Cáncer colorrectal poscolonoscopia: características y factores predictivos / Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer: Characteristics and predictive factors

Introducción y objetivos: La calidad de la colonoscopia es clave para asegurar la prevención del adenocarcinoma colorrectal (ACCR), aunque el riesgo de ACCR existe. Los objetivos del estudio fueron investigar la incidencia, las características y los factores predictores de ACCR poscolonoscopia (ACCRPC). Material y método: Estudio observacional retrospectivo y prospectivo sobre una población sometida a colonoscopia entre 1-01-1997 y 31-12-2014. Se analizaron variables demográficas, características de la colonoscopia diagnóstica de ACCR, de las previas y de las lesiones encontradas en ellas. Se aplicaron test de contraste de hipótesis para comparar el grupo de ACCRPC con el de ACCR sin colonoscopia previa y regresión logística múltiple para identificar factores independientes de ACCRPC (SPSS® 15), considerando significación estadística una p<0,05. Resultados: Se registraron 56.984 colonoscopias, 1.977 ACCR y 132 pacientes (edad media de 70,8 años y 56,8% varones) con al menos una colonoscopia en los 10 años previos (ACCRPC). El 70,5% de las colonoscopias previas fueron completas y el 63,7% tenían una preparación adecuada. Los factores de riesgo independientes relacionados con la aparición de ACCRPC fueron los antecedentes personales de pólipos colónicos (OR 35,01; IC 95% 11,1-110,8; p<0,001), antecedentes personales de ACCR (OR 176,64; IC 95% 51,5-606,1); p<0,001), antecedentes familiares de ACCR (OR 3,14; IC 95% 1,5-6,4); p=0,002) y la localización del ACCR en el colon derecho (OR 3,15; IC 95% 2,1-4,9; p<0,001). Conclusiones: La tasa de ACCRPC a 10 años fue del 6,7%. Realizar un adecuado seguimiento y una colonoscopia de calidad puede evitar la aparición del ACCRPC, especialmente en los pacientes con factores de riesgo (AU)

Introduction and aims: A high quality colonoscopy is key in preventing colorectal cancer, but the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) exists. The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence, characteristics and predictive factors of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC). Material and method: A retrospective and prospective observational study was designed. A population undergoing colonoscopy between 1-01-1997 and 31-12-2014 was included. We analysed demographic variables, characteristics of the diagnostic colonoscopy of CRC, of the previous ones and the lesions found in them. To compare the PCCRC group versus the CRC group without previous colonoscopy, the Student's t-test and multiple logistic regression were used to determine predictive factors of PCCRC (SPSS® 15). The statistical significance was P<.05. Results: A total of 56,984 colonoscopies, 1,977 CRC and 132 patients (mean 70.8 years old, 56.8% male) with at least one colonoscopy in 10 years before were registered (PCCRC). Seventy and a half percent of the previous colonoscopies were completed and 63.7% had an adequate bowel preparation. Predictive factors of PCCRC were personal history of polyps (OR 35.01; 95% CI 11.1-110.8; P<.001), previous CRC (OR 176.64; 95% CI 51.5-606.1); P<.001), family history of CRC (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.5-6.4); P=.002) and proximal CRC (OR 3.15; 95% CI 2.1-4.9; P<.001). Conclusions: PCCRC rate in 10 years was 6.7%. An adequate follow-up and a high-quality colonoscopy could prevent PCCRC, especially in patients with risk factors (AU)

Post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer: Characteristics and predictive factors. / Cáncer colorrectal poscolonoscopia: características y factores predictivos.

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: A high quality colonoscopy is key in preventing colorectal cancer, but the risk of colorectal cancer (CRC) exists. The aims of the study were to investigate the incidence, characteristics and predictive factors of post-colonoscopy colorectal cancer (PCCRC). MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective and prospective observational study was designed. A population undergoing colonoscopy between 1-01-1997 and 31-12-2014 was included. We analysed demographic variables, characteristics of the diagnostic colonoscopy of CRC, of the previous ones and the lesions found in them. To compare the PCCRC group versus the CRC group without previous colonoscopy, the Student's t-test and multiple logistic regression were used to determine predictive factors of PCCRC (SPSS® 15). The statistical significance was P<.05. RESULTS: A total of 56,984 colonoscopies, 1,977 CRC and 132 patients (mean 70.8 years old, 56.8% male) with at least one colonoscopy in 10 years before were registered (PCCRC). Seventy and a half percent of the previous colonoscopies were completed and 63.7% had an adequate bowel preparation. Predictive factors of PCCRC were personal history of polyps (OR 35.01; 95% CI 11.1-110.8; P<.001), previous CRC (OR 176.64; 95% CI 51.5-606.1); P<.001), family history of CRC (OR 3.14; 95% CI 1.5-6.4); P=.002) and proximal CRC (OR 3.15; 95% CI 2.1-4.9; P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: PCCRC rate in 10 years was 6.7%. An adequate follow-up and a high-quality colonoscopy could prevent PCCRC, especially in patients with risk factors.

