Proctitis crónica hemorrágica por radioterapia en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas del Perú, 2011-2013 / Radiotherapy associated chronic hemorrhagic proctitis at the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases of Peru, 2011-2013

Objetivo: Estudiar las características clínicas y endoscópicas de la proctitis crónica hemorrágica por radioterapia en el Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas del Perú. Materiales y métodos: Estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo y longitudinal, con una población de 588 pacientes con esta patología, en el periodo 2011-2013, de donde se seleccionaron 114 pacientes por muestreo probabilístico aleatorizado. Se usó la estadística descriptiva e inferencial para el análisis de las variables cualitativas y cuantitativas. Resultados: La investigación encontró como principales resultados, un periodo de latencia de 439,96 días; la severidad de rectorragia clínica fue grado II y III en el 86,84%, la hemoglobina media fue de 11,63 gr/dl, los hallazgos endoscópicos fueron severidad moderada en el 58,77%, extensión solo rectal en el 92,11%, friabilidad leve del 43,86%, compromiso menor del 33% de la superficie rectal en el 71,93% y una longitud media de 7,28 cm. Los hallazgos inflamatorios fueron de cicatrices en el 0,88%, erosiones del 0,88%, de úlceras del 7%, de fístula del 0,88% y del 3,51% de estenosis rectales, el tratamiento de argón plasma coagulación (APC) único o combinado se ofreció en el 96% de los casos. Conclusiones: La proctitis crónica hemorrágica por radioterapia fue una complicación importante de la radioterapia pélvica, con hallazgos clínicos y endoscópicos característicos.

Objective: To study the clinical and endoscopic features of chronic hemorrhagic proctitis by radiotherapy in the National Institute of Neoplastic Diseases of Peru. Materials and methods: The study was descriptive, retrospective and longitudinal, with a population of 588 patients with this pathology, in the period 2011-2013, from which 114 patients were selected by randomized probabilistic sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used for the analysis of qualitative and quantitative variables. Results: The main results were a latency period of 439.96 days; the severity of clinical rectal bleeding was grade 2 and 3 in 86.84%, the mean hemoglobin in chronic hemorrhagic proctitis by radiotherapy was 11.63 g / dl, the endoscopic findings were moderate severity in 58.77%, extension rectal only in 92.11%, slight friability of 43.86%, compromise less than 33% of the rectal surface in 71.93% and an average length of 7.28 cm. The inflammatory findings were 0.88% scars, erosions of 0.88%, ulcers of 7%, fistula of 0.88% and 3.51% of rectal stenosis, single or combined argon plasma coagulation (APC) treatment was offered in 96% of cases. Conclusion: Chronic hemorrhagic proctitis is an important complication of pelvic radiotherapy, with characteristic clinical and endoscopic findings.

Tratamiento paliativo endoscópico con stents en pacientes con una oclusión neoplásica de colon izquierdo estadio IV: estudio multicéntrico / Endoscopic palliative treatment with stents in patients with a neoplastic occlusion of left colon stage IV: multicenter study / Tratamento paliativo endoscópico com stents em pacientes com oclusão neoplásica de cólon esquerdo em estágio IV: estudo multicêntrico

Buscamos analizar los resultados obtenidos con el uso de stents en el tratamiento de la oclusión neoplásica de colon izquierdo en pacientes estadio IV. 23 pacientes cumplieron con los criterios de inclusión. De los 19 pacientes donde se logró la colocación del stent (82,6%), 2 pacientes (10,5%) sufrieron una complicación que requirió cirugía y confección de una colostomía. No se registraron otras complicaciones. Los restantes 17 pacientes (89,5%) pudieron culminar su evolución libres de oclusión y sin haber sido necesario confeccionarles una colostomía, con una media de stent funcionante de 82 días. No se registró mortalidad vinculada al procedimiento. Evidenciamos un éxito técnico del 82,6% (colocación exitosa del stent) y un éxito clínico del 89,5% (pacientes que resolvieron la oclusión luego de la colocación del stent). En estos pacientes no se registró mortalidad y se evidenció una morbilidad del 10,5%. Estos valores son similares a los publicados en series internacionales.

