Subepithelial tumors: How does endoscopic full-thickness resection & submucosal tunneling with endoscopic resection compare with laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery?

Background and study aims Endoscopic techniques are rapidly emerging for resection of subepithelial tumors (SETs). Submucosal tunneling for endoscopic resection (STER), endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) and laparoscopic endoscopic cooperative surgery (LECS) are current alternatives to open surgery. In this study, we aimed to compare the three endoscopic techniques. Patients and methods Consecutive patients who underwent resection of a submucosal esophageal or gastric lesion at several tertiary care centers were included in a dedicated registry over 3 years. Demographics, size and location of resected lesion, histology of specimen, length of procedure, adverse events (AEs), duration of hospital stay, and follow-up data were collected. Results Ninety-six patients were included (47.7 % male, mean age 62): STER n = 34, EFTR n = 34, LECS n = 280. The lesions included leiomyoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and other. The mean lesion size was 28 mm (STD 16, range 20-72 mm). The majority of lesions in the EFTR and laparoscopic-assisted resection group were GISTs. There was no significant difference in clear resection margins, post-procedure complication rates, recurrence rate and total follow-up duration between the groups. However, the LECS group had a procedure time at least 30 minutes longer than STER or EFTR ( P  < 0.01). Total hospital stay for the laparoscopic-assisted resection group was also longer when compared to STER (1.5) and EFTR (1.8) ( P  < 0.01). Conclusions STER, EFTR, and laparoscopic-assisted resection are efficacious approaches for resection of SETs with similar R0 resection rates, complication rates, and AE rates. Laparoscopic assisted resection appears more time-consuming and is associated with a longer hospital stay.

Volumetric laser endomicroscopy and optical coherence tomography in Barrett's esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background and study aims Endoscopic imaging of Barrett's esophagus (BE) with advanced technologies, such as optical coherence tomography (OCT) and volumetric laser endomicroscopy (VLE), allows targeted biopsies and may reduce the number of random biopsies to detect esophageal neoplasia in the early stages during endoscopic BE surveillance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of OCT and VLE in diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia, and high-grade dysplasia (HGD), and intramucosal carcinoma (IMC) in BE. Patients and methods In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the primary outcome measure was diagnostic accuracy of OCT and VLE, in comparison with the gold standard. In the meta-analysis, we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (LR+), negative likelihood ratio (LR-), and diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) for both methods. We performed analyses by patient and by lesion. Results We evaluated 14 studies involving a collective total of 721 patients and 1565 lesions. In the analysis by lesion, VLE showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, DOR, and SROC AUC of 85 %, 73 %, 3.2, 0.21, 15.0, and 0.87, respectively, for detection of HGD/IMC. In the analysis by lesion for detection of HGD/EAC, OCT showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, DOR, and summary receiver operating characteristic area under the curve of 89 %, 91 %, 9.6, 0.12, 81.0, and 0.95, respectively. The accuracy of OCT in identifying intestinal metaplasia showed a pooled sensitivity, specificity, LR+, LR-, and DOR of 92 %, 81 %, 5.06, 0.091, and 55.58, respectively. Conclusion OCT- and VLE-guided targeted biopsies could improve detection of dysplasia and neoplasia. Further studies could determine whether the use of such biopsies might replace the current protocol.

An innovative laparoscopic and endoscopic technique in an animal model: combined gastric full-thickness tumor resection.

Background and study aims The combination of endoscopy with laparoscopy for full-thickness gastric resection has received much attention. The advantage in using it is removak of the target lesion without resection of excessive normal tissue. The technique could prevent deformed scars, particularly at the cardia and in the prepyloric area. The aim of this protocol was to evaluate a new combined operation for full-thickness resection of the gastric wall. Materials and methods Gastric subepithelial lesions in multiple topographic locations of the stomach were simulated in seven live pigs. Full-thickness gastric resection was undertaken and after assessment of the outcome, the animals were euthanized. The primary endpoint was accomplishment of the procedure following all steps in the new technique, in various gastric locations. The secondary endpoints were duration of the procedure, quality of specimen margins, and complications. Results Resections were successful, complete, and complication-free, ensuring a safe surgical margin of healthy tissue. The procedure was completed in 50 minutes. No mucosal perforation or gas escape occurred. Conclusions The combined technique was safe, effective and minimally invasive. No expensive materials were used. Lesion exposure, gastric content leakage, incomplete resection, and excessive normal tissue elimination were avoided. Human trials of this technique may be warranted.

