Place of plasma argon coagulation in the treatment of vascular abnormalities of the digestive tract in adults

The aim of our study is to evaluate the value of Argon Plasma Coagulation in the treatment of gastrointestinal vascular abnormalities. Patients and methods: This is a descriptive and analytical retrospective study, from January 2009 to September 2020. 198 patients who have benefited from treatment with Argon Plasma Coagulation for vascular anomalies of the digestive tract divided into 2 groups: -Group A: Patients with radial rectitis lesions (n = 107). -Group B: Patients with lesions of digestive angiodysplasia (n = 91). Results: The mean age of our patients was 64.95 ± 9.88 years [43 - 83] in group A, while in group B the mean age was 65.19 ± 14.29 years [40 - 91] with a clear male predominance in 72.5%. The majority of patients in group A were followed for prostate cancer in 33,8%, and 26.3% of patients in group B had chronic renal failure, followed by stomach cancer in 15.8%, and esophageal cancer in 10.5%. Clinical symptomatology was dominated by rectories in 40.2% in group A versus 46.8% in group B. Rectal involvement was dominated in group A in 98.1%, whereas in group B the lesions were mainly located in the stomach in 60.5%. The endoscopic evolution was favorable in all our patients with a clear improvement of rectal lesions and digestive angiodysplasia lesions. The total complication rate in our series was nil. Conclusion: Plasma Argon coagulation is a very effective method in the endoscopic treatment of digestive haemorrhages with good tolerability and a low complication rate. (AU)

Prospective Meta-analysis of Weight Loss Regained and Success Rate of Argon Plasma Coagulation to Suture and Surgery Procedures Post-bariatric Surgery: Status of the Art of Endoscopic Treatment.

BACKGROUND: This study performed a meta-analysis to compare the safety and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC) concerning suture (SUT) and surgery (SUR). METHODS: The One-Way tests were applied, with p <0.05 significant. The value of R2 was analyzed (heterogeneity), and the risk of bias of articles was evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 34 studies were found, eight about APC, twenty about SUT, and six about SUR. For the percentage of Weight Loss Regained (%WLR), the means for APC, SUT, and SUR were 19.39 ± 10.94, 26.06 ± 16.71, and 17.05 ± 9.85, and for success rate (%SR), the means were 89.75 ± 16.75, 86.80 ± 11.44, and 76.00 ± 21.57, respectively with p >0.05, with R2 ≥ 50%. CONCLUSION: The APC proved to be efficient and safe like the other techniques.

Argon Beam Coagulation as an Adjuvant for Extended Curettage for Giant Cell Tumors of the Bone: A Study of 50 Cases / Coagulação por plasma de argônio como adjuvante à curetagem estendida em tumores de células gigantes do osso: Um estudo de 50 casos

Abstract Objective Extended curettage with adjuvants of giant cell tumors of bone is associated with a lower rate of recurrence of the tumor while preserving the adjacent joint. The present study was conducted to estimate the recurrence rate and functional outcome after using argon beam as an adjuvant for extended curettage. Methods We selected 50 patients with giant cell tumors, meeting all the inclusion criteria, who underwent extended curettage using high speed burr and argon beam photocoagulation between July 2016 to January 2019. On their follow-up visit, they were assessed for any complaints of pain and signs like tenderness, locally raised temperature, and decreased range of motion of the adjacent joint. Radiologically, the patients were assessed for any increased lucency around the cement mantle and uptake of the subarticular graft. Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) was administered to the patients, and range of motion of the adjacent joint was compared with the contralateral joint. Results Recurrence was found in 4 patients, that is, an 8% recurrence rate. Twenty-six out of 28 patients with a tumor in the lower limb had a grade-5 weight bearing status 6 months from the surgery, and their range of motion was comparable to contralateral healthy joint with an average MSTS score of 27 (18-30). Conclusion Extended curettage of giant cell tumors using argon beam coagulation is associated with low recurrence rates of the tumor and is an effective modality in the treatment of these tumors besides having a functional outcome comparable to the healthy limb.

