Rol de la cirugía bariátrica/metabólica en el manejo de la diabetes mellitus 2. Consenso SOCHED/SCCBM / Consensus statement of the Chilean endocrinological society on the role of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and obesity are a public health problem in Chile. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment alternative to achieve a significant and sustained weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity. The results of controlled clinical trials indicate that, compared to medical treatment, surgery for obese patients with DM2 allows a better control of blood glucose and cardiovascular risk factors, reduces the need for medications and increases the likelihood for remission. Consensus conferences and clinical practice guidelines support bariatric surgery as an option to treat DM2 in Class III Obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40) regardless of the glycemic control and the complexity of pharmacological treatment and in Class II Obesity (BMI 35-39,9) with inadequate glycemic control despite optimal pharmacological treatment and lifestyle. However, surgical indication for patients with DM2 and BMI between 30-34.9, the most prevalent sub-group, is only suggested. The Chilean Societies of Endocrinology and Diabetes and of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery decided to generate a consensus regarding the importance of other factors related to DM2 that would allow a better selection of candidates for surgery, particularly when weight does not constitute an indication. Considering the national reality, we also need a statement regarding the selection and characteristics of the surgical procedure as well as the role of the diabetologist in the multidisciplinary team.

[Consensus statement of the Chilean endocrinological society on the role of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes]. / Rol de la cirugía bariátrica/metabólica en el manejo de la diabetes mellitus 2. Consenso SOCHED/SCCBM.

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) and obesity are a public health problem in Chile. Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment alternative to achieve a significant and sustained weight reduction in patients with morbid obesity. The results of controlled clinical trials indicate that, compared to medical treatment, surgery for obese patients with DM2 allows a better control of blood glucose and cardiovascular risk factors, reduces the need for medications and increases the likelihood for remission. Consensus conferences and clinical practice guidelines support bariatric surgery as an option to treat DM2 in Class III Obesity (Body Mass Index (BMI) > 40) regardless of the glycemic control and the complexity of pharmacological treatment and in Class II Obesity (BMI 35-39,9) with inadequate glycemic control despite optimal pharmacological treatment and lifestyle. However, surgical indication for patients with DM2 and BMI between 30-34.9, the most prevalent sub-group, is only suggested. The Chilean Societies of Endocrinology and Diabetes and of Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery decided to generate a consensus regarding the importance of other factors related to DM2 that would allow a better selection of candidates for surgery, particularly when weight does not constitute an indication. Considering the national reality, we also need a statement regarding the selection and characteristics of the surgical procedure as well as the role of the diabetologist in the multidisciplinary team.

Esophagocardioplasty, vagotomy-antrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy: indication in cases with severe esophageal motor disfunction.

Almost 10% of patients with Crest syndrome associated with severe gastroesophageal reflux and 5-10% of patients with failed cardiomyotomy for achalasia present with cardial or distal esophageal organic stricture. Some of these cases are poor risk patients for surgery and therefore the surgeon must offer a safe procedure with low morbimortality, keeping in mind the pathophysiological motor pattern of these patients.In order to treat the stricture to improve the esophageal transit we treated patients with esophagocardioplasty associated with vagotomy-antrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy, thereby avoiding the potential acid or biliary reflux in poor risk patients in whom esophagectomy would be a very deleterious procedure. All four patients had a good postoperative evolution and late control demonstrated good esophagogastric transit with no postoperative esophagitis.

Patients Having Bariatric Surgery: Surgical Options in Morbidly Obese Patients with Barrett's Esophagus.

This article summarizes the currently knowledge and results observed in patients with obesity and Barrett's esophagus which were presented and discussed during the IFSO 2014 held in Montreal. In this meeting, the surgical options for the management after bariatric surgery were discussed. For this purpose, a complete revision of the available literature was done including Pubmed, Medline, Scielo database, own experience, and experts opinion. A total of 49 publications were reviewed and included in the present paper. The majority of authors agree that gastric bypass is the procedure of choice. Sleeve gastrectomy is not an absolute contraindication. Up to now, gastric bypass appears to be the best procedure for treatment of obese patients with Barrett's esophagus. Future investigations should give the definitive consensus.