Carbon dioxide versus air insufflation enteroscopy: a systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the insufflation of CO 2 and ambient air in enteroscopy. SEARCH SOURCES: The investigators researched the electronic databases MedLine, Cochrane Library, Central, LILACS, BVS, Scopus and Cinahl. The grey search was conducted in the base of theses of the University of São Paulo, books of digestive endoscopy and references of selected articles and in previous systematic revisions. STUDY ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: The evaluation of eligibility was performed independently, in a non-blind manner, by two reviewers, firstly by title and abstract, followed by complete text. Disagreements between the reviewers were resolved by consensus. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS METHOD: Through the spreadsheet of data extraction, where one author extracted the data and a second author checked the extraction. Disagreements were resolved by debate between the two reviewers. The quality analysis of the studies was performed using the Jadad score. The software RevMan 5 version 5.3 was used for the meta-analysis. RESULTS: Four randomized clinical trials were identified, totaling 473 patients submitted to enteroscopy and comparing insufflation of CO 2 and ambient air. There was no statistical difference in the intubation depth between the two groups. When CO 2 insufflation was reduced, there was a significant difference in pain levels 1 hour after the procedure (95 % IC, -2.49 [-4.72, -0.26], P : 0.03, I 2 : 20%) and 3 hours after the procedure (95% IC, -3.05 [-5.92, -0.18], P : 0.04, I 2 : 0 %). There was a usage of lower propofol dosage in the CO 2 insufflation group, with significant difference (95 % IC, -67.68 [-115.53, -19.84], P : 0.006, I 2 : 0 %). There was no significant difference between the groups in relation to the use of pethidine and to the oxygen saturation. LIMITATIONS: Restricted number of randomized clinical trials and nonuniformity of data were limitations to the analysis of the outcomes. CONCLUSION: The use of CO 2 as insufflation gas in enteroscopy reduces the pain levels 1 hour and 3 hours after the procedure, in addition to the reduction of the sedation (propofol) dosage used.

Sodium picosulphate or polyethylene glycol before elective colonoscopy in outpatients? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

AIM: To determine the best option for bowel preparation [sodium picosulphate or polyethylene glycol (PEG)] for elective colonoscopy in adult outpatients. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature following the PRISMA guidelines was performed using Medline, Scopus, EMBASE, Central, Cinahl and Lilacs. No restrictions were placed for country, year of publication or language. The last search in the literature was performed on November 20th, 2017. Only randomized clinical trials with full texts published were included. The subjects included were adult outpatients who underwent bowel cleansing for elective colonoscopy. The included studies compared sodium picosulphate with magnesium citrate (SPMC) and PEG for bowel preparation. Exclusion criteria were the inclusion of inpatients or groups with specific conditions, failure to mention patient status (outpatient or inpatient) or dietary restrictions, and permission to have unrestricted diet on the day prior to the exam. Primary outcomes were bowel cleaning success and/or tolerability of colon preparation. Secondary outcomes were adverse events, polyp and adenoma detection rates. Data on intention-to-treat were extracted by two independent authors and risk of bias assessed through the Jadad scale. Funnel plots, Egger's test, Higgins' test (I 2) and sensitivity analyses were used to assess reporting bias and heterogeneity. The meta-analysis was performed by computing risk difference (RD) using Mantel-Haenszel (MH) method with fixed-effects (FE) and random-effects (RE) models. Review Manager 5 (RevMan 5) version 6.1 (The Cochrane Collaboration) was the software chosen to perform the meta-analysis. RESULTS: 662 records were identified but only 16 trials with 6200 subjects were included for the meta-analysis. High heterogeneity among studies was found and sensitivity analysis was needed and performed to interpret data. In the pooled analysis, SPMC was better for bowel cleaning [MH FE, RD 0.03, IC (0.01, 0.05), P = 0.003, I 2 = 33%, NNT 34], for tolerability [MH RE, RD 0.08, IC (0.03, 0.13), P = 0.002, I 2 = 88%, NNT 13] and for adverse events [MH RE, RD 0.13, IC (0.05, 0.22), P = 0.002, I 2 = 88%, NNT 7]. There was no difference in regard to polyp and adenoma detection rates. Additional analyses were made by subgroups (type of regimen, volume of PEG solution and dietary recommendations). SPMC demonstrated better tolerability levels when compared to PEG in the following subgroups: "day-before preparation" [MH FE, RD 0.17, IC (0.13, 0.21), P < 0.0001, I 2 = 0%, NNT 6], "preparation in accordance with time interval for colonoscopy" [MH RE, RD 0.08, IC (0.01, 0.15), P = 0.02, I 2 = 54%, NNT 13], when compared to "high-volume PEG solutions" [MH RE, RD 0.08, IC (0.01, 0.14), I 2 = 89%, P = 0.02, NNT 13] and in the subgroup "liquid diet on day before" [MH RE, RD 0.14, IC (0.06,0.22), P = 0.0006, I 2 = 81%, NNT 8]. SPMC was also found to cause fewer adverse events than PEG in the "high-volume PEG solutions" [MH RE, RD -0.18, IC (-0.30, -0.07), P = 0.002, I 2 = 79%, NNT 6] and PEG in the "low-residue diet" subgroup [MH RE, RD -0.17, IC (-0.27, 0.07), P = 0.0008, I 2 = 86%, NNT 6]. CONCLUSION: SPMC seems to be better than PEG for bowel preparation, with a similar bowel cleaning success rate, better tolerability and lower prevalence of adverse events.