Resumo Objetivo A curetagem estendida com adjuvantes de tumores de células gigantes do osso está associada a uma menor taxa de recidiva da neoplasia e à preservação da articulação adjacente. Este estudo foi feito para estimar a taxa de recidiva e o resultado funcional após o uso de plasma de argônio como adjuvante à curetagem estendida. Métodos Cinquenta pacientes com tumores de células gigantes que atendiam a todos os critérios de inclusão foram selecionados para o estudo e submetidos à curetagem estendida com broca de alta velocidade e fotocoagulação com plasma de argônio entre julho de 2016 e janeiro de 2019. À consulta de acompanhamento, os pacientes foram avaliados quanto a quaisquer queixas de dor e sinais como sensibilidade, aumento local da temperatura e diminuição da amplitude de movimento da articulação adjacente. Radiologicamente, os pacientes foram avaliados quanto à presença de qualquer aumento de radiotransparência ao redor do manto de cimento e incorporação do enxerto subarticular. O questionário Musculoskeletal Tumor Society Score (MSTS) foi administrado aos pacientes e a amplitude de movimentação da articulação adjacente foi comparada à articulação contralateral. Resultados Quatro pacientes apresentaram recidiva, o que corresponde a uma taxa de 8%. Seis meses após a cirurgia, 26 de 28 pacientes com tumor no membro inferior tinham capacidade de sustentação de peso de grau 5 e amplitude de movimento comparável à articulação saudável contralateral, com pontuação MSTS média de 27 (intervalo de 18 a 30). Conclusão A curetagem estendida de tumores de células gigantes com coagulação por plasma de argônio está associada a baixas taxas de recidiva da neoplasia; é uma modalidade eficaz no tratamento desses tumores e o resultado funcional é comparável ao do membro saudável.

Endoscopic ablation combined with fundoplication plus acid suppression-duodenal diversion procedure for long segment barrett´s esophagus: early and long-term outcome / Ablação endoscópica combinada com fundoplicatura associada a diversão duodenal no esôfago de barrett longo: resultados precoce e de longo prazo

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: The addition of endoscopic ablative therapy plus proton pump inhibitors or fundoplication is postulated for the treatment of patients with long-segment Barrett´s esophagus (LSBE); however, it does not avoid acid and bile reflux in these patients. Fundoplication with distal gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy is proposed as an acid suppression-duodenal diversion procedure demonstrating excellent results at long-term follow-up. There are no reports on therapeutic strategy with this combination. AIMS: To determine the early and long-term results observed in LSBE patients with or without low-grade dysplasia who underwent the acid suppression-duodenal diversion procedure combined with endoscopic therapy. METHODS: Prospective study including patients with endoscopic LSBE using the Prague classification for circumferential and maximal lengths and confirmed by histological study. Patients were submitted to argon plasma coagulation (21) or radiofrequency ablation (31). After receiving treatment, they were monitored at early and late follow-up (5-12 years) with endoscopic and histologic evaluation. RESULTS: Few complications (ulcers or strictures) were observed after the procedure. Re-treatment was required in both groups of patients. The reduction in length of metaplastic epithelium was significantly better after radiofrequency ablation compared to argon plasma coagulation (10.95 vs 21.15 mms for circumferential length; and 30.96 vs 44.41 mms for maximal length). Intestinal metaplasia disappeared in a high percentage of patients, and histological long-term results were quite similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic procedures combined with fundoplication plus acid suppression with duodenal diversion technique to eliminate metaplastic epithelium of distal esophagus could be considered a good alternative option for LSBE treatment.