Single-incision laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy: initial experience in 20 patients and 2-year follow-up.

BACKGROUND: The transumbilical route began being clinically feasible with or without unique access devices. SETTING: The setting for this study was a private practice at Clínica Las Condes, Santiago, Chile. OBJECTIVE: The objective was to describe our experience performing a laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) via transumbilical route using a single-port access device in addition to standard laparoscopic instruments. METHOD: A prospective nonrandomized protocol was applied to patients fulfilling the following inclusion criteria: to have been medically indicated for an LSG, to have a body mass index (BMI) of less than or equal to 40 kg/m2, and the distance between the xiphoid appendix and umbilicus should be less than 22 cm. All patients were female with a median (p50) age of 34.5 (ranging from 21 to 57) years, a median weight of 92 (ranging from 82.5 to 113) kg, and a median BMI of 35.1 (ranging from 30.5 to 40) kg/m2. The device insertion technique, the gastrectomy, and postoperative management are described. RESULTS: LSG via transumbilical route was successfully carried out in 19 of the 20 patients in whom the procedure was performed; one patient had to be converted to a conventional laparoscopic procedure. Mean operating time was 127 (ranging from 90 to 170) min. On the second postoperative day, all patients were assessed through an upper gastrointestinal barium-contrasted radiological series. There was neither morbidity nor mortality in this group. Excess weight loss at 25 months after surgery was 114 %. CONCLUSIONS: Single-port LSG can be successfully performed in selected obese patients with a BMI of less than 40 kg/m2 using traditional laparoscopic instruments. The technique allows performing a safe and effective vertical gastrectomy.

Evolución de la ingesta y del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre en mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica hasta el segundo año postoperatorio / Evolution of the intake and nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in women undergoing bariatric surgery until the second year after surgery

Introducción: La cirugía bariátrica permite una reducción significativa de peso y mejoría de comorbilidades asociadas a la obesidad a largo plazo, pero también puede afectar negativamente el estado nutricional de algunos micronutrientes. Objetivos: Evaluar cambios en ingesta e indicadores del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre en mujeres sometidas a bypass gástrico en Y de Roux (BPG) o gastrectomía tubular (GT), hasta el segundo año postoperatorio. Métodos: Se estudió prospectivamente 45 mujeres sometidas a BPG o GT (edad promedio 35,2 ± 8,4 años, IMC promedio 39,8 ± 4,0 kg/m2), cada 6 meses se realizaron determinaciones de ingesta e indicadores del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre, y en forma anual se evaluó la composición corporal. El aporte de minerales a través de los suplementos representaba dos veces la ingesta recomendada para una mujer sana en las pacientes sometidas a GT y tres veces para BPG. Resultados: 20 mujeres se sometieron a GT y 25 a BPG. En ambos grupos se produjo una reducción significativa de peso y del porcentaje de masa grasa, que se mantuvo hasta el segundo año postoperatorio. Las mujeres sometidas a BPG presentaron un mayor compromiso del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre, que las pacientes sometidas a GT. Conclusiones: El bypass gástrico en Y de Roux produce un compromiso mayor del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre que la gastrectomía tubular. Se debería evaluar si la administración fraccionada de la suplementación mejoraría la absorción de estos nutrientes (AU)

Introduction: Bariatric surgery allows a significant reduction in weight and improvement of comorbidities associated with obesity in the long term, but it can also adversely affect the nutritional status of some micronutrients. Objectives: To evaluate changes in intake and parameters of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), until the second postoperative year. Methods: We prospectively studied 45 women undergoing GBP or SG (mean age 35.2 ± 8.4 years, mean BMI 39.8 ± 4.0 kg/m2), every 6 months We measured intake and status indications nutritional zinc, iron and copper, and annually evaluated body composition. The contribution of minerals through supplements represented twice the recommended intake for a healthy woman in patients undergoing GT and three times for GBP. Results: 20 women underwent GBP and 25 SG. In both groups there was a significant reduction in weight and body fat percentage, which was maintained until the second postoperative year. Women who have had a greater commitment GBP nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper, that patients undergoing SG. Conclusions: Gastric bypass Roux-Y produces a greater commitment of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper sleeve gastrectomy. It should evaluate whether administration of supplementation fractional improve the absorption of these nutrients (AU)