Rate of adverse events of gastroduodenal snare polypectomy for non-flat polyp is low: A prospective and multicenter study.

AIM: To evaluate the rate of adverse events (AEs) during consecutive gastric and duodenal polypectomies in several Spanish centers. METHODS: Polypectomies of protruded gastric or duodenal polyps ≥ 5 mm using hot snare were prospectively included. Prophylactic measures of hemorrhage were allowed in predefined cases. AEs were defined and graded according to the lexicon recommended by the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy. Patients were followed for 48 h, one week and 1 mo after the procedure. RESULTS: 308 patients were included and a single polypectomy was performed in 205. Only 36 (11.7%) were on prior anticoagulant therapy. Mean polyp size was 15 ± 8.9 mm (5-60) and in 294 cases (95.4%) were located in the stomach. Hemorrhage prophylaxis was performed in 219 (71.1%) patients. Nine patients presented AEs (2.9%), and 6 of them were bleeding (n = 6, 1.9%) (in 5 out of 6 AE, different types of endoscopic treatment were performed). Other 24 hemorrhagic episodes could be managed without any change in the outcome of the endoscopy and, consequently, were considered incidents. We did not find any independent risk factor of bleeding. CONCLUSION: Gastroduodenal polypectomy using prophylactic measures has a rate of AEs small enough to consider this procedure a safe and effective method for polyp resection independently of the polyp size and location.

Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en pacientes con alteraciones de la anatomía gástrica por cambios posquirúrgicos / Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with anatomic abnormalities of the stomach due to surgery

Introducción: En los pacientes que han recibido resecciones gástricas parciales, las dificultades para realizar la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE) se ven aumentadas debido a la alteración anatómica regional. Objetivo Revisar la experiencia de la CPRE en pacientes con gastrectomía parcial y gastroenteroanastomosis (GE) tipo Billroth II o con otras GE (Billroth I e indeterminadas) en nuestro centro. Material y métodos Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con gastrectomía parcial y GE que recibieron CPRE en un periodo de 19 años. Resultados Se incluyeron 233 pacientes (91% varones y 9% mujeres) desde 1993 a 2012. El 88,4% los pacientes presentaban gastrectomía con GE Billroth II y el 11,6% otras GE, siendo la tasa de éxito de la CPRE del 51,9 y 55,6%, respectivamente. Las causas más frecuentes de fracaso fueron en primer lugar la imposibilidad de canulación (44%) y la no identificación de la papila (39,6%). El 31,8% de los pacientes presentó coledocolitiasis como diagnóstico final. El número medio de sesiones fue de 1,09. El porcentaje de complicaciones fue del 2,6%.ConclusionesEl grado de dificultad técnica influye en el éxito de la CPRE, por este motivo, en nuestro centro, tuvo una tasa de éxito algo superior al 50%, pero con un escaso número de complicaciones (AU)

Introduction: In patients who have undergone partial gastric resections, the difficulty of performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increased due to the resulting anatomic abnormality. Aim: To review our experience of ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy and other types of gastrectomy (Billroth I and indeterminate) in our center. Material and methods: We included all patients with Billroth II gastrectomy or other types of gastrectomy undergoing ERCP in a 19-year period. Results: We included 233 patients (91% men and 9% women) from 1993 to 2012. A total of88.4% of the patients had undergone Billroth II and 11.6% had undergone other types of gastrectomy, with an ERCP success rate of 51.9% and 55.6%, respectively. The most common causes offailure were inability to cannulate (44%) and failure to identify the papilla (39.6%). The final diagnosis was choledocholithiasis in 31.8%. The mean number of sessions was 1.09.The complications rate was 2.6%.Conclusions: The success of ERCP is influenced by the technical difficulty. For this reason, the success rate in our center was slightly over 50%, but with few complications (AU)

[Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with anatomic abnormalities of the stomach due to surgery]. / Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en pacientes con alteraciones de la anatomía gástrica por cambios posquirúrgicos.

