Riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos en función del manejo de la terapia anticoagulante y antiagregante en pacientes sometidos a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica / Risk of thromboembolic events in relation to the management of anticoagulant and antiagregant therapy in patients subjected to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Antecedentes y objetivosLas principales guías de práctica clínica recomiendan un adecuado manejo periprocedimiento de los fármacos antitrombóticos en caso de realización de técnicas invasivas. El principal objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar si existe mayor riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos por la supresión o la disminución de la dosis de anticoagulantes o antiagregantes en pacientes sometidos a una colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica (CPRE). Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio observacional prospectivo que incluyó 644CPRE realizadas con intención terapéutica durante el año 2019 en el Hospital Universitario Reina Sofía con un seguimiento de 30días posprocedimiento. Resultados: Seis pacientes presentaron un evento tromboembólico, no hallando diferencias entre la incorrecta retirada/reintroducción del tratamiento antitrombótico y una mayor proporción de eventos tromboembólicos o hemorrágicos tras el procedimiento (p>0,05). La incidencia de eventos trombóticos fue significativamente mayor en pacientes en tratamiento con heparina o apixabán (p=0,001), así como con antecedente de fibrilación auricular (p=0,05), valvulopatía reumática (p=0,037) y tromboembolismo pulmonar recurrente (p=0,035), siendo este además un factor de riesgo independiente. Asimismo, la incidencia de hemorragia en los 30días postesfinterotomía fue significativamente menor en aquellos con implantación de prótesis biliar (p=0,04).Conclusiones: El inadecuado manejo periprocedimiento de la terapia antitrombótica no se asocia a un aumento significativo de la incidencia de eventos tromboembólicos en los 30días posteriores a la CPRE. No obstante, se aconseja seguir las recomendaciones para una adecuada suspensión/reintroducción de fármacos antitrombóticos, realizando una vigilancia y un seguimiento estrechos tras el procedimiento en pacientes con factores que aumenten el riesgo trombótico.(AU)

Background and objectives: The main clinical practice guidelines recommend adequate periprocedural withdrawal and reintroduction of antithrombotic drugs in case of invasive techniques. The main objective of this study was to assess whether, in patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, the suppression or reduction of the pharmacological dose for the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) implies a greater risk of thromboembolic events. Patients and methods: A prospective observational study was carried out, which included 644ERCP performed with therapeutic intention during 2019 at the Reina Sofía University Hospital with follow-up during the 30days after the endoscopic intervention. Results: Six patients presented a thromboembolic event, finding no differences between the incorrect withdrawal/reintroduction of antithrombotic treatment and a higher proportion of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events after the procedure (P>.05). The incidence of thrombotic events was significantly higher in patients treated with heparin or apixaban (P=.001), as well as with a history of atrial fibrillation (P=.05), rheumatic valve disease (P=.037) and recurrent pulmonary embolism (P=.035), this being also an independent risk factor. Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhage in the 30days post-sphincterotomy was significantly lower in those with implantation of a biliary prosthesis (P=.04). Conclusions: Inadequate periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy is not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of thromboembolic events in the 30days after ERCP. However, close follow-up and surveillance during the days after this is essential in those patients with a condition that significantly increases the risk of thrombosis.(AU)

Risk of thromboembolic events in relation to the management of anticoagulant and antiagregant therapy in patients subjected to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. / Riesgo de eventos tromboembólicos en función del manejo de la terapia anticoagulante y antiagregante en pacientes sometidos a colangiopancreatografía retrógrada endoscópica.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The main clinical practice guidelines recommend adequate periprocedural withdrawal and reintroduction of antithrombotic drugs in case of invasive techniques. The main objective of this study was to assess whether, in patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapy, the suppression or reduction of the pharmacological dose for the performance of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) implies a greater risk of thromboembolic events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out, which included 644ERCP performed with therapeutic intention during 2019 at the Reina Sofía University Hospital with follow-up during the 30days after the endoscopic intervention. RESULTS: Six patients presented a thromboembolic event, finding no differences between the incorrect withdrawal/reintroduction of antithrombotic treatment and a higher proportion of thromboembolic or hemorrhagic events after the procedure (P>.05). The incidence of thrombotic events was significantly higher in patients treated with heparin or apixaban (P=.001), as well as with a history of atrial fibrillation (P=.05), rheumatic valve disease (P=.037) and recurrent pulmonary embolism (P=.035), this being also an independent risk factor. Likewise, the incidence of hemorrhage in the 30days post-sphincterotomy was significantly lower in those with implantation of a biliary prosthesis (P=.04). CONCLUSIONS: Inadequate periprocedural management of antithrombotic therapy is not associated with a significant increase in the incidence of thromboembolic events in the 30days after ERCP. However, close follow-up and surveillance during the days after this is essential in those patients with a condition that significantly increases the risk of thrombosis.