[Evolution of the intake and nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in women undergoing bariatric surgery until the second year after surgery]. / Evolución de la ingesta y del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro y cobre en mujeres sometidas a cirugía bariátrica hasta el segundo año postoperatorio.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery allows a significant reduction in weight and improvement of comorbidities associated with obesity in the long term, but it can also adversely affect the nutritional status of some micronutrients. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate changes in intake and parameters of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper in patients undergoing Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (GBP) or sleeve gastrectomy (SG), until the second postoperative year. METHODS: We prospectively studied 45 women undergoing GBP or SG (mean age 35.2 ± 8.4 years, mean BMI 39.8 ± 4.0 kg/m²), every 6 months We measured intake and status indications nutritional zinc, iron and copper, and annually evaluated body composition. The contribution of minerals through supplements represented twice the recommended intake for a healthy woman in patients undergoing GT and three times for GBP. RESULTS: 20 women underwent GBP and 25 SG. In both groups there was a significant reduction in weight and body fat percentage, which was maintained until the second postoperative year. Women who have had a greater commitment GBP nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper, that patients undergoing SG. CONCLUSIONS: Gastric bypass Roux-Y produces a greater commitment of nutritional status of zinc, iron and copper sleeve gastrectomy. It should evaluate whether administration of supplementation fractional improve the absorption of these nutrients.

Alopecia en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida sometidas a cirugía bariátrica / Alopecia in women with severe and morbid obesity who undergo bariatric surgery

Introducción: La cirugía bariátrica produce una reducción de peso significativa, pero se asocia a un mayor riesgo de presentar algunas deficiencias nutricionales. Una complicación frecuente, poco estudiada, que se ha relacionado principalmente con deficiencia de zinc, es la alopecia. Objetivos: comparar el estado nutricional de zinc, hierro, cobre, selenio y proteico-visceral en mujeres con distinto grado de caída del pelo al sexto mes post bypass gástrico o gastrectomía tubular. Métodos: Según el grado de caída de pelo las pacientes fueron divididas en dos grupos: grupo 1 o caída leve (n =42) y grupo 2 o caída importante del pelo (n = 45). Se evaluó en el preoperatorio y al sexto mes postoperatorio la ingesta de zinc, hierro, cobre y selenio, además de indicadores del estado nutricional de zinc, hierro, cobre y proteico visceral. Resultados: En ambos grupos se produjo una reducción significativa del peso al sexto mes postoperatorio (-38,9 ± 16,4%). Las pacientes del grupo 1 presentaron una ingesta significativamente mayor de zinc (20,6 ± 8,1 contra 17,1 ± 7,7 mg/d) y de hierro (39,7 ± 35,9 contra 23,8± 21,3 mg/d.), y un menor compromiso del estado nutricional de zinc y hierro que el grupo 2, pero las pacientes del grupo 2 presentaron un menor compromiso del estado nutricional de cobre. No hubo diferencias en las concentraciones plasmáticas de albúmina. Conclusiones: Las pacientes que presentan una menor caída del pelo hasta el sexto mes postoperatorio tienen una mayor ingesta de zinc y hierro, y un menor compromiso del estado nutricional de ambos minerales (AU)