RESUMO RACIONAL: A adição de terapia ablativa endoscópica associado a inibidores da bomba de prótons ou fundoplicatura tem sido postulada para o tratamento de pacientes com esôfago de Barrett de segmento longo (EBSL), no entanto, essa conduta não evita o refluxo ácido/biliar nesses pacientes. A fundoplicatura com gastrectomia distal e gastrojejunostomia em Y de Roux (FGD-Y) foi proposta como procedimento de supressão de ácido, demonstrando excelentes resultados no seguimento a longo prazo. Não há relatos na literature com a combinação dessa estratégia terapêutica. OBJETIVOS: Determinar os resultados precoces e a longo prazo observados em pacientes com EBSL com ou sem dysplasia de baixo grau, submetidos a FGD-Y, combinado com terapia endoscópica. MÉTODOS: Estudo prospectivo incluindo pacientes com EBSL, empregando a classificação de Praga, sendo o comprimento circunferencial (C) e máximo (M) e confirmado por estudo histológico. Os pacientes foram submetidos à coagulação com plasma de argônio (CPA, 21 pacientes) ou ablação por radiofrequência (ARF, 31 pacientes). Após o tratamento, eles foram seguidos precoce e tardiamente (5-12 anos), mediante avaliação endoscópica e histológica. RESULTADOS: Foram observadas poucas complicações após o procedimento (úlcera ou estenose). Re-tratamento foi necessário em ambos os grupos de pacientes. A redução do comprimento do epitélio metaplásico foi significativamente melhor após ARF em comparação com CPA (10,95 versus 21,15 mm para C e 30,96 versus 44,41 mm para M). A metaplasia intestinal desapareceu em elevada porcentagem de pacientes, e os resultados histológicos a longo prazo foram bastante semelhantes em ambos os grupos. CONCLUSÕES: Procedimentos endoscópicos combinados com fundoplicatura e gastrectomia distal e gastrojejunostomia em Y de Roux, para eliminar o epitélio metaplásico do esôfago distal podem ser considerados uma boa opção alternativa para o tratamento da EBSL.

Development of adenocarcinoma after radiofrequency ablation of barrett's esophagus associated to fundoplication and suppression-duodenal diversion procedure: a lesson to be learned / Adenocarcinoma em esôfago de barrett após ablação por radiofrequência associada a fundoplicatura e diversão duodenal

ABSTRACT Despite endoscopic eradication therapy being an effective and durable treatment for Barrett's esophagus-related neoplasia, even after achieving initial successful eradication, these patients remain at risk of recurrence and require ongoing routine examinations. Failure of radiofrequency ablation and argon plasma coagulation is reported in 10-20% of cases.

RESUMO Apesar de a terapia de erradicação endoscópica ser um tratamento eficaz e durável para a neoplasia relacionada ao esôfago de Barrett (BE), mesmo após a erradicação inicial bem-sucedida, esses pacientes permanecem em risco de recorrência e requerem exames de rotina contínuos. A falha na ablação por radiofrequência e na coagulação com plasma de argônio é relatada em 10-20% dos casos.

Tratamiento endoscópico del esófago de Barrett con displasia de bajo y alto grado / Endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus with low- and high-grade dysplasia

RESUMEN Introducción: El esófago de Barrett es una condición esofágica adquirida, que puede evolucionar a un adenocarcinoma. Con el paso de los años, la terapia endoscópica ha remplazado la cirugía en el tratamiento de esta afección. Objetivos: Mostrar los resultados de la aplicación de la técnica de resección endoscópica de la mucosa y la ablación con Hibrid-APC en pacientes portadores de esófago de Barrett con displasia de bajo o alto grado. Métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo y retrospectivo en 29 pacientes entre los años 2014-2019, en el Servicio de endoscopias del Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso. Se estudiaron variables sociodemográficas, se estableció la clasificación endoscópica del esófago de Barrett, se describieron las características de la lesión, el diagnóstico histológico, la terapéutica endoscópica, la presencia de complicaciones, la resección incompleta y recidiva. Se aplicaron técnicas de estadística descriptiva y métodos no paramétricos. Resultados: Predominó el sexo masculino (58,62 %) y el grupo de 41-60 años (58,62 %). El segmento corto con lesiones planas y el largo con lesiones elevadas fueron más frecuentes (37,93 %). Se realizaron 15 resecciones y 14 ablaciones con Hibrid-APC; se observó una estenosis como complicación de la resección endoscópica de la mucosa y recidivas con ambas técnicas (5 pacientes, 17 %), tres relacionadas con la resección y dos con el Hibrid-APC. El Hibrid-APC alcanzó una efectividad terapéutica del 85,71 % y la resección del 80 %. Conclusiones: El tratamiento endoscópico con displasia de bajo y alto grado, mostró ser un procedimiento efectivo y seguro, con bajo porciento de complicaciones y recidivas.