INTRODUCTION: In patients who have undergone partial gastric resections, the difficulty of performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) is increased due to the resulting anatomic abnormality. AIM: To review our experience of ERCP in patients with Billroth II gastrectomy and other types of gastrectomy (Billroth I and indeterminate) in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all patients with Billroth II gastrectomy or other types of gastrectomy undergoing ERCP in a 19-year period. RESULTS: We included 233 patients (91% men and 9% women) from 1993 to 2012. A total of 88.4% of the patients had undergone Billroth II and 11.6% had undergone other types of gastrectomy, with an ERCP success rate of 51.9% and 55.6%, respectively. The most common causes of failure were inability to cannulate (44%) and failure to identify the papilla (39.6%). The final diagnosis was choledocholithiasis in 31.8%. The mean number of sessions was 1.09. The complications rate was 2.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The success of ERCP is influenced by the technical difficulty. For this reason, the success rate in our center was slightly over 50%, but with few complications.

Dilatación neumática en el tratamiento de pacientes con acalasia / Pneumatic dilation in the treatment of achalasia

INTRODUCCIÓN: La dilatación neumática y la miotomía quirúrgica son actualmente los tratamientos de elección de la acalasia sintomática. La selección de una u otra como primera opción depende de la experiencia de cada centro y de las preferencias del paciente. OBJETIVO: Revisar la experiencia en nuestro centro de la dilatación neumática en pacientes con acalasia. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Se incluyeron todos los pacientes con diagnóstico clínico, endoscópico y manométrico compatible con acalasia a los que se les practicó una dilatación neumática en un periodo de 19 años. Todas las dilataciones se realizaron de forma sistemática con un balón Rigiflex(R), en la mayoría de los casos con presiones de 250, 250 y 300 mmHg en 3 tiempos de un minuto separados por un minuto de duración. Se evaluó el éxito de la dilatación en función de la sintomatología del paciente, número de sesiones requeridas y necesidad de cirugía, así como la presencia de complicaciones. RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 171 pacientes, 53,2% varones y 46,8% mujeres, con una edad media de 51,53 ± 17,78 años (16-87), desde junio de 1993 hasta octubre de 2012. En 157 pacientes se utilizó un balón de 35mm, en 9 pacientes un balón de 30 mm y en 7 pacientes, uno de 40 mm. Del total de pacientes: 108 requirieron una sola sesión de dilatación, 56 dos sesiones con un tiempo medio entre la primera y la segunda sesión de 25,23 ± 43,25 meses (1-215) y 7 pacientes, 3 sesiones con un tiempo medio entre la segunda y la tercera sesión de 6,86 ± 5,33 meses (1-15). El 82% de los pacientes presentaron una buena evolución tras la dilatación, considerándose esta exitosa. De los 140 pacientes que presentaron respuesta, 121 tuvieron respuesta completa (desaparición total de los síntomas sin reaparición de los mismos) y 19 respuesta parcial (desaparición inicial de los síntomas con posterior reaparición). Un 15,8% de los pacientes requirieron cirugía (miotomía de Heller). En 4 de los 171 pacientes hubo complicación de la técnica, siendo todas ellas perforaciones que se resolvieron satisfactoriamente, 2 de ellas con tratamiento conservador y otras 2 de forma quirúrgica. No hubo ningún evento de mortalidad en relación con la técnica ni con las complicaciones de la misma. CONCLUSIONES: En nuestra serie, la dilatación neumática presentó una alta tasa de éxito, en la mayoría de los casos con una única sesión, y un escaso porcentaje de complicaciones, por lo que demuestra ser una técnica eficaz y segura para estos pacientes, evitando un gran número de intervenciones quirúrgicas

