Experimental model of portal hypertension and esophagogastric varices in minipigs: pressure and endoscopic pilot study

Introduction: Portal hypertension still represents an important health problem worldwide. In the search for knowledge regarding this syndrome, experimental studies with animal models have proven to be useful to point the direction to be taken in future randomized clinical trials. Purpose: To validate the experimental model of portal hypertension and esophagogastric varices in a medium-sized animal. Methods: This study included five minipigs br1. Midline laparotomy with dissection of the portal vein and production of a calibrated stenosis of this vein was performed. Measurement of pressure in the portal venous and digestive endoscopic were performed before and five weeks after the production of a stenosis. Results: All animals were 8 months old, average weight of 17 ± 2.5 kg. The mean pressure of the portal vein immediately before the partial ligation of the portal vein was 8.9 + 1.6 mm Hg, with 26.6 + 5.4 mm Hg in the second measurement five weeks later (p < 0.05). No gastroesophageal varices or hypertensive portal gastropathy were seen at endoscopy procedures in our sample at any time in the study. Conclusion: Portal vein ligation in minipigs has been validated in the production of portal hypertension, but not in the formation of esophageal varices.

O índice esplênico como preditor de sangramento e recidiva varicosa no seguimento tardio de paciente esquistossomóticos após tratamento endoscópico exclusivo / The splenic index as predictor of bleeding and variceal recurrence in the late follow-up of schistosomotic patients after exclusive endoscopic treatment

RESUMO - RACIONAL: O tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas tem sido utilizado como principal intervenção em pacientes com hipertensão portal secundária à esquistossomose, mas com taxas significativas de recorrência de varizes esofágicas e ressangramento. Os resultados em longo prazo do tratamento endoscópico exclusivo são pouco estudados quanto à relação das dimensões esplênicas neste contexto. OBJETIVO: Avaliar, por meio da ultrassonografia, o índice esplênico e a dimensão longitudinal (craniocaudal) do baço como preditores de ressangramento e recorrência de varizes no seguimento tardio de pacientes esquistossomóticos não operados, após erradicação endoscópica das varizes esofágicas. MÉTODOS: Estudo observacional retrospectivo por meio da análise de prontuários de pacientes com diagnóstico de esquistossomose hepatoesplênica. A curva ROC foi usada para determinar o melhor ponto de corte para o índice esplênico médio como preditor de recorrência e sangramento. RESULTADOS: Foram analisados 54 pacientes, durante o período de 2002 a 2018. O tempo médio de seguimento foi de 8 anos. O índice esplênico provou ser um teste sensível em valores acima de 144 como preditor de ressangramento. Na análise da dimensão longitudinal, o valor acima de 20 cm apresentou teste estatisticamente significativo para recorrência de varizes e valor acima de 19 cm apresentou-se como teste muito sensível e estatisticamente significativo para ressangramento. CONCLUSÃO: A análise do índice esplênico e da dimensão craniocaudal, obtidos por ultrassonografia, podem predizer recorrência de varizes e ressangramento após erradicação endoscópica exclusiva.

ABSTRACT - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic treatment for esophageal variceal has been used as the main intervention in patients with portal hypertension secondary to schistosomiasis, but with significant rates of recurrence of esophageal variceal and rebleeding. The long-term results of exclusive endoscopic treatment are poorly studied as the relationship of the splenic dimensions in this context. AIM: The aim of this study was to identify, through ultrasonography, whether the splenic index and the longitudinal (craniocaudal) dimension of the spleen are the predictors of rebleeding and variceal recurrence in late follow-up of patients with nonoperated schistosomiasis, after endoscopic eradication of esophageal variceal. METHODS: This is a retrospective and observational study analyzing the medical records of patients diagnosed with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to determine the best cutoff point for the mean splenic index as a predictor of recurrence and bleeding. Results: A follow-up of 54 patients were analyzed during the period from 2002 to 2018. The mean follow-up time was 8 years. The splenic index with value >144 was proved to be a sensitive test for rebleeding. In the analysis of the longitudinal dimension, the spleen length of >20 cm showed a statistically significant test for recurrence of variceal and a length >19 cm presented as a very sensitive and statistically significant test for rebleeding. CONCLUSION: Splenic index and craniocaudal dimension analysis, obtained by ultrasonography, can predict recurrence of varicose veins and rebleeding after exclusive endoscopic treatment.

Does the drop in portal pressure after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy influence the variation of variceal calibers and the rebleeding rates in schistosomiasis in late follow-up? / A queda da pressão portal após desvascularização esofagogástrica e esplenectomia influencia a variação do calibre das varizes e as taxas de ressangramento na esquistossomose no seguimento em longo prazo?