Introduction: Bariatric surgery leads to a significant body weigh reduction although it is associated to a higher risk of presenting some nutritional deficiencies. A common complication, little studied and mainly related to zinc deficiency is alopecia. Objectives: To compare the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, selenium and protein-visceral in women with different degrees of hair loss at 6 months after gastric bypass or tubular gastrectomy. Methods: The patients were categorized into two groups according to the degree of hair loss: group 1 or mild loss (n = 42) and group 2 or severe hair loss (n = 45).Zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, as well as the indicators of the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, and proteinvisceral were assessed before and after 6 months of the surgery. Results: In both groups there was a significant bodyweight reduction at 6 months post-surgery (-38.9% ±16.4%). Patients in group 1 presented a significantly higher intake of zinc (20.6 ± 8.1 vs. 17.1 ± 7.7 mg/d) andiron (39.7 ± 35.9 vs. 23.8 ± 21.3 mg/d.), and lower compromise in the nutritional status of zinc and iron than group 2. However, patients in group 2 had lower compromise in the nutritional status of copper. There were no differences regarding the plasma concentrations of albumin. Conclusions: The patients having lower hair loss at six months after surgery had higher zinc and iron intake and lower compromise of the nutritional status of bothminerals (AU)

[Alopecia in women with severe and morbid obesity who undergo bariatric surgery]. / Alopecia en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida sometidas a cirugía bariátrica.

INTRODUCTION: Bariatric surgery leads to a significant body weigh reduction although it is associated to a higher risk of presenting some nutritional deficiencies. A common complication, little studied and mainly related to zinc deficiency is alopecia. OBJECTIVES: To compare the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, selenium and protein-visceral in women with different degrees of hair loss at 6 months after gastric bypass or tubular gastrectomy. METHODS: The patients were categorized into two groups according to the degree of hair loss: group 1 or mild loss (n = 42) and group 2 or severe hair loss (n = 45). Zinc, iron, copper, and selenium, as well as the indicators of the nutritional status of zinc, iron, copper, and proteinvisceral were assessed before and after 6 months of the surgery. RESULTS: In both groups there was a significant body weight reduction at 6 months post-surgery (-38.9% ± 16.4%). Patients in group 1 presented a significantly higher intake of zinc (20.6 ± 8.1 vs. 17.1 ± 7.7 mg/d) and iron (39.7 ± 35.9 vs. 23.8 ± 21.3 mg/d.), and lower compromise in the nutritional status of zinc and iron than group 2. However, patients in group 2 had lower compromise in the nutritional status of copper. There were no differences regarding the plasma concentrations of albumin. CONCLUSIONS: The patients having lower hair loss at six months after surgery had higher zinc and iron intake and lower compromise of the nutritional status of both minerals.

Concordancia entre gasto energético y reposo medido y estimado por fórmulas predictivas en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida / Agreement between measured and calculated by predictive formulas resting energy expenditure in severe and morbid obese women

Objetivo: Comparar el gasto energético de reposo medido con el gasto energético de reposo estimado (GER) por fórmulas predictivas diseñadas a partir de población con peso normal u obesidad, en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida. Material y métodos: a 66 mujeres (índice de masa corporal 44,7 ± 4,9 kg/m2; edad 35,6 ± 10,3 años) se les realizó calorimetría indirecta con monitor metabólico Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finlandia), antes de someterse a cirugía bariátrica. Se estimó el GER con las siguientes ecuaciones: Harris-Benedict con peso real y peso ajustado, Ireton-Jones, Estimación Rápida de Carrasco (16,2 kcal × kg peso real) y Mifflin. Resultados: (x ± de). El GER medido fue 1.797 ± 239 kcal/día. Todas las fórmulas, excepto Harris-Benedict con peso ajustado, sobreestimaron el gasto energético; la ecuación de Ireton-Jones fue la que sobreestimó en mayor cuantía el GER (689 ± 329 kcal/día), mientras que la ecuación de Mifflin sobreestimó el GER sólo en 6 ± 202 kcal/día. No se encontraron diferencias significativas entre el GER medido y el GER estimado por Mifflin y Estimación Rápida. La ecuación de Mifflin fue la más exacta: en 68% de los casos la diferencia entre el GER estimado y medido estuvo dentro de ± 10%, seguida por Harris-Benedict con peso real (64%) y la Estimación Rápida (61%). Según el análisis de Bland-Altman, hubo una correlación significativa entre la diferencia GER estimado- medido y el promedio de GER estimado y medido con todas las ecuaciones, excepto con la Estimación Rápida de Carrasco. Esto implica que, con la excepción de esta última, las fórmulas estudiadas subestiman o sobrestiman el GER dependiendo de la magnitud del GER medido. Conclusión: En la serie pacientes con obesidad severa y mórbida evaluadas, la ecuación de Mifflin y la Estimación Rápida otorgan el menor error de estimación del gasto energético de reposo en mujeres. Antes de recomendar una ecuación en particular es necesario realizar estudios de validación para determinar cuál es la ecuación de predicción más exacta para este grupo de pacientes