ABSTRACT Introduction: Barrett's esophagus is an acquired esophageal condition that can evolve into an adenocarcinoma. Over the years, endoscopic therapy has replaced surgery in the treatment of this condition. Objectives: to show the results of the application of the endoscopic mucosal resection and Hybrid-APC ablation technique in patients with Barrett's esophagus with low-grade or high-grade dysplasia. Methods: a descriptive and retrospective study was carried out in 29 patients between 2014 and 2019, in the Endoscopy service of the National Center for Minimal Access Surgery. Social and demographic variables were studied; endoscopic classification of Barrett's esophagus was established, as well as the characteristics of the lesion, histological diagnosis, endoscopic therapy, the presence of complications, incomplete resection and recurrence were described. Descriptive statistics techniques and non-parametric methods were applied. Results: male gender (58.62%) and the group aged 41-60 years (58.62%) predominated. The short segment with flat lesions and the long segment with raised lesions were more frequent (37.93%). A number of 15 resections and 14 ablations were performed with Hybrid-APC; one stricture was observed as a complication of endoscopic mucosal resection and recurrences with both techniques (5 patients, 17%), three related to resection and two to Hybrid-APC. The Hybrid-APC achieved a therapeutic effectiveness of 85.71% and the resection one of 80%. Conclusions: endoscopic treatment with low- and high-grade dysplasia proved to be an effective and safe procedure, with a low percentage of complications and recurrences.

Argon plasma coagulation in radiation-induced proctitis

Abstract Background Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is a non-tactile ablative therapy that helps to stop rectal bleeding in patients who have developed actinic proctitis after exposure to radiotherapy. This approach seems to be more effective than medications or surgical procedures. Objective To review the literature to verify the effectiveness of APC in the treatment of patients with actinic proctitis induced by radiation therapies. Methods A systematic search was conducted on the following databases: MEDLINE/PubMed, LILACS, SCIELO, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. We identified 81 studies, and 5 of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Results In the articles included, a total of 236 patients were evaluated. Most of them were men (67.7%) with a mean age of 66.6 years. Prostate cancer was the main cause of actinic proctitis (67.3%), and control of the bleeding was achieved in 83.3% of the cases, after a mean of 1.67 session of APC. Moreover, 66 patients had complications with the treatment, and rectal pain was the most referred. Conclusions Argon plasma coagulation is a well-tolerated and effective treatment to control rectal bleeding in patients who underwent radiotherapy, and the number of sessions varies from 1 to 2, according to the case. (AU)

Argón plasma: respuesta terapéutica y calidad de vida en pacientes con proctitis actínica crónica hemorrágica / Impact of exclusive breastfeeding withdrawal on the health of babies

Introducción: La proctitis actínica crónica hemorrágica (PACH) se presenta secundaria a la radioterapia pélvica. La coagulación con argón plasma (APC) es una terapéutica eficaz, segura, de fácil uso y relativo bajo costo. Objetivo: Describir la respuesta terapéutica a corto y largo plazo del APC en pacientes con PACH, así como evaluar la calidad de vida antes y después de la intervención. Material y Métodos: Estudio observacional, prospectivo de serie de casos en 46 pacientes con PACH, atendidos en el Centro Nacional de Cirugía de Mínimo Acceso entre 2017 y 2020. Se emplearon medidas de resumen y comparación de medias (t de Student pareada) para la hemoglobina inicial y final, así como para los puntajes de calidad de vida aplicados antes y después de la intervención. Para determinar el tiempo libre de resangrado se utilizó l Método de Kaplan-Meier. Se estimó una significación menor a 0.05 para un intervalo de confianza de 95 por . Resultados: Se necesitó una media de 3,6 ± 2,394 sesiones de APC. La media de hemoglobina se incrementó 1,9 g/L. La respuesta terapéutica a corto plazo se observó en 100 por ciento de los pacientes y a largo plazo en 91,3 . La media de puntaje para la calidad de vida descendió en 12,065 puntos (p˂ 0,00), La percepción global percibida se incrementó en una media de 7.326 puntos (p˂ 0,00). Conclusiones: El APC tiene buena respuesta terapéutica a corto y largo plazo con pocas sesiones y bajo número de complicaciones, con mejoría de la calidad de vida de los pacientes(AU)