Narrow band imaging versus lugol chromoendoscopy to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: In the early stage esophageal cancer, changes in the mucosa are subtle and pass unnoticed in endoscopic examinations using white light. To increase sensitivity, chromoscopy with Lugol's solution has been used. Technological advancements have led to the emergence of virtual methods of endoscopic chromoscopy, including narrow band imaging (NBI). NBI enhances the relief of the mucosa and the underlying vascular pattern, providing greater convenience without the risks inherent to the use of vital dye. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the ability of NBI to diagnose squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus and to compare it to chromoscopy with Lugol's solution. METHODS: This systematic review included all studies comparing the diagnostic accuracy of NBI and Lugol chromoendoscopy performed to identify high-grade dysplasia and/or squamous cell carcinoma in the esophagus. In the meta-analysis, we calculated and demonstrated sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood values in forest plots. We also determined summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curves and estimates of the areas under the curves for both per-patient and per-lesion analysis. RESULTS: The initial search identified 7079 articles. Of these, 18 studies were included in the systematic review and 12 were used in the meta-analysis, for a total of 1911 patients. In per-patient and per-lesion analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood values for Lugol chromoendoscopy were 92% and 98, 82 and 37%, 5.42 and 1.4, and 0.13 and 0.39, respectively, and for NBI were 88 and 94%, 88 and 65%, 8.32 and 2.62, and 0.16 and 0.12, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in only specificity values, in which case NBI was superior to Lugol chromoendoscopy in both analyses. In the per-patient analysis, the area under the sROC curve for Lugol chromoendoscopy was 0.9559. In the case of NBI, this value was 0.9611; in the per-lesion analysis, this number was 0.9685 and 0.9587, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: NBI was adequate in evaluating the esophagus in order to diagnose high-grade dysplasia and squamous cell carcinoma. In the differentiation of those disorders from other esophageal mucosa alterations, the NBI was shown to be superior than Lugol.

Stents and surgical interventions in the palliation of gastric outlet obstruction: a systematic review.

Background and study aims: Palliative treatment of gastric outlet obstruction can be done with surgical or endoscopic techniques. This systematic review aims to compare surgery and covered and uncovered stent treatments for gastric outlet obstruction (GOO). Patients and methods: Randomized clinical trials were identified in MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane, LILACs, BVS, SCOPUS and CINAHL databases. Comparison of covered and uncovered stents included: technical success, clinical success, complications, obstruction, migration, bleeding, perforation, stent fracture and reintervention. The outcomes used to compare surgery and stents were technical success, complications, and reintervention. Patency rate could not be included because of lack of uniformity of the extracted data. Results: Eight studies were selected, 3 comparing surgery and stents and 5 comparing covered and uncovered stents.The meta-analysis of surgical and endoscopic stent treatment showed no difference in the technical success and overall number of complications. Stents had higher reintervention rates than surgery (RD: 0.26, 95 % CI [0.05, 0.47], NNH: 4). There is no significant difference in technical success, clinical success, complications, stent fractures, perforation, bleeding and the need for reintervention in the analyses of covered and uncovered stents. There is a higher migration rate in the covered stent therapy compared to uncovered self-expanding metallic stents (SEMS) in the palliation of malignant GOO (RD: 0.09, 95 % CI [0.04, 0.14], NNH: 11). Nevertheless, covered stents had lower obstruction rates (RD: - 0.21, 95 % CI [-0.27, - 0.15], NNT: 5). Conclusions: In the palliation of malignant GOO, covered SEMS had higher migration and lower obstruction rates when compared with uncovered stents. Surgery is associated with lower reintervention rates than stents.

