Ex vivo and simulator models teaching therapeutic ERCP and EUS: description of SOBED's first course.

Teaching models in endoscopy are important tools to minimize risks derived from endoscopic procedures, taking into account that therapeutic endoscopy, also known as surgical endoscopy, has greatly developed during the last decade. This results from the fact that minimally invasive procedures present relevant contributions and promote more comfort to patients. In this context, ex vivo teaching models and virtual simulators are important tools to the safe acquisition of abilities. In this article, the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy presents and describes its first course of therapeutic ERCP and EUS in models of laboratory teaching.

ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND IN THE EVALUATION OF UPPER SUBEPITHELIAL LESIONS.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasound is considered the best imaging test for the diagnosis and evaluation of subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to describe the endosonographic characteristics of upper gastric subepithelial lesions and our experience using endoscopic ultrasound for evaluation of such lesions. METHODS: Retrospective data study of 342 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of subepithelial lesions. RESULTS: Lesions of the fourth layer were more common in the stomach (63.72%) than in the esophagus (44.68%) and duodenum (29.03%). In stomach, 81.1% of the lesions ≥2 cm, and 96.5% ≥3 cm, were from the fourth layer. Endosonographic signs that could be related to malignant behavior, such as irregular borders, echogenic foci, cystic spaces and/or size greater than 3 cm were identified in 34 (15.81%) lesions at the first endoscopic ultrasound evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration did the diagnosis in 21 (61.76%) patients who were submitted a puncture. Three (12.0%) lesions of 25 who were submitted to regular endoscopic ultrasound surveillance increased the size. CONCLUSION: Stomach is the organ most affected with subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and the fourth layer was the most common layer of origin. More than 80% of gastric subepithelial lesions from the fourth layer are ≥2 cm. Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of subepithelial lesions has been very important for stratification into risk groups and to determine the best management.

ENDOSCOPIC ULTRASOUND IN THE EVALUATION OF UPPER SUBEPITHELIAL LESIONS / Ultrasson endoscópico na avaliação das lesões subepiteliais do trato digestivo alto

BackgroundEndoscopic ultrasound is considered the best imaging test for the diagnosis and evaluation of subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract.ObjectiveThe present study aims to describe the endosonographic characteristics of upper gastric subepithelial lesions and our experience using endoscopic ultrasound for evaluation of such lesions.MethodsRetrospective data study of 342 patients who underwent endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of subepithelial lesions.ResultsLesions of the fourth layer were more common in the stomach (63.72%) than in the esophagus (44.68%) and duodenum (29.03%). In stomach, 81.1% of the lesions ≥2 cm, and 96.5% ≥3 cm, were from the fourth layer. Endosonographic signs that could be related to malignant behavior, such as irregular borders, echogenic foci, cystic spaces and/or size greater than 3 cm were identified in 34 (15.81%) lesions at the first endoscopic ultrasound evaluation. Endoscopic ultrasound-fine needle aspiration did the diagnosis in 21 (61.76%) patients who were submitted a puncture. Three (12.0%) lesions of 25 who were submitted to regular endoscopic ultrasound surveillance increased the size.ConclusionStomach is the organ most affected with subepithelial lesions of the gastrointestinal tract and the fourth layer was the most common layer of origin. More than 80% of gastric subepithelial lesions from the fourth layer are ≥2 cm. Endoscopic ultrasound evaluation of subepithelial lesions has been very important for stratification into risk groups and to determine the best management.

ContextoA ecoendoscopia é considerada o melhor método de imagem para diagnosticar e avaliar as lesões subepiteliais do trato digestivo.ObjetivoO presente estudo tem como objetivo fazer uma análise dos casos submetidos a ecoendoscopia para avaliação de lesões subepiteliais do trato digestivo alto.MétodosForam analisados de forma retrospectiva 342 pacientes submetidos a ecoendoscopia para avaliação de lesões subepiteliais.ResultadosLesões da quarta camada foram mais comuns no estômago (63,72%) do que no esôfago (44,68%) e no duodeno (29,03%). No estômago, 81,1% das lesões >2 cm, e 96,5% >3 cm, eram da quarta camada. Sinais endossonográficos que poderiam ser relacionados com o comportamento maligno, como bordas irregulares, focos ecogênicos, espaços císticos e/ou tamanho maior que 3 cm foram identificados em 34 lesões (15,81%) na primeira avaliação com ecoendoscopia. Aspiração por agulha fina guiada por ultrassom endoscópico fez o diagnóstico em 21 (61,76%) dos pacientes que foram submetidos a punção ecoguiada. Três (12,0%) lesões das 25, que foram submetidas a vigilância pela ecoendoscopia, aumentaram de tamanho.ConclusãoO estômago é o órgão mais afetado pelas lesões subepitelias do trato gastrointestinal alto, sendo a camada muscular própria a camada de origem mais comum. Mais de 80% das lesões gástricas subepiteliais da quarta camada são >2 cm. A avaliação ecoendoscópica das lesões subepiteliais tem sido muito importante para a estratificação em grupos de risco e para determinar a melhor conduta.

EUS-guided percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for enteral feeding tube placement.

BACKGROUND: Patients without adequate abdominal-wall transillumination are at a high risk of developing complications after PEG. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the feasibility and utility of EUS to guide PEG in patients lacking abdominal-wall transillumination. DESIGN: Single-center case series. SETTING: Tertiary-referral center. PATIENTS: Six patients who lacked adequate abdominal-wall transillumination and 2 patients with a large laparotomy scar deemed to be at high risk of developing complications after PEG. INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent EUS-guided PEG and deployment of a standard enteral feeding tube. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Technical success and complication rates. RESULTS: PEG was successful under EUS guidance in 5 of 8 patients. Causes of failure included an inadequate EUS window because of a prior Billroth 1 gastrectomy in one and suspected bowel interposition in 2 patients. There were no complications. LIMITATIONS: A small number of patients, uncontrolled study, and short follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: This technique may facilitate deployment of PEG in patients who lack adequate abdominal-wall transillumination.