Introduction: Chronic hemorrhagic radiation proctitis (CHRP) appears secondary to pelvic radiotherapy. Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is an effective, safe, easy-to-use, and relatively inexpensive therapy. Objective: To describe the short- and long-term therapeutic response of APC in patients with CHRP, as well as to evaluate the quality of life before and after the intervention. Material and Methods: Observational, prospective case series study of 46 patients with CHRP, treated at the National Center for Minimally Access Surgery between 2017 and 2020. Summary measures and comparison of means (paired Student's t-test) were used for baseline and final hemoglobin, as well as for the quality of life scores applied before and after the intervention. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to determine the recurrence free time. A level of significance less than 0.05 was estimated for a 95 por ciento confidence interval. Results: A mean of 3,6 ± 2,394 APC sessions was required. The mean hemoglobin increased 1,9 g / L. Short-term therapeutic response was observed in 100 % of patients, and long-term in 91,3 por ciento. The mean score for quality of life decreased by 12,065 points (p˂ 0,00). The perceived global perception increased by a mean of 7,326 points (p˂ 0,00). Conclusions: APC has a good therapeutic response in the short and long term with few sessions and a low number of complications, with an improvement in the quality of life of the patients(AU)

Good Clinical Practices on Argon Plasma Coagulation Treatment for Weight Regain Associated with Dilated Gastrojejunostomy Following Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass: a Brazilian-Modified Delphi Consensus.

INTRODUCTION: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) alone is effective and safe at treating weight regain following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, technical details of the treatment vary widely among studies. Therefore, we aimed to create good clinical practice guidelines through a modified Delphi consensus, including experts from the collaborative Bariatric Endoscopy Brazilian group. METHODS: Forty-one locally renowned experts were invited to the consensus by email. Experiences of > 150 APC-treated cases or authorship of relevant articles were the eligibility criteria. An initial questionnaire with short-answer questions was distributed to the experts. The organizing committee converted the responses into statements for an online 2-day voting webinar. Consensus was defined as more than 67% of positive answers. Three consecutive voting rounds were planned with discussion and statement refinements between rounds. RESULTS: Thirty-seven experts fulfilled eligibility criteria and attended the live webinar voting. The total number of patients treated by the panel was 12,349. By the third round, all 79 statements reached consensus. The recommendations include the definition of dilated gastrojejunal anastomosis as ≥ 15 mm, minimum regain of 20% of the lost weight to indicate the APC therapy, 6 to 8 weeks as the ideal interval between ablation sessions, and stopping treatment when the stoma reaches < 12 mm of breadth. CONCLUSIONS: This consensus provides several recommendations based on a highly experienced panel of endoscopists. Although it covers most aspects of the treatment, the level of evidence is low for the majority of the statements. Therefore, bariatric endoscopists should be constantly attentive to new evidence on APC treatment.

Obesity and social representations among patients subjected to argon plasma coagulation (APC) / Obesidade e representações sociais entre pacientes submetidos à coagulação de plasma de argônio (APC) / Obesidad y representaciones sociales entre pacientes sujetos a coagulación de plasma de argón (APC)

This study sought to identify the Social Representations of Obesity among 15 individuals who underwent bariatric surgery through the Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass (RYGB) method and were subjected to Argon Plasma Coagulation (APC) due to weight relapse. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed via Descending Hierarchical Classification. Obesity was associated with physical limitations and difficulties in social relationships. Prejudice and difficulty in changing habits are associated with the choice to undergo surgical treatment and to weight relapse. The suffering that goes along with obesity and the difficulty in changing habits seem to be associated with the search for surgical help.

Este estudo procurou identificar as representações sociais da obesidade entre 15 indivíduos submetidos à cirurgia bariátrica pelo método Bypass Gástrico em Y de Roux (RYGB) e submetidos à Coagulação por Plasma de Argônio (APC) devido à recidiva de peso. Os dados foram coletados através de entrevistas e analisados por meio da Classificação Hierárquica Descendente. A obesidade foi associada a limitações físicas e dificuldades nas relações sociais. Preconceito e dificuldades na mudança de hábitos estão associados à escolha de se submeter a tratamento cirúrgico e à recidiva de peso. O sofrimento que acompanha a obesidade e a dificuldade de mudar hábitos parecem estar associados à busca de ajuda cirúrgica.

