Estenosis tardía con retracción del colon al mediastino en una esofagocoloplastia retroesternal / Late Stenosis with Retraction of the Colon tower ads the Mediastinum in a Retrosternal Esophagocoloplasty

Introducción: La estenosis tardía y retracción del órgano sustituto al mediastino es una situación compleja. Objetivo: Mostrar una alternativa poco invasiva ante la retracción y retención del colon en el mediastino, posterior a una esofagocoloplastia. Caso clínico: Se presenta una paciente de sexo femenino de 18 años de edad con antecedente de ingestión accidental de caustico al año y medio de nacida. El tratamiento fue una esofagocoloplastia retroesternal, se utilizó el colon derecho. Después de 16 años presentó una fistula esofágica con estenosis y retracción del segmento del colon utilizado hacia el mediastino. Conclusiones: Fue factible extirpar el colon retenido en el mediastino y la esofagogastroplastia tubular ya que siempre ofrece ventajas. Fue muy importante la integración multidisciplinaria entre cirujanos de adultos y pediátricos lo que permitió realizar este procedimiento complejo(AU)

Introduction: Late stenosis and retraction of the substitute organ towards the mediastinum is a complex situation. Objective: To show a minimally invasive alternative to retraction and retention of the colon towards the mediastinum after esophagocoloplasty. Clinical case: The case is presented of an 18-year-old female patient with a history of accidental ingestion of a caustic product at one year and a half after birth. The treatment was a retrosternal esophagocoloplasty, for which the right colon was used. After 16 years, she presented an esophageal fistula with stenosis and retraction of the segment of the used colon towards the mediastinum. Conclusions: It was feasible remove the colon retained in the mediastinum as well as perform the tubular esophagogastroplasty, since it always offers advantages. Multidisciplinary integration between adult and pediatric surgeons was very important, allowing this complex procedure to be performed(AU)

Incidence of malnutrition, esophageal stenosis and respiratory complications among children with repaired esophageal atresia / Incidência de desnutrição, estenose esofágica e complicações respiratórias entre crianças operadas por atresia esofágica

ABSTRACT Background: Esophageal atresia is congenital anomaly with high mortality. Surgical complications and changes in nutritional status are common problems after surgical correction. Aim: To evaluate nutritional status, esophageal stenosis, and respiratory complications among children who had repaired esophageal atresia. Methods: Children aged >2 months old with repaired esophageal atresia were included in the current study. Gender, age, weight, and height were recorded for each case. Height for age and weight for age were calculated for each case. Results: According to weight for length percentile, 41.02% of the cases were underweight. Esophageal stenosis was seen in 54.76% of the obtained esophagograms. Conclusion: Underweight was present in 41.02 of the patients according to weight-for-height percentile.

RESUMO Racional: Atresia de esôfago é anomalia congênita com mortalidade alta. Complicações cirúrgicas e alterações no estado nutricional são problemas comuns após correção cirúrgica. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional, a estenose esofágica e as complicações respiratórias em crianças que tiveram a reparação de atresia de esôfago. Métodos: Crianças com idade> 2 meses de idade com atresia esofágica reparada foram incluídas no estudo atual. Sexo, idade, peso e altura foram registrados para cada caso. A altura por idade e o peso por idade foram calculados para cada caso. Resultados: De acordo com o peso para o percentil de comprimento, 41,02% dos casos estavam abaixo do peso. Estenose esofágica foi observada em 54,76% do esofagograma obtido. Conclusão: O baixo peso esteve presente em 41,02 dos pacientes, de acordo com o percentil peso/estatura.

Incidence of malnutrition, esophageal stenosis and respiratory complications among children with repaired esophageal atresia / Incidência de desnutrição, estenose esofágica e complicações respiratórias entre crianças operadas por atresia esofágica

ABSTRACT Background: Esophageal atresia is congenital anomaly with high mortality. Surgical complications and changes in nutritional status are common problems after surgical correction. Aim: T o evaluate nutritional status, esophageal stenosis, and respiratory complications among children who had repaired esophageal atresia. Methods: Children aged >2 months old with repaired esophageal atresia were included in the current study. Gender, age, weight, and height were recorded for each case. Height for age and weight for age were calculated for each case. Results: According to weight for length percentile, 41.02% of the cases were underweight. Esophageal stenosis was seen in 54.76% of the obtained esophagograms. Conclusion: Underweight was present in 41.02 of the patients according to weight-for-height percentile.

