Clinical features and prognosis of malignant small bowel tumors: Experience from a university hospital in Chile.

BACKGROUND: Small bowel tumors (SBT) are infrequent and represent a small proportion of digestive neoplasms. There is scarce information about SBT in Latin America. AIM: To describe the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, diagnostic methods, and survival of malignant SBTs. METHODS: Retrospective observational study of adult patients with histopathological diagnosis of SBT between 2007 and 2021 in a university hospital in Chile. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients [51.9% men; mean age 57 years] with SBT. Histological type: neuroendocrine tumor (NET) (43.7%, n=38), gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) (21.8%, n=19), lymphoma (17.2%, n=15) and adenocarcinoma (AC) (11.5%, n=10). GIST was more frequent in duodenum (50%; n=12) and NET in the ileum (65.8%; n=25). Metastasis was observed in 17 cases, most commonly from colon and melanoma. Nausea and vomiting were significantly more often observed in AC (p=0.035), as well as gastrointestinal bleeding in GIST (p=0.007). The most common diagnostic tools were CT and CT enteroclysis with an elevated diagnostic yield (86% and 94% respectively). The 5-year survival of GIST, NET, lymphoma and AC were 94.7% (95%CI: 68.1-99.2), 82.2% (95%CI: 57.6-93.3), 40.0% (95%CI: 16.5-82.8) and 25.9% (95%CI: 4.5-55.7%), respectively. NET (HR 6.1; 95%CI: 2.1-17.2) and GIST (HR 24.4; 95%CI: 3.0-19.8) were independently associated with higher survival compared to AC, adjusted for age and sex. CONCLUSIONS: Malignant SBT are rare conditions and NETs are the most common histological subtype. Clinical presentation at diagnosis, location or complications may suggest a more probable diagnosis. GIST and NET are associated with better survival compared to other malignant subtypes.

Implementation of the updated Sydney system biopsy protocol improves the diagnostic yield of gastric preneoplastic conditions: Results from a real-world study.

BACKGROUND: The updated Sydney system biopsy protocol (USSBP) standardizes the sampling of gastric biopsies for the detection of preneoplastic conditions (e.g., gastric intestinal metaplasia [GIM]), but the real-world diagnostic yield is not well-described. AIM: To determine whether regular application of USSBP is associated with higher detection of chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), GIM and autoimmune gastritis (AIG). METHODS: We performed a real-world retrospective study at an academic urban tertiary hospital in Chile. We manually reviewed medical records from consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) from January to December 2017. Seven endoscopists who performed EGDs were categorized into two groups (USSBP 'regular' and USSBP 'infrequent') based on USSBP adherence, using minimum 20% adherence as the prespecified threshold. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratios (aOR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the association between endoscopist groups and the likelihood of diagnosing CAG, GIM or AIG. RESULTS: 1206 patients were included in the study (mean age: 58.5; 65.3% female). The USSBP regular group demonstrated a higher likelihood of detecting CAG (20% vs. 5.3%; aOR 4.03, 95%CI: 2.69-6.03), GIM (12.2% vs. 3.4%; aOR 3.91, 95%CI: 2.39-6.42) and AIG (2.9% vs. 0.8%; aOR 6.52, 95%CI: 1.87-22.74) compared to infrequent group. Detection of advanced-stage CAG (Operative Link for Gastritis Assessment stage III/IV) was significantly higher in the USSBP regular vs. infrequent group (aOR 5.84, 95%CI: 2.23-15.31). CONCLUSIONS: Routine adherence to USSBP increases the detection rates of preneoplastic conditions, including CAG, GIM and AIG. Standardized implementation of USSBP should be considered in high gastric cancer risk populations.

Case report: Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) during pregnancy.

Esophageal achalasia is the most frequent primary motor disorder of the esophagus, resulting in a peristalsis and failed relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). Various treatments have been described. Endoscopic alternatives include botulinum toxin injection and pneumatic balloon dilation, but both tend to fail with time and usually repeated interventions are required. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) has been considered the gold standard. The diagnosis of achalasia during pregnancy is extremely rare and optimal management remains unclear. Our aim was to report a successful per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) performed during pregnancy. A 40-year-old pregnant woman presented with esophageal achalasia during her first trimester. Her disease was diagnosed with high resolution esophageal manometry (HREM). Initially an expectant conduct was attempted, but dysphagia progressed during the first 6 weeks of follow-up and an important weight loss was noticed. She underwent POEM at 15 weeks of gestation. After the procedure, she reported relief of both dysphagia and regurgitation, and her nutritional status improved. She delivered a healthy boy at term. During follow-up, she remains without dysphagia, her upper GI endoscopy shows no esophagitis and her HREM reports a normal integrated relaxation pressure. In achalasia, as in other clinical conditions, therapeutic decisions during pregnancy should always consider both the welfare of the mother and the fetus. POEM is a purely endoscopic treatment and has been recognized as a safe procedure to treat achalasia, with postoperative clinical success comparable to LHM and potential benefits over it.