We sought to analyze the results obtained with the use of stents in the treatment of neoplastic occlusion of the left colon in stage IV patients. Twenty three patients met the inclusion criteria. Among the 19 patients in whom the stent placement was achieved (82.6%), 2 patients (10.5%) suffered a complication requiring surgery and colostomy. No other complications were recorded. The remaining 17 patients (89.5%) were able to complete their evolution without occlusion and without the need to perform a colostomy, with a mean of 82-day functioning stent. There was no mortality associated with the procedure. We demonstrated a technical success of 82.6% (successful placement of the stent) and a clinical success of 89.5% (patients who resolved occlusion after stent placement). Mortality was not recorded in these patients and a morbidity of 10.5% was observed. These values are similar to those published in international series.

Procuramos analisar os resultados obtidos com o uso de stents no tratamento da oclusão neoplásica do cólon esquerdo em estágio IV. Os requisitos de inclusão foram preenchidos por 23 pacientes. Entre os 19 pacientes (82,6%) nos quais se conseguiu colocar o stent, dois (10,5%) sofreram uma complicação que requeriu cirurgia e confecção de uma colostomia. Nenhuma outra complicação foi registrada. Os restantes 17 pacientes (89,5%) completaram sua evolução livres de oclusão sem que fosse necessário confeccionar-lhes uma colostomia, com uma média de stent funcionante de 82 dias. Não se registrou mortalidade associada ao procedimento. Obtivemos um sucesso técnico de 82,6% (colocação bem sucedida do stent) e sucesso clínico de 89,5% (pacientes nos quais foi resolvida a oclusão após a colocação do stent). Nesses pacientes não foi registrada mortalidade e foi evidenciada uma morbilidade de 10,5%. Estes valores são semelhantes aos publicados em séries internacionais.

Therapeutic Decision-Making Using Endoscopic Ultrasonography in Endoscopic Treatment of Early Gastric Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated the effectiveness of an endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-based treatment plan compared to an endoscopy-based treatment plan in selecting candidates with early gastric cancer (EGC) for endoscopic submucosal dissection based on the prediction of invasion depth. METHODS: We reviewed 393 EGCs with differentiated histology from 380 patients who underwent EUS from July 2007 to April 2010. The effectiveness of the EUS-based and endoscopy-based plans was evaluated using a simplified hypothetical treatment algorithm. RESULTS: The numbers of endoscopically determined mucosal, indeterminate, and submucosal cancers were 253 (64.4%), 56 (14.2%), and 84 (21.4%), respectively. Overall, the appropriate treatment selection rates were 75.3% (296/393) in the endoscopy-based plan and 71.5% (281/393) in the EUS-based plan (p=0.184). For endoscopic mucosal cancers, the appropriate treatment selection rates in the endoscopy-based plan were 88.1% (223/253), while the use of an EUS-based plan significantly decreased this rate to 81.4% (206/253) (p=0.036). For endoscopic submucosal cancers, the appropriate selection rates did not differ between the endoscopy-based plan (46.4%, 39/84) and the EUS-based plan (53.6%, 45/84) (p=0.070). CONCLUSIONS: EUS did not increase the likelihood of selecting the appropriate treatment in differentiated-type EGC. Therefore, EUS may not be necessary before treating differentiated-type EGC, especially in endoscopically presumed mucosal cancers.