Objective: To compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with that predicted by formulas derived from populations with normal weight or obesity and from women with severe and morbid obesity. Material and methods: 66 women (aged 35.6 ± 10.3 y and BMI of 44.7 ± 4.9 kg/m2) were evaluated by indirect calorimetry with a metabolic monitor Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finland), before undergoing gastric bypass. REE was calculated with the following equations: Harris-Benedict’s with both actual and adjusted weight, Ireton-Jones’, Mifflin’s, and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation, which corresponds to 16.2 kcal × kg actual weight. Results: (mean ± sd). Measured REE was 1797 ± 239 kcal/day. All formulas, except Harris-Benedict’s with adjusted weight, overestimated REE. The Ireton-Jones’ equation presented the greater overestimation (689 ± 329 kcal/day), whereas Mifflin’s equation overestimated REE only by 6 ± 202 kcal/day. No significant differences were detected between measured and calculated REE by Mifflin’s and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation. Accuracy (defined as difference between calculated and measured REE within ± 10%) was greater with Mifflin’s equation (68%), followed by Harris-Benedict’s with actual weight (64%) and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation (61%). By using the Bland-Altman analysis, significant correlations were observed between calculated-measured REE and mean REE (calculated + measured/2) with all equations except Carrasco’s Fast Estimation. This means that all but one formula underestimate or overestimate REE depending on the level of measured REE. Conclusion: In severe and morbid obese women, Mifflin’s and Carrasco’s Fast Estimation equations provided the best performance to estimate REE. Before recommending an equation in an a subset of individuals it is necessary to make previous validation studies to determine that equation with the best predictive power for this particular group of patients

[Agreement between measured and calculated by predictive formulas resting energy expenditure in severe and morbid obese women]. / Concordancia entre gasto energético y reposo medido y estimado por fórmulas predictivas en mujeres con obesidad severa y mórbida.

OBJECTIVE: To compare measured resting energy expenditure (REE) with that predicted by formulas derived from populations with normal weight or obesity and from women with severe and morbid obesity. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 66 women (aged 35.6 +/- 10.3 y and BMI of 44.7 +/- 4.9 kg/m2) were evaluated by indirect calorimetry with a metabolic monitor Deltatrac (Datex Inst., Finland), before undergoing gastric bypass. REE was calculated with the following equations: Harris-Benedict's with both actual and adjusted weight, Ireton-Jones', Mifflin's, and Carrasco's Fast Estimation, which corresponds to 16.2 kcal x kg actual weight. RESULTS: (mean +/- sd). Measured REE was 1797 +/- 239 kcal/day. All formulas, except Harris-Benedict's with adjusted weight, overestimated REE. The Ireton-Jones' equation presented the greater overestimation (689 +/- 329 kcal/day), whereas Mifflin's equation overestimated REE only by 6 +/- 202 kcal/day. No significant differences were detected between measured and calculated REE by Mifflin's and Carrasco's Fast Estimation. Accuracy (defined as difference between calculated and measured REE within +/- 10%) was greater with Mifflin's equation (68%), followed by Harris-Benedict's with actual weight (64%) and Carrasco's Fast Estimation (61%). By using the Bland-Altman analysis, significant correlations were observed between calculated-measured REE and mean REE (calculated + measured/2) with all equations except Carrasco's Fast Estimation. This means that all but one formula underestimate or overestimate REE depending on the level of measured REE. CONCLUSION: In severe and morbid obese women, Mifflin's and Carrasco's Fast Estimation equations provided the best performance to estimate REE. Before recommending an equation in an a subset of individuals it is necessary to make previous validation studies to determine that equation with the best predictive power for this particular group of patients.

