The 2018 ISDE achalasia guidelines.

Achalasia is a relatively rare primary motor esophageal disorder, characterized by absence of relaxations of the lower esophageal sphincter and of peristalsis along the esophageal body. As a result, patients typically present with dysphagia, regurgitation and occasionally chest pain, pulmonary complication and malnutrition. New diagnostic methodologies and therapeutic techniques have been recently added to the armamentarium for treating achalasia. With the aim to offer clinicians and patients an up-to-date framework for making informed decisions on the management of this disease, the International Society for Diseases of the Esophagus Guidelines proposed and endorsed the Esophageal Achalasia Guidelines (I-GOAL). The guidelines were prepared according the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE-REX) tool, accredited for guideline production by NICE UK. A systematic literature search was performed and the quality of evidence and the strength of recommendations were graded according to the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Given the relative rarity of this disease and the paucity of high-level evidence in the literature, this process was integrated with a three-step process of anonymous voting on each statement (DELPHI). Only statements with an approval rate >80% were accepted in the guidelines. Fifty-one experts from 11 countries and 3 representatives from patient support associations participated to the preparations of the guidelines. These guidelines deal specifically with the following achalasia issues: Diagnostic workup, Definition of the disease, Severity of presentation, Medical treatment, Botulinum Toxin injection, Pneumatic dilatation, POEM, Other endoscopic treatments, Laparoscopic myotomy, Definition of recurrence, Follow up and risk of cancer, Management of end stage achalasia, Treatment options for failure, Achalasia in children, Achalasia secondary to Chagas' disease.

Arterial tissue and plasma concentration of enzymatic-driven oxysterols are associated with severe peripheral atherosclerotic disease and systemic inflammatory activity.

INTRODUCTION: Cholesterol undergoes oxidation via both enzymatic stress- and free radical-mediated mechanisms, generating a wide range of oxysterols. In contrast to oxidative stress-driven metabolites, enzymatic stress-derived oxysterols are scarcely studied in their association with atherosclerotic disease in humans. METHODS: 24S-hydroxycholesterol (24S-HC), 25-hydroxycholesterol (25-HC), and 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-HC) were assessed in plasma and arteries with atherosclerotic plaques from 10 patients (54-84 years) with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD) as well as arteries free of atherosclerotic plaques from 13 individuals (45-78 years, controls). RESULTS: Plasma 25-HC was higher in PAD individuals than in controls (6.3[2] vs. 3.9[1.9] ng/mgCol; p = 0.004). 24S-HC and 27-HC levels were, respectively, five- and 20-fold higher in the arterial tissue of PAD individuals than in those of the controls (p = 0.016 and p = 0.001). Plasma C-reactive protein correlated with plasma 24-HC (r = 0.51; p = 0.010), 25-HC (r = 0.75; p < 0.001), 27-HC (r = 0.48; p = 0.015), and with tissue 24S-HC (r = 0.4; p = 0.041) and 27-HC (r = 0.46; p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: Arterial intima accumulation of 27-HC and 24S-HC is associated with advanced atherosclerotic disease and systemic inflammatory activity in individuals with severe PAD.

Role of nitrites in the genesis of adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus.

BACKGROUND: Barrett's esophagus (BE) is one of the complications of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and a premalignant condition. It consists of a process of replacement of the squamous epithelium of the esophagus by intestinal columnar epithelium containing goblet cells, known as specialized intestinal metaplasia with goblet cells, and several factors have been related to its pathogenesis. The objective of this study was to evaluate an experimental model of duodenogastroesophageal reflux and the effect of ingestion of sodium nitrite solution on the genesis of adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Twenty were not submitted to surgery and served as controls (10 animals ingesting only water and 10 ingesting water plus a solution of sodium nitrite), while the remaining 40 animals were submitted to side-to-side duodenogastroesophageal anastomosis (20 animals ingesting only water and 20 ingesting water plus the sodium nitrite solution). The Vienna classification for dysplasia and adenocarcinoma was used in the analysis of results. RESULTS: After 42 weeks of observation, Barrett's esophagus was found in 26.3% (5/19) of the animals submitted to surgery that had not ingested nitrites compared to 72.3% (13/18) of the animals in the group submitted to surgery and given nitrites. Six cases of adenocarcinoma (33.3%) were also found in this latter group. Barrett's esophagus was not found in any of the animals that were not submitted to surgery. Categories 2, 3 and 5 of the Vienna classification were only found in the animals submitted to surgery that also received sodium nitrite (66.7%). CONCLUSION: The ingestion of sodium nitrite associated with duodenogastroesophageal reflux plays an important role in the genesis of adenocarcinoma associated with Barrett's esophagus.