Evaluation of trefoil factor 3 as a non-invasive biomarker of gastric intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer in a high-risk population.

BACKGROUND: Adenocarcinoma is preceded by chronic atrophic gastritis, gastric intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. Trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) is a peptide secreted by goblet cells, which is abundantly present in intestinal metaplasia. AIM: To evaluate the utility of serum TFF3 as a non-invasive biomarker for the diagnosis of intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer. METHODS: Single-center, cross-sectional study of 274 patients who consecutively underwent upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with gastric biopsies (updated Sydney system). TFF3 levels were measured in serum by a commercial ELISA kit. Patients with normal histology or chronic atrophic gastritis without intestinal metaplasia comprised the control group. In addition, 14 patients with invasive gastric cancer were included as a reference group. The association between TFF3 levels and intestinal metaplasia was assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: Patients with intestinal metaplasia (n=110) had a higher median TFF3 level as compared to controls (n=164), 13.1 vs. 11.9ng/mL, respectively (p=0.024). Multivariable logistic regression showed a no significant association between TFF3 levels and intestinal metaplasia (OR=1.20; 95%CI: 0.87-1.65; p-trend=0.273). The gastric cancer group had a median TFF3 level of 20.5ng/mL, and a significant association was found (OR=3.26; 95%CI: 1.29-8.27; p-trend=0.013). CONCLUSION: Serum levels of TFF3 do not discriminate intestinal metaplasia in this high-risk Latin American population. Nevertheless, we confirmed an association between TFF3 levels and invasive gastric cancer.

[Experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of early neoplasms of the digestive tract]. / Disección endoscópica submucosa para el tratamiento de neoplasias incipientes del tubo digestivo: experiencia en un centro universitario de alto volumen.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows en-bloc resection of early gastro-intestinal neoplasms (EGIN) with healing potential. AIM: To describe the results of patients treated with ESD for EGIN by our team. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Descriptive study of patients with EGIN who underwent ESD with curative intention between January 2008 and March 2020. RESULTS: One hundred thirty-two ESD were performed in 127 patients. 77% were gastric lesions, 14% colorectal, 8% esophageal and 1% duodenal. En-bloc resection was achieved in 98.4% of ESDs. Eighty eight percent of patients met curative standards. Overall, cancer-specific, and recurrence-free survival were 95%, 100% and 98% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: ESD allows en-bloc resections with curative potential in selected patients, but with a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality and less impact on quality of life. Our results suggest the feasibility to perform ESD in our country with results comparable to those reported in the literature.

Disección endoscópica submucosa para el tratamiento de neoplasias incipientes del tubo digestivo: experiencia en un centro universitario de alto volumen / Experience with endoscopic submucosal dissection for the treatment of early neoplasms of the digestive tract

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) allows en-bloc resection of early gastro-intestinal neoplasms (EGIN) with healing potential. Aim: To describe the results of patients treated with ESD for EGIN by our team. Patients and Methods: Descriptive study of patients with EGIN who underwent ESD with curative intention between January 2008 and March 2020. Results: One hundred thirty-two ESD were performed in 127 patients. 77% were gastric lesions, 14% colorectal, 8% esophageal and 1% duodenal. En-bloc resection was achieved in 98.4% of ESDs. Eighty eight percent of patients met curative standards. Overall, cancer-specific, and recurrence-free survival were 95%, 100% and 98% respectively. Conclusions: ESD allows en-bloc resections with curative potential in selected patients, but with a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality and less impact on quality of life. Our results suggest the feasibility to perform ESD in our country with results comparable to those reported in the literature.

Per oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) in pediatric patients with esophageal achalasia: First Latin-American experience.