Open transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy versus minimally invasive esophagectomy in terms of morbidity, mortality and survival.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of esophageal cancer is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality even in specialized centers. Minimally invasive surgery has been proposed to decrease these complications. METHODS: The authors present their results regarding postoperative complications and the survival rate at 3 years, comparing the classic open procedures (transthoracic or transhiatal esophagectomy) with minimally invasive surgery. Surgical procedures were performed according to procedures published elsewhere. RESULTS: The study enrolled 166 patients who underwent surgery between 1990 and 2003. Open transthoracic surgery was performed for 60 patients. In this group of patients, postoperative mortality was observed in 11% of the cases. Major, minor, and late complications were observed in 61.6% of the patients, and the 3-year survival rate was 30% for this group. Open transhiatal surgery was performed for 59 patients. The morbidity, mortality, and 3-year rate were almost the same as for the transthoracic surgery group. For the 47 patients submitted to minimally invasive procedures (thoracoscopic and laparoscopic), the complications and mortality rates were significantly reduced (38.2% and 6.4%, respectively). For the patients submitted to minimally invasive surgery, the 3-year survival rate was 45.4%. It is important to clarify that the patients submitted to minimally invasive surgery manifested early stages of the diseases, and that this the reason why the morbimortality and survival rates were better. CONCLUSIONS: The transthoracic and transhiatal open approaches have similar early and late results. Minimally invasive surgery is an option for patients with esophageal carcinoma, with reported results similar to those for open surgery. This approach is indicated mainly for selected patients with early stages of the disease.

Nonesophageal side-effects after antireflux surgery plus acid-suppression duodenal diversion surgery in patients with long-segment Barrett's esophagus*.

SUMMARY: During the last years we have employed acid-suppression duodenal diversion procedures (truncal vagotomy-partial gastrectomy plus Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy) in addition to antireflux surgery in order to treat all the pathophysiological factors involved in the genesis of Barrett's esophagus. We have observed very good results concerning the clinical and objective control of GERD at the long-term follow up after this procedure. However, it could be associated with other nonesophageal symptoms or side-effects. This study was conducted to evaluate the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (diarrhea, vomiting, dumping, weight loss and anastomotic ulcers) after this operation. In this prospective study 73 patients were assessed using a careful clinical questionnaire asking regarding these complications at the early (< 6 months) and late (> 6 months) follow-up (average of 32.4 months). In the early postoperative period, diarrhea was present in 64% (19% considered severe 10-90 days after surgery), dumping in 41% and loss of weight in 71% of cases. Diarrhea occurred daily in 47.7% in the early postoperative period, but only in 16% of cases after 1 year. Shortly after surgery, steatorrea was observed in 9% of cases and responded well to medical treatment. Severe diarrhea or dumping was rare (5% of cases). These symptoms improved significantly after 1 year with medical management (45%, 20% and 30%, respectively) and 42% of patients regained their normal body weight. Only two patients presented anastomotic ulcers and were treated satisfactory with proton pump inhibitors. Revisional surgery was indicated in two patients with severe dumping syndrome. Most side-effects identified by this study were mild and diminished 1 year after operation.

Histological inflammatory changes after surgery at the epithelium of the distal esophagus in patients with Barrett's esophagus: a comparison of two surgical procedures.

There are many reports concerning the surgical treatment of patients with Barrett's esophagus, but very few focus on histological changes of inflammatory cells in squamous and columnar epithelium before and late after classic antireflux or acid suppression-duodenal diversion surgery. We evaluate the impact of these procedures in the presence of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia and Helicobacter pylori in the columnar epithelium. Two groups of patients were studied, 37 subjected to classic antireflux and 96 to acid suppression-duodenal diversion operations. They were subjected to endoscopic and histological studies before and at 1, 3 and more than 5 years after surgery. Manometric evaluations and 24 h pH monitoring were performed before and at 1 year after surgery. The presence of inflammatory cells at both the squamous and columnar epithelium was significantly higher at the late follow up in patients subjected to classic antireflux surgery compared with patients subjected to acid suppression-duodenal diversion operations (P < 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively). Intestinal metaplasia, present in 100% of patients before surgery, had decreased significantly at 3 years after surgery in patients subjected to acid suppression-duodenal diversion operations compared with classic antireflux procedures, 75% versus 53%, respectively (P < 0.001). The presence of Helicobacter pylori did not vary before or after surgery in either group. In conclusion, acid suppression-duodenal diversion operations are followed by a decreased presence of inflammatory cells in both squamous and columnar epithelium compared with classic antireflux surgery in patients with Barrett's esophagus. Intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia and inflammation findings were also less common after acid suppression-duodenal diversion operation.