Treatment of achalasia: lessons learned with Chagas' disease.

Chagas' disease (CD) is highly prevalent in South America. Brazilian surgeons and gastroenterologists gained valuable experience in the treatment of CD esophagopathy (chagasic achalasia) due to the high number of cases treated. The authors reviewed the lessons learned with the treatment of achalasia by different centers experienced in the treatment of Chagas' disease. Preoperative evaluation, endoscopic treatment (forceful dilatation and botulinum toxin injection), Heller's myotomy, esophagectomy, conservative techniques other than myotomy, and reoperations are discussed in the light of personal experiences and review of International and Brazilian literature. Aspects not frequently adopted by North American and European surgeons are emphasized. The review shows that nonadvanced achalasia is frequently treated by Heller's myotomy. Endoscopic treatment is reserved to limited cases. Treatment for end-stage achalasia is not unanimous. Esophagectomy was a popular treatment in advanced disease; however, the morbidity/mortality associated to the procedure made some authors seek different alternatives, such as Heller's myotomy and cardioplasties. Minimally invasive approach to esophageal resection may change this concept, although few centers perform the procedure routinely.

Polymorphisms of GSTP1 and GSTT1, but not of CYP2A6, CYP2E1 or GSTM1, modify the risk for esophageal cancer in a western population.

Esophageal cancer is among the most common and fatal tumors in the world. Eighty percent of esophageal tumors are esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Brazil is one of the high incidence areas in the West, where tobacco and alcohol consumption have been associated with ESCC. However, polymorphisms in xenobiotic metabolizing genes may also contribute to the risk. Therefore, in this study, we analyzed the risk of ESCC associated with tobacco and alcohol consumption and with polymorphisms of CYP2A6 (CYP2A6*2), CYP2E1 (CYP2E1*5B, CYP2E1*6), GSTP1 (Ile105Val), GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes in 126 cases and 252 age- and gender-matched controls. Data on the amount, length and type of tobacco and alcohol consumed were collected, and DNA was extracted from blood lymphocytes from all individuals. Polymorphisms were analyzed by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-multiplex (GSTM1 and T1), PCR-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (CYP2E1*5B and *6 and GSTP1 Ile105Val) or allele-specific PCR amplification (CYP2A6*2). Risks were evaluated by multivariate conditional regression analysis. As expected, tobacco [odds ratio (OR) = 6.71, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.08-14.63] and alcohol (OR = 16.98, CI 7.8-36.98) consumption, independently or together (OR = 26.91, CI 13.39-54.05) were risk factors. GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism was an independent risk factor (OR = 2.12, CI 1.37-3.29), whereas GSTT1 wild-type was an independent protective factor for ESCC (OR = 0.37, CI 0.16-0.79). There was approximately 80% statistical power to detect both results. There was no risk associated with CYP2A6, CYP2E1 and GSTM1 polymorphisms. In conclusion, this study suggests an opposite role of GSTP1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms for the risk for ESCC.

A functional study of caustic strictures of the esophagus in children.