Cobertura de la estrategia preventiva de cáncer gástrico en Chile: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2009-2010 / Coverage of diagnostic upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the prevention of gastric cancer in Chile: results from the 2009-2010 National Health Survey

Background: In Chile, gastric cancer (GC) is a major cause of cancer related deaths. The current screening strategy consists of an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy (UGE) for people aged 40 years or more with epigastric pain. Aim: To evaluate the diagnostic coverage of the use of UGE for early detection of GC in Chile. Material and Methods: As part of the digestive module of the 2009-10 National Health Survey, 5293 adults over 15 years were asked about the presence of epigastric pain, possible upper gastrointestinal bleeding (PUGB), use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or histamine H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), family history of GC and having performed an UGE. Results: Persistent epigastric pain was observed in 3.4% of the population. PUGB signs were observed in 3.3% of the population. The prevalence of PPIs and H2RAs use was 4.3% and 2.2% respectively, reaching 21.6% in people aged 70 years and older. Life span prevalence of UGE was 18.3%, with differences by region, health insurance and educational level. UGE coverage in people aged 40 years or older with and without persistent epigastric pain was 14.4% and 3.2% respectively (Odds ratio 4.8, p < 0.01). The prevalence of UGE was similar among people with or without PUGB or family history of CG. Conclusions: The estimated coverage of the current GC prevention strategy in Chile is 14.4%, evaluated at a population level. Further studies are required to determine the impact of this strategy on early GC diagnosis and mortality.

Escala de blatchford modificada en la hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa / Modified Blatchford Scale for non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding

INTRODUCCIÓN: las escalas pronósticas tienen una amplia utilización en el diagnóstico, tratamiento y seguimiento del paciente con hemorragia digestiva alta no varicosa. OBJETIVO: determinar la capacidad predictiva de los elementos clínicos componentes de la escala de Blatchford modificada para identificar a los pacientes con mayor probabilidad de presentar estigmas de sangrado activo o reciente, durante la endoscopia urgente. MÉTODOS: estudio observacional, analítico y prospectivo. Se incluyeron todos los pacientes, 188, atendidos en el Centro de Urgencias del Hospital Militar Central "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto", desde el 1ro. de enero al 31 de diciembre de 2012. Se realizó una estimación del riesgo por cada uno de los componentes de la escala. Se calculó el valor predictivo mediante curva ROC. Se determinaron la sensibilidad y especificidad del punto de corte igual a 1. RESULTADOS: de los pacientes estudiados, 61 (32,4 %) presentaron estigmas de sangrado activo o reciente. La mayor probabilidad de estigmas se encontró en casos con tensión arterial sistólica ≤ 90 mmHg (RR: 7,53; IC 95 % 2,31-24,48; p= 0,001), frecuencia cardiaca ≥ 100 lat/min (RR: 5,49; IC 95 % 2,78-10,83; p= 0,001) y hemoglobina ≤ 10 g/dL (RR: 4,39; IC 95 % 2,17-8,89; p= 0,001). La capacidad predictiva de la escala de Blatchford fue buena (c= 0,729; IC 95 % 0,652-0,807; p= 001). El punto de corte 1 mostró una sensibilidad de 11,81 % y una especificidad de 98,36 %. CONCLUSIONES: se confirma el valor de la escala de Blatchford abreviada para predecir la presencia de estigmas de sangrado activo o reciente durante el estudio endoscópico en pacientes con sangrado digestivo alto no varicoso.

INTRODUCTION: prognostic scales have a wide use in the diagnosis, treatment and monitoring patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. OBJECTIVE: determine the predictive ability of clinical component elements of Blatchford modified scale to identify patients most likely to have stigmata of active or recent bleeding during emergency endoscopy. METHODS: observational, analytical and prospective study. All patients were included, 188, assisted in the emergency unit at "Dr. Luis Díaz Soto" Central Military Hospital, from January 1 to December 31, 2012. An estimate risk for each scale components was performed. The predictive value using ROC curve was calculated. The sensitivity and specificity of cut off 1 was determined. RESULTS: 61 (32.4 %) out of the patients studied had scars of active or recent bleeding. Stigmas are more likely found in cases with systolic blood pressure ≤ 90 mmHg (RR 7.53; 95 % CI 2.31 to 24.48; p= 0.001), heart rate ≥ 100 beats min (RR 5.49; 95 % CI 2.78 to 10.83; p= 0.001) and hemoglobin ≤ 10 g/dL (RR 4.39; 95% CI 2.17 to 8.89; p = 0.001). The predictive capacity of Blatchford scale was good (c= 0.729; 95 % CI: 0.652 to 0.807; p= .001). The cut point 1 showed a sensitivity of 11.81 % and a specificity of 98.36 %. CONCLUSIONS: the value of the Blatchford scale is confirmed abbreviated to predict the presence of stigmata of active or recent bleeding during endoscopic study in patients with non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