BACKGROUND: Achalasia is the most common primary motor disorder of the esophagus, but its incidence in pediatric patients is low. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy (LHM) is the current surgical standard of care treatment. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has emerged as a safe and effective therapeutic alternative in adult patients. We herein report the outcomes of a cohort of pediatric patients with achalasia treated by POEM at a Chilean medical center. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on children who underwent POEM for esophageal achalasia. Clinical follow-up was evaluated by recording the Eckardt score, a high-resolution esophageal manometry (HREM) three months after the procedure, and an annual upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. RESULTS: Five patients with esophageal achalasia confirmed by HREM and with a mean age of 11 (5 to 15) years underwent POEM between 2017 and 2019. One patient had a previous LHM. No morbidity or mortality was observed. All patients resolved their dysphagia and no patient required further interventions. Mean Eckardt score reduced from 10 points preoperatively to 1 point postoperatively. Two patients currently have mild esophagitis (confirmed by endoscopy). CONCLUSION: Our results support the previously reported safety and effectiveness of POEM. Longer follow-up and larger cohorts will be important to confirm its role in the treatment of children with esophageal achalasia. TYPE OF STUDY: Treatment study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

Long-term Results of Endoscopic Submucosal Dissection (ESD) for the Treatment of Early Gastric Cancer (EGC) in a High-volume Latin American Center.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer is the second leading cause of death by cancer worldwide. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a technique that allows en bloc resection of early lesions of the digestive tract. It has curative potential in selected patients and benefits over gastrectomy for the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). The aim of this study is to present the results of ESD for EGC in a high-volume center in Chile. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective descriptive study of patients who underwent ESD for EGC at the Doctor Sótero del Río Hospital. RESULTS: A total of 100 ESDs were performed in 96 patients between 2008 and 2020. Fifty-five percent were female patients, the average age was 68 years (range, 45 to 89 y). En bloc resection was achieved in 98% of cases and the rate of complications Clavien grade III or higher was 8.3%. There were no cases of perioperative mortality. Ninety-three percent of the dissections were classified as R0 and 83% met curative standards according to expanded criteria. The mean follow-up was 42 months (range, 1 to 144 mo). Overall survival was 97%. Cancer-specific survival was 100% and recurrence-free survival was 97%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study describes the largest series of ESD for the treatment of EGC reported in Latin America. Our results support the feasibility of implementing ESD in Chile and indicate good oncological outcomes comparable to those reported in the large Asian series published to date.

Per oral endoscopic myotomy in a pediatric patient with achalasia. / Miotomía endoscópica por vía oral (POEM) en un paciente pediátrico para tratamiento de la acalasia esofágica.

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is the most common primary motor disorder of the esophagus. Its reported incidence is low, even more in pediatric patients. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the current stan dard of treatment. During the last years, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been positioned as a safe and effective therapeutic alternative as the Heller procedure for esophageal achalasia. Ob jective: To describe the POEM technique and report the first pediatric case in our country. CLINICAL CASE: 11-year-old patient, previously healthy, who presented with progressive dysphagia for solids and liquids and weight loss. The study concluded a type II achalasia. The patient underwent a POEM and had a postoperative course without incidents. One year after the intervention, symptomatic, endoscopic and manometric resolution have been documented. CONCLUSIONS: The described case is the first POEM in a pediatric patient in our country. Esophageal achalasia is uncommon in pediatrics and POEM has demonstrated clinical success and safety comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy in short and medium term. Long-term follow-up will determine its definitive role in the treatment of pediatric patients with esophageal achalasia.

Miotomía endoscópica por vía oral (POEM) en un paciente pediátrico para tratamiento de la acalasia esofágica / Per oral endoscopic myotomy in a pediatric patient with achalasia

INTRODUCCIÓN: La acalasia es el trastorno motor primario más frecuente del esófago. Su incidencia reportada es baja, aún más en pacientes pediátricos. La miotomía de Heller laparoscópica corresponde al estándar actual de tratamiento. Durante los últimos años la miotomía endoscópica por vía oral (POEM) se ha posicionado como una alternativa terapéutica segura y tan efectiva como el Heller para la acalasia esofágica. OBJETIVO: Describir la técnica de POEM y reportar el primer caso pediátrico en nuestro país. CASO CLÍNICO: Paciente de 11 años, previamente sano, que se presentó con disfagia ilógica progresiva y baja de peso. El estudio concluyó una acalasia tipo II. Fue sometido a POEM y cursó un postoperatorio sin incidentes. A un año de la intervención se ha documentado resolución de la sintomatología, seguimiento endoscópico y manométrico sin complicaciones. CONCLUSIONES: El caso descrito corresponde al primer POEM en un paciente pediátrico en nuestro país. La acalasia esofágica es infrecuente en pediatría y el POEM ha demostrado éxito clínico y seguridad comparables a la miotomía de Heller laparoscópica en el corto y mediano plazo. El seguimiento a largo plazo permitirá determinar su rol definitivo en el tratamiento de pacientes pediátricos con acalasia esofágica.