The objective of the present study was to assess esophageal motor function in 21 children (7.5 +/- 2.9 years) with caustic strictures. Esophageal manometry was performed using a water-infusion system interfaced with a polygraph and displayed on a computer screen. The data were compared with those obtained from 9 healthy children. Radionuclide transit was determined by studying deglutition of a single bolus of 99mTc pertechnetate in 10 ml of water. Non-peristaltic low-amplitude and long-duration waves were the most common findings detected in patients with strictures longer than 20% of esophageal length (N = 11). Compared with the control group, these patients presented lower mean amplitude and longer mean duration of waves (24.4 +/- 11.2 vs 97.9 +/- 23.7 mmHg, P < 0.05, and 6.7 +/- 2.4 vs 1.6 +/- 0.1 s, P < 0.05, respectively). Six patients presented low-amplitude waves just below the constricted site. Ten children presented delayed esophageal transit. There was an association between dysphagia and abnormalities on manometry (P = 0.02) and between symptoms and scintigraphy data (P = 0.01). Dysphagia in caustic strictures is due to esophageal motility abnormalities, which are closely related to the scarred segment.

A functional study of caustic strictures of the esophagus in children

The objective of the present study was to assess esophageal motor function in 21 children (7.5 ± 2.9 years) with caustic strictures. Esophageal manometry was performed using a water-infusion system interfaced with a polygraph and displayed on a computer screen. The data were compared with those obtained from 9 healthy children. Radionuclide transit was determined by studying deglutition of a single bolus of 99mTc pertechnetate in 10 ml of water. Non-peristaltic low-amplitude and long-duration waves were the most common findings detected in patients with strictures longer than 20 percent of esophageal length (N = 11). Compared with the control group, these patients presented lower mean amplitude and longer mean duration of waves (24.4 ± 11.2 vs 97.9 ± 23.7 mmHg, P < 0.05, and 6.7 ± 2.4 vs 1.6 ± 0.1 s, P < 0.05, respectively). Six patients presented low-amplitude waves just below the constricted site. Ten children presented delayed esophageal transit. There was an association between dysphagia and abnormalities on manometry (P = 0.02) and between symptoms and scintigraphy data (P = 0.01). Dysphagia in caustic strictures is due to esophageal motility abnormalities, which are closely related to the scarred segment.

Effect of surgical treatment on the cellular immune response of gastric cancer patients.

Patients with gastric cancer have a variety of immunological abnormalities. In the present study the lymphocytes and their subsets were determined in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer (N = 41) both before and after surgical treatment. The percent of helper/inducer CD4 T cells (43.6 +/- 8.9) was not different after tumor resection (43.6 +/- 8.2). The percent of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cell population decreased significantly, whether patients were treated surgically (27.2 +/- 5.8%, N = 20) or not (27.3 +/- 7.3%, N = 20) compared to individuals with inflammatory disease (30.9 +/- 7.5%) or to healthy individuals (33.2 +/- 7.6%). The CD4/CD8 ratio consequently increased in the group of cancer patients. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of gastric cancer patients showed reduced responsiveness to mitogens. The defective blastogenic response of the lymphocytes was not associated with the production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF- ) since the patients with cancer had reduced production of TGF- Beta1 (269 +/- 239 pg/ml, N = 20) in comparison to the normal individuals (884 +/- 175 pg/ml, N = 20). These results indicate that the immune response of gastric cancer patients was not significantly modified by surgical treatment when evaluated four weeks after surgery and that the immunosuppression observed was not due to an increase in TGF- 1 production by peripheral leukocytes.

Effect of surgical treatment on the cellular immune response of gastric cancer patients

Patients with gastric cancer have a variety of immunological abnormalities. In the present study the lymphocytes and their subsets were determined in the peripheral blood of patients with gastric cancer (N = 41) both before and after surgical treatment. The percent of helper/inducer CD4 T cells (43.6 ± 8.9) was not different after tumor resection (43.6 ± 8.2). The percent of the cytotoxic CD8+ T cell population decreased significantly, whether patients were treated surgically (27.2 ± 5.8 percent, N = 20) or not (27.3 ± 7.3 percent, N = 20) compared to individuals with inflammatory disease (30.9 ± 7.5 percent) or to healthy individuals (33.2 ± 7.6 percent). The CD4/CD8 ratio consequently increased in the group of cancer patients. The peripheral blood lymphocytes of gastric cancer patients showed reduced responsiveness to mitogens. The defective blastogenic response of the lymphocytes was not associated with the production of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-á) since the patients with cancer had reduced production of TGF-á1 (269 ± 239 pg/ml, N = 20) in comparison to the normal individuals (884 ± 175 pg/ml, N = 20). These results indicate that the immune response of gastric cancer patients was not significantly modified by surgical treatment when evaluated four weeks after surgery and that the immunosuppression observed was not due to an increase in TGF-á1 production by peripheral leukocytes

Experimental esophageal carcinogenesis: technical standardization and results.