INTRODUCTION: Pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy are currently the procedures of choice to treat achalasia. The selection of one or other treatment depends on the experience of each center and patient preferences. Background and aims: To review the experience of pneumatic dilation in patients with achalasia in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all patients with a clinical, endoscopic and manometric diagnosis compatible with achalasia who underwent pneumatic dilation in a 19-year period. All dilations were routinely performed with a Rigiflex(R) balloon, usually at pressures of 250, 250 and 300mm Hg in three inflations of one minute, each separated by one minute. The success of the dilation was assessed on the basis of the patient's symptoms, the number of sessions, the need for surgery, and the presence of complications. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were included, 53.2% men and 46.8% women, with a mean age of 51.53 ± 17.78 years (16-87 years), from June 1993 to October 2012. A 35-mm balloon was used in 157 patients, a 30-mm balloon in 9 patients and a 40-mm balloon in 7 patients. A single dilation session was required in 108 patients, two sessions were required in 56 patients, with a mean time between the first and second sessions of 25.23 ± 43.25 months (1-215 months), and 3 sessions were required in 7 patients with a mean time between the second and third sessions of 6.86±5.33 months (1-15 months). Outcome after dilation was successful in 81% of the patients. Of the 140 responders, 121 had complete response (complete disappearance of symptoms without recurrence) and 19 partial response (initial disappearance of symptoms with subsequent reappearance). Surgery (Heller myotomy) was required in 15.8% of the patients. Perforation occurred in 4 of the 171 patients as a complication of the technique; these perforations were satisfactorily resolved, two by conservative treatment and two by surgery. There was no mortality associated with the technique or its complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, pneumatic dilation had a high success rate. In most patients, a single session was required and the complications rate was low. These results show that this technique is safe and effective in these patients, avoiding a large number of surgical interventions

[Pneumatic dilation in the treatment of achalasia]. / Dilatación neumática en el tratamiento de pacientes con acalasia.

INTRODUCTION: Pneumatic dilation and surgical myotomy are currently the procedures of choice to treat achalasia. The selection of one or other treatment depends on the experience of each center and patient preferences. BACKGROUND AND AIMS: To review the experience of pneumatic dilation in patients with achalasia in our center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We included all patients with a clinical, endoscopic and manometric diagnosis compatible with achalasia who underwent pneumatic dilation in a 19-year period. All dilations were routinely performed with a Rigiflex(®) balloon, usually at pressures of 250, 250 and 300mm Hg in three inflations of one minute, each separated by one minute. The success of the dilation was assessed on the basis of the patient's symptoms, the number of sessions, the need for surgery, and the presence of complications. RESULTS: A total of 171 patients were included, 53.2% men and 46.8% women, with a mean age of 51.53±17.78 years (16-87 years), from June 1993 to October 2012. A 35-mm balloon was used in 157 patients, a 30-mm balloon in 9 patients and a 40-mm balloon in 7 patients. A single dilation session was required in 108 patients, two sessions were required in 56 patients, with a mean time between the first and second sessions of 25.23±43.25 months (1-215 months), and 3 sessions were required in 7 patients with a mean time between the second and third sessions of 6.86±5.33 months (1-15 months). Outcome after dilation was successful in 81% of the patients. Of the 140 responders, 121 had complete response (complete disappearance of symptoms without recurrence) and 19 partial response (initial disappearance of symptoms with subsequent reappearance). Surgery (Heller myotomy) was required in 15.8% of the patients. Perforation occurred in 4 of the 171 patients as a complication of the technique; these perforations were satisfactorily resolved, two by conservative treatment and two by surgery. There was no mortality associated with the technique or its complications. CONCLUSIONS: In our series, pneumatic dilation had a high success rate. In most patients, a single session was required and the complications rate was low. These results show that this technique is safe and effective in these patients, avoiding a large number of surgical interventions.

Radio induced cancer risk during ERCP. Is it a real clinical problem?

BACKGROUND: in recent years many factors have been shown to influence dose received by the patient during ERCP. Therefore it is necessary to update radio induced cancer risk. OBJECTIVES: to calculate lifetime attributable risk of cancer during ERCP. To compare the risk with the most common X-ray examinations. DESIGN: descriptive study with 393 consecutive ERCP performed at one center. Equipment used was Philips BV pulsera. In each exploration demographic and anthropometric variables of the patient were collected. Dosimetric quantities were calculated from exposure parameters. Effective dose was estimated using specific conversion factors. Organ doses and radio induced cancer incidence was estimated. RESULTS: dose area product was 0.82 mGym2(IQR 0.4-1.5) with an average fluoroscopy time of 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Entrance surface dose was 30.7 mGy (IQR 15-60.8) and effective dose was 0.44 mSv (IQR 0.2-0.9). Multivariate analysis identified that difficult papillary cannulation (ß 0.4; p = 0.009), patient age (ß-0.01; p = 0.001) and therapeutic applied (ß= 0.89; p < 0.001) influenced dose-area product. The ERCP dose would be equivalent to the radiation received by twenty chest radiographs and would be about fourteen times smaller than a barium enema or twenty times less than that received during an abdominal CT. Life-time attributable risk of cancer incidence was 4.08 and 16.81 per million procedures in diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP respectively. CONCLUSIONS: from the radiological point of view, ERCP is a safe technique that uses low exposure levels compared to other explorations commonly used in medicine. It implies a reasonably low risk of radio induced cancer.