ABSTRACT Background: The treatment of choice for patients with schistosomiasis with previous episode of varices is bleeding esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy (EGDS) in association with postoperative endoscopic therapy. However, studies have shown varices recurrence especially after long-term follow-up. Aim: To assess the impact on behavior of esophageal varices and bleeding recurrence after post-operative endoscopic treatment of patients submitted to EGDS. Methods: Thirty-six patients submitted to EGDS were followed for more than five years. They were divided into two groups, according to the portal pressure drop, more or less than 30%, and compared with the behavior of esophageal varices and the rate of bleeding recurrence. Results: A significant reduction on the early and late post-operative varices caliber when compared the pre-operative data was observed despite an increase in diameter during follow-up that was controlled by endoscopic therapy. Conclusion: The drop in portal pressure did not significantly influence the variation of variceal calibers when comparing pre-operative and early or late post-operative diameters. The comparison between the portal pressure drop and the rebleeding rates was also not significant.

RESUMO Racional: O tratamento de escolha para pacientes com hipertensão portal esquistossomótica com sangramento de varizes é a desconexão ázigo-portal mais esplenectomia (DAPE) associada à terapia endoscópica. Porém, estudos mostram aumento do calibre das varizes em alguns pacientes durante o seguimento em longo prazo. Objetivo: Avaliar o impacto da DAPE e tratamento endoscópico pós-operatório no comportamento das varizes esofágicas e recidiva hemorrágica, de pacientes esquistossomóticos. Métodos: Foram estudados 36 pacientes com seguimento superior a cinco anos, distribuídos em dois grupos: queda da pressão portal abaixo de 30% e acima de 30% comparados com o calibre das varizes esofágicas no pós-operatório precoce e tardio além do índice de recidiva hemorrágica. Resultados: Após a DAPE houve diminuição significativa no calibre das varizes esofágicas que, durante o seguimento aumentaram de calibre e foram controladas com tratamento endoscópico. A queda da pressão portal não influenciou significativamente o comportamento do calibre das varizes no pós-operatório precoce nem tardio nem os índices de recidiva hemorrágica. Conclusão: A queda na pressão portal não influenciou significativamente a variação dos calibres das varizes ao comparar os diâmetros pré e pós-operatórios precoces ou tardios. A comparação entre a queda de pressão do portal e as taxas de ressangramento também não foi significativa.

Transesplenic access in the treatment of varicose gastrointestinal bleeding. Case and technical report / Uso do acesso transesplênico no tratamento do sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso. Relato de caso e técnica

ABSTRACT Varicose gastrointestinal bleeding is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic liver disease. Endoscopic treatment is the first therapeutic line for these patients, however, for those whom this therapeutic modality fail, a broad knowledge of alternative treatment options may improve the prognosis. We describe a case of a patient who were successfully embolized from gastroesophageal varices via transsplenic access.

RESUMO O sangramento gastrointestinal varicoso está entre as maiores causas de morbimortalidade nos paciente com doença hepática crônica. O tratamento endoscópico é a primeira linha terapêutica neste pacientes, porém naqueles que apresentam falha nesta modalidade terapêutica, o amplo conhecimento de opções alternativas de tratamento pode melhorar o prognóstico. Descrevemos um caso de paciente submetido à embolização com sucesso de varizes gastresofágicas por acesso transesplênico.

Safety and efficacy of a novel shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy of varices for prehepatic portal hypertension: a pilot study

OBJECTIVES: This pilot study investigated the safety and efficacy of a novel shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy of varices in patients with prehepatic portal hypertension. METHODS: Twenty-seven patients who were diagnosed with prehepatic portal hypertension and underwent shunt surgeries were divided into three groups by surgery type: shunt surgery alone (Group A), shunt surgery and devascularization (Group B), and shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy (Group C). Between-group differences in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, portal pressure decrease, postoperative complications, rebleeding rates, encephalopathy, mortality rates and remission of gastroesophageal varices were compared. RESULTS: Groups A, B and C had similar operation times, intraoperative bleeding, and portal pressure decrease. The remission rates of varices differed significantly (p<0.001): one patient in Group A and 6 patients in Group B had partial response, and all 9 patients in Group C had remission (2 complete, 7 partial). Two Group A patients and one Group B patient developed recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding postoperatively within 12 months. No postoperative recurrence or bleeding was observed in Group C, and no sclerotherapy-related complications were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Shunt surgery combined with foam sclerotherapy obliterates varices more effectively than shunt surgery alone does, decreasing the risk of postoperative rebleeding from residual gastroesophageal varices. This novel surgery is safe and effective with good short-term outcomes.

Diminuição da pressão portal após desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia na esquistossomose: comportamento a longo prazo das varizes, taxa de ressangramento e papel do tratamento endoscópico / Portal pressure decrease after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy in schistosomiasis: long-term varices behavior, rebleeding rate, and role of endoscopic treatment