The aim of this research was to determine the occurrence of epidermoid carcinoma of the esophagus induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in Wistar rats. DEN was administered (250-300 g) in drinking water (10 mg/kg body weight) to four groups of rats for 72 h/week, for a duration of 90, 120, 150, or 200 days (groups T90, T120, T150, and T200). Ten animals whose drinking water did not contain DEN constituted the control group. All rats were sacrificed and their esophaguses studied macro- and microscopically. The control group did not exhibit either carcinomas or preneoplasic lesions. The T120 and T200 groups presented, respectively, 47 and 58 in situ carcinomas; 1 and 20 submucosal carcinomas (P < 0.05); 4 and 17 microinvasive carcinomas (P < 0.05); 4 and 11 advanced carcinomas (P < 0.05); and 1 and 1 cases of benign hyperplasia. Pulmonary and liver carcinomas were also found in the T200 group. The majority of advanced macroscopic lesions in the T200 group were polypoid, exophytic, and not microscopically invasive in the esophageal wall. This research confirms the effectiveness of the DEN in bringing about carcinogenesis in the Wistar rat esophagus and also shows that the lesions are dosage dependent.

[Conservative treatment of benign esophageal strictures using dilation. Analysis of 500 cases]. / Tratamento conservador das estenoses benignas do esôfago através de dilatações. Análise de 500 casos.

UNLABELLED: The benign esophageal stenoses (BES) are common complications owing to many etiologies: gastroesophageal reflux, ingestion of corrosive agents, esophageal surgery, radiotherapy, postendoscopic variceal sclerotherapy, drug ingestion, prolonged nasogastric intubation, extrinsic compression and esophageal webs. Esophageal dilatations are worldwide recommended to treat this complication, employing dilators of many types and diameters and facilitating the food ingestion. PURPOSE: Evaluation of the results and advantages of the conservative treatment of the BES using esophageal dilatations, in outpatient service of upper digestive endoscopy. METHODS: During the period from 1981 to 1999, 500 patients with BES were treated and followed up at the Gastrocenter - UNICAMP, in an individually Program of Esophageal Dilatation for each case. The highest number of cases was under ages from 31 to 60 years old (52,8%), and males (59,2%). The most predominant etiologies were: peptic stenosis (30,4%), caustic ingestion (23,6%), anastomosis (23,2%), megaesophagus (8,0%) and prolonged nasogastric ingestion entubation (6,4%), totalizing 91,6% of the BES. Most of patients (94,2%) were submitted to the maximum of 25 dilations. Dilators from 10,5 to 16 mm were employed in 95,6% of the cases. The duration of the treatment was 24 months in 76,2% of the BES. Esophageal perforations occurred in 6 patients (1,2%), without mortality. RESULTS: Were considered excellent, good and bad results, respectively in 76,2%, 18,2% and 5,6% of the cases. On the other hand, excellent results were recorded in 81,0% of the peptic stenosis, 66,1% of the caustic stenosis and 82,7% of the anastomotic stenosis. The conservative treatment failed in 9,3% of the caustic stenosis, 4,3% of the anastomotic stenosis and 3,9% of the peptic stenosis. Thus, the caustic stenosis were unsuccessfull in the highest percentage of unsuccessful. CONCLUSION: The conservative treatment using guidewire dilators (Savary-Gilliard and Eder-Puestow) is the first choice in the BES, is effective for long time, with short complications and the surgical treatment is indicated only when the dilatations failed.