INTRODUCTION: Achalasia is the most common primary motor disorder of the esophagus. Its reported incidence is low, even more in pediatric patients. Laparoscopic Heller myotomy is the current stan dard of treatment. During the last years, per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been positioned as a safe and effective therapeutic alternative as the Heller procedure for esophageal achalasia. OBJECTIVE: To describe the POEM technique and report the first pediatric case in our country. CLINICAL CASE: 11-year-old patient, previously healthy, who presented with progressive dysphagia for solids and liquids and weight loss. The study concluded a type II achalasia. The patient underwent a POEM and had a postoperative course without incidents. One year after the intervention, symptomatic, endoscopic and manometric resolution have been documented. CONCLUSIONS: The described case is the first POEM in a pediatric patient in our country. Esophageal achalasia is uncommon in pediatrics and POEM has demonstrated clinical success and safety comparable to laparoscopic Heller myotomy in short and medium term. Long-term follow-up will determine its definitive role in the treatment of pediatric patients with esophageal achalasia.

Resección endoscópica por tunelización submucosa de un leiomioma de la unión gastroesofágica: reporte de un caso / Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection of a gastroesophageal junction leiomyoma: report of a case

Resumen Introducción Los tumores submucosos del tracto gastrointestinal alto tienen potencial de malignidad y también pueden ser una carga para el paciente, por lo que se requiere disponer de un tratamiento seguro y eficaz. El surgimiento de la técnica de resección endoscópica por tunelización submucosa (STER) en los últimos años ha mostrado resultados prometedores. Caso clínico Se presenta el caso de un hombre de 47 años asintomático, en quien, en el contexto de un estudio preoperatorio de cirugía bariátrica, se pesquisa una lesión subepitelial en la unión gastroesofágica. La endosonografía alta es compatible con un leiomioma esofágico. Se realiza STER con éxito y sin complicaciones; a las 48 h es dado de alta. El estudio histopatológico confirmó un leiomioma esofágico. Discusión La técnica STER ha demostrado consistentemente ser segura y eficaz en el tratamiento de los tumores submucosos de la unión gastroesofágica. El desafío es difundir la técnica por el resto del país, para mayor beneficio de los pacientes.

Introduction Upper gastrointestinal submucosal tumors are potentially malignant lesions; so safe and efficient treatments are needed. In recent years, submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection (STER) has emerged as a novel therapeutic technique, with promising results. Case report 47-year-old male patient, previously asymptomatic, who was found to have a subepithelial lesion at the gastroesophageal junction. Upper endoscopic ultrasound was compatible with a leiomyoma. He underwent STER to remove the tumor and recovered with any complications. The biopsy confirmed an esophageal leiomyoma. Discussion STER has become a highly feasible and safe therapeutic option for submucosal tumors of the gastroesophageal junction. The challenge is to spread knowledge about this technique, to maximize patient's benefit.

Quiste esplénico no parasitario: revisión de la experiencia en un hospital clínico universitario / Non parasitic splenic cysts: single-center experience at a university hospital

Introducción: Las lesiones quísticas esplénicas son poco frecuentes; pueden ser clasificadas en primarias y secundarias según la presencia de revestimiento epitelial. Los quistes parasitarios son provocados por especies de Equinococcus y su manejo es específico. Suelen ser lesiones asintomáticas y el tratamiento depende de su tamaño y de la aparición de manifestaciones clínicas. El abordaje quirúrgico tradicional ha sido la esplenectomía, pero con el reconocimiento de las complicaciones inmunológicas, han tenido auge las alternativas que conservan parénquima esplénico. Objetivo: Comunicar la experiencia en el manejo quirúrgico de esta enfermedad en nuestro centro. Resultados: Se presenta la serie de 11 casos de quistes esplénicos no parasitarios que recibieron tratamiento quirúrgico durante los últimos 15 años. La mayoría de las intervenciones fueron laparoscópicas y no se registró morbimortalidad. Discusión: En el tratamiento de los quistes del bazo no parasitarios actualmente se reconoce el valor de preservar parénquima y función esplénica. La esplenectomía, cirugía cuyo estándar actual es mediante laparoscopia, ha sido progresivamente desplazada por alternativas conservadoras. Las opciones terapéuticas dependen del desarrollo de síntomas, del tamaño y de la ubicación de las lesiones. Conclusiones: Los quistes esplénicos son poco frecuentes. Ante la necesidad de tratamiento quirúrgico el abordaje laparoscópico y las cirugías que conservan parénquima esplénico deberían ser de elección.