BARIATRIC SURGERY IN THE ELDERLY: RESULTS OF A MEAN FOLLOW-UP OF FIVE YEARS.

BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of obesity in the elderly, particularly over 65, remains controversial; it is explained by the increased surgical risk or the lack of data demonstrating its long-term benefit. Few studies have evaluated the clinical effects of bariatric surgery in this population. AIM: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of obesity in patients over 60 years, followed for an average period of five years. METHOD: This was a retrospective study evaluating 46 patients, 60 years or older, who underwent surgical treatment of obesity, by conventional gastric bypass technique (laparotomy). The average age was 64 years (60-71), mean BMI of 49.6 kg/m2 (38-66), mean follow-up of 5.9 years; 91% of patients were hypertensive, 56% diabetics and 39% had dyslipidemia. RESULTS: The incidence of complications (major and minor) in patients under 65 years was 26% and over 65 years 37% (p=0.002). There were no deaths in the group with less than 65 years and there were two deaths (12.5%) over 65 years. The average loss of overweight over 65 years or less was 72% vs 68% (p=0.56). There was total control of the diabetes mellitus in 77% and partial in 23%, with no difference between groups. There was improvement in arterial hypertension in 56% of patients, also no difference between groups. The average LDL levels did not differ between the pre and postoperative (106 mg/dl to 102 mg/dl), an increase of HDL (56 mg/dl to 68 mg/dL) and reduced triglyceride levels (136 mg/dl to 109 mg/dl). There was no statistical difference in the variation of the cholesterol fractions and triglycerides between the groups. Two patients in the group with less than 65 years died in late follow-up, of brain tumor and pneumonia, three and five years after bariatric surgery, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical morbidity and mortality were higher in patients over 65 years, and this group had the same benefits observed in patients lower 65 years for weight loss and comorbidities control.

Prevalence of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis Risk Factors in Patients Undergoing Bariatric Surgery.

BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) associated with obesity comprises pathological changes ranging from steatosis to steatohepatitis; these can evolve to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study are to assess the prevalence of and predictive markers for steatohepatitis in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: A prospective study of 184 morbidly obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery formed the study cohort. Patients taking potentially hepatotoxic medications and those with viral diseases and a history of excessive alcohol consumption were excluded. Liver biopsies were performed during surgery with a "Trucut" needle. Patients were classified into the following groups according to the histopathological findings: normal, steatosis, mild steatohepatitis, and moderate-severe steatohepatitis. Factors associated with steatohepatitis were evaluated using logistic regression. p values <0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of NAFLD was 84 % (steatosis, 22.0 %; mild steatohepatitis, 30.8 %; moderate-severe steatohepatitis, 32.0 %). Independent predictive factors for steatohepatitis were age (odds ratio (OR), 1.05; 95 % confidence interval (CI), 1.01-1.09; p = 0.011), waist circumference (OR, 1.03; 95 % CI, 1.00-1.06; p = 0.021), serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (OR, 1.04; 95 % CI, 1.01-1.08; p = 0.005), and serum triglyceride levels (OR, 1.01; 95 % CI, 1.00-1.01; p = 0.042). Score values for each predictor were derived from regression coefficients and odds ratio, and a total (risk) score was obtained from the sum of the points to evaluate the probability of having steatohepatitis. CONCLUSION: Age, waist circumference, serum ALT levels, and serum triglyceride levels are efficient and non-invasive predictive markers for the diagnosis and management of steatohepatitis in morbidly obese patients.