Infección por Helicobacter pylori en pacientes sintomáticos con patología gastroduodenal benigna: análisis de 5.664 pacientes / Helicobacter pylori infection in symptomatic patients with benign gastroduodenal diseases: analysis of 5.664 cases

Infection with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is highly prevalent in Chile, but there are no systematic studies in patients with upper gastrointestinal symptoms. Aim: To determine the prevalence of H. pylori infection, according to age, gender and endoscopic pathology in a large sample of patients. Methods: We studied 7,893 symptomatic patients submitted to upper gastrointestinal endoscopy between July 1996 and December 2003 in the context of a screening program of gastric cancer in a high risk population. H. pylori infection was determined by rapid urease test (RUT) in antral mucosa. We excluded 158 patients with gastric cancer (2 percent) and 2,071 patients without RUT. Results: We included 5,664 patients, mean age 50.7 ± 13.9 years, women 72.1 percent. Endoscopic diagnoses were normal in 59.3 percent, erosive esophagitis in 20 percent, gastric ulcer (GU) in 8.1 percent, duodenal ulcer (DU) in 6.4 percent, and erosive gastropathy in 6.2 percent. RUT was positive in 78 percent of patients. After adjusting for age and sex and with respect to patients with normal endoscopy, frequency of H. pylori infection was 86.6 percent in DU (OR 2.1, 95 percent CI 1.5-2.8, p < 0.001); 81.4 percent in GU (OR 1.8, 95 percent CI 1.4-2.4; p < 0.001 ); 79.9 percent in erosive gastropathy (OR 1.4, 95 percent CI 1.03-1.8; p = 0.03) and 77.4 percent in erosive esophagitis (OR 1.1, 95 percent CI: 0.9-1.3; p = NS). The probability of H. pylori infection decreased significantly with age, more markedly in men with normal endoscopy. Conclusions: Prevalence of H. pylori infection is very high in symptomatic Chilean patients and even higher in those with gastroduodenal ulcer or erosions, while in patients with erosive esophagitis is similar to those with normal endoscopy. The frequency of infection decreases with age, probably as a consequence of rising frequency of gastric mucosal atrophy.

Current status of management of benign bleeding peptic ulcer in Al-Gamhouria Teaching Hospital, Aden, Yemen

We aimed to explore and analyze current status of bleeding peptic ulcers in surgical patients. The study was carried out at the Surgical Department of Al-Gamhouria Teaching Hospital, Aden-Yemen. It was divided into 2 parts. Group [A] patients, admitted with bleeding peptic ulcers during the period May 1998 to April 2003, were retrospectively evaluated, and the prospective group [B] that included patients admitted during the period May 2003 to April 2006. One hundred and twenty patients were enrolled in the study; 75% were in group [A] and 25% in [B]. Men were [103] and women [17], with a ratio of [6.1:1]. Overall mean age was 43.4 years [ranging 17 to 70 years] with 23 patients [19.17%] over 60 years. Endoscopic activity within the first 24 hours in group [A] was [55.56%] and zero in [B]. Ratio of bleeding duodenal to gastric ulcers was [2:1]. Bleeding was massive and /or recurred in [32.5%] of patients, with transfusion of 3-9 units of blood [mean - 5.38]. Surgery was performed only in the retrospective group - in [11.11%]. Hospital stay time was for group [A] and [B] 17.5 and 9 days respectively. Overall death rate was [8.33%]; it was less in group [A] than [B] - [6.67%] and [13.3%] respectively. In patients treated only conservatively, death rates in [A] and [B] were [7.5%] and [13.3%] respectively. Nevertheless, death rates were statistically not significant. Overall outlook was quite alarming. Lack of good administration, limited resources, and lack of necessary equipments played the major role in improper management of these patients. To improve the situation, it is recommended to prepare guidelines and establish a well equipped and well functioning endoscopy unit