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is an endemic health problem affecting about four million people. The hepatosplenic form of the disease is characterized by periportal hepatic fibrosis, pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension and splenomegaly. Liver function is preserved, being varices bleeding the main complication of the disease. The surgical treatment used in the majority of centers for the prevention of rebleeding is esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy. Most authors reported better results with the association of surgical and postoperative endoscopic treatment. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the intra operative portal pressure decrease and esophageal varices behavior and rebleeding rates in patients submitted to surgical and postoperative endoscopic treatment after long-term follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective study of 36 patients with schistosomiasis with, at least, one previous bleeding from esophageal varices rupture submitted to esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy, added to endoscopic varices postoperative treatment was performed. Patients were stratified according to the intra operative portal pressure decrease in two groups: reduction below and above 30%. Long-term varices presence, size and bleeding recurrence were evaluated. RESULTS: Regarding varices behavior, no significant influence was observed in both groups of portal pressure fall. Regarding bleeding recurrence, despite three times more frequent in the group with lower portal pressure fall, no significant difference was observed. All patients were submitted to postoperative endoscopic treatment. CONCLUSION: Esophageal varices banding, rather than portal pressure decrease, seems to be the main responsible factor for good results after combination of two therapies (surgery and endoscopy) for patients with portal hypertension due to schistosomiasis; further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

RESUMO CONTEXTO: A esquistossomose é um problema de saúde pública endêmico, afetando cerca de quatro milhões de pessoas. A forma hepato-esplênica da doença é caracterizada por fibrose peri-portal, hipertensão pré-sinusoidal e esplenomegalia. A função hepática está preservada, sendo o sangramento por varizes a principal complicação da afecção. O tratamento cirúrgico usado pela maioria dos serviços para prevenção do ressangramento é a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia. Muitos autores reportaram melhores resultados com a associação do tratamento cirúrgico e o tratamento endoscópico pós-operatório. OBJETIVO: O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar a queda da pressão portal intraoperatória com o comportamento das varizes esofagianas e as taxas de ressangramento em pacientes submetidos a tratamento cirúrgico e endoscópico pós-operatório após seguimento de longo prazo. MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de 36 pacientes esquistossomóticos com pelo menos um episódio de sangramento prévio por ruptura de varizes esofagianas, submetidos a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia, associada a tratamento endoscópico pós-operatório das varizes. Os pacientes foram divididos de acordo com a queda da pressão portal intraoperatória em dois grupos: redução menor e maior que 30%. Foram avaliadas a presença de tamanho das varizes a longo prazo e a recorrência do sangramento. RESULTADOS: Levando-se em conta o comportamento das varizes, não foi observada influência significativa em ambos os grupos de queda de pressão portal. Com relação ao ressangramento das varizes, embora três vezes mais frequente no grupo com menor queda de pressão portal, não foi observada diferença estatística. Todos pacientes foram submetidos a tratamento endoscópico pós-operatório. CONCLUSÃO: A ligadura elástica das varizes esofagianas, mais do que a queda da pressão portal, parece ser o principal fator responsável pelos bons resultados após a combinação das duas terapias (cirúrgica e endoscópica) para pacientes com hipertensão portal devido à esquistossomose. Estudos futuros serão necessário para confirmar esta hipótese.

Post esophageal variceal band ligation pain, another insult to injury

Objective: To measure and characterize pain in post esophageal variceal band ligation patients

Study Design: Cross sectional observational study

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in Combined Military Hospital Kharian which is a tertiary care hospital, from Dec 2014 to Aug 2015

Material and Methods: All patients of esophageal varices due to any underlying pathology requiring esophageal variceal band ligation [EVBL] were included in this study. Patients unwilling for EVBL were excluded from the study

Their EVBL was done with the help of Upper Gastrointestinal Pentax High definition 90i series Video Endoscope and subsequently they were inquired about the details of pain till next session of banding

Results: Out of 86 patients 63 [73%] were males and 23 [27%] were females. Their mean age was 54 years with SD +/- 12. Pain was present in 47 [54%] patients and 39 [46%] were pain free. It was severe in 3 [7%], moderate in 34 [72%] and mild in 10 [21%] patients. Out of post EVBL pain group 30 [65%] patients experienced pain after first EVBL session, 12 [25%] in subsequent and 5 [10%] after all the sessions

Conclusion: Post EVBL pain is a common complication. Mostly it is mild to moderate in intensity and needs attention in almost half of the patients to relief the suffering

LATE RESULTS OF ESOPHAGOGASTRIC DEVASCULARIZATION AND SPLENECTOMY ASSOCIATED WITH ENDOSCOPIC TREATMENT IN PATIENTS WITH SCHISTOSOMIASIS / RESULTADOS TARDIOS DA DESCONEXÃO ÁZIGO-PORTAL E ESPLENECTOMIA ASSOCIADOS AO TRATAMENTO ENDOSCÓPICO PÓS-OPERATÓRIO EM PACIENTES ESQUISTOSSOMÓTICOS

Background:Schistosomiasis is endemic problem in Brazil affecting about three to four million people, and digestive hemorrhage caused by esophageal varices rupture is the main complication of the disease. Surgical treatment has become a therapeutic option, especially for secondary prophylaxis after at least one episode of bleeding. The surgical technique used by the vast majority of surgeons for the prevention of rebleeding is esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy. Although with good postoperative results, rebleeding rate is significant, showing the need to follow-up endoscopy in all patients.Aim:To evaluate long-term results of patients submitted to esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy and postoperative endoscopic treatment regarding esophageal varices caliber and rebleeding rates.Methods:A retrospective study of 12 patients underwent esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy followed for more than five years.Results: All patients showed varices size reduction, and no patient had postoperative bleeding recurrence.Conclusion:Esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy decreased significantly the esophageal variceal size when associated with endoscopic follow-up, being effective for bleeding recurrence prophylaxis.