Radio induced cancer risk during ERCP. Is it a real clinical problem? / Riesgo de cáncer por irradiación durante ERCP. ¿Es un problema clínico real?

Background: in recent years many factors have been shown to influence dose received by the patient during ERCP. Therefore it is necessary to update radio induced cancer risk. Objectives: to calculate lifetime attributable risk of cancer during ERCP. To compare the risk with the most common X-ray examinations. Design: descriptive study with 393 consecutive ERCP performed at one center. Equipment used was Philips BV pulsera. In each exploration demographic and anthropometric variables of the patient were collected. Dosimetric quantities were calculated from exposure parameters. Effective dose was estimated using specific conversion factors. Organ doses and radio induced cancer incidence was estimated. Results: dose area product was 0.82 mGym2 (IQR 0.4-1.5) with an average fluoroscopy time of 2 minutes and 45 seconds. Entrance surface dose was 30.7 mGy (IQR 15-60.8) and effective dose was 0.44 mSv (IQR 0.2-0.9). Multivariate analysis identified that difficult papillary cannulation (β0.4; p = 0.009), patient age (β-0.01; p = 0.001) and therapeutic applied (β= 0.89; p < 0.001) influenced dose-area product. The ERCP dose would be equivalent to the radiation received by twenty chest radiographs and would be about fourteen times smaller than a barium enema or twenty times less than that received during an abdominal CT. Lifetime attributable risk of cancer incidence was 4.08 and 16.81 per million procedures in diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP respectively. Conclusions: from the radiological point of view, ERCP is a safe technique that uses low exposure levels compared to other explorations commonly used in medicine. It implies a reasonably low risk of radio induced cancer (AU)

Does fecal calprotectin predict relapse in patients with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis?

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: An evaluation is made of the utility of fecal calprotectin in predicting relapse in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The possible differences in its predictive capacity in Crohn's disease (CD) versus ulcerative colitis (UC), and the different phenotypes, are also examined. METHODS: This is a prospective study with 135 patients diagnosed with IBD in clinical remission for at least 3 months. The patients submitted a stool sample within 24 hours after the baseline visit, for the measurement of fecal calprotectin. All patients were followed-up on for one year. RESULTS: Sixty-six patients had CD and 69 UC. Thirty-nine (30%) suffered from relapse. The fecal calprotectin concentration was higher among the patients with relapse than in those that remained in remission: 444 µg/g (95% CI 34-983) versus 112 µg/g (95% CI 22-996); p<0.01. Patients with CD and calprotectin>200 µg/g relapsed 4 times more often than those with lower marker concentrations. In UC, calprotectin>120 µg/g was associated with a 6-fold increase in the probability of disease activity outbreak. The predictive value was similar in UC and CD with colon involvement and inflammatory pattern. In this group, calprotectin>120 µg/g predicted relapse risk with a sensitivity of 80% and a specificity of 60%. Relapse predictive capacity was lower in patients with ileal disease. CONCLUSIONS: Fecal calprotectin may be a useful marker for predicting relapse in patients with IBD. Its predictive value is greater in UC and CD with colon involvement and inflammatory pattern, compared with ileal CD.