Tratamento conservador das estenoses benignas do esôfago através de dilataçöes. Análise de 500 casos / Conservative treatment of benign esophageal strictures by dilatations. Analysis of 500 cases

As estenoses benignas do esôfago (EBE) säo complicaçöes muito freqüentes, resultado de várias etiologias, a saber: refluxo gastro-esofágico, ingestäo de agentes corrosivos, pós-cirurgias do esôfago, pós-radioterapia no tórax, pós-escleroterapia endoscópica de varizes do esôfago, ingestäo de medicamentos, uso prolongado de cateter nasogástrico, compressäo extrínseca e membranas esofágicas congênitas. As dilataçöes esofágicas säo recomendadas no tratamento dessa complicaçäo, empregando dilatadores de vários tipos e diâmetros, facilitando ao doente a ingestäo alimentar. OBJETIVOS: Avaliaçäo dos resultados e vantagens do tratamento conservador das EBE através de dilataçöes esofágicas realizadas ambulatorialmente com auxílio da endoscopia digestiva flexível. MÉTODOS: No período de 1981 a 1999 foram tratados, conservadoramente e seguidos no Gastrocentro -- UNICAMP, 500 doentes com EBE, através de um Programa de Dilataçöes Esofágicas instituído para cada caso. A maioria era do sexo masculino (59,2 por cento) e a faixa etária mais acometida encontra-se entre 31 anos e 60 anos, compreendendo 52,8 por cento dos pacientes em estudo. As estenoses mais prevalentes foram as estenoses pépticas (30,4 por cento), cáusticas (23,6 por cento), de anastomoses (23,2 por cento), por megaesôfago (8,0 por cento) e por uso prolongado de cateter nasogástrico (6,4 por cento), perfazendo um total de 91,6 por cento das EBE. Quanto ao número de procedimentos, 94,2 por cento dos casos foram submetidos a no máximo 25 dilataçöes do esôfago. Em 95,6 por cento deles foram utilizados dilatadores com diâmetro entre 10,5 mm e 16,0 mm. A duraçäo do tratamento foi até 24 meses em 76,2 por cento dos casos. Perfuraçöes esofágicas ocorreram em seis doentes (1,2 por cento), sem mortalidade. RESULTADOS: Foram considerados bons em 76,2 por cento, regulares em 18,2 por cento e maus em 5,6 por cento dos doentes. O sucesso do tratamento variou conforme a etiologia da estenose, ocorrendo bons resultados em 81,0 por cento das estenoses pépticas, em 66,1 por cento das estenoses cáusticas e em 82,7 por cento das estenoses de anastomoses. A falha do tratamento conservador ocorreu em 9,3 por cento das estenoses cáusticas, 4,3 por cento das estenoses de anastomose e 3,9 por cento das estenoses pépticas. A estenose cáustica propiciou a falha maior da terapêutica conservadora em relaçäo aos demais. CONCLUSÄO: O tratamento conservador, através de dilataçöes orientadas por fio-guia...

[Videolaparoscopic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: modified Nissen technique - clinical and functional results]. / Tratamento cirúrgico videolaparoscópico da doença do refluxo gastroesofagiano: técnica de Nissen modificada - resultados clínicos e funcionais.

BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease is highly common worldwide and surgical treatment is being indicated more frequently. Currently, laparoscopic is the access of choice and several antireflux techniques may be used. We prefer a modified Nissen technique. PURPOSE: To analyze preoperative clinical and functional parameters and compare with postoperative outcome of a modified valve technique performed by laparoscopy. METHODS: A group of 59 patients underwent laparoscopic modified Nissen valve. Preoperative diagnosis was made by radiological contrast exams and endoscopy in all patients. Esophagus manometry was performed in 35 patients and scintigraphy scan in 15 patients. Complicated esophagitis occurred in 54.2%, with 21 (35.6%) patients presenting a Barrett's epithelium. Laparoscopic surgery was performed in all patients with no conversion to open surgery, with an average time of 123.9 minutes. RESULTS: There were no intraoperative complications. Hospital discharge occurred in an average of 47.6 hours. Symptoms as dysphagia, pain, regurgitation and flatus occurred in 48.1% of the patients in the first thirty days. Average follow-up was 20.8 months. Postoperative radiological, endoscopic, manometric and scintigrafic scan exams showed a significant improvement, as well as clinical assessment using Visick's classification, which showed excellent and good results in 93.1% of the patients. CONCLUSION: Comparative analysis of clinical assessment and exam results lad us to conclude that modified Nissen surgery by laparoscopic access corrects gastroesophageal reflux in most patients followed-up.

