Esophageal Erosion of Adjustable Gastric Band, Endoscopic Solution of an Unreported Complication.

Although laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB) placement appears as a safe and reproducible procedure, serious complications can occur. We present a patient with fever, dysphagia, epigastric pain, and port site inflammation. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scan diagnosed esophageal erosion of the gastric band. An endoscopic retrieval was proposed to avoid accessing the abdominal cavity and mediastinum, reduce recovery time, and minimize complications. The patient successfully underwent the procedure with immediate improvement of symptoms and discharge on the seventh postoperative day. This article aims to report the first clinical case of an esophageal erosion of LAGB completely treated with an endoscopic approach.

Brazilian Consensus on Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty.

PURPOSE: Bariatric endoscopy is a less invasive approach for obesity management, with better efficacy than pharmacological treatment and low morbidity. Endoscopic sleeve gastroplasty (ESG) is the remodeling of the stomach using a suturing device showing technical feasibility, safety, and sustained weight loss. With growing numbers of procedures worldwide, there is a need to standardize the procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A consensus meeting was held in São Caetano do Sul-SP, Brazil, in June 2019, bringing together 47 Brazilian endoscopists with experience in ESG from all regions of the country. Topics on indications and contraindications of the procedure, pre-procedure evaluation and multidisciplinary follow-up, technique and post-procedure follow-up, and training requirements were discussed. An electronic voting was carried, and a consensus was defined as ≥ 70% agreement. RESULTS: The panel's experience consisted of 1828 procedures, with a mean percentage total body weight loss (TBWL) of 18.2% in 1 year. Adverse events happened in 0.8% of the cases, the most common being hematemesis. The selected experts discussed and reached a consensus on several questions concerning patient selection, contraindications for the procedure, technical details such as patient preparation, procedure technique, and patient follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus establishes practical guidelines for performance of ESG. The experience of 1828 procedures shows the expertise of the selected specialists participating in this consensus statement. The group's experience has a satisfactory weight loss with low adverse events rate. The main points discussed in this paper may serve as a guide for endoscopists performing ESG. Practical recommendations and technique standardization are described.

Intragastric Balloon: a Retrospective Evaluation of 5874 Patients on Tolerance, Complications, and Efficacy in Different Degrees of Overweight.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic methods, especially the intragastric balloon (IGB), have been shown to be effective for the treatment of excess weight. This study aimed to assess the tolerance, complications, and efficacy of excess weight treatment with a non-adjustable IGB during 6 months. METHODS: A total of 5874 patients treated with a liquid-filled IGB (600-700 mL) and followed up by a multidisciplinary team were evaluated. Participants presented an initial body mass index (BMI) ≥ 25 kg/m2 and were stratified according to sex and degree of overweight (overweight and obesity grades I, II, and III). RESULTS: The incidence of complications was 7.32% (n = 430): 6.10% (n = 357) early IGB removal, 0.20% (n = 12) gas production inside the balloon, 0.54% (n = 32) leakage, 0.32% (n = 19) pregnancy, 0.07% (n = 4) gastric perforation, 0.05% (n = 3) upper digestive bleeding, 0.01% (n = 1) Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome due to excessive vomiting, and 0.02% each (n = 1) pancreatitis and esophagus perforation. The 5444 remaining patients (4081 women, 38 ± 38 years) presented a weight loss of 19.13 ± 8.86 kg and a BMI decreased significantly (p < 0.0001) (36.94 ± 5.67 vs. 30.08 ± 5.06 kg/m2). The % total weight loss (%TWL) was 18.42 ± 7.25%, and the % excess weight loss (%EWL) was 65.66 ± 36.24%. The treatment success rate (%TWL ≥ 10%) was 85%. The %EWL was higher in the pre-obese group (122.19%), followed by obesity grades I (76.67%), II (56.01%), and III (45.45%), with p < 0.0001 for each group. %EWL was higher in women (69.71%) than in men (53.39), with p < 0.0001 for each group. There was also a statistical difference between the TWL and EWL groups, with p < 0.001 for all analyses. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic IGB treatment for excess weight is an excellent therapeutic option for patients with different degrees of overweight.

New technologies and advances in weight loss therapy. / Nuevas tecnologías y avances en terapias para la pérdida de peso.

