lesiones. Conclusión: En nuestro trabajo, con un promedio de 250 exámenes/mes, los parámetros evaluados fueron compatibles a los resultados encontrados en la literatura.

Dilatación endoscópica biliar transpapilar con balón para el tratamiento de la colédoco litiasis / Biliary transpapillary endoscopic balloon dilation for treating choledocholithiasis

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transpapillary papilloplasty in patients with choledocholithiasis. Materials and methods: All endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) procedures performed at Hospital Ana Costa, in the city of Santos, Brazil, over the last five years were retrospectively evaluated using the hospitalÆs information database. The success of the procedure and complications due to residual calculi, pancreatitis, bleeding and perforation were evaluated. Results: From January 2010 to May 2014, 1860 ERCP procedures were performed. Fifty-five patients were evaluated here. Their ages ranged from 12 to 98 years (mean, 66.3; standard deviation, 19.34; median, 71). Thirty-two patients (58.2%) were women. Sixteen (29.1%) presented giant choledocholithiasis, with calculi larger than 12 mm. Twenty-seven (49.1%) had multiple choledocholithiasis. Conclusion: In view of the therapeutic efficacy and low complication rate among our patients, we can conclude that endoscopic papilloplasty is a safe and effective method for endoscopic treatment of choledocolithiasis in selected cases...

Evaluar la eficacia y seguridad de la papiloplastía trnaspapilar en la colédoco litiasis. Material y métodos: Todas las colangoipancreatografías retrogradas endoscópicas (CPRE) realizadas en el Hospital Ana Costa en la ciudad de Santos Brasil, en los últimos cinco años fueron evaluadas retrospectivamente usando la base de datos del hospital. El éxito y las complicaciones del procedimiento debido a cálculos residuales, pancreatitis, sangrados y perforación fueron estudiados. Resultados: De enero del 2010 a mayo del 2014, se realizaron 1860 CPREs. Se estudiaron 55 pacientes, cuyas edades fluctuaron entre 12 a 98 años con una media de 66,3 y desviación estándar de 19,34. Treinta dos pacientes fueron mujeres (58,2%). 16 (29,1%) tuvieron litiasis coledociana gigante con cálculos mayores de 12 mm y veintisiete (49,1%) tuvieron litiasis múltiple. Conclusión: En vista de la eficacia y la poca frecuencia de complicaciones entre nuestros pacientes podemos concluir que la papilotomía endoscópica es un método seguro y efectivo para el tratamiento de la coledocolitiasis en casos seleccionados...

Tratamento endoscópico do câncer retal precoce / Endoscopic treatment of early rectal cancer

Relata-se um caso de tratamento endoscópico de câncer retal precoce. Paciente do sexo masculino, 63 anos, foi admitido no Serviço de Endoscopia do Hospital Ana Costa para a realização de colonoscopia para seguimento de doença diverticular dos cólons. Durante o procedimento, além da diverticulose, observou-se lesão plano-elevada em reto médio, que foi ressecada em bloco com alça de polipectomia precedida de injeção de solução de azul de metileno na submucosa. A peça foi submetida a estudo anatomopatológico, que evidenciou adenocarcinoma moderadamente diferenciado com margens circunferenciais livres. Foi realizada ecoendoscopia transrretal perilesional, com o intuito de detectar a presença de neoplasia residual e acometimentos linfáticos e vasculares com resultados negativos. A conduta a seguir foi a realização de seguimento com retossigmoidoscopia flexível e colonoscopia para detecção de recidiva do tumor.

We report a case of endoscopic treatment of early rectal cancer. A male patient, 63 years, was admitted to the Endoscopy Unit, Hospital Ana Costa, Santos, SP, for colonoscopy to follow-up colon diverticular disease. During the procedure, beyond diverticulosis, a high level lesion in medium rectum was observed, which was resected en bloc with polipectomy loop preceded by injection of methylene blue in submucosa. The piece underwent pathologic evaluation, which showed moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma with free circunferencial margins. It was performed perilesional transrretal ultrasound in order to detect the presence of residual neoplastic superficial vascular and lymphatic affections with negative results. The path to follow was to conduct screening with flexible retosigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy for detection of recurrence tumor.

Linfoma primário de cólon / Prymary limphoma of large bowell

O linfoma colorretal primário é uma doença rara (0,2 a 0,6% de todas as neoplasias colônicas), apresentando pior prognóstico quando comparado com o linfoma gástrico primário ou com o adenocarcinoma do cólon. É uma doença com sintomatologia inespecífica, o que dificulta o diagnóstico precoce. A importância deste caso é mostrar as variadas formas de apresentação macroscópica do linfoma de células do manto (MCL), uma variante do linfoma não-Hodgkin de células B, de ocorrência rara no cólon.

Glândulas sebáceas ectópicas no esôfago / Ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus

Este é um caso raro de ectopia de glândulas sebáceas no esôfago em um paciente do sexo masculino de 67 anos, assintomático submetido à endoscopia digestiva alta. O achado destas glândulas no esôfago se torna interessante pela origem conflitante entre as glândulas sebáceas, de origem ectodérmica, e o epitélio estratificado esofágico, de origem endodérmica.

The rare endoscopic finding of ectopic sebaceous glands in the esophagus of a male patient, 67 years old, without symptoms is described. The presence of sebaceous glands, wich are of ectodermal origin, in the esophagus is intriguing since the esophageal stratified epithelium is originated from endodermal cells.