Racional:A esquistossomose acomete três a quatro milhões de pessoas no Brasil, sendo a hemorragia digestiva por ruptura das varizes esofágicas a principal complicação da doença. O tratamento cirúrgico é empregado como profilaxia secundária em pacientes com história de hemorragia prévia. A cirurgia mais utilizada é a desconexão ázigo-portal mais esplenectomia, técnica com bons resultados, porém com índice de recidiva hemorrágica considerável, fazendo necessário o seguimento endoscópico destes pacientes.Objetivo:Analisar a evolução tardia dos pacientes no que se refere à recidiva hemorrágica e ao comportamento das varizes esofágicas quando submetidos à desconexão ázigo-portal mais esplenectomia e tratamento endoscópico pós-operatório.Método:Foram avaliados retrospectivamente 12 pacientes submetidos à desconexão ázigo-portal mais esplenectomia com acompanhamento endoscópico pós-operatório maior de cinco anos.Resultados:Todos tiveram redução significativa do calibre das varizes e nenhum paciente apresentou sangramento pós-operatório.Conclusão:A desconexão ázigo-portal mais esplenectomia diminuiu significativamente o calibre das varizes esofágicas quando associada ao tratamento endoscópico pós-operatório. Este tratamento foi efetivo para a profilaxia da recidiva hemorrágica.

Improvement of cchistosomal portal hypertensive colopathy after surgical treatment

Context Data on vascular alterations in patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis and portal hypertensive colopathy and changes in these after surgery to decrease portal hypertension are limited. Objective The purpose of this study was to analyse the alterations of portal hypertensive colopathy previously and 6-12 months after splenectomy and gastric devascularization. Methods Twelve patients with hepatosplenic schistosomiasis who also had upper gastrointestinal bleeding were studied prospectively. Their endoscopic findings before and 6-12 months after the surgery were analysed. In addition, mucosal biopsies from ascending colon, sigmoid colon and rectum at these time points were subjected to histological and histomorphometric assessment. It was used a control group due to lack of normal pattern of the histomorphometric measures of vessels in individuals without portal hypertension. The critical level of significance adopted in all tests was of a maximum probability error of 5%. Results Surgery did not lead to significant improvement in histological and endoscopic findings. However, on histomorphometry, there was a significant decrease in the area, diameter and thickness of the vessels in mucosa at all colonic sites. Conclusion Surgery for decompression of schistosomal portal hypertension has a beneficial effect on the associated colopathy, being best indicated in patients with gastrointestinal bleeding and esophageal varices. .

Contexto Dados em relação às alterações vasculares em pacientes com esquistossomose hepatoesplênica e colopatia hipertensiva portal e suas modificações após cirurgia para atenuação da hipertensão portal são restritos. Objetivo Analisar as alterações da colopatia hipertensiva portal antes e seis a 12 meses após a esplenectomia e desvascularização gástrica. Métodos Foram estudados prospectivamente 12 pacientes com esquistossomose hepatoesplênica e antecedente de hemorragia digestiva alta. Os achados colonoscópicos antes e após 6 a 12 meses após a cirurgia foram analisados. Nesses períodos, biopsias da mucosa do cólon ascendente, sigmóide e reto foram encaminhadas para análise histológica e histomorfométrica. Foi utilizado um grupo controle pela falta de padrão de normalidade das medidas histomorfométricas das vênulas do cólon e reto em indivíduos sem hipertensão portal. O nível de significância crítica adotado em todos os testes foi de probabilidade máxima de erro de 5%. Resultados Não foram encontradas diferenças significantes na intensidade das alterações endoscópicas e histológicas nos vasos da mucosa do cólon e reto após a cirurgia. Entretanto, houve decréscimo estatisticamente significante nas áreas, diâmetros e espessuras dos vasos estudados através da histomorfometria. Conclusão Cirurgia para descompressão da hipertensão portal esquistossomótica tem efeito benéfico na colopatia associada, sendo bem indicada nos pacientes com hemorragia digestive alta e varizes esofágicas. .

Spontaneous Healing of Gastric Perforation after Endoscopic Ligation for Gastric Varices

Endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) can be performed as an optional therapy for gastric variceal bleeding if endoscopic sclerotherapy (ES) is not readily available or if practitioners lack experience. EVL using an endoscopic pneumo-activated ligating device was performed on a 53-year-old male patient with liver cirrhosis who presented with hematemesis. Follow-up esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) performed two days after the EVL showed gastric perforation at the EVL-procedure site on the gastric fundus. However, the patient refused emergency surgery, and therefore received only supportive management, including intravenous antibiotics. EGD 10 days later showed healing of the perforation site. This is the first report of a case of gastric variceal bleeding with development of a gastric perforation soon after EVL, which showed complete recovery with conservative therapy and without surgical intervention.