Bariatric surgery is the most effective treatment for obesity and its comorbidities but there are barriers that prevent its general acceptance. The growing obesity epidemic has resulted in the need for the creation of new, less invasive treatments, with a wide margin of safety and effectiveness for conditioning weight loss, at least greater than that resulting from treatment based on diet and exercise. Emerging therapies include devices that are endoscopically placed and removed, classified as: space-occupying devices, restrictive or anatomic-remodeling procedures, endoluminal bypass, and duodenal mucosal resurfacing. Percutaneous techniques and less invasive surgeries are also included. In general, results have shown improvement in glucose metabolism in diabetic patients. With respect to weight loss, results do not surpass those of bariatric surgery, but are better than results with conservative treatment (diet and exercise) and have a low rate of adverse events. Clinical use of a new technique should be carried out within a multidisciplinary management program that includes nutritional, psychologic, physical activity, and medical support. It must be understood that novel therapies are not being created to substitute bariatric surgery, but rather to increase treatment options in the general population, with greater reach and impact. The aim of the present study was to provide an up-to-date literature review on emerging technologies for the treatment of obesity.

Endoscopic Argon Plasma Coagulation vs. Multidisciplinary Evaluation in the Management of Weight Regain After Gastric Bypass Surgery: a Randomized Controlled Trial with SHAM Group.

BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is one of the most widely performed bariatric surgeries. However, the relapse of obesity occurs in approximately 20% of patients and enlargement of the anastomosis is one of the factors associated with this relapse. Endoscopic treatment of the anastomosis has been proposed to assist in renewed weight loss. One endoscopic technique is the narrowing of the anastomosis argon plasma coagulation (APC). OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of the endoscopic treatment of an enlarged anastomosis with APC. METHODS: A randomized controlled study was conducted comparing APC to exclusive multidisciplinary management after weight regain. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were divided into two groups: APC (n = 22) and control (n = 20). After 14 months of follow-up with a crossover at 6 months, significant improvement in satiety and greater weight loss were found in the APC group and after crossover. APC was associated with significant weight loss [9.73 (7.46, 12) vs. + 1.38 (- 1.39, 2.15)], a reduction in the anastomosis diameter [p < 0.001], early satiation [0.77 (0.44, 1.11) vs. - 0.59 (- 0.95, - 0.23), p < 0.001], and increased quality of life measured using the EQ5D index [p = 0.04] and EQ5D VAS scale [p = 0.04]. Considering total mean weight loss throughout the entire follow-up, weight loss was similar in both groups (13.02 kg in the APC and 11.52 kg in the control). CONCLUSION: Treatment of the gastrojejunal anastomosis with APC was effective and safe, with significant weight loss, the return of early satiation, and an improvement in quality of life.

Antibiotics to Prevent Relapse of Adjustable Gastric Balloon Hyperinflation: Feasible for Balloon Maintenance?

The placement of an intragastric balloon (IGB) plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of obesity. The authors describe the cases of 2 female patients, 34 and 62 years old, who were submitted to the implantation of a Spatz3® IGB to treat obesity. Ten to fourteen weeks later, the patients presented complaints of epigastric pain, vomiting, and abdominal distension. A bulging of the upper abdominal wall was noticed upon physical examination. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy confirmed the clinical suspicion of IGB hyperinflation. It was decided to remove the 500 mL of saline solution with methylene blue from inside the balloon. During the same procedure, the IGB was refilled with 500 mL of fresh saline solution, methylene blue, and empiric ß-lactam antibiotic. The extracted content of the hyperinflated IGB was sent for microbiological culturing and was found to be positive for Streptococcus viridans in one of the cases. In the other case, the culture examination was negative, and after 8 weeks, the patient presented again with hyperinflation of the IGB. It was then decided to substitute the IGB with another balloon; the procedure was uneventful. The content of the removed IGB was sent for microbiological testing, and colonization by Candida tropicaliswas confirmed. This is a rare but potentially serious complication of IGB placement. Randomized trials are needed to clarify the role of antibiotics and antifungals in primary and secondary prophylaxis against IGB hyperinflation.