Relação entre o tamanho da hérnia hiatal e a gravidade da esofagite de refluxo / Relationship between hiatal hernia size and reflux esophagitis severity

Objetivo: Avaliar por parâmetros endoscópicos a relação do tamanho da hérnia hiatal (HH) com a gravidade da esofagite de refluxo (ER). Métodos: Foram revistas 3.001 endoscopias digestivas altas. Utilizou-se como critério de inclusão a presença concomitante de HH e ER. Para o diagnóstico endoscópico da HH considerou-se a elevação da linha Z a 2cm ou mais acima do pinçamento diafragmático. Para a caracterização macroscópica da ER, foram adotadas as classificações de Los Angeles e Savary-Miller. Resultados: Os critérios de inclusão foram preenchidos por 408 pacientes. Os resultados foram reunidos em cinco grupos distintos segundo os critérios de Los Angeles e Savary-Miller para a ER. Comparando-se as médias dos tamanhos das hérnias hiatais, não houve diferença estatisticamente significante entre os grupos um (ER não erosiva) e dois (LA A/ SM I), que evidenciaram ER leve e HHs de pequeno volume (médias 2,6 e 2,8cm, respectivamente). Entre os grupos três (LA BI SM II) e quatro (LA CI SM III), que apresentaram ER moderada e HHs de volume moderado (médias 3,2 e 3,6cm, respectivamente), também não houve diferença estatística. O grupo cinco (LA DI SM IV), estatisticamente diferente dos demais (p < 0,001), apresentou HHs volumosas (média de 4,9cm) e ER grave. Conclusão: As ERs mais graves apresentaram HHs mais volumosas, sendo seu tamanho diretamente proporcional ao da gravidade da ER.

Endoscopic findings in children on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs]

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs [NSAIDs] remain as the initial approach to the pharmacologic management in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis [JRA]. Gastrointestinal [GI] damage associated with NSAIDs is common in adults, but there are few studies available in children. This study was performed to determine the GI complications due to the use of NSAIDs in a cohort of JRA patients by endoscopy. Twenty-one patients with JRA who were using NSAIDs for at least 3 months were assessed clinically and by endoscopy at Pediatric Immunology Clinic of Nemazee Hospital affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences in Shiraz, southern Iran from June 1999 to June 2003. The mean age of the patients was 9.8 years [11 females], and the mean duration under NSAIDs management was 16 months. The most common NSAIDs used was diclofenac. GI symptoms were found in 42.9% of patients including 33.4% abdominal pain and 9.5% vomiting. There was no significant difference between the patients and symptoms free subjects in regard to mean duration of treatment. Macroscopic endoscopic lesions were found in 85.7% and infection of Helicobacter pylori [Hp] in 14.3% of cases. There was no significant relationship between endoscopic findings and duration of treatment or clinical symptoms. Our data showed that patients using NSAIDs had frequent GI damage without any relationship to the duration of treatment. There were also a high number of children with GI damage and without any clinical complaint. Furthermore, we found no significant relationship between the duration of drug use and the GI complaints, and no relation between duration and GI complaints to upper GI tract endoscopic lesions. The possibility of GI derangements with NSAIDs in pediatric age group is high. Close monitoring of symptoms and prevention measures are suggested

Appropirateness of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy referrals from primary health care