Hallazgos endoscópicos no relacionados con hipertensión portal en pacientes con cirrosis hepática sometidos a un programa de cribado de varices / Endoscopic findings unrelated to portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing a varicose vein screening programme

Objetivo: El consenso de Baveno VI para el cribado endoscópico de varices esofagogástricas recomienda evitar la endoscopia en algunos pacientes. Bajo esta estrategia, podrían pasar desapercibidas lesiones no relacionadas con hipertensión portal, algunas de ellas potencialmente graves. El objetivo de este estudio es determinar la prevalencia de dichas lesiones e identificar los factores clínicos asociados a las mismas. Pacientes y métodos: Estudio transversal unicéntrico sobre una cohorte consecutiva de pacientes cirróticos sometidos a endoscopia digestiva alta en el contexto de un programa de cribado de varices esofagogástricas entre noviembre del 2013 y noviembre del 2018. Se analizaron los factores de riesgo para la presencia de lesiones no relacionadas con hipertensión portal mediante regresión logística uni y multivariante. Resultados: Se incluyó a 379 pacientes. La etiología mayoritaria de la cirrosis fue etílica (n=229; 60,4%). La prevalencia de lesiones endoscópicas no relacionadas con hipertensión portal fue del 39,6% (n=150). Entre los 96 pacientes con enfermedad péptica (25,3%) se tomó test de ureasa en 54 (56,2%), siendo positiva en 24 (44,4%). La presencia de lesiones endoscópicas no relacionadas con hipertensión portal no estuvo influida por la edad (p=1), el género (p=0,28), la función hepática (MELD p=0,20, Child-Pugh p=0,77) o la presencia de datos ecográficos de hipertensión portal (p=0,14). Los pacientes fumadores presentaron tendencia a mayor prevalencia de lesiones endoscópicas no relacionadas con la hipertensión portal (43,2% vs. 34,6%; p=0,09), particularmente úlcera péptica (6,4% vs. 0,6%; p=0,05) y duodenitis péptica (17,3% vs. 6,3%; p=0,002). El tabaquismo activo fue el único factor predictivo independiente de ulcus o duodenitis péptica (odds ratio=2,56; intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,18-5,56; p=0,017).(AU)

Aim: To determine the prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated with portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. Patients and methods: Cross-sectional study including a consecutive cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis enrolled in a screening program of oesophageal varices who underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from November, 2013, to November, 2018. Clinical predictors of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 379 patients were included. The most frequent aetiology of liver disease was alcohol consumption (60.4%). The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated with portal hypertension was 39.6% (n=150). Among 96 patients with peptic lesions, urease was obtained in 56.2% of patients (positive in 44.4% of them). The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension was not associated with age, gender, liver function or ultrasound findings of portal hypertension. The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension was not associated with age, gender, liver function or ultrasound findings of portal hypertension. Smokers had a trend to increased prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension (43.2% vs. 34.6%; p=0.09), particularly peptic ulcer (6.4% vs. 0.6%; p=0.05) and peptic duodenitis (17.3% vs. 6.3%; p=0.002). Active smoking was the only independent predictor of peptic ulcer or duodenitis (OR=2.56; p=0.017). Conclusion: Active smoking is a risk factor for endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension. This finding should be further investigated to reassess endoscopic screening programs in cirrhotic smokers.(AU)

Endoscopic findings unrelated to portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis undergoing a varicose vein screening programme. / Hallazgos endoscópicos no relacionados con hipertensión portal en pacientes con cirrosis hepática sometidos a un programa de cribado de varices.

AIM: To determine the prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated with portal hypertension in patients with cirrhosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Cross-sectional study including a consecutive cohort of patients with liver cirrhosis enrolled in a screening program of oesophageal varices who underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy from November, 2013, to November, 2018. Clinical predictors of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension were analyzed by univariate and multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 379 patients were included. The most frequent aetiology of liver disease was alcohol consumption (60.4%). The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated with portal hypertension was 39.6% (n=150). Among 96 patients with peptic lesions, urease was obtained in 56.2% of patients (positive in 44.4% of them). The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension was not associated with age, gender, liver function or ultrasound findings of portal hypertension. The prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension was not associated with age, gender, liver function or ultrasound findings of portal hypertension. Smokers had a trend to increased prevalence of endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension (43.2% vs. 34.6%; p=0.09), particularly peptic ulcer (6.4% vs. 0.6%; p=0.05) and peptic duodenitis (17.3% vs. 6.3%; p=0.002). Active smoking was the only independent predictor of peptic ulcer or duodenitis (OR=2.56; p=0.017). CONCLUSION: Active smoking is a risk factor for endoscopic lesions unrelated to portal hypertension. This finding should be further investigated to reassess endoscopic screening programs in cirrhotic smokers.

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.

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)

[Fulminant ischemic gastropathy: the final stage of a difficult-to-diagnose disease]. / Isquemia gástrica fulminante: el estadio final de una enfermedad poco expresiva.

Ischemic gastropathy is highly infrequent in daily medical practice. In the last few years, the number of reported cases has increased. Although the guiding symptom is usually abdominal pain, the clinical spectrum of the disease is highly variable. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to change the natural history of the disease. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain who developed a fulminant form of necrotizing gastric ischemia and died within less than 24h.

Isquemia gástrica fulminante: el estadio final de una enfermedad poco expresiva / Fulminant ischemic gastropathy: the final stage of a difficult-to-diagnose disease

La gastropatía isquémica es un cuadro que se presenta de forma muy poco frecuente en la práctica médica diaria habiéndose observado en los últimos años un aumento de los casos reportados. Aunque el síntoma guía suele ser el dolor abdominal, el espectro clínico de la enfermedad es muy variable, siendo el diagnóstico y tratamiento precoz fundamentales para cambiar la historia natural de la enfermedad. Presentamos el caso de un varón de 75 años con dolor abdominal crónico que desarrolló una forma fulminante de isquemia gástrica necrotizante falleciendo en menos de veinticuatro horas (AU)

Ischemic gastropathy is highly infrequent in daily medical practice. In the last few years, the number of reported cases has increased. Although the guiding symptom is usually abdominal pain, the clinical spectrum of the disease is highly variable. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to change the natural history of the disease. We present the case of a 75-year-old man with chronic abdominal pain who developed a fulminant form of necrotizing gastric ischemia and died within less than 24h (AU)