A colocação de um balão intragástrico (BIG) desempenha um papel cada vez mais importante no tratamento da obesidade. Os autores descrevem os casos de duas doentes, com 34 e 62 anos de idade, que colocaram BIG Spatz3® para tratamento da obesidade. Dez a catorze semanas após as doentes apresentaram queixas de dor epigástrica, vómitos e distensão abdominal. Um abaulamento da parede abdominal superior era evidente no exame físico. A endoscopia digestiva alta confirmou a suspeita clínica de hiperinsuflação do BIG. Decidiu-se remover os 500 mL de solução salina com azul de metileno do balão. Durante o mesmo procedimento, o BIG foi preenchido com 500 mL de nova solução salina, azul de metileno e antibiótico ß-lactâmico empírico. O conteúdo extraído do BIG hiperinsuflado foi enviado para cultura microbiológica que foi positiva para Streptococcus viridans em um dos casos. No outro caso, o exame de cultura foi negativo e após oito semanas, a doente apresentou novamente hiperinsuflação do balão. Foi então decidido substituir o balão; o procedimento decorreu sem intercorrências. O conteúdo do BIG removido foi enviado para exames microbiológicos, tendo sido identificada colonização por Candida tropicalis. Esta é uma complicação rara, mas potencialmente grave, da colocação do BIG. Ensaios clínicos randomizados são necessários para esclarecer o papel dos antibióticos e antifúngicos na profilaxia primária e secundária contra a hiperinsuflação do BIG.

Increased Gastric Retention Capacity, Assessed by Scintigraphy, after APC Treatment of Dilated Gastrojejunal Anastomosis.

BACKGROUND: Weight regain occurs in about 20% of patients after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). Studies have reported that in most cases this regain is associated with dilatation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis. To correct this dilatation, one of the methods used is the application of argon plasma coagulation (APC). CASE: The authors report the case of a 39-year-old woman submitted to RYGB who had weight regain. In the endoscopic evaluation, the patient presented with dilatation of the gastrojejunal anastomosis, for which treatment with APC and an adjusted diet was proposed. After 3 sessions of APC, the patient presented with a reduction of the anastomosis diameter, weight loss, and increased satiety to food, with an increased gastric emptying time evidenced by scintigraphy. CONCLUSION: APC proved to be a safe and efficacious method.

INTRODUÇÃO: O reganho de peso após bypass gástrico em Y de Roux (RYGB) ocorre em cerca de 20% dos doentes. Estudos relatam que na maioria dos casos este reganho está associado a dilatação da anastomose gastrojejunal. Para corrigir esta dilatação um dos métodos utilizados é a apli-cação de árgon plasma (APC). CASO: Os autores relatam o caso de uma mulher de 39 anos de idade, submetida a RYGB, que apresentou reganho de peso. Na avaliação en-doscópica a doente apresentava dilatação da anastomose gastrojejunal sendo proposta a realização de APC e dieta ajustada. Após 3 sessões de APC, a doente apresentou redução do diâmetro da anastomose associada a perda de peso, aumento da saciedade alimentar e aumento do tempo de esvaziamento gástrico documentado em cintigrafia. CONCLUSÃO: O tratamento com APC mostrou ser um méto-do seguro e eficaz.

Severe Dehiscence of Gastrojejunal Anastomosis after Gastric Bypass: Its Cure by Using Partially Covered Stent and Avoiding Migration.