BARIATRIC SURGERY IN THE ELDERLY: RESULTS OF A MEAN FOLLOW-UP OF FIVE YEARS / CIRURGIA BARIÁTRICA EM IDOSOS: RESULTADOS DE SEGUIMENTO DE CINCO ANOS

Background: Surgical treatment of obesity in the elderly, particularly over 65, remains controversial; it is explained by the increased surgical risk or the lack of data demonstrating its long-term benefit. Few studies have evaluated the clinical effects of bariatric surgery in this population.Aim: To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of obesity in patients over 60 years, followed for an average period of five years. Method: This was a retrospective study evaluating 46 patients, 60 years or older, who underwent surgical treatment of obesity, by conventional gastric bypass technique (laparotomy). The average age was 64 years (60-71), mean BMI of 49.6 kg/m2 (38-66), mean follow-up of 5.9 years; 91% of patients were hypertensive, 56% diabetics and 39% had dyslipidemia. Results: The incidence of complications (major and minor) in patients under 65 years was 26% and over 65 years 37% (p=0.002). There were no deaths in the group with less than 65 years and there were two deaths (12.5%) over 65 years. The average loss of overweight over 65 years or less was 72% vs 68% (p=0.56). There was total control of the diabetes mellitus in 77% and partial in 23%, with no difference between groups. There was improvement in arterial hypertension in 56% of patients, also no difference between groups. The average LDL levels did not differ between the pre and postoperative (106 mg/dl to 102 mg/dl), an increase of HDL (56 mg/dl to 68 mg/dL) and reduced triglyceride levels (136 mg/dl to 109 mg/dl). There was no statistical difference in the variation of the cholesterol fractions and triglycerides between the groups. Two patients in the group with less than 65 years died in late follow-up, of brain tumor and pneumonia, three and five years after bariatric surgery, respectively. Conclusions: Surgical morbidity and mortality were higher in patients over 65 years, and this group had the same benefits observed in patients lower 65 years for weight loss and comorbidities control.

Racional: O tratamento cirúrgico da obesidade em idosos, em particular nos indivíduos com mais de 65 anos, permanece controverso; seja pelo risco cirúrgico aumentado ou pela ausência de dados que demonstrem seu benefício em longo prazo.Objetivo: Avaliar os resultados do tratamento cirúrgico em pacientes com mais de 60 anos, seguidos por um período médio de cinco anos. Método: Estudo retrospectivo que avaliou 46 pacientes com 60 anos ou mais, submetidos ao bypass gástrico convencional (laparotomia). A idade média foi de 64 anos (60-71), IMC médio de 49,6 kg/m2 (38-66), tempo médio de seguimento de 5,9 anos. Pacientes eram hipertensos eram 91%, diabéticos 56% e 39% tinham dislipidemia.Resultados: A incidência de complicações (maiores e menores) nos com menos de 65 anos foi de 26% e com mais de 65 anos de 37% (p=0,002). Não houve óbitos no grupo com menos de 65 anos e houve dois óbitos (12,5%) no com mais de 65. A perda média de excesso de peso nos pacientes com mais ou menos de 65 anos foi de 72% x 68% (p=0,56). Houve controle total do diabete melito em 77% dos pacientes e parcial em 23%, sem diferença entre os grupos com mais ou menos de 65 anos. Houve melhora da hipertensão arterial em 56% dos pacientes também sem diferença entre os grupos. Os níveis médios de LDL não variaram entre o pré e pós-operatório (106 mg/dl para 102 mg/dl), houve aumento do HDL (56 mg/dl para 68 mg/dl) e redução do triglicérides (136 mg/dl para 109 mg/dl). Não houve diferença estatística na variação das frações de colesterol e triglicerídeos entre os grupos. Dois pacientes do grupo com menos de 65 anos morreram no seguimento tardio por tumor cerebral e pneumonia, três e cinco anos após a cirurgia bariátrica, respectivamente. Conclusões: A morbimortalidade cirúrgica nos pacientes com mais de 65 anos foi maior. Mas, os acima de 65 tiveram os mesmos benefícios observados nos com menos de 65 anos, em relação à perda de peso e controle de comorbidades.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: a rare and aggressive disease.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is an uncommon tumor, with approximately 300 cases having been reported thus far. The purpose of this study was to describe a case of a 60 year-old man with a 10 month history of progressive dysphagia and thoracic pain, the investigations of which led to a diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus. The patient underwent a transhiatal esophagectomy with subcarinal lymphadenectomy, and isoperistaltic gastric tube replacement of the esophagus. Nine months after surgery, he developed ischemic colitis, and metastasis in the mesentery was diagnosed. His disease progressed and he died one year after the esophagectomy. A review of the literature was performed.