RESUMO Racional: Atresia de esôfago é anomalia congênita com mortalidade alta. Complicações cirúrgicas e alterações no estado nutricional são problemas comuns após correção cirúrgica. Objetivo: Avaliar o estado nutricional, a estenose esofágica e as complicações respiratórias em crianças que tiveram a reparação de atresia de esôfago. Métodos: Crianças com idade> 2 meses de idade com atresia esofágica reparada foram incluídas no estudo atual. Sexo, idade, peso e altura foram registrados para cada caso. A altura por idade e o peso por idade foram calculados para cada caso. Resultados: De acordo com o peso para o percentil de comprimento, 41,02% dos casos estavam abaixo do peso. Estenose esofágica foi observada em 54,76% do esofagograma obtido. Conclusão: O baixo peso esteve presente em 41,02 dos pacientes, de acordo com o percentil peso/estatura.

End-to-end versus end-to-side anastomosis in the treatment of esophageal atresia or tracheo-esophageal fistula / Anastomose terminoterminal versus terminolateral no tratamento da atresia ou fístula traqueoesofágica

Background: Dehiscence of esophageal anastomosis is frequent and there are still controversies which type of anastomosis is preferred to diminish its incidence . Aim: To compare end-to-end anastomosis versus end-to-side anastomosis in terms of anastomotic leakage, esophageal stricture and gastroesophageal reflux symptom. Methods: This study was carried out for two year starting from 2012. End-to-side and end-to-side anastomosis were compared in terms of anastomotic leakage, esophageal stricture, gastroesophageal reflux symptom, length of surgery and pack cell infusion. Results: Respectively to end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis, duration of surgery was 127.63±13.393 minutes and 130.29±10.727 minutes (p=0.353); esophageal stricture was noted in two (5.9%) and eight (21.1%) cases (p=0.09); gastroesophageal reflux disease was detected in six (15.8%) and three (8.8%) cases (p=0.485); anastomotic leakage was found in five (13.2%) and one (2.9%) cases (p=0.203); duration of neonatal intensive care unit admission was significantly shorter in end-to-end (11.05±2.438 day) compared to end-to-side anastomosis (13.88±2.306 day) (p<0.0001). Conclusion: There were no significant differences between end-to-end and end-to-side anastomosis except for length of neonatal intensive care unit admission which was significantly shorter in end-to-end anastomosis group.

Racional: Deiscência de anastomose esofágica é frequente e ainda existem controvérsias qual tipo de anastomose é preferível para diminuir sua incidência. Objetivo : Comparar a anastomose terminoterminal versus a lateroterminal em termos de deiscência de anastomose, estenose de esôfago, e sintoma de refluxo gastroesofágico. Métodos : Este estudo foi realizado por dois anos a partir de 2012. Anastomoses terminoterminal e terminolateral foram comparadas em termos de deiscência de anastomose, estenose de esôfago, sintoma do refluxo gastroesofágico, duração da operação e transfusão. Resultados : Na comparação das anastomoses terminoterminal e terminolateral, respectivamente, a duração em minutos das operações foi de 127.63±13.393 e 130.29±10.727 (p=0,353); estenose esofágica foi observada em dois (5,9%) e oito (21,1%) casos (p=0,09); doença do refluxo gastroesofágico foi detectada em seis (15,8%) e três (8,8%) casos (p=0,485); deiscência de anastomose foi encontrada em cinco (13,2%) e um (2,9%) caso (p=0,203); duração do internamento na UTI neonatal foi significativamente menor na terminoterminal (11,05±2,438 dias) em comparação com terminolateral (13,88±2,306 dias, p<0,0001). Conclusão : Não houve diferença significativa entre as anastomoses terminoterminal e terminolateral, exceto para UTI neonatal que foi significativamente menor no grupo de anastomose terminoterminal.

An Overview of Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) is a chronic, immune/antigen-mediated esophageal disease affecting both children and adults. The condition is characterized by an eosinophilic infiltration of the esophageal epithelium. Symptoms of esophageal dysfunction include dysphagia, food impaction and symptoms mimicking gastroesophageal reflux disease. Endoscopic examination typically reveals mucosal fragility, ring or corrugated mucosa, longitudinal furrows, whitish plaques or a small caliber esophagus. Histologic findings of >15 eosinophils per high-power field is the diagnostic hallmark of EoE. An elimination diet, topical corticosteroids or endoscopic dilation for fibrostenotic disease serve as effective therapeutic option.