BACKGROUND: Gastric leak is a severe complication of gastric bypass that is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Anastomosis dehiscence usually occurs at gastrojejunal anastomosis and can appear simultaneously with gastric leak, for which treatment can be a challenge. Fistula may have several clinical impacts, depending on patient-related factors, fistula characteristics, onset time, and therapy proposal. Abdominal toilet, drainage, gastrostomy, and revisional surgery constitute the traditional approaches to dehiscence and fistula closure, with variable results. Currently, endoscopic stents are gaining space, promoting fistula sealing, secretion deviation, treating gastric stricture, and allowing early oral diet. Herein, we present a case of severe gastrojejunal anastomosis dehiscence treated with partially covered stent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present a video of a 39-year-old man with a body mass index of 40 Kg/m2 who underwent a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass and presented fever and leukocytosis. Gastric leak was diagnosed 7 days after the bariatric surgery. At first, he was submitted to three reoperations: laparotomy with abdominal toilet, abdominal drain, and gastrostomy. Sepsis was controlled, but drain output maintained the same debit. On the 22nd POD, it was decided to place a metallic stent. As the first step, an endoscopist looked at the lesser curvature. There was no continuity to the alimentary limb, and the anastomosis was disrupted. Careful inflation and washing was done, allowing identification of the alimentary limb, followed by guidewire passage, with radioscopic control. Once the guidewire was positioned, stent placement was possible and safe. Upper edge of stent was placed in the lower third of the esophagus. RESULTS: Patient progressed uneventfully. After 4 weeks, stent removal was attempted. However, it was not possible due to endoluminal tissue hyperplasia. Argon plasma was used three times to promote proliferative mucosa ablation. Stent was removed after 53 days, with no migration. The abdominal drain was removed 1 week later. After 6-months follow-up, the patient remains asymptomatic. CONCLUSION: Early dehiscence closure was observed, without recurrence. The use of partially covered self-expandable metallic stent is associated with lower migration rates; however, removal can be technically difficult due to tissue hyperplasia.

Brazilian Intragastric Balloon Consensus Statement (BIBC): practical guidelines based on experience of over 40,000 cases.

BACKGROUND: Intragastric balloons (IGBs) are a minimally invasive option for obesity treatment, acting as a space-occupying device and leading to weight loss through increased satiety. This device has been growing in popularity owing to its safety profile and good weight loss results. However, there are no published guidelines that standardize the technical aspects of the procedure. OBJECTIVES: To create a practical guideline for intragastric balloon usage. SETTING: Private and Academic Settings, Brazil. METHODS: A consensus meeting was held in São Paulo, Brazil, in June 2016, bringing together 39 Brazilian endoscopists with extensive experience in IGBs from all regions of the country. Topics on patient selection, indications, contraindications, multidisciplinary follow-up, technique, and adverse events were discussed in the form of questions. After electronic voting, a consensus was defined when there was ≥70% agreement. Experts were also requested to provide data on their experience with IGBs. RESULTS: The selected experts discussed and reached a consensus on 76 questions, mainly concerning specific indications and contraindications for the procedure; technical details, such as patient preparation, minimum balloon-filling volume, techniques for implant and explant; patient follow-up and recommended medication for the adaptation period; and adverse event management. The overall Brazilian expert data encompassed 41,863 IGBs, with a mean percentage total weight loss of 18.4% ± 2.9%. The adverse event rate after the adaptation period was 2.5%, the most common being hyperinflation (.9%) and spontaneous deflation (.8%) of the device. The early removal rate due to intolerance was 2.2%. CONCLUSIONS: The present consensus represents practical recommendations for performing IGB procedures and reflects Brazil's significant experience with this device. The experience of over 40,000 cases shows that the device leads to satisfactory weight loss with a low rate of adverse events.

Septotomy and Balloon Dilation to Treat Chronic Leak After Sleeve Gastrectomy: Technical Principles.