Introduction: Splenic cysts are rare. They have been classified in primary or secondary lesions based on the presence or absence of an epithelial lining. Parasitic cysts are caused by Echinococcus spp. and have a particular management. Splenic cysts are usually asymptomatic, treatment depends on the development of symptoms and diameter. Traditionally, splenectomy has been the standard surgery, but updated knowledge about the role of the spleen in preventing some infections has led to more conservative options. Objective: To report our experience in surgical management of the disease. Results: Our series includes 11 patients with non-parasitic splenic cysts treated surgically, during the last 15 years. Most were laparoscopic interventions and no morbidity or mortality was registered. Discussion: Surgical treatment for non-parasitic splenic cysts actually favours conservative techniques; salvage of the spleen whenever possible is fully justified based on updated knowledge of the role it plays in promoting protection against infection. Splenectomy, nowadays performed by laparoscopy, has been partially displaced. Treatment options depends on the cyst diameter, development of symptoms and localization. Conclusions: Splenic cysts are unfrequent. If surgical treatment is needed, laparoscopy and interventions conserving splenic parenchyma should be the election.

Laparoscopy-Assisted Trans-Gastric Rendez-vous for the Treatment of Common Bile Duct Stones in Patients with Prior Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Common bile duct (CBD) stones in a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) represent a major challenge for ERCP due to long-limb anatomy. Trans-gastric approach has been proposed but entails high ERCP-related risks. Laparoscopy assisted trans-gastric rendez-vous (LATG-RV) is a one-step procedure that may lower the risks of these patients. METHODS: We describe our initial experience in four patients with past history of RYGB and CBD stones. RESULTS: All patients underwent LATG-RV and had successful CBD stone clearance. Postoperative course was uneventful with normal amylase levels. Average procedure time was 105 min and postoperative stay 2 days. CONCLUSION: LATG-RV is a safe and effective procedure for the clearance of CBD stones in RYGB patients. It may have fewer complications and shorter operative time than regular trans-gastric ERCP.

[Endoscopic submucosal dissection in early gastric cancer: Experience in 16 patients]. / Disección submucosa endoscópica en cáncer gástrico incipiente: experiencia inicial en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive procedure that allows curative treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) in selected patients. AIM: To report our initial experience with ESD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of prospective data from 16 patients aged 61 to 84 years, who underwent ESD between December 2011 and June 2014. Tumor type, operative time, hospitalization length, oncologic outcomes, complications and short-term follow up were registered. RESULTS: En-block resection was achieved in all cases. The median operative time was 135 min (range: 50-320 min). Specimens' median size was 3.5 cm (range: 3-10). All the resections were R0. In 14 patients ESD was considered curative. In two patients, ESD was considered potentially non-curative due to the presence pathological risk factors for lymph-node metastases in the biopsy specimen. Both patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy with lymph-node dissection. There was one case of gastric wall perforation that was repaired by laparoscopic suture. There was no mortality. The median follow-up time was 15 months (range: 2-30 months). CONCLUSIONS: ESD is a feasible and safe procedure in our institution with good results in this initial experience.

Disección submucosa endoscópica en cáncer gástrico incipiente: experiencia inicial en el Hospital Clínico de la Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile / Endoscopic submucosal dissection in early gastric cancer: Experience in 16 patients

Background: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a minimally invasive procedure that allows curative treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC) in selected patients. Aim: To report our initial experience with ESD. Material and Methods: Analysis of prospective data from 16 patients aged 61 to 84 years, who underwent ESD between December 2011 and June 2014. Tumor type, operative time, hospitalization length, oncologic outcomes, complications and short-term follow up were registered. Results: En-block resection was achieved in all cases. The median operative time was 135 min (range: 50-320 min). Specimens' median size was 3.5 cm (range: 3-10). All the resections were R0. In 14 patients ESD was considered curative. In two patients, ESD was considered potentially non-curative due to the presence pathological risk factors for lymph-node metastases in the biopsy specimen. Both patients underwent laparoscopic gastrectomy with lymph-node dissection. There was one case of gastric wall perforation that was repaired by laparoscopic suture. There was no mortality. The median follow-up time was 15 months (range: 2-30 months). Conclusions: ESD is a feasible and safe procedure in our institution with good results in this initial experience.