Congenital esophageal stenosis owing to tracheobronchial remnants / Estenosis congenita del esofago por remanecientes traqueobronquicos: relato de cuatro casos / Estenose congenita do esofago por remanescentes traqueobronquicos

OBJECTIVE To emphasize the need of an accurate diagnosis of congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants, since its treatment differs from other types of congenital narrowing. CASE DESCRIPTION Four cases of lower congenital esophageal stenosis due to tracheobronchial remnants, whose definitive diagnosis was made by histopathology. Except for the last case, in which a concomitant anti-reflux surgery was not performed, all had a favorable outcome after resection and anastomosis of the esophagus. COMMENTS The congenital esophageal stenosis is an intrinsic narrowing of the organâ€(tm)s wall associated with its structural malformation. The condition can be caused by tracheobronchial remnants, fibromuscular stenosis or membranous diaphragm and the first symptom is dysphagia after the introduction of solid food in the diet. The first-choice treatment to tracheobronchial remnants cases is the surgical resection and end-to-end anastomosis of the esophagus. .

OBJETIVO Enfatizar la necesidad de un diagnóstico preciso de estenosis congénita del esófago por remanecientes traqueobrónquicos, una vez que su tratamiento difiere de los otros tipos de estrechamiento congénito. DESCRIPCIÓN DEL CASO Cuatro casos de estenosis congénita del esófago inferior causada por remanecientes traqueobrónquicos, cuyo diagnóstico definitivo fue obtenido por examen histopatológico. Excepto por el último caso, en el que no se utilizó cirugía antirreflujo concomitante, todos presentaron evolución satisfactoria después de resección y anastomosis del esófago. COMENTARIOS La estenosis congénita del esófago consiste en el estrechamiento intrínseco de la pared del órgano asociado a la malformación de su estructura. Puede ser causada por restos traqueobrónquicos, espesamiento fibromuscular o diafragma membranoso y tiene como primera manifestación clínica disfagia después de la introducción de alimentos sólidos en la dieta. El tratamiento de elección para los casos de remanecientes traqueobrónquicos es la resección del segmento estenosado con anastomosis término-terminal. .

OBJETIVO Enfatizar a necessidade de um diagnóstico preciso de estenose congênita do esôfago por remanescentes traqueobrônquicos, já que seu tratamento difere dos outros tipos de estreitamento congênito. DESCRIÇÃO DO CASO Quatro casos de estenose congênita do esôfago inferior causada por remanescentes traqueobrônquicos, cujo diagnóstico definitivo foi obtido por exame histopatológico. À exceção do último caso, em que não se realizou cirurgia antirrefluxo concomitante, todos apresentaram evolução satisfatória após ressecção e anastomose do esôfago. COMENTÁRIOS A estenose congênita do esôfago consiste no estreitamento intrínseco da parede do órgão associada à malformação de sua estrutura. Pode ser causada por restos traqueobrônquicos, espessamento fibromuscular ou diafragma membranoso e tem como primeira manifestação clínica disfagia após introdução de alimentos sólidos na dieta. O tratamento de escolha para os casos de remanescentes traqueobrônquicos é a ressecção do segmento estenosado com anastomose término-terminal. .

Prótesis Choostent como método de paliación de la disfagia secundaria a patología maligna / Use of Choostent prosthetic device for palliation of dysphagia secondary to esophageal cancer

Background: Esophageal cancer causes disabling dysphagia and swallowing problems. Aim: To prospectively analyze the outcome of the insertion of a covered self-expanding metallic Choostent type prosthesis as a method of palliation of dysphagia, esophageal fistula or leak secondary to malignant disease of the esophagus or cardia. Material and Methods: A total of 30 consecutive patients aged 75 +/- 8.8 years (63 percent males) with malignant disease of the esophagus or cardia were studied. Results: In 27 patients (90 percent) the stenosis was located in the esophagus, in two (6.7 percent) at the gastroesophageal junction and in one (3.3 percent) at the esophago - jejunal anastomosis due to tumor recurrence. In 24 cases (80 percent), the indication of the prosthesis was dysphagia, in three (10 percent) the presence of a tracheo-esophageal fistula and in the remaining three (10 percent), the suspicion of a perforation. Patients were followed until death. The prosthesis was inserted without incidents in 29 patients (96.6 percent). One patient had a pneumomediastinum, which evolved favorably. Dysphagia subsided in all patients. Early evolution was satisfactory in 12 patients (66.7 percent). The most common early complication was a transient chest pain in 3 cases (10 percent). Four patients (13.3 percent) died within 30 days post procedure. Of the remaining 26 patients, 14 (53.8 percent) had late complications (recurrence of dysphagia in 42 percent and hemorrhage in 11 percent). The mean interval between stent insertion and death was 169 +/- 142.5 days. Conclusions: The Choostent esophageal prosthesis improves dysphagia immediately and safely. However, its use is associated with a high rate of late complications, directly related to prosthetic dysfunction.