Desarrollo y validación de indicadores y estándares de calidad en colonoscopia / Development and validation of quality standards for colonoscopy

Fundamento y objetivos: Antes de iniciar programas de cribado de cáncer colorrectal es necesario evaluar la calidad de la colonoscopia. Nos propusimos desarrollar un grupo de indicadores de calidad en colonoscopia fácilmente aplicables y determinar la variabilidad de su cumplimiento. Pacientes y método: A partir de la bibliografía se elaboraron 21 indicadores potenciales de calidad que se sometieron a un proceso de selección en el que se determinó su validez facial, de contenido, fiabilidad y viabilidad de su medición. Se estimó la variabilidad del cumplimiento de los indicadores mediante el coeficiente de variación (CV) y del cumplimiento de estándares mediante la ji al cuadrado. Resultados: Seis indicadores superaron el proceso de selección: consentimiento informado, medicación administrada, colonoscopia completa, complicaciones, pólipos extirpados y recuperados y detección de adenomas de colon en mayores de 50 años. Se incluyeron un total de 1.928 colonoscopias procedentes de 8 centros hospitalarios. Cada centro incluyó el mismo número de colonoscopias seleccionadas mediante muestreo aleatorizado simple con sustitución. Existía una importante variabilidad en el cumplimiento de algunos indicadores y estándares: medicación administrada (CV del 43%; p<0,01), registro de complicaciones (CV del 37%; p<0,01), todos los pólipos extirpados y recuperados (CV del 12%; p<0,01) y detección de adenomas en pacientes de más de 50 años (CV del 2%; p<0,01).Conclusiones: Hemos validado 6 indicadores de calidad en colonoscopia fácilmente medibles. Existe una importante variabilidad en el cumplimiento de algunos indicadores y estándares, lo que aconseja el desarrollo de programas de mejora de la calidad en colonoscopia antes de la implantación del cribado de cáncer colorrectal (AU)

Background and objectives: Before starting programs for colorectal cancer screening it is necessary to evaluate the quality of colonoscopy. Our objectives were to develop a group of quality indicators of colonoscopy easily applicable and to determine the variability of their achievement. Patients and methods: After reviewing the bibliography we prepared 21 potential indicators of quality that were submitted to a process of selection in which we measured their facial validity, content validity, reliability and viability of their measurement. We estimated the variability of their achievement by means of the coefficient of variability (CV) and the variability of the achievement of the standards by means of ÷2. Results: Six indicators overcome the selection process: informed consent, medication administered, completed colonoscopy, complications, every polyp removed and recovered, and adenoma detection rate in patients older than 50 years. 1928 colonoscopies were included from eight endoscopy units. Every unit included the same number of colonoscopies selected by means of simple random sampling with substitution. There was an important variability in the achievement of some indicators and standards: medication administered (CV 43%, p<0.01), complications registered (CV 37%, p<0.01), every polyp removed and recovered (CV 12%, p<0.01) and adenoma detection rate in older than fifty years (CV 2%, p<0.01). Conclusions: We have validated six quality indicators for colonoscopy which are easily measurable. An important variability exists in the achievement of some indicators and standards. Our data highlight the importance of the development of continuous quality improvement programmes for colonoscopy before starting colorectal cancer screening (AU)

[Development and validation of quality standards for colonoscopy]. / Desarrollo y validación de indicadores y estándares de calidad en colonoscopia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Before starting programs for colorectal cancer screening it is necessary to evaluate the quality of colonoscopy. Our objectives were to develop a group of quality indicators of colonoscopy easily applicable and to determine the variability of their achievement. PATIENTS AND METHODS: After reviewing the bibliography we prepared 21 potential indicators of quality that were submitted to a process of selection in which we measured their facial validity, content validity, reliability and viability of their measurement. We estimated the variability of their achievement by means of the coefficient of variability (CV) and the variability of the achievement of the standards by means of chi(2). RESULTS: Six indicators overcome the selection process: informed consent, medication administered, completed colonoscopy, complications, every polyp removed and recovered, and adenoma detection rate in patients older than 50 years. 1928 colonoscopies were included from eight endoscopy units. Every unit included the same number of colonoscopies selected by means of simple random sampling with substitution. There was an important variability in the achievement of some indicators and standards: medication administered (CV 43%, p<0.01), complications registered (CV 37%, p<0.01), every polyp removed and recovered (CV 12%, p<0.01) and adenoma detection rate in older than fifty years (CV 2%, p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: We have validated six quality indicators for colonoscopy which are easily measurable. An important variability exists in the achievement of some indicators and standards. Our data highlight the importance of the development of continuous quality improvement programmes for colonoscopy before starting colorectal cancer screening.