Effect of Early Use of Covered Self-Expandable Endoscopic Stent on the Treatment of Postoperative Stapler Line Leaks.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative leaks are a dreaded complication after bariatric surgery (BS). Its treatment is based on nutritional support and sepsis control by antibiotics, collections drainage and/or prosthesis, and/or surgery. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to report our experience with coated self-expandable endoscopic stents (SEES) for leaks treatment. SETTING: This study was performed in a University Hospital, (censored). METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of our BS database from January 2007 to December 2013. All patients with leak after BS treated with SEES were included. RESULTS: We identified 29 patients; 17 (59%) were women, with median age of 37 (19-65) years, and preoperative body mass index of 40 (28.7-56-6) kg/m(2). Nineteen (65.5%) patients had a sleeve gastrectomy and 10 (34.5%) a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. All patients had a leak in the stapler line. Median time from surgery to leak diagnosis was 7 (1-51) days, and SEES were installed 8 (0-104) days after diagnosis. Twenty-one (72%) patients also had abdominal exploration. Median length of SEES use was 60 (1-299) days. Patients who had SEES as primary treatment (with or without simultaneous reoperation) had a shorter leak closure time (50 [6-112] vs 109 [60-352] days; p = 0.008). Twenty-eight (96.5%) patients successfully achieved leak closure with SEES. There were 16 migrations in 10 (34%) patients, 1 (3%) stent fracture, 1 opening of the blind end of alimentary limb (3%), and 5 patients (17%) required a second stent due to leak persistence. CONCLUSIONS: SEES is a feasible, safe, and effective management of post BS leaks, although patients may also require prosthesis revision and abdominal exploration. Primary SEES placement is associated with a shorter leak resolution time.

Weight loss and metabolic improvement in morbidly obese subjects implanted for 1 year with an endoscopic duodenal-jejunal bypass liner.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate safety, weight loss, and cardiometabolic changes in obese subjects implanted with the duodenal-jejunal bypass liner (DJBL) for 1 year. BACKGROUND: The DJBL is an endoscopic implant that mimics the duodenal-jejunal bypass component of the Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Previous reports have shown significant weight loss and improvement in type 2 diabetes for up to 6 months. METHODS: Morbidly obese subjects were enrolled in a single arm, open label, prospective trial and implanted with the DJBL. Primary endpoints included safety and weight change from baseline to week 52. Secondary endpoints included changes in waist circumference, blood pressure, lipids, glycemic control, and metabolic syndrome. RESULTS: The DJBL was implanted endoscopically in 39 of 42 subjects (age: 36 ± 10 years; 80% female; weight: 109 ± 18 kg; BMI: 43.7 ± 5.9 kg/m); 24 completed 52 weeks of follow-up. Three subjects could not be implanted due to short duodenal bulb. Implantation time was 24 ± 2 minutes. There were no procedure-related complications and there were 15 early endoscopic removals. In the 52-week completer population, total body weight change from baseline was -22.1 ± 2.1 kg (P < 0.0001) corresponding to 19.9 ± 1.8% of total body weight and 47.0 ± 4.4% excess of weight loss. There were also significant improvements in waist circumference, blood pressure, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and fasting glucose. CONCLUSIONS: The DJBL is safe when implanted for 1 year, and results in significant weight loss and improvements in cardiometabolic risk factors. These results suggest that this device may be suitable for the treatment of morbid obesity and its related comorbidities. This study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT00985491).

EPR spectroscopy and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry reveal distinctive features of the iron site in leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase.

The procedure for the expression and purification of recombinant porcine leukocyte 12-lipoxygenase using Escherichia coli [K.M. Richards, L.J. Marnett, Biochemistry 36 (1997) 6692-6699] was updated to make it possible to produce enough protein for physical measurements. Electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the amino acid sequence. The redox properties of the cofactor iron site were examined by EPR spectroscopy at 25K following treatment with a variety of fatty acid hydroperoxides. Combination of the enzyme in a stoichiometric ratio with the hydroperoxides led to a g4.3 signal in EPR spectra instead of the g6 signal characteristic of similarly treated soybean lipoxygenase-1. Native 12-lipoxygenase was also subjected to electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. There was evidence for loss of the mass of an iron atom from the protein as the pH was lowered from 5 to 4. Native ions in these samples indicated that iron was lost without the protein completely unfolding.