Objetivo: Analizar en forma prospectiva los resultados de la inserción de una prótesis metálica autoexpandible cubierta tipo Choostent como método de paliación de la disfagia, fístulas o fugas esofágicas secundarias a patología maligna del esófago o cardias. Material y Método: Se estudiaron un total de 30 pacientes consecutivos portadores de patología maligna del esófago o de cardias. La edad promedio fue de 75 +/- 8,8 años. 19 (63,3 por ciento) eran del género masculino. En 27 pacientes (90 por ciento) la estenosis comprometía el esófago, en 2 (6,7 por ciento) la unión gastroesofágica y en 1 (3,3 por ciento) la anastomosis esófago yeyunal por recidiva tumoral. En 24/30 casos (80 por ciento), la indicación de la prótesis fue la disfagia, en 3 (10 por ciento) la presencia de fístula esófago-traqueal y en los 3 restantes (10 por ciento), la sospecha de perforación. Los pacientes fueron controlados hasta su fallecimiento. Resultados: La prótesis se insertó sin incidentes en 29/30 pacientes (96,7 por ciento). Un caso (3 por ciento) presentó neumo-mediastino, que evolucionó favorablemente. La disfagia cedió en la totalidad de los enfermos. La evolución precoz fue satisfactoria en 12/30 pacientes (40 por ciento), siendo la complicación precoz más frecuente el dolor torácico transitorio en 3 casos (10 por ciento). Fallecieron precozmente 4 enfermos (13,3 por ciento). De los 26 restantes, en 14 (53,8 por ciento) se presentaron complicaciones tardías, siendo las más frecuentes la recidiva de la disfagia (42,3 por ciento) y la hemorragia (11,5 por ciento). Conclusión: Las prótesis Choostent mejoran la disfagia en forma inmediata y segura. Son efectivas en el manejo de las fístulas traqueo-esofágicas y perforaciones. Sin embargo, su uso se asocia a una alta tasa de morbilidad tardía directamente relacionada a la disfunción protésica.

Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination after esophagectomy / Anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação após esofagectomia

PURPOSE: To evaluate the incidence of fistula and stenosis of the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the proximal esophageal stump into the stomach after subtotal esophagectomy. METHODS: We studied 54 patients who underwent subtotal esophagectomy, 45 (83.3%) patients with carcinoma and nine (16.6%) with advanced megaesophagus. In all cases the cervical esophagogastric anastomosis was performed with the invagination of the proximal esophageal stump inside the stomach. RESULTS: Three (5.5%) patients had a fistula at the esophagogastric anastomosis, two of whom with minimal leakage of air or saliva and with mild clinical repercussion; the third had a low output fistula that drained into the pleural space, and this patient developed empyema that showed good progress with drainage. Fibrotic stenosis of anastomosis occurred in thirteen (24%) subjects and was treated successfully with endoscopic dilatation. CONCLUSION: Cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the proximal esophageal stump into the stomach tube presented a low rate of esophagogastric fistula and stenosis, thus becoming an attractive option for the reconstruction of alimentary transit after subtotal esophagectomy.

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência de fístula e estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico proximal no interior do estômago após esofagectomia subtotal. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados 54 pacientes submetidos à esofagectomia subtotal, 45 (83,3%) com carcinoma e nove (16,6%) com megaesôfago chagásico avançado. Em todos os casos, a anastomose esofagogástrica cervical foi realizada com invaginação do coto esofágico proximal no interior do estômago. RESULTADOS: Três (5,5%) pacientes apresentaram fístula, dois deles com saída mínima de ar e saliva pela incisão cervical que evoluíram com rápida cicatrização; o terceiro apresentou fístula de pequeno débito que drenou para o espaço pleural causando empiema que teve boa evolução após drenagem. Treze (24%) doentes apresentaram estenose fibrótica e foram tratados com sucesso com dilatação endoscópica. CONCLUSÃO: A anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico proximal no interior do estômago apresentou baixa incidência de fístula e estenose tornando-se opção atraente para a reconstrução do trânsito alimentar após esofagectomia subtotal.