BACKGROUND: Chronic leaks after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) are often difficult to treat by endoscopy metallic stent. Septotomy has been indicated as an effective procedure, but the technical aspects have not been detailed in previous publications (Campos JM, Siqueira LT, Ferraz AA, et al., J Am Coll Surg 204(4):711, 2007; Baretta G, Campos J, Correia S, et al., Surg Endosc 29(7):1714-20, 2015; Campos JM, Pereira EF, Evangelista LF, et al., Obes Surg 21(10):1520-9, 2011). We herein present a video (6 min) demonstrating the maneuver principles of this technique, showing it as a safe and feasible approach. METHODS: A 32-year-old male, with BMI 43.4 kg/m(2), underwent LSG. On the tenth POD, he presented with a leak and initially was managed with the following approach: laparoscopic exploration, drainage, endoclips, and 20-mm balloon dilation. However, the leak remained for a period of 6 months. On the endoscopy, a septum was identified between the leak site and gastric pouch, so it was decided to "reshape" this area by septotomy. Septotomy procedure: Sequential incisions were performed using argon plasma coagulation (APC) with 2.5 flow and 50 W (WEM, SP, Brazil) over the septum in order to allow communication between the perigastric cavity (leak site) and the gastric lumen. The principles below must be followed: (1) Scope position: the endoscopist's left hand holds the control body of the gastroscope while the right hand holds the insertion tube; the APC catheter has no need to be fixed. This avoids movements and unprogrammed maneuvers. (2) Before cutting, the septum is placed in the six o'clock position on the endoscopic view, by rotating the gastroscope. (3) The septum is sectioned until the bottom of the perigastric cavity (leak site). (4) That section is made towards the staple line. (5) Just after the septotomy, a Savory-Gilliard guidewire (Cook Medical, Indiana, USA) through the scope must be inserted until the duodenum, followed by 30-mm balloon (Rigiflex®, Boston Scientific, MA, USA) insertion. The balloon catheter must be firmly held during gradual inflation (maximum 10 psi) to avoid slippage and laceration. This allows increasing the gastric lumen. (6) Septotomy by electrocautery with a needle knife (Boston Scientific, MA, USA) can be made when an intensive fibrotic septum is present; bleeding is rare in this case. In this case, the endoclip previously used was removed from the septum with forceps to avoid heat transmission. Small staples visualized in the fistula orifice were not completely removed due to technical difficulties and friable tissue. RESULTS: Two sessions were performed in 15 days, resulting in leak closure. The patient was submitted to radiological control 1 week after the second session, which revealed fistula healing, without gastric stenosis. The nasoduodenal feeding tube remained for 7 days, when the patient started oral diet. This patient was followed for 18 months without recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Septotomy and balloon dilation were initially performed on a difficult-to-treat chronic fistula after gastric bypass and named before as stricturotomy (Campos JM, Siqueira LT, Ferraz AA, et al., J Am Coll Surg 204(4):711, 2007). This procedure allows internal drainage of the fistula and deviates oral intake to the pouch. In addition, achalasia balloon dilation treats strictures and axis deviation of the gastric chamber, promoting reduction of the intragastric pressure. Septotomy and balloon dilation are technically feasible and might be useful in selected cases for closure of chronic leaks after LSG.

ENDOSCOPIC SLEEVE GASTROPLASTY - MINIMALLY INVASIVE THERAPY FOR PRIMARY OBESITY TREATMENT / GASTROPLASTIA VERTICAL ENDOSCÓPICA - TERAPÊUTICA MINIMAMENTE INVASIVA PARA TRATAMENTO PRIMÁRIO DA OBESIDADE

ABSTRACT Background: Less invasive and complex procedures have been developed to treat obesity. The successful use of Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty using OverStitch(r) (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, Texas, USA) has been reported in the literature. Aim: Present technical details of the procedure and its surgical/ endoscopic preliminary outcome. Method: The device was used to perform plications along the greater curvature of the stomach, creating a tubulization similar to a sleeve gastrectomy. Result: A male patient with a BMI of 35.17 kg/m2 underwent the procedure, with successful achievement of four plications, and preservation of gastric fundus. The procedure was successfully performed in 50 minutes, time without bleeding or other complications. The patient presented mild abdominal pain and good acceptance of liquid diet. Conclusions: The endoscopic gastroplasty procedure was safe, with acceptable technical viability, short in duration and without early complications.

RESUMO Racional: Procedimentos menos invasivos e complexos têm sido desenvolvidos para o tratamento da obesidade. A gastroplastia vertical endoscópica com uso de OverStitch(r) (Apollo Endosurgery, Austin, TX, EUA) já foi relatada com sucesso na literatura. Objetivo: Apresentar detalhes técnicos do procedimento e seu resultado cirúrgico/endoscópico preliminar. Método: O equipamento foi utilizado para realizar plicaturas ao longo da grande curvatura gástrica, objetivando tubulização do estômago semelhante a gastrectomia vertical. Resultado: O método foi aplicado em paciente com IMC 35,17 kg/m2, sendo realizadas quatro plicaturas, preservando o fundo gástrico. O procedimento foi realizado com sucesso em 50 min, sem sangramento ou outras complicações. O paciente evoluiu com dor abdominal leve, e teve boa aceitação de dieta líquida. Conclusão: A realização da gastroplastia endoscópica foi segura, com viabilidade técnica aceitável e reprodutível, com curto tempo de procedimento, sem complicações precoces.