Este estudio buscó identificar las representaciones sociales de la obesidad entre 15 individuos que se sometieron a cirugía bariátrica utilizando el método de bypass gástrico Roux-en-Y (RYGB) y que se sometieron a coagulación con plasma de argón (APC) debido a una recaída en el peso. Los datos fueron recolectados a través de entrevistas y analizados utilizando la Clasificación Jerárquica Descendente. La obesidad se asoció con limitaciones físicas y dificultades en las relaciones sociales. Los prejuicios y las dificultades para cambiar los hábitos están asociados con la opción de someterse a un tratamiento quirúrgico y una recaída del peso. El sufrimiento que acompaña a la obesidad y la dificultad para cambiar los hábitos parecen estar asociados con la búsqueda de ayuda quirúrgica.

Endoscopic Band Ligation Versus Argon Plasma Coagulation in the Treatment of Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Argon plasma coagulation (APC) is the most commonly used endoscopic treatment for gastric antral vascular ectasia (GAVE). Endoscopic band ligation (EBL) has emerged as an alternative therapy. Our goal was to evaluate the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE. This is the first systematic review that included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on this topic. METHODS: A comprehensive search was performed using electronic databases to identify RCTs comparing APC and EBL for the treatment of GAVE following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included, with a total of 204 patients. EBL was related to higher endoscopic eradication rates risk difference [RD], 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] [0.14, 0.44]; I2=0%) and less bleeding recurrence than APC (RD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.15, 0.44]; I2=0%). Patients treated with EBL required fewer blood transfusions (mean difference [MD], 1.49; 95% CI [0.28, 2.71]; I2=96%) and hospitalizations (MD, 0.29; 95% CI [0.19, 0.39]; I2=0%). The number of sessions required for the obliteration of lesions was higher with APC. There was no difference in the incidence of adverse events. CONCLUSION: EBL is superior to APC in the treatment of GAVE in terms of endoscopic eradication rates, recurrence of bleeding, and transfusion requirements.

El Hybrid-APC en el tratamiento endoscópico del esófago de Barrett / The Hybrid-APC in the endoscopic treatment of Barrett'sesophagus

RESUMEN Fundamento: debido al riesgo de evolución insatisfactoria de los pacientes con esófago de Barrett hacia el adenocarcinoma esofágico, es necesaria la aplicación de técnicas seguras y efectivas que logren prevenir el desenlace hacia lesiones malignas esofágicas. El Hybrid-APC (Argón plasma coagulación) es una de estas técnicas que permiten detener la historia natural del esófago de Barrett en su etapa inicial. Objetivo: realizar una revisión y reflexión acerca del tratamiento endoscópico del esófago de Barrett con el Hybrid-APC. Métodos: se realizó una búsqueda en los motores Google, PudMed, SciELO regional, SciELO Public Health, National Library of Medicine PudMed. En la estrategia de la búsqueda se utilizaron los términos: esófago de Barrett, tratamiento endoscópico, Hybrid-APC. Se evaluaron los documentos en extensos y se desarrolló un documento resumen de la información recolectada. En la búsqueda bibliográfica realizada se encontraron 20 trabajos relacionados con esófago de Barrett, tratamiento endoscópico 10 y específico del uso del Hybrid-APC cinco. Resultados: los estudios reportaron la efectividad y seguridad de la ablación con el Hybrid-APC en el tratamiento endoscópico del esófago de Barrett con displasia de bajo grado; y en la displasia de alto grado y carcinoma in situ remanente, luego de una resección mucosa endoscópica. Conclusiones: el tratamiento endoscópico del esófago de Barrett con Hybrid-APC, se considera una técnica alternativa para detener la evolución de esta enfermedad hacia el adenocarcinoma. Esto generará motivación para entrenamientos y su puesta en práctica de forma generalizada.