Anillos vasculares como diagnóstico diferencial del asma / Vascular rings in differential diagnosis of asthma

Aortic arch abnormalities and vascular rings are a rare cause of compression of trachea and esophagus causing respiratory and digestive symptoms in adults. We report a 64 years old woman with exercise induced asthma not resolving with adequate treatment. Flow/volume loop shape suggested an intrathoracic major airway obstruction. Chest X ray showed a right sided aortic notch and CT scan revealed a vascular ring composed by a right aortic arch with aberrant left subclavian artery and Kommerell's diverticulum compressing trachea and esophagus. Bronchoscopy confirmed posterior wall compression of trachea exacerbated by tachycardia as a cause of symptoms. We think that is important to consider vascular rings as a differential diagnostic entity in difficult to treat asthma.

Las anomalías del arco aórtico y sus ramas son infrecuentes. La presencia de un anillo vascular determina la aparición de sintomatología relacionada con compresión traqueal o esofágica. El diagnóstico en la edad adulta es extremadamente inusual. Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 64 años con diagnóstico de Asma inducida por ejercicio, refractaria a tratamiento, la cual presentó disnea sibilante en relación al ejercicio, que no cedió con tratamiento bien llevado. La curva flujo-volumen sugirió obstrucción variable de la vía aérea central intratorácica, la radiografía de tórax mostró botón aórtico situado a derecha, la tomografía computada del tórax demostró un anillo vascular formado por un arco aórtico derecho, con la arteria subclavia izquierda aberrante, divertículo de Kommerell comprimiendo el esófago y con la aorta descendente que en su trayecto comprime la pared posterior de la tráquea, lo que es corroborado por videobroncoscopía, describiéndose compresión pulsátil, que se exacerbaba con la taquicardia. Se concluye que la paciente tiene un anillo vascular causante de los síntomas descritos y nos orienta a establecer que en el esquema de estudio de pacientes con asma atípica o de difícil manejo, es necesario incluir las malformaciones del arco aórtico en el diagnóstico diferencial, realizando al menos radiografía de tórax y revisando atentamente la gráfica de la curva flujo-volumen.

Role of Photodynamic Therapy in the Palliation of Obstructing Esophageal Cancer

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The aim of this non-randomized study was to determine the role of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in a multimodal approach for the palliation of advanced esophageal carcinoma. METHODS: Twenty consecutive patients with obstructing esophageal cancer were enrolled in this study. Each subject had dysphagia, and nine could not swallow fluid. External beam radiotherapy or a self-expandable metal stent was used following PDT for dysphagia due to recurrence of the malignancy. RESULTS: At 4 weeks post-PDT, a significant improvement in the dysphagia score was observed in 90% of patients, from 2.75 +/- 0.91 to 1.05 +/- 0.83 (p < 0.05). Patients with recurrent dysphagia underwent stent insertion at an average of 63 days (range, 37 to 90). The rate of major complications was 10%. Two esophageal strictures occurred, which were treated by placement of a modified expandable stent across the stricture. The median survival in these cases was 7.0 +/- 0.6 months. One patient that was treated with PDT and radiotherapy is alive and showed a complete tumor response. CONCLUSIONS: PDT as a multimodality treatment is safe and effective for relieving malignant esophageal obstruction with minimal complications.

Penfigoide de membranas mucosas com estenose esofágica grave / Mucous membrane pemphigoid with severe esophageal stricture

O penfigoide de membranas mucosas é entidade nosológica encarada como um fenótipo, que engloba várias dermatoses autoimunes com lesões bolhosas subepidérmicas, ocorrendo predominantemente nas membranas mucosas, com êxito cicatricial. O acometimento esofágico no penfigoide de membranas mucosas é raro e observado em pacientes com lesão disseminada. As alterações mais comuns são múltiplas membranas ou constrições esofagianas. No presente relato, os autores apresentam paciente com PMM sem lesões cutâneas e estenose esofágica grave, que entrou em remissão após uso de imunoglobulina venosa.

Mucous membrane pemphigoid (MMP) is a rare nosological entity. MMP consists of a clinical phenotype in which several autoimmune subepidermal bullous diseases are classified. It occurs predominantly in the mucous membranes and usually results in scarring. Esophageal involvement in MMP is rare and is generally seen in patients in whom lesions are widespread. The most common alterations are multiple esophageal membranes or strictures. In the present case, the authors report on a patient with MMP without any skin lesions and with severe esophageal strictures who went into remission following use of intravenous immunoglobulin.