Tratamento cirúrgico videolaparoscópico da doença do refluxo gastroesofagiano: técnica de Nissen modificada - resultados clínicos e funcionais / Videolaparoscopic surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease: modified Nissen technique - clinical and functional results

A doença do refluxo gastroesofagiano é muito freqüente na populaçäo e o tratamento cirúrgico é indicado em um número respeitável de pacientes. A escolha da via de acesso é a laparoscopia. Várias técnicas anti-refluxo podem ser empregadas e preferimos a técnica de Nissen modificada. OBJETIVO: Analisar os parâmetros clínicos e funcionais pré-operatórios comparados com os mesmos parâmetros pós-operatórios com a técnica empregada. MÉTODOS: Um grupo de 59 pacientes foi submetido a tratamento cirúrgico pela técnica de Nissen modificada videolaparoscópica. O diagnóstico pré-operatório foi feito por exame radiográfico contrastado e endoscopia digestiva alta em todos os pacientes. A manometria do esôfago realizada em 35 e a cintilografia em 15. Esofagite complicada ocorreu em 54,2 por cento sendo 21 pacientes (35,6 por cento) com epitélio de Barrett. A técnica cirúrgica laparoscópica foi concluída em todos os pacientes. O tempo médio de cirurgia foi de 123,9 minutos. RESULTADOS: Näo ocorreram complicaçöes intra-operatórias. A alta se deu em média com 47,6 horas. Sintomas de disfagia, dor, epigastralgia, regurgitaçäo e flatulência até o 30° dia ocorreram em 48,1 por cento dos pacientes. Ocorreu uma reoperaçäo por recurrência da doença e um óbito por necrose do fundo gástrico. O seguimento médio foi de 20,8 meses. Os exames pós-operatórios radiográficos, endoscópicos, manométricos e de cintilografia mostraram melhora significativa, bem como a avaliaçäo clínica, que mostrou excelentes e bom resultados em 93,1 por cento dos pacientes. CONCLUSÄO: A cirurgia de Nissen modificada videolaparoscópica corrigiu a doença do refluxo gastroesofagiano na maioria dos doentes acompanhados, associada à baixa morbimortalidade

[Importance of upper digestive endoscopy using lugol dye solution for the diagnosis of superficial esophageal cancer and dysplasia in patients with head and neck neoplasms]. / A importância da endoscopia digestiva alta com solução de lugol no diagnóstico de câncer superficial e displasia em esôfago de doentes com neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço.

Head and neck cancer has a high incidence in Brazil, with cancer of the oral cavity being one of the five most common cancers among Brazilians. Alcohol and tobacco consumption may contribute to synchronous or metachronous head and neck cancer and esophageal cancer. A prospective study involving 60 patients with head and neck cancer was carried out at the State University of Campinas--UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil to screen for superficial esophageal cancer and dysplasia using endoscopy and a 2% lugol dye solution followed by biopsy of the suspicious areas. Five patients (8.3%) had superficial esophageal cancer, which was diagnosed as intraepithelial carcinoma in three of them (5.0%). In four patients, the superficial esophageal cancer was synchronous and in one it was metachronous to head and neck cancer. Five patients (8.3%) had dysplasias in the esophageal epithelium (three were classified as mild and two as moderate). These results demonstrate the value of endoscopic screening of the esophagus using lugol dye in patients with head and neck cancer, particularly since superficial esophageal cancer is extremely difficult to detect by conventional methods in asymptomatic patients.

[Laparoscopy in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal diseases. Analysis of 168 cases]. / A laparoscopia no diagnóstico das doenças intra-abdominais. Análise de 168 casos.