ABSTRACT Background: due to the risk of unsatisfactory evolution of patients with Barrett's esophagus (EB) towards esophageal adenocarcinoma, it is necessary to apply safe and effective techniques that prevent the outcome towards esophageal malignant lesions. The Hybrid-APC (argon plasma coagulation) is one of these techniques that allow stopping the natural history of EB in its initial stage. Objective: to conduct a review and reflection on the endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus with the Hybrid-APC. Methods: a search was conducted on Google, PudMed, SciELo regional, SciELo Public Health, National Library of Medicine PudMed engines. The search strategy used the terms: Barrett's esophagus, endoscopic treatment, Hybrid-APC. Extensive documents were evaluated and a summary document of the information collected was developed. The literature search found 20 works related to Barrett's esophagus, ten on endoscopic treatment, and five on specific to the use of Hybrid-APC. Results: studies reported the effectiveness and security of the ablation with the Hybrid-APC in the endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus with low degree dysplasia, and in the high degree dysplasia and remnant carcinoma in situ, after the endoscopic mucous resection. Conclusions: the endoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus with Hybrid-APC is considered an alternative technique to stop the evolution of this pathology towards adenocarcinoma. This will generate motivation for training and its implementation in a generalized way.

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.

Ectasia vascular antral gástrica. Presentación clínica y manejo terapéutico / Gastric antral vascular ectasia. Clinical presentation and therapeutic management

La ectasia vascular gástrica antral es una causa infrecuente de hemorragia gastrointestinal alta, responsable de aproximadamente el 4% de las hemorragias gastrointestinales altas no varicosas. El diagnóstico se basa en los hallazgos endoscópicos y su tratamiento más aceptado es la coagulación con argón plasma. Se presenta un caso de una mujer con hemorragias digestivas altas recurrentes en forma de melenas y anemia, a la cual se le realizó endoscopía digestiva alta diagnosticándole ectasias vasculares de antro gástrico. Posteriormente, se le indica tratamiento de coagulación con argón plasma de forma satisfactoria y sin complicaciones. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo la revisión de una causa inusual de sangrado digestivo y su tratamiento.

Gastric antral vascular ectasia is an infrequent cause of high gastric hemorrhage, responsible of the 4% of high gastric non-variceal hemorrhages. The diagnosis is based on endoscopic findings and its most accepted treatment is argon plasma coagulation. It is presented a case of a woman with recurrent digestive hemorrhages in the form of melena and anemia, who was performed a high digestive endoscopy with resulting a diagnosis of vascular ectasia of the gastric antro. Later she was treated satisfactorily with argon plasma coagulation without complications. The resent work is aimed at reviewing an unusual cause of digestive bleeding and its treatment.

Airway fibroepithelial polyposis.

Fibroepithelial polyps are benign lesions, frequently found in the skin and genitourinary tract. Airway involvement is rare, and few case reports have been published. Our patient was a 79 y.o. male smoker, who was referred to us with a 3-month history of dry cough. At physical examination, the patient looked well, but a chest CT showed a 6-mm polyp lesion in his trachea. A flexible bronchoscopy confirmed this lesion, and forceps biopsies were performed. Argon plasma coagulation was used to completely resect and treat the lesion. Pathological analysis revealed a fibroepithelial polyp (FP). The aim of this manuscript is to report a case of FP with bronchoscopic management and to review the current literature about this condition.

Argon plasma versus electrofulguration in the treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata in patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of anal and perianal condylomata treatment using argon plasma and electrofulguration. Methods: From January 2013 to April 2014, 37 patients with anal and perianal condylomata, who had been diagnosed through proctological examination, oncotic cytology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology, underwent treatment with argon plasma and electrofulguration. The perianal and anal regions were divided into two semicircles. Each semicircle was treated using one of the methods by means of simple randomization. Therapeutic sessions were repeated until all clinical signs of infection by HPV were eliminated. The patients were evaluated according to several variables like the genotype of HPV, HIV infection, oncological potential per genotype, oncotic cytology and histology. Results: Among all the variables studied, only immunosuppression due to HIV influenced the results, specifically when the fulguration method was used. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between argon and fulguration based on lesion relapse (p > 0.05). However, among HIV-positive patients, fulguration presented worse results, with a significant difference (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Regarding treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata, comparison between applying fulguration and argon demonstrated that these methods were equivalent, but use of fulguration presented more relapses among HIV-positive patients.(AU)