Esophageal stricture Post endoscopic injection sclerotherapy

Post endoscopic sclerotherapy esophageal stricture is usually not fatal but may require several sessions of esophageal dilation as an effective palliative treatment yet has its own complications. The purpose of this study is to find out the predictors of sclerotherapy esophageal stricture. This is a cross sectional descriptive study of the esophageal stricture post sclerotherapy for the patients who were managed in the period from January 2000 through the June 2007 in endoscopic department at Ibn Sina Hospital. Post endoscopic sclerotherapy symptoms, signs, diagnostic and therapeutic methods were analysed to find out possible predictors of developing benign esophageal stricture. A 33 out of 10133 patients who had sclerotherapy were found to have esophageal stricture and were included in this study. 91% of them were males, 88% were <60years old and most of them were cases of hepatic periportal fibrosis. Only two patients had esophageal varices secondary to viral hepatitis B liver cirrhosis. Their presentation was commonly with difficulty in swallowing and few cases presented with food impaction. The majority of patients were treated with wire guided endoscopic Savary Gilliard dilation. Esophageal stricture following endoscopic injection sclerotherapy is a known morbidity; however the rate of these strictures is fairly acceptable. High dose of sclerotherapy in fewer sessions over a short period are potential predictors of esophageal stricture

Estudo comparativo entre as anastomoses cervicais esofagogástrica término-terminal com e sem invaginação após esofagectomia para câncer / Comparative study of end-to-end cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with or without invagination after esophagectomy for cancer

OBJETIVO: Avaliar a incidência de fístula e estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico no interior do estômago na esofagectomia para tratamento do carcinoma do esôfago. MÉTODOS: Foram estudados dois grupos de doentes com carcinoma do esôfago torácico ou abdominal submetidos à esofagectomia subtotal e esofagogastroplastia. O grupo I (estudo) foi constituído por 29 doentes operados no período de 1998 a 2007, no qual foi realizada a anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação de segmento do coto esofágico no interior do estômago. O grupo II (controle) foi constituído por 36 doentes operados no período de 1989 a 1997 submetidos à anastomose esfagogástrica cervical término-terminal sem invaginação. RESULTADOS: No grupo I, 3 (10,3 por cento) doentes apresentaram fístula da anastomose esofagogástrica com repercussão clínica mínima. No grupo II observou-se fístula com franca saída de saliva em 11 (30,5 por cento) doentes. A freqüência de fístula nos doentes do grupo I foi significantemente menor (p=0,04) do que nos do grupo II. No grupo I, estenose fibrótica da anastomose ocorreu em 7 (24,1 por cento) enfermos, ao passo que no grupo II 10 (27,7 por cento) evoluíram com estenose, não se constatando diferença significante (p=0,72) entre esses grupos. CONCLUSÃO: No tratamento do carcinoma do esôfago, a esofagectomia com anastomose esofagogástrica cervical com invaginação do coto esofágico no interior do estômago determina menor ocorrência de fístula esofagogástrica quando comparado à anastomose sem invaginação. A incidência de estenose da anastomose esofagogástrica não diferiu em ambos os grupos.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of fistula and stenosis of cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the esophageal stump into the gastric tube in esophagectomy for esophagus cancer. METHODS: Two groups of patients with thoracic and abdominal esophagus cancer undergoing esophagectomy and esophagogastroplasty were studied. Group I comprised 29 patients who underwent cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination of the proximal esophageal stump segment within the stomach, in the period of 1998 to 2007 while Group II was composed of 36 patients submitted to end-to-end cervical esophago-gastric anastomosis without invagination during the period of 1989 to 1997. RESULTS: In Group I, esophagogastric anastomosis by invagination presented fistula with mild clinical implications in 3 (10.3 percent) patients, whereas in Group II, fistulas with heavy saliva leaks were observed in 11 (30.5 percent) patients. The frequency of fistulas was significantly lower in Group I patients (p=0.04) than in Group II. In Group I, fibrotic stenosis of anastomoses occurred in 7 (24.1 percent) subjects, and 10 patients (27.7 percent) in Group II evolved with stenosis, while no significant difference (p=0.72) was found between the two groups. CONCLUSION: In esophagectomy for esophagus cancer, cervical esophagogastric anastomosis with invagination presented a lower rate of esophagogastric fistula versus anastomosis without invagination. Stenosis rates in esophagogastric anastomosis proved similar in both approach with or without invagination.