Long-term Outcomes of Endoscopic Variceal Ligation to Prevent Rebleeding in Children with Esophageal Varices

After an episode of acute bleeding from esophageal varices, patients are at a high risk for recurrent bleeding and death. However, there are few reports regarding the long-term results of secondary prophylaxis using endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) against variceal rebleeding in pediatrics. Thirty-seven, who were followed for over 3 yr post-eradication, were included in the study. The mean duration of follow up after esophageal variceal eradication was 6.4+/-1.9 yr. The mean time required to achieve the eradication of varices was 3.25 months. The mean number of sessions and O-bands needed to eradicate varices was 1.9+/-1.2 and 3.8+/-1.5, respectively. During the period before the first EVL treatment, 145 episodes of bleedings developed in 37 children. Over the 3 yr of follow-up after variceal eradication, only 4 episodes of rebleeding developed in 4 of 37 patients. The four rebleeding episodes consisted of an esophageal variceal bleed, a gastric variceal bleed, a duodenal ulcer bleed, and a bleed caused by hemorrhagic gastritis. There was no mortality during long-term follow up after variceal eradication. During long-term follow up after esophageal variceal eradication using solely EVL in children with esophageal variceal bleeds, rebleeding episodes and recurrence of esophageal varices were rare. EVL is a safe and highly effective method for the long-term prophylaxis of variceal rebleeding in children with portal hypertension.

Trashepatic left gastric vein embolization in the treatment of recurrent hemorrhaging in patients with schistosomiasis previously submitted to non-derivative surgery / Embolização transhepática da veia gástrica esquerda no tratamento da recidiva hemorrágica em esquistossomóticos submetidos previamente a cirurgia não derivativa

CONTEXT: Non-derivative surgical techniques are the treatment of choice for the control of upper digestive tract hemorrhages after schistosomotic portal hypertension. However, recurrent hemorrhaging due to gastroesophagic varices is frequent. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outcome of treatment based on embolization of the left gastric vein to control the reoccurrence of hemorrhages caused by gastroesophagic varices in patients with schistosomiasis previously submitted to non-derivative surgery. METHODS: Rates of reoccurrence of hemorrhages and the qualitative and quantitative reduction of gastroesophagic varices in patients undergoing transhepatic embolization of the left gastric vein between December 1999 and January 2009 were studied based on medical charts and follow-up reports. RESULTS: Seven patients with a mean age of 39.3 years underwent percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the left gastric vein. The mean time between azigoportal disconnections employed in combination with splenectomy and the percutaneous approach was 8.4 ± 7.3 years, and the number of episodes of digestive hemorrhaging ranged from 1 to 7 years. No episodes of reoccurrence of hemorrhaging were found during a follow-up period which ranged from 6 months to 7 years. Endoscopic postembolization studies revealed reductions in gastroesophagic varices in all patients compared to preembolization endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous transhepatic embolization of the left gastric vein in patients with schistosomiasis previously submitted to surgery resulted in a decrease in gastroesophagic varices and was shown to be effective in controlling hemorrhage reoccurrence.

INTRODUÇÃO: A cirurgia por técnicas não derivativas é o tratamento de escolha para o controle da hemorragia digestiva alta secundária à hipertensão portal esquistossomótica. Contudo, a recidiva hemorrágica em decorrência das varizes gastroesofágicas é um evento frequente. O programa de erradicação endoscópica das varizes gastroesofágicas tem o objetivo de prevenir e/ou tratar a recidiva hemorrágica, porém nem todos os doentes respondem ao tratamento. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o sucesso do tratamento de embolização da veia gástrica esquerda no controle da recidiva hemorrágica por varizes gastroesofágicas nos doentes esquistossomóticos submetidos previamente a cirurgia não derivativa. MÉTODOS: Foram estudadas, por meio de dados colhidos nos prontuários médicos e dos protocolos de seguimento ambulatorial, a incidência da recidiva hemorrágica e a diminuição quantitativa e qualitativa das varizes gastroesofágicas em detrimento das varizes gastroesofágicas dos doentes encaminhados para embolização transhepática da veia gástrica esquerda no período de dezembro de 1999 até janeiro de 2009. RESULTADOS: Sete doentes com média etária de 39,3 anos foram encaminhados para embolização percutânea transhepática da veia gástrica esquerda. O tempo médio decorrido entre a DAPE e a abordagem percutânea foi de 8,4 ± 7,3 anos e o número de episódios de hemorragia digestiva variou de um a sete neste período. Nenhum episódio de ressangramento foi verificado na população do estudo durante o período de acompanhamento, que variou de 6 meses a 7 anos. Após estudo endoscópico pós-embolização, todos os doentes apresentaram diminuição das varizes gastroesofágicas em comparação à endoscopia pré-embolização. CONCLUSÃO: A embolização percutânea transepática da veia gástrica esquerda nos doentes esquistossomóticos, previamente operados, determinou a redução das varizes gastroesofágicas e foi eficiente no controle do ressangramento para a população estudada.