UNLABELLED: The laparoscopy has been more and more frequently indicated in the last years, for the complementary diagnosis of intraabdominal diseases and abdominal repercussion of systemic diseases. Modern equipaments including videolaparoscopy and the use of either forceps or biopsy needle permit higher safety and significant diagnostic capacity. PURPOSE: To perform laparoscopy for the diagnosis of intraabdominal and sistemic diseases. METHODS: During the last 9 years 168 patients were submitted to laparoscopy and the main indications were: ascites--43 cases (25.5%); liver diseases--42 cases (25%); gastric cancer--37 cases (22%); lymphoma--17 cases (10.1%); abdominal tumour--9 cases (5.4%); peritoneal tuberculosis--8 cases (4.8%); liver tumour--6 cases (3.6%); mesenteric cyst--1 case (0.6%) and other diseases--5 cases (3.0%). Ninety nine patients were male (58.9%) aging from 9 to 78 years old (median 47.6 years). Liver biopsies were performed in 92 cases (54.7%) and other tumour biopsies in 26 cases (15.4%). RESULTS: The diagnosis of the diseases were established or confirmed by laparoscopy in 145 patients (86.3%). In 25 cases of gastric cancer (67.5%) laparoscopy contraindicated the laparotomy, owing to advanced disease. Two patients presented bleeding (1.2%) after liver biopsies and laparotomy was immediately indicated. One of them, whose diagnosis was systemic lupus, presented abdominal abscess, bronchopneumony and died (0.6%). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy has small number of complications, and when employed as a diagnostic complementary method therapeutic procedures, avoids laparotomies and accelerate therapeutic procedures.

A laparoscopia no diagnóstico das doenças intra-abdominais: análise de 168 casos / The laparoscopy in the diagnosis of intra-abdominal diseases: analysis of 168 cases

A laparoscopia tem sido mais freqüentemente indicada nos últimos anos na completaçao diagnóstica de afecçoes abdominais e na identificaçao de repercussoes abdominais de doenças sistêmicas. Modernos equipamentos incluindo video-laparoscopia e o uso de agulhas de biópsias e outros instrumentos permitem elevada segurança e significante capacidade diagnóstica. Objetivo. Empregar a laparoscopia no diagnóstico de doenças abdominais e sistêmicas. Métodos. Durante os últimos 9 anos, 168 doentes foram submetidos a laparoscopia e as principais indicaçoes foram: ascites (43 casos - 25,5 por cento); doenças hepáticas (42 casos - 25 por cento); câncer gástrico (37 casos - 22 por cento); linfomas (17 casos - 10,1 por cento); tumores abdominais (9 casos - 5,4 por cento); tuberculose peritoneal (8 casos - 4,8 por cento); tumores hepáticos (6 casos - 3,6 por cento); cisto mesentérico (1 caso - 0,6 por cento) e outras doenças (5 casos - 3,0 por cento). Noventa e nove pacientes eram masculinos (58,9 por cento), com idade variando de 9 a 78 anos (47,6 anos). Biópsias hepáticas foram realizadas em 92 casos (54,7 por cento) e outras biópsias tumorais em 26 casos (15,4 por cento). Resultados. O diagnóstico da doença foi estabelecido ou confirmado em 145 casos (86,3 por cento). Em 25 casos de câncer gástrico (67,5 por cento), a laparoscopia contra-indicou a laparotomia em funçao de detecçao de doença avançada. Dois pacientes apresentaram hemorragia (1,2 por cento) após biópsias hepáticas e a laparotomia foi imediatamente indicada. Um doente, cujo diagnóstico era de lupus sistêmico, apresentou abscesso abdominal, broncopneumonia e faleceu (0,6 por cento). Conclusao. O procedimento tem pequeno número de complicaçoes e quando empregado como método diagnóstico complementar, evita a laparotomia e agiliza medidas terapêuticas.

[Incidence and epidemiology of Barrett's epithelium at the Gastrocentro-UNICAMP]. / Incidência e epidemiologia do epitélio de Barrett no gastrocentro-UNICAMP.