Estenoses benignas de esôfago: abordagem endoscópica com velas de Savary-Gilliard / Benign strictures of the esophagus: endoscopic approach with Savary-Gilliard bougies

RACIONAL: As estenoses benignas de esôfago são complicações decorrentes de diversas causas. Possuem tratamentos similares, na maioria dos casos necessitando de dilatação endoscópica, no entanto a resposta terapêutica, tempo ideal de tratamento, assim como intervalo entre as sessões podem ser variáveis. OBJETIVO: Analisar, do ponto de vista endoscópico, as estenoses benignas de esôfago em 14 anos de experiência no Hospital Universitário Clementino Fraga Filho da Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, RJ, avaliando etiologia, a extensão da estenose, o número de dilatações necessário para atingir resposta terapêutica satisfatória, assim como a relação entre a extensão da estenose e a resposta terapêutica. MÉTODO: Foram analisadas 2.568 dilatações endoscópicas com uso de velas de Savary-Gilliard em 236 pacientes, durante um período de 14 anos e 10 meses, até junho de 2007. RESULTADOS: A estenose péptica foi a causa mais freqüentemente encontrada, seguida pela estenose cáustica. As estenoses longas e cáusticas necessitaram de maior número de sessões para ausência de disfagia. Estenoses pépticas e curtas responderam melhor a número menor de sessões de dilatação. CONCLUSÃO: A estenose péptica foi a causa mais comum e respondeu bem à terapia endoscópica, em concordância com a literatura. As estenoses cáusticas foram as mais refratárias, principalmente as longas. Quanto maior foi a extensão da estenose, também maior foi o número de sessões necessárias. Estenoses curtas apresentaram boa evolução na maioria dos casos. O número de dilatações necessárias dependeu diretamente da causa e da extensão da estenose.

BACKGROUND: Benign esophageal strictures are complications that result from different causes. They are usually similarly approached, most of the cases needing endoscopic dilation. However the response to therapy, optimal timing for treatment and interval between sessions can vary. AIM: The authors evaluate 14 years of experience with benign stricture of the esophagus from the endoscopic point of view in the "Clementino Fraga Filho" University Hospital, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil. They evaluated etiology, length of stricture, number of dilations needed to reach satisfactory therapeutic response, and the relation between length of stricture and therapeutic response. METHODS: We analyzed 2,568 endoscopic dilations using Savary-Gilliard dilators in 236 patients. The follow up period was 14 years and 10 months, until June of 2007. RESULTS: Peptic strictures were the more frequent, followed by caustic strictures. Long strictures and caustic strictures needed more sessions to abolish dysphagia. Peptic strictures and short ones had better response to a smaller number of sessions. CONCLUSION: In this study, peptic strictures were the commonest etiology and responded best to endoscopic therapy, in accordance with published literature. Caustic strictures were the most refractory, mainly the long segments. The longer the extension of stenosis, the greater was the number dilation sessions needed for relief. Short strictures had a good prognosis in the great majority of cases. The number of dilations depended directly on the etiology and the extension of the stricture.

Comparison of hand-sewn and stapled in esophagogastric anastomosis after esophageal cancer resection: a prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVE: Compare the postoperative outcome of the hand-sewn method and the staple method of primary esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy in patients with esophageal carcinoma. The study focused on leakage, stricture rates, operative time, blood loss, and complication. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective randomized trial was undertaken in 117 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the thoracic esophagus who underwent Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy. Patients were classified according to esophageal size, based on the diameter of the divided esophagus (< or > 30 mm) and then were randomized to have primary anastomosis using either hand-sewn or stapled method. RESULTS: The mean total operating time of esophagectomy when using hand-sewn technique and staple technique were 218.1 +/- 47.8 minutes and 203.7 +/- 23.4 minutes, respectively (p = < 0.001). The mean blood loss in the handsewn group and in the staple group was 864 +/- 346.6 mls and 803 +/- 301.2 mls, respectively (p = 0.02). Anastomotic leakage was 6.7% in the hand-sewn group and 3.4% in the staple group (p = 0.69). Pulmonary and cardiac complications were 13.5% and 16.9% in the hand-sewn group compared with 17.2% and 18.9% in the staple group (p = 0.77, p = 0.96). Anastomotic stricture was found in 10 of 52 patients (19.2%) in the handsewn group and 19 of 52 patients (36.5%) in the staple group (p = 0.08). In the patients with a small esophagus, the stricture rate was significantly lower in the hand-sewn group compared with the staple group (15.2% vs. 38.8%) (p = 0.03). Mortality rate in both groups were not significantly different (11.8% vs. 10.3%) (p = 0.97). CONCLUSION: From the present study, it can be concluded that both hand-sewn method and the staple method in primary esophagogastric anastomosis after esophagectomy in the patients with esophageal carcinoma were safe. The stapled method had a higher incidence of anastomotic stricture especially small esophagus, whereas it consumed less operative time and less blood loss.