Open-access endoscopy is defined as [the provision of a diagnostic endoscopic procedure by direct request of a general practitioner without prior hospital consultation] [1]. Although open access is needed to meet the increasing demand for endoscopy service, studies suggest there is a link between such a system and inappropriate use of esophagogastroduodenoscopy [EGD], particularly in primary care. [2-8] To ensure the appropriateness of EGD, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy [ASGE] has developed criteria to promote safe and responsible endoscopic practice[9]. In Saudi Arabia, gastrointestinal symptoms are common, with normal endoscopic findings ranging from 23.5% to 29%, [10-14] but there is little, if any, application of standard criteria to judge the use of endoscopy. This study examined the appropriateness of EGD referrals from primary health care [PHC] and the association between appropriate use and the presence of significant lesions detected by endoscopy using standard criteria developed by the ASGE

Causes of severe upper gastrointestinal bleeding on the basis of endoscopic findings

To describe the common causes of severe upper gastrointestinal [GI] bleeding in a tertiary care teaching hospital. This study was carried out in Gastroenterology Department Postgraduate Medical Institute, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from 1st September 2003 to 31st July 2005. Study was conducted on all patients who presented with severe upper GI bleeding. The patients were first stabilized hemodynamically and were kept empty stomach for at least 6-12 hours before procedure. Upper GI endoscopy was performed and the endoscopic findings were recorded. Out of 350 patients included in the study, 200 [57%] were males and 150 [43%] were females. The age ranged from 14 years to 75 years. Variceal bleed was the most common cause in 45.7% [n=160] cases followed by peptic ulcer in 31.4% [n=110] cases. Gastroesophageal reflex disease was noted in 10% [n=35], carcinoma of the stomach in 5.7% [n=20] of the cases and Mallory-Weiss tears in 4% [n=14] cases. Out of 160 patients with varices, 62.5% [n=100] were having esophageal varices. Out of 110 peptic ulcer cases, 63.6% [n=70] were having duodenal ulcer and 26.4% [n=29] were having NSAID induced peptic erosions. Variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension and peptic ulcer diseases are the most common causes of upper G I bleeding in our setup

Upper GI endoscopy in children- in an adult suite.

Although Upper GI endoscopy is commonly performed in adults, paediatric endoscopy is not available in many of our referral centres. The efficacy and safety of upper GI endoscopy in paediatric age group performed in adult suite of Kathmandu Medical College is reviewed. PATIENTS AND METHOD: A retrospective study of endoscopies performed on children aged up to 15 years in an adult endoscopy suite of Kathmandu medical college over last one year is presented. All cases were the referred cases from paediatric unit for various problems. RESULTS: Endoscopy in paediatric group comprises only 6% of total upper GI endoscopies performed during the same year. Sex ratio was almost equal. Most cases (87%) were performed under local anaesthetic and well tolerated by the patients. Recurrent abdominal pain (RAP) was the commonest indication and among them one third of cases had significant positive finding. CONCLUSION: Upper GI endoscopy is a useful diagnostic tool in children. Where specialized paediatric endoscopy units are not feasible i.e. developing countries, endoscopic services to children can be safely provided in adult endoscopy suite with or without sedation. Upper GI endoscopy is well tolerated by children even without sedation.

Tratamento endoscópico de lesões sangrantes do trato gastrointestinal por meio de eletrocoagulação com argônio / Endoscopic treatment of bleeding lesions of the gastrointestinal tract by argon plasma coagulation