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

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

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

Profilaxis primaria de várices esofágicas en pediatría / Primary prophylactic treatment of esophageal varices in pediatrics

Children with chronic liver disease or portal vein thrombosis frequently develop portal hypertension. The main complication of the portal hypertension are the development of esophageal varices who are at risk of variceal bleeding, which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Guidelines for adults with portal hypertension recommend performing esophagogastroduodenoscopy to identify those with varices that may benefit from prophylactic therapy, however there are no consensus in the pediatric age. This revision includes the incidence, diagnostic and the evidence for primary prophylactic treatment of the esophageal varices in children.

Pacientes pediátricos con daño hepático crónico o con trombosis de la vena porta frecuentemente desarrollan hipertensión portal. La principal complicación de la hipertensión portal es el desarrollo de várices esofágicas que conlleva riesgo de hemorragia variceal, la cual se asocia a significativa morbimortalidad. Las guías clínicas para adultos recomiendan realizar, en pacientes cirróticos, una endoscopia como screening para el diagnóstico de várices esofágicas y su tratamiento profiláctico, sin embargo, en pacientes pediátricos no existe consenso. En esta revisión se actualiza la incidencia, diagnóstico y evidencia del tratamiento profiláctico primario de várices esofágicas en pediatría.

Hipertensión portal en niños: análisis de 20 años de trabajo / Portal hypertension in children: analysis of 20 years of practice

INTRODUCCIÓN. En el Hospital Pediátrico William Soler se utiliza desde 1987 la esclerosis de várices esofágicas (EVE) como tratamiento de urgencia o profiláctico ante la hemorragia digestiva en niños con hipertensión portal y várices esofágicas. El objetivo de esta investigación fue presentar los resultados clinicoterapéuticos en 144 niños atendidos en este hospital, algunos de ellos durante 20 años. MÉTODOS. Se revisaron las historias clínicas y los informes endoscópicos de 50 niñas y 94 niños atendidos en el Servicio de Hepatología del Hospital Pediátrico Universitario William Soler. Se analizaron los datos del tratamiento médico y de la esclerosis de várices. RESULTADOS. Hubo 111 pacientes (77,1 por ciento) con hipertensión portal (HTP) prehepática y 33 (22,9 por ciento) con HTP hepática. La media de edad de inicio de las manifestaciones clínicas fue de 4,6 años para la HTP prehepática y 6,9 para la hepática. Las formas de presentación fueron esplenomegalia (41,6 por ciento) y hemorragia digestiva (35,4 por ciento). Se realizó esclerosis endoscópica de las várices a 104 pacientes (3,9 sesiones por paciente): 39,4 por ciento de urgencia y 60,3 por ciento como profilaxis de la hemorragia de las várices. Se observaron 83 complicaciones, las más frecuentes de las cuales fueron el resangrado (36,1 por ciento) y la estenosis esofágica (28,9 por ciento). Once niños fallecieron durante el seguimiento. CONCLUSIONES. En nuestra serie, la esclerosis endoscópica de las várices resultó ser efectiva para el tratamiento de la hemorragia activa de várices esofágicas y como profilaxis de ésta

INTRODUCTION: In William Soler Children Hospital from 1987 the esophageal varices sclerosis is used as an urgency or prophylactic therapy in case of digestive hemorrhage in children presenting with portal hypertension and esophageal varices. The aim of present research was to show the clinicotherapeutical results obtained in 144 children seen in this hospital, some of them during twenty years. METHODS: Medical records and endoscopic reports of 50 girls and 94 boys seen in the Hepatology Service of the William Soler University Hospital were reviewed. Data related to medical treatment and the varices sclerosis were analyzed. RESULTS: This report includes 111 patients (77,1 percent) with prehepatic portal hypertension (PHP) and 33 (22,9 percent) with hepatic PHP. The mean age of onset of clinical manifestations was of 4,6 years for the prehepatic PHP and of 6,9 years for the hepatic one. The ways of presentation were splenomegalia (41,6 percent) and digestive hemorrhage (35,4 percent). A total of 104 patients underwent varices endoscopic sclerosis (3,9 sessions by patient): 39,4 percent of urgency type and 60,3 percent as prophylaxis of hemorrhagic varices. There were 83 complications where the more frequent included re-bleeding (36,1 percent) and esophageal stenosis (28,9 percent). Eleven children deceased during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, varices endoscopic sclerosis was effective for treatment of active hemorrhage of esophageal varices and as its prophylaxis

message from the past: splenectomy and devascularisation with salvage sclerotherapy in the treatment of bleeding schistosomal oesophageal varices