Utilidad de la endoscopia ultrafina transnasal en la aplicación de sondas de nutrición enteral / Usefulness of ultrathin transnasal endoscopy for the placement of nasoenteric feeding tubes

INTRODUCCIÓN: La colocación de sondas de nutrición enteral puede requerir apoyo endoscópico.OBJETIVO: Analizar la utilidad de la endoscopia ultrafinatransnasal en este aspecto.PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio ambispectivo de todos lospacientes a los que se les ha realizado esta técnica (4,9 mm) en 2007.RESULTADOS: Se realizaron exploraciones en 26 pacientescon una edad de 69,3 ± 13 años. Se utilizó anestesia tópica nasal en 23 (88,4%) pacientes, midazolam en 8 exploraciones (30,8%) y ninguna en 4 (15,3%). Las indicaciones fueron las siguientes: lesiones estenosantes esofágicas (42,3%), colocación distal a una afección (46,1%) e imposibilidad de colocación de forma habitual (11,5%). Se colocaron 13 (50%) nasoduodenales, 7 (29,6%) nasogástricas y 6 (23,1%) nasoyeyunales. Se obtuvo un 100% de resultados positivos. El calibre de sonda más empleado fue de 12 F. No se apreciaroncomplicaciones.CONCLUSIONES: La endoscopia ultrafina se ha utilizado en la aplicación de sonda nasoenteral de forma exitosa, segura y con relativa facilidad en este tipo de pacientes

BACKGROUND: Placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes canrequire endoscopic support.AIM: To analyze the usefulness of transnasal ultrathin endoscopy in the placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes.PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an ambispectivestudy of all patients who underwent nasoenteral feeding (4.9 mm) in 2007.RESULTS: Twenty-six procedures were performed. The meanage of the patients was 69.3 ± 13 years. Nasal anesthesia was used in 23 patients (88.4%), and midazolam in 8 (30.8%). No anesthesia was used in 4 patients (15.3%). Indications: stenotic esophageal lesions (42.3%), distal placement to thepathological alteration (46.1%), and failure of placement through the normal route (11.5%). We placed 13 (50%) nasoduodenal, 7 (29.6%) nasogastric and 6 (23.1%) nasojejunal tubes. The success rate was 100%. The most frequently used calibre was 12 F. There were no complications.CONCLUSIONS: The use of transnasal ultrathin endoscopy inthe placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes in our patients was safe, effective and relatively easy

[Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients aged less than 18 years old: our experience]. / Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en pacientes menores de 18 años: nuestra experiencia.

BACKGROUND: There is scant information on the use of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in patients under 18. OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience in all patients under 18 who underwent ERCP. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of all ERCP conducted in patients under 18 between 1993 and 2006. We analyzed indications, endoscopic and radiologic findings, diagnostic and therapeutic success, and complications. RESULTS: We included 31 patients who underwent 36 ERCP in total. The mean age was 9.89 +/- 5 years old. We used general anesthesia in 58.3% (21 patients), with a mean age of 8 +/- 5 years. The most frequent indications were complications after liver transplantation in 33.3% (12 patients), suspicion of biliary obstruction in 27.7% (10 patients), and pancreatitis in 22.2% (8 patients). We achieved cannulation and repletion in the selected duct in 94.4%. The most frequent pathologic findings were changes in the biliary tract after liver transplantation in 25% (9 patients). The results of ERCP were normal in 10 patients (27.7%). Therapeutic maneuvers were indicated in 17 out of the 34 (50%) examinations considered, achieving therapeutic success in 76.47% (13/17). Complications consisted of hemorrhage after simple sphincterotomy in one patient (2.8%) and mild pancreatitis in two patients (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: We found ERCP to be a safe procedure with a high diagnostic and therapeutic success rate, and a low rate of early complications.

Colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica en pacientes menores de 18 años: nuestra experiencia / Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients aged less than 18 years old: our experience