Progresión de metaplasia intestinal a adenocarcinoma en esófago de Barrett: utilidad de la vigilancia endoscópica / Progression from intestinal metaplasia to adenocarcinoma in Barrett s esophagus: usefulness of endoscopic surveillance

BACKGROUND: The potential progression from intestinal metaplasia to low grade dysplasia, to high grade dysplasia and to adenocarcinoma represents a well recognized sequence in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE). The time required for this transformation is not well known. AIM: To report the results of a 10 years follow up of patients with BE. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between 1989 and 2000 we followed 402 patients with BE. RESULTS: Sixty six subjects (16.2 per cent) presented low grade dysplasia at the time of diagnosis and 10 patients (2 women/8 men) developed adenocarcinoma during the follow-up period. Four out of these 10 patients were operated because of gastro-esophageal reflux disease, but after 3-5 years, reflux symptoms recurred. The other 6 patients rejected surgery and were on Omeprazole with good symptomatic results. Two patients had a short BE (< 3 cm), seven cases had a classic BE (3-10 cm) and one patient had an extensive > 10 cm BE. The mean time elapsed from intestinal metaplasia to low grade dysplasia was 9 months, to high grade dysplasia 56 months and to adenocarcinoma 82 months. From low grade dysplasia to early cancer it was 18 months, from high grade dysplasia to early cancer 14 months and from high grade dysplasia to advanced transmural cancer 14 months. All patients were subjected to esophagectomy. Five patients detected as State I are alive without any evidence of recurrence after 36 to 130 months after surgery. Five patients with advanced transmural carcinoma subjected to radical esophagectomy died because of progression of the malignancy between 3 and 24 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Progression to adenocarcinoma may occur even in absence of reflux symptoms while on acid suppression therapy. Detection at early stage intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus offers a high chance of cure after surgical resection.

Prevalence of intestinal metaplasia according to the length of the specialized columnar epithelium lining the distal esophagus in patients with gastroesophageal reflux.

The diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus is based on the presence of intestinal metaplasia (IM) at the distal esophagus. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of IM in patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux in whom endoscopically a segment of distal esophagus was covered by columnar epithelium (CE). In a prospective, descriptive and transversal study, 492 patients (33%) from 1480 patients with gastroesophageal reflux, in whom endoscopic evaluation demonstrated the presence of a short-segment CE measuring less than 3 cm or a long-segment CE measuring more than 3 cm, were evaluated. From each patient, several biopsy specimens were taken, which were stained with hematoxylin-eosin and Alcian blue pH 2.5. Out of 492 cases, 421 patients (86%) presented with a short-segment CE and 71 patients (14%) had a long-segment CE. Among these 71 cases, 38 had a 3-6 cm-length CE, 21 patients had a 6.1-10 cm-length CE and 12 patients had CE more than 10.1 cm in length. Endoscopic short-segment CE was six times more frequent than long-segment CE. The prevalence of IM was 35% among patients with short-segment CE and increased progressively according to the length of CE, being 100% in patients with > 10 cm in length. Therefore, true short-segment BE was three times more frequent during endoscopic studies than long-segment BE. Dysplasia in the metaplastic epithelium also increased parallel to the length of the CE. True BE (presence of IM at the columnar epithelium lining the distal esophagus), was present in 13.6% of all patients with symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux submitted to endoscopic evaluation. Short-segment BE is three times more frequent than long-segment BE, and endoscopic and bioptic evaluation is fundamental in all cases with gastroesophageal reflux who exhibit some segment of the distal esophagus lined by columnar epithelium, even if it is > or = 1 cm long.

