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This statement was written under the auspices of the World Gastroenterology Organization's Guidelines Committee. The authors are members of the Review Team of the WGO Endoscope Disinfection Guideline and have experience in endoscopy, endoscope reprocessing, and microbiology, including biofilms. During the preparation of