Introdução e objetivos: A eletrocoagulação com argônio (APC) é um método térmico de não-contato que pode ser utilizado como alternativa ao laser em endoscopia. Um amplo espectro de indicações têm sido propostas para tratamento através de APC, desde a introdução do uso em endoscopia, em 1991. O objetivo deste estudo é avaliar a eficácia do uso do APC na hemostasia endoscópica de lesões sangrantes do esôfago, estômago, duodeno, cólon e reto. Metodologia: Um total de 22 pacientes consecutivos (14M/8F, média de idade 66,7 anos) foram submetidos ao tratamento com APC entre 1998 e fevereiro de 2002. As causas de sangramento incluíam retite actínica (12 pacientes), ectasia vascular do antro gástrico (GAVE) ­ watermelon stomach (6 pacientes), angiodisplasias de esôfago, estômago e cólon (2 pacientes), gastrite actínica (1 paciente) e síndrome de Osler-Weber-Rendu (1 paciente). Resultados: Um total de 49 sessões foram realizadas (média de 2,2 sessões por paciente). Sucesso no tratamento endoscópico foi obtido em 18 pacientes (85,8%). Complicações foram observadas em 3 pacientes: 2 apresentaram dor local após as sessões de APC e um paciente desenvolveu estenose retal tratada com sucesso em uma sessão de dilatação endoscópica. Não houve mortalidade relacionada ao método. Conclusões: APC é um método seguro, efetivo, de relativo baixo custo e boa aceitação pelos pacientes para o tratamento de lesões sangrantes do trato gastrointestinal. Deve, portanto, ser considerado método de primeira escolha no tratamento dessas afecções (AU)

Background and aims: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an innovative non-touch electrocoagulation technique. A broad spectrum of indications has been proposed for APC since its introduction into endoscopy in 1991. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of utilizing APC in the endoscopic hemostasis of bleeding lesions of the esophagus, stomach, duodenun, colon and rectum. Methodology: A total of 22 consecutive patients (14M/ 8 F, mean age 66.7 years) underwent APC treatment between 1998 and february 2002. Causes of bleeding included radiation colitis (12 patients), gastric antral vascular ectasia ­ watermelon stomach (6 patients), esophagus,stomach and colon angiodysplasia (2 patients), radiation gastritis (1 patient) and Osler-Weber-Rendu Syndrome (1 patient). Results: A total of 49 sessions were performed (mean 2.2 sessions / patient). Succesful endoscopic APC treatment was achieved in 18 patients (85,8%). Complications were observed in 2 patients that referred local pain after therapy and 1 patient that developed a rectal stenosis succesfully reversed in one session of endoscopic dilation. No mortality related to APC was observed. Conclusions: APC is a safe, effective, and relative low-cost hemostatic modality for bleeding vascular lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, APC should be considered as a first-line therapy for these conditions (AU)

Síndrome de la úlcera solitaria del recto / Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome

El síndrome de úlcera solitaria del recto es una entidad poco frecuente, caracterizada por una alteración de la dinámica defecatoria. Se presenta habitualmente entre la tercera y cuarta década, con igual distribución en ambos sexos, la forma de presentación incluye el antecedente de constipación crónica, rectorragia, pujo y tenesmo. Dentro del diagnóstico diferencial destaca el tumor rectal. El estudio de esta patología incluye rectoscopia, defecografía e histología, dando este último el diagnóstico definitivo. El tratamiento es médico-quirúrgico reservándose este último para los casos más severos. Se presentan 5 casos tratados en el Servicio de Cirugía del Hospital San Juan de Dios entre los años 1989 y 1999, todos confirmados con diagnóstico histopatológico, realizándose un estudio descriptivo en cuanto a su presentación clínica, su estudio y su tratamiento

Alteraciones en la motilidad del cuerpo esofágico en pacientes con enfermedad por reflujo gastroesofágico / Esophageal motility disturbances in patients with gastro-esophageal reflux

Estudiamos manométricamente a 65 pacientes con sintomatología de esofagitis por reflujo gastroesofágico (ERGE), de ellos 36 tuvieron evidencia de reflujo endoscópicamente (21 masculinos y 15 femeninos). Las alteraciones encontradas en el cuerpo fueron ausencia de peristalsis efectiva en 20 por ciento y ondas no transmitidas en 75 por ciento con hipotomía y sin relajación apropiada 16 por ciento. Concluimos que no puede aseverarse si el reflujo es debido a las alteraciones o estas lo producen