It is very important in the clinical practice to identify the individuals with Barrett's esophagus, because they are at risk to develop adenocarcinoma in the columnar epithelium. The objective of this research is to verify the incidence of this specific kind of epithelium at the "Gastrocentro", at State University of Campinas-UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil, among the total of 15,976 upper digestive endoscopies, performed from january of 1992 to December of 1995. From the total examinations performed were identified 2,381 patients (14.9%) presenting reflux esophagitis (grades I-IV, Savary-Miller). Among this group of patients, the endoscopist suspected of Barrett's esophagus in 110 cases (4.6%) and biopsed the distal esophagus. However, only in 85 cases (77.3%) the pathologist confirmed the diagnosis of Barrett's epithelium. The patients with Barrett's esophagus were 53 males (62.3%), presenting the mean age of 52.2 years and the following grades of esophagitis: grade I-33 cases (38.8%); grade II-15 cases (17.7%); grade III-15 cases (17.7%), grade IV-12 cases (14.1%) and without esophagitis-10 cases (11.7%). The incidence of Barrett's esophagus among the patients with reflux esophagitis was 3.57%, and among the total of examinations performed at the "Gastrocentro" during the period of four years was 0.53%, totalizing 22,4 cases/100,000 habitants.

[Association of gastroduodenal mucosa lesions and varices as a cause of upper digestive hemorrhage. Retrospective study at a university hospital]. / Associação entre lesões de mucosa gastroduodenal e varizes como causa de hemorragia digestiva alta. Estudo retrospectivo em hospital universitário.

During the period from August 1st, 1990 to June 15, 1992, 117 patients with portal hypertension and upper gastrointestinal bleeding were examined at the "GASTROCENTRO"--State University of Campinas--UNICAMP, Campinas, SP, Brazil few hours after hospital admission. The objectives were to study the association of gastroduodenal acute lesions and esophageal varices. The predominant ages were thirties and sixties years (83.76%), being 70.08% of males. The hematemesis occurred in 94.02% of the cases. The etiologies of the bleeding were: esophageal varices, 47.87%; gastroduodenal acute mucosal lesions, 34.19%; gastric varices, 9.4%; gastric ulcers, 5.98% and duodenal ulcers, 2.56%. The authors concluded that exists a significant association of acute gastroduodenal lesions and esophageal varices causing upper gastrointestinal bleeding. It is essential to examine early and in detail the gastroduodenal mucosa during upper digestive endoscopy in the patient with portal hypertension and esophageal varices to diagnose the etiology of the bleeding. It is advisable to perform endoscopic examination twice a year when the dyspeptic symptoms are constant, with previous treatment for gastroduodenal acute mucosal lesions or peptic ulcers, and annual in the others.

[The gastroduodenal mucosa in patients with portal hypertension: correlation with blood gastrin]. / A mucosa gastroduodenal em doentes com hipertensão portal: correlação com a gastrinemia.

PURPOSE: gastroduodenal mucosa of two groups of patients with chronic liver disease was studied: schistosomotic mansoni patients (SH) and non-schistosomic patients (NSH). Results were compared to serum-gastrin levels. TYPE: prospective study. PLACE: Unicamp University Hospital (Hospital das Clínicas), Campinas, São Paulo, Brazil. PATIENTS: 24 patients were included in the results, out of 26 patients studied. Two groups of study: 12 patients with schistosomiasis and liver fibrosis (SH), and 12 patients with liver cirrhosis (NSH) secondary to alcoholism or to hepatitis. PROCEDURES: esophagogastroduodenoscopies and biopsies of gastric antrum and duodenum. Function tests of the liver were also studied. RESULTS: results of gastrinemia were found within normal ranges in both groups. Student test ("t") did not show differences between groups at the 5% level. However, patients with chronic liver cirrhosis had more significant and severe endoscopic findings and chronic inflammatory processes of the gastroduodenal mucosa (acute gastritis, duodenitis and ulcers) than patients with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: patients with liver cirrhosis due to high risk of gastroduodenal bleeding should be maintained under continuous vigilance, appropriate diet and mucosa cytoprotectors. Furthermore, more research is required to study the etiology of gastroduodenal lesions in these specific groups of patients.