Argon plasma versus electrofulguration in the treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata in patients with acquired immunodeficiency virus

Abstract Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of anal and perianal condylomata treatment using argon plasma and electrofulguration. Methods: From January 2013 to April 2014, 37 patients with anal and perianal condylomata, who had been diagnosed through proctological examination, oncotic cytology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histology, underwent treatment with argon plasma and electrofulguration. The perianal and anal regions were divided into two semicircles. Each semicircle was treated using one of the methods by means of simple randomization. Therapeutic sessions were repeated until all clinical signs of infection by HPV were eliminated. The patients were evaluated according to several variables like the genotype of HPV, HIV infection, oncological potential per genotype, oncotic cytology and histology. Results: Among all the variables studied, only immunosuppression due to HIV influenced the results, specifically when the fulguration method was used. There was no significant difference in effectiveness between argon and fulguration based on lesion relapse (p > 0.05). However, among HIV-positive patients, fulguration presented worse results, with a significant difference (p = 0.01). Conclusion: Regarding treatment of anal and perianal condylomata acuminata, comparison between applying fulguration and argon demonstrated that these methods were equivalent, but use of fulguration presented more relapses among HIV-positive patients.

Chronic radiation proctopathy: A practical review of endoscopic treatment.

Chronic radiation proctopathy (CRP) is a troublesome complication of pelvic radiotherapy. The most common presentation is rectal bleeding. CRP symptoms interfere with daily activities and decrease quality of life. Rectal bleeding management in patients with CRP represents a conundrum for practitioners. Medical therapy is ineffective in general and surgical approach has a high morbid-mortality. Endoscopy has a role in the diagnosis, staging and treatment of this disease. Currently available endoscopic modalities are formalin, potassium titanyl phosphate laser, neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser, argon laser, bipolar electrocoagulation (BiCAP), heater probe, band ligation, cryotherapy, radiofrequency ablation and argon plasma coagulation (APC). Among these options, APC is the most promising.

Argon plasma coagulation for the endoscopic treatment of gastrointestinal tumor bleeding: A retrospective comparison with a non-treated historical cohort.

BACKGROUND: The endoscopic use of argon plasma coagulation (APC) to achieve hemostasis for upper gastrointestinal tumor bleeding (UGITB) has not been adequately evaluated in controlled trials. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of APC for the treatment of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from malignant lesions. METHODS: Between January and September 2011, all patients with UGITB underwent high-potency APC therapy (up to 70 Watts). This group was compared with a historical cohort of patients admitted between January and December 2010, when the endoscopic treatment of bleeding malignancies was not routinely performed. Patients were stratified into two categories, grouping the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status scale: Category I (ECOG 0-2) patients with a good clinical status and Category II (ECOG 3-4) patients with a poor clinical status. RESULTS: Our study had 25 patients with UGITB whom underwent APC treatment and 28 patients whom received no endoscopic therapy. The clinical characteristics of the groups were similar, except for endoscopic active bleeding, which was more frequently detected in APC group. We had 15 patients in the APC group whom had active bleeding, and initial hemostasis was obtained in 11 of them (73.3%). In the control group, four patients had active bleeding. There were no differences in 30-day re-bleeding (33.3% in the APC group versus 14.3% in the control group; p = 0.104) and 30-day mortality rates (20.8% in the APC group, versus 42.9% in the control group; p = 0.091). When patients were categorized according to their ECOG status, we found that APC therapy had no impact in re-bleeding and mortality rates (Group I: APC versus no endoscopic treatment: re-bleeding p = 0.412, mortality p = 0.669; Group II: APC versus no endoscopic treatment: re-bleeding p = 0.505, mortality p = 0.580). Hematemesis and site of bleeding located at the esophagus or duodenum were associated with a higher 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic hemostasis of UGITB with APC has no significant impact on 30-day re-bleeding and mortality rates, irrespective of patient performance status.