To study the short and long term results of splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularisation in the prevention of bleeding from esophageal varices secondary to schistosomal portal hypertension. This is a retrospective prospective study of patients, who underwent splenectomy and devascularisation for schistosomal bleeding varices during the period 1980 to 1990 at Soba university hospital. They had clinical, laboratory, and endoscopic evaluation. They were followed up for a period of 10 years [mean 4.5 years]. At follow up special emphasis was laid on recurrence of variceal hemorrhage and, or mortality. Patients with recurrent variceal bleeding received emergency treatment in the form of resuscitation, balloon tamponade when necessary, and flexible endoscopic sclerotherapy. Splenectomy and oesophagogastric devascularisation was performed in 185 patients, and devascularisation only in 5 patients. Early postoperative mortality occurred in 8 patients [4.2%]. Early recurrence of variceal bleeding occurred in 4 patients who responded to emergency treatment. Transient of treatable ascitis developed in 21% of patients, transient jaundice in 12.6%, and liver failure in 1.6%. Major postoperative septic complications occurred in 6.4%. The rate of recurrence of variceal bleeding was 18.1% within the first 5 years, and 23.6% by 10 years follow-up. Late mortality occurred in 8 patients [4.4%]. The overall mortality of the procedure was 8.4%. Splenectomy and oesophagogastric devascularisation for the treatment of schistosomal portal hypertension can be associated with a high rate of variceal rebleeding. However, when coupled with sclerotherapy for recurrence, it carries an acceptable mortality rate

[ case of an acute pancreatitis after endoscopic band ligation of oesophageal variceal: a fortuitous association or an unusual complication?]

Endoscopic band ligation is considered as the gold standard of treatment for oesophageal varices. Fewer and often mild complications can occur. To report and to discuss an association between oesophageal variceal endoscopic band ligation and actue pancreatitis. We report the original case of a patient with cirrhosis and who had presented an acute pancreatitis 3 days after oesophageal variceal endoscopic band ligation. Common aetiologies of acute pancreatitis was eliminated. The evolution was favourable without specific treatment. To the absence of similar case reports, the association between oesophageal variceal endoscopic band ligation and acute pancreatitis observed in our patient remains rather fortuitous even though experimental studies can explain these association

Trombose de veia porta após desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia em pacientes esquistossomóticos: qual a real importância? / Portal vein thrombosis after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy in schistosomal portal hypertension patients: what's the real importance?

CONTEXTO: A complicação mais frequente após a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia em doentes com esquistossomose mansônica hepatoesplênica é a trombose da veia porta. OBJETIVOS:Avaliar a incidência, os fatores preditivos dessa complicação, assim como, a evolução clínica, laboratorial, endoscópica e ultrassonográfica desses pacientes. MÉTODOS: Foram analisados retrospectivamente os prontuários de 155 doentes esquistossomóticos submetidos a desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia. RESULTADOS: Trombose de veia porta foi observada em 52,3 por cento dos pacientes, sendo 6,5 por cento de trombose total e 45,8 por cento de trombose parcial. Os pacientes que evoluíram com trombose de veia porta apresentaram mais frequentemente diarreia no pós-operatório. Febre foi evento habitual que ocorreu em 70 por cento dos casos, mais frequente, entretanto, nos doentes com trombose total da veia porta (100 por cento). Trombose de veia mesentérica superior ocorreu em quatro doentes (2,6 por cento), sendo mais frequente entre os com trombose total da veia porta. Não se encontrou diferença estatística quanto aos parâmetros clínicos, laboratoriais, endoscópicos e recidiva hemorrágica no pós-operatório tardio, quando comparados os pacientes com e sem trombose portal. CONCLUSÕES: A trombose de veia porta no pós-operatório da desconexão ázigo-portal e esplenectomia é evento frequente, sem nenhum fator preditivo para sua ocorrência; na maioria dos casos a trombose é parcial e apresenta evolução benigna, com baixa morbidade; trombose total da veia porta está mais frequentemente associada à trombose da veia mesentérica superior, com elevada morbidade; a trombose da veia porta, parcial ou total, não acarretou complicações no período pós-operatório tardio.

CONTEXT: Portal vein thrombosis is the most frequent complication after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy for hepatosplenic schistosomosis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate portal vein thrombosis in 155 patients with schistosomal portal hypertension submitted to esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed not only the incidence and predictive factors of this complication, but also clinical, laboratorial, endoscopic and Doppler sonography outcome of these patients. RESULTS: Postoperative portal thrombosis was observed in 52.3 percent of the patients (partial in 45.8 percent and total in 6.5 percent). Postoperative diarrhea was more frequent in patients with portal vein thrombosis. Fever was a frequent postoperative symptom (70 percent) but occurred in a higher percentage when total portal vein thrombosis was present (100 percent). Superior mesenteric vein thrombosis occurred in four patients (2.6 percent) and was associated with total thrombosis of the portal vein. There was no statistical difference between patients with and without portal vein thrombosis according to clinical and endoscopic parameters during late follow-up. It was not possible to identify any predictive factor for the occurrence of this complication. CONCLUSIONS: Portal vein thrombosis is an early and frequent event after esophagogastric devascularization and splenectomy, usually partial with benign outcome and low morbidity. Total portal vein thrombosis is more frequently associated with a high morbidity complication, the superior mesenteric vein thrombosis. Long-term survival was not influenced by either partial or total portal thrombosis.