Results of surgical treatment for recurrent postoperative gastroesophageal reflux.

The rate of recurrence of reflux esophagitis after classic antireflux surgery (fundoplication) is 10-15%. This rate is different in patients with esophagitis with and without Barrett's esophagus. We evaluated the clinical and laboratory findings in 104 patients with postoperative recurrent reflux esophagitis, determining the results of repeat antireflux surgery or an acid suppression-bile diversion procedure. Repeat fundoplication was performed in 26 patients, and truncal vagotomy, antrectomy, and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy in 78 patients. Esophagectomy as a third operation was performed in seven patients. After repeat antireflux surgery, endoscopic evaluation demonstrated improvement of esophagitis in a small proportion of patients. Barrett's esophagus remained unchanged, and no regression of ulcer or stricture was observed. These complications improved significantly after acid suppression-bile diversion surgery. Incompetent lower esophageal sphincter (LES) was present in 55.8% after initial surgery and in 23% after reoperation. Acid reflux, initially present in 94.6% of patients, was also observed in 93.6% after fundoplication, 68.8% after redo fundoplication, and 16.6% after treatment with the acid suppression-bile diversion technique. A positive Bilitec test was present in 78% of patients before the operation and 56.6% after the repeat operation, and was negative after bile diversion surgery. Among 13 patients (50%) submitted to repeat surgery alone, esophagectomy as a third operation was necessary as a result of severe non-dilatable stricture in seven patients. Our conclusions are that repeat antireflux surgery alone failed to improve Barrett's esophagus complications and that the best results were obtained in patients submitted to acid suppression-bile diversion surgery.

[Pathological gastroesophageal reflux in patients with severe, morbid and hyper obesity]. / Reflujo gastroesofágico patológico en pacientes con obesidad severa, mórbida e hiper obesidad.

BACKGROUND: Overweight can be a risk factor for pathological gastroesophageal reflux or hiatal hernia. AIM: To study the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with severe obesity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty seven patients, 51 female, aged 17 to 56 years old with a body mass index over 35 kg/m2, were studied. An upper gastrointestinal endoscopy was performed in all, esophageal manometry was done in 32 and 24 h pH monitoring was done in 32 patients. RESULTS: Seventy nine percent of patients complained of heartburn and 66% of regurgitation. In 16 patients, endoscopy was normal. An erosive esophagitis was found in 33 patients, a short columnar epithelium in 12 and a Barret esophagus with intestinal metaplasia in six. Normal endoscopic findings and erosive esophagitis were present with a higher frequency in women. No association between the degree of obesity and esophageal lesions was observed. Lower esophageal sphincter pressure and abdominal length were significantly higher in subjects with a body mass index over 50 compared to those with a body mass index between 35 and 39.9 kg/m2. No differences were observed in 24 h pH monitoring. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of severely obese patients had symptoms and endoscopical findings of pathological gastroesophageal reflux.

Late follow-up of polypoid lesions of the gallbladder smaller than 10 mm.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the variation in number, size, and symptoms in patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: A polypoid lesion is any elevated lesion of the gallbladder mucosa. Several studies have been reported in patients undergoing cholecystectomy, but little information exits regarding the natural history of these lesions in nonoperated patients. METHODS: A total of 111 patients with ultrasound diagnosis of polypoid lesions smaller than 10 mm were followed up by clinical evaluation and ultrasonography. Twenty-seven patients underwent cholecystectomy. RESULTS: There was no difference in terms of gender. Nearly 80% of the lesions were smaller than 5 mm; they were single in 74%. In nonoperated patients, 50% remained of similar size at the late follow-up, 26.5% increased in number and size, and 23.5% shrank or disappeared. Among the operated patients, 70% corresponded to cholesterol polyps. None of the patients developed symptoms of biliary disease or gallstones or adenocarcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound is useful in the follow-up of patients with polypoid lesions of the gallbladder. Lesions smaller than 10 mm do not progress to malignancy or to development of stones, and none produced symptoms or complications of biliary disease.