ANTECEDENTES: Hay una escasa información sobre el empleode la colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica(CPRE) en pacientes menores de 18 años.OBJETIVO: Analizar nuestra experiencia en todos los pacientesmenores de 18 años sometidos a CPRE.PACIENTES Y MÉTODOS: Estudio retrospectivo de todas lasCPRE realizadas a pacientes menores de 18 años entre 1993y 2006. Se analizaron las indicaciones, hallazgos endoscópicosy radiológicos, el éxito diagnóstico y terapéutico, y lascomplicaciones.RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 31 pacientes a los que se realizaron36 exploraciones en total. La edad media fue de 9,89 ± 5años. Se utilizó la anestesia general en un 58,3% de los pacientes(n = 21), con una edad de 8 ± 5 años. Las indicacionesmás frecuentes fueron, por este orden, las complicacionespostrasplante hepático (12 casos; 33,3%), la sospecha de obstrucciónbiliar (10 casos; 27,77%) y la evaluación de pancreatitis(8 casos; 22,2%). Se logró la canulación y la replecióndel conducto deseado en un 94,4% de los casos. Los hallazgospatológicos más frecuentes fueron las alteraciones en la víabiliar postrasplante hepático (9 casos; 25%). La exploraciónfue compatible con la normalidad en 10 casos (27,7%). Se indicaronmaniobras terapéuticas en 17 de las 34 exploracionesconsideradas como éxito diagnóstico (50%), lográndose eléxito terapéutico en 13 de ellas (76,4%). Las complicacionesregistradas fueron un caso de hemorragia leve postesfinterotomía(2,8%) y 2 pancreatitis leves (5,6%).CONCLUSIONES: La realización de CPRE en nuestra serie hasido segura, con un alto índice de éxito diagnóstico y terapéutico,y pocas complicaciones precoces

BACKGROUND: There is scant information on the use of endoscopicretrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) inpatients under 18.OBJECTIVE: To analyze our experience in all patients under18 who underwent ERCP.PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective studyof all ERCP conducted in patients under 18 between 1993and 2006. We analyzed indications, endoscopic and radiologicfindings, diagnostic and therapeutic success, and complications.RESULTS: We included 31 patients who underwent 36 ERCPin total. The mean age was 9.89 ± 5 years old. We used generalanesthesia in 58.3% (21 patients), with a mean age of 8 ±5 years. The most frequent indications were complicationsafter liver transplantation in 33.3% (12 patients), suspicionof biliary obstruction in 27.7% (10 patients), and pancreatitisin 22.2% (8 patients). We achieved cannulation and repletionin the selected duct in 94.4%. The most frequent pathologicfindings were changes in the biliary tract after livertransplantation in 25% (9 patients). The results of ERCPwere normal in 10 patients (27.7%). Therapeutic maneuverswere indicated in 17 out of the 34 (50%) examinations considered,achieving therapeutic success in 76.47% (13/17).Complications consisted of hemorrhage after simple sphincterotomyin one patient (2.8%) and mild pancreatitis in twopatients (5.6%).CONCLUSIONS: We found ERCP to be a safe procedure witha high diagnostic and therapeutic success rate, and a lowrate of early complications

[Usefulness of ultrathin transnasal endoscopy for the placement of nasoenteric feeding tubes]. / Utilidad de la endoscopia ultrafina transnasal en la aplicación de sondas de nutrición enteral.

BACKGROUND: Placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes can require endoscopic support. AIM: To analyze the usefulness of transnasal ultrathin endoscopy in the placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed an ambispective study of all patients who underwent nasoenteral feeding (4.9 mm) in 2007. RESULTS: Twenty-six procedures were performed. The mean age of the patients was 69.3+/-13 years. Nasal anesthesia was used in 23 patients (88.4%), and midazolam in 8 (30.8%). No anesthesia was used in 4 patients (15.3%). INDICATIONS: stenotic esophageal lesions (42.3%), distal placement to the pathological alteration (46.1%), and failure of placement through the normal route (11.5%). We placed 13 (50%) nasoduodenal, 7 (29.6%) nasogastric and 6 (23.1%) nasojejunal tubes. The success rate was 100%. The most frequently used calibre was 12 F. There were no complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of transnasal ultrathin endoscopy in the placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes in our patients was safe, effective and relatively easy.

Isolated oesophageal involvement of Crohn's disease.

A 31-year-old male was admitted with complaints of dysphagia and odynophagia. An upper gastrointestinal tract series revealed inflammatory changes in the mid and distal oesophagus with intramural extravasation of the barium. An upper endoscopy showed multiple ulcerations and inflammation. The patient developed a large stricture with no response to serial endoscopic dilations and a surgical resection of the oesophagus was required. Gross examination of the surgical specimen revealed transmural inflammation, deep ulcerations and non-necrotizing epithelioid cell granuloma. All these pathological findings were characteristic of Crohn's disease of the oesophagus. After 36 months of follow-up there has been no recurrence of symptoms or of other sites of involvement.