Splenectomy only, and splenectomy with devascularisation in a rural hospital: a six years experience of a General Surgeon

Bilharzial portal hypertension is a common problem in Elgezira Scheme, Sudan, where this study was conducted. The most serious complication of this disease is bleeding from oesophageal varices, and many patients present with features of hypersplenism. Splenectomy is a known effective procedure to cure cytopenia in patients with hypersplenism but also play a role in arresting variceal bleeding when coupled with devascularization. The aim of this study is to determine the indications, outcome and complications of splenectomy only and splenectomy with devascularisation [SD] in patients with bilharzial portal hypertension in an area with limited hospital facilities. The hospital lacks equipments for sclerotherapy, has limited blood bank service, no consultant anaesthetist and no intensive care unit. The study was conducted during the period between June 1994 and June 2000 at Elmanagil hospital. This is a retrospective study and patients were followed up every 6 months for 3 years. One hundred and fifty patients underwent SD and 116 underwent splenectomy; 72% patients were males, 90% of the patients ages were between 20 - 60 years. Following splenectomy, cytopenia was corrected in all patients with hypersplenism within 3 months after operation. The recurrence rate of haematemesis was 12% in those 111 patients who could be followed up for 3 years. The commonest post operative complications were malaria [6%], chest infection [4%]. Less common complications were wound sepsis 1,5% intra - abdominal sepsis 1% and pseudopancreatic cyst 1%. Six patients died within the first 3 weeks [2.2%]. Splenectomy is an effective procedure to correct hypersplenism while SD control variceal bleeding due to bilharzial portal hypertension within 3 yrs period of follow up

Gastroesophageal reflux in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices without endoscopic treatment

BACKGROUND: Portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis causes manifestations such as esophageal varices, ascites and edema. Some studies have been conducted about the role of esophageal varices in the development of esophageal motor disorders and abnormal gastroesophageal reflux in these patients. Ascites could be a factor promoting gastroesophageal reflux and it has been questioned whether reflux would favor the rupture of varices. However there are a few studies using ambulatory esophageal pH recording in the evaluation of these patients. AIMS: Evaluate gastroesophageal reflux by pH recording in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices and possible predictors. METHODS: Fifty one patients (28 men, 23 women, mean age of 54 years) with liver cirrhosis, diagnosed by clinical, laboratorial, image and histological findings were prospectively evaluated. All patients had esophageal varices confirmed by endoscopy and were submitted to a questionnaire about typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (heartburn and or acid regurgitation). pH recording was performed with the probe placed 5 cm above the superior lower esophageal sphincter limit, as determined by manometry. Abnormal reflux ( percent total time with pH < 4 >4.5 percent) was related to the size of varices, congestive gastropathy, ascites, severity of cirrhosis and typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. RESULTS: The caliber of the varices was considered to be small in 30 patients (59 percent), medium in 17 (33 percent) and large in 4 (8 percent), 21 (41 percent) congestive gastropathy. Ascites was observed in 17 (33 percent), 32 patients (63 percent) were classified as Child-Pugh A, 17 (33 percent) Child-Pugh B and 2 (4 percent) Child-Pugh C. Twenty seven patients (53 percent) presented with typical gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms. Abnormal reflux at pH recording was found in 19 patients (37 percent). One of them presented with erosive esophagitis...

RACIONAL: A hipertensão porta que acomete os pacientes com cirrose hepática é causa de varizes de esôfago, ascite e edema. Alguns estudos têm sido realizados para avaliar a importância das varizes de esôfago no desenvolvimento dos distúrbios motores esofagianos e do refluxo gastroesofágico anormal neste grupo de pacientes. A ascite pode ser um fator promotor de refluxo gastroesofágico e tem sido questionado se o refluxo anormal poderia favorecer a rotura das varizes de esôfago. Entretanto, são poucos os estudos que utilizam a pHmetria esofagiana prolongada ambulatorial na avaliação destes pacientes. OBJETIVO: Avaliar a presença de refluxo anormal a pHmetria esofagiana prolongada ambulatorial em pacientes cirróticos com varizes de esôfago e seus possíveis fatores preditivos. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e um pacientes (28 homens, 23 mulheres, média de idade de 54 anos) com cirrose hepática diagnosticada por métodos clínicos, laboratoriais, de imagem e histopatológicos foram avaliados de forma prospectiva. Todos os pacientes apresentavam varizes de esôfago à endoscopia digestiva alta e foram submetidos a um questionário para avaliação da presença de sintomas típicos da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico (pirose e/ou regurgitação ßcida). pHmetria esofagiana prolongada ambulatorial foi realizada posicionando-se o cateter 5 cm acima do limite superior do esfíncter esofagiano inferior, determinado previamente pela esofagomanometria. Refluxo anormal ( por cento tempo total com pH < 4 >4,5 por cento) foi relacionado com o tamanho das varizes, gastropatia congestiva, ascite, gravidade da cirrose e presença de sintomas típicos da doença do refluxo gastroesofágico. RESULTADOS: O calibre das varizes foi considerado pequeno em 30 pacientes (59 por cento), médio em 17 (33 por cento) e grosso em 4 (8 por cento), 21 (41 por cento) gastropatia congestiva. Ascite foi observada em 17 (33 por cento); 32 pacientes (63 por cento) foram classificados com Child-Pugh...