Tratamiento quirúrgico de las estenosis esofágicas por cáusticos: experiencia en el Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo / Surgical treatment of the caustic esophageal stenosis: experience in Hospital Universitario of Maracaibo

Evaluar los procedimientos diagnósticos y el tratamiento quirúrgico en pacientes con estenosis esofágica en el Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo. Se evaluaron en 22 pacientes con estenosis cáustica, el agente etiológico, signos y síntomas presentes, procedimientos diagnósticos, tratamiento quirúrgico, complicaciones quirúrgicas y evolución postoperatoria. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron disfagia (95.45 por ciento), pérdida de peso (18.18 por ciento), odinofagia (18.18 por ciento) y dolor torácico (4.54 por ciento). La endoscopia reportó estenosis esofágica en todo el trayecto en seis pacientes (27.27 por ciento) y congestión y ulceración esofágica en seis pacientes (27.27 por ciento). Las intervenciones quirúrgicas más frecuentemente realizadas fueron: esofagectomía transhiatal + ascenso gástrico en ocho pacientes (36.36 por ciento) y ascenso colónico izquierdo en siete pacientes (31.81 por ciento). Las complicaciones postoperatorias más frecuentes fueron las relacionadas con las anastomosis tales como las fístulas cervicales y las estenosis de la anastomosis. La estenosis esofágica por cáustico es una patología esofágica de difícil tratamiento debido a la morbilidad y mortalidad relacionada con los procedimientos quirúrgicos utilizados.

Treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease

OBJETIVO: Rever a literatura sobre tratamento da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (DRGE) com ênfase nos aspectos farmacológicos. Identificar particularidades do tratamento farmacológico nas manifestações esofágicas e extra-esofágicas da doença. FONTES DE DADOS: Busca eletrônica na base de dados PubMed/MEDLINE e Cochrane Collaboration. Procurou-se identificar estudos controlados e randomizados publicados a partir de 2000, bem como revisões que representassem consensos e diretrizes publicados nos últimos 10 anos. SíNTESE DOS DADOS: Nenhuma das drogas atualmente usadas no tratamento da DRGE altera comprovadamente o mecanismo principal da doença, ou seja, os relaxamentos transitórios do esfíncter esofágico inferior. O tratamento farmacológico da DRGE com sintomas ou com lesões esofágicas é baseado na inibição da secreção ácida, em particular pelos inibidores da bomba de prótons (IBP). Nas situações em que a hiper-reatividade das vias aéreas inferiores coexiste com sintomas esofágicos da DRGE, a inibição da secreção ácida deve trazer benefícios na condução da doença respiratória se houver uma relação causal; contudo, essa situação não é comum. Quando não coexistem sintomas esofágicos, a pHmetria esofágica de 24 h deve ser realizada previamente ao tratamento farmacológico da DRGE. A melhora dos sintomas respiratórios pode ser tardia em relação aos sintomas esofágicos. A DRGE freqüentemente recorre, e o tratamento farmacológico deve ser repetido ou mantido indefinidamente, conforme a apresentação clínica da doença. CONCLUSÃO: As condutas propostas para o tratamento farmacológico da DRGE na criança são oriundas principalmente de estudos de séries de casos ou de estudos em adultos. Existem poucos estudos controlados e randomizados em crianças. A realização de um número maior desses estudos poderá reafirmar ou introduzir novos aspectos nas condutas propostas.

OBJECTIVE: To review the literature on the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with emphasis on pharmacological aspects. To identify particularities of pharmacological treatment of esophageal and extraesophageal manifestations of the disease. SOURCES: Electronic search of the PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Collaboration databases. Controlled and randomized studies published since 2000 and reviews representing consensus positions and directives published within the last 10 years were identified. SUMMARY OF THE FINDINGS: The drugs currently available for the treatment of GERD do not act in the primary mechanism of the disease, i.e., transitory relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter. Pharmacological treatment of GERD with symptoms or with esophageal injury is based on the suppression of acid secretion, particularly with proton pump inhibitors. When the hyperreactivity of the lower airways coexists with esophageal GERD symptoms, suppression of acid secretions should be of benefit in managing the respiratory disease in the presence of a causal relationship; however, this is not usual. When esophageal symptoms are not present, esophageal 24-hour pH study should be carried out prior to starting pharmacological treatment for GERD. Improvement of respiratory symptoms may be delayed with relation to esophageal symptoms. It is common for GERD to recur and pharmacological treatment should be repeated or continued indefinitely, depending on clinical presentation of the disease. CONCLUSIONS: The strategies that have been proposed for the pharmacological treatment of GERD in children are primarily based on studies of case series or on studies with adults. There have been very few controlled and randomized studies in children. Undertaking a greater number of these studies might reinforce existing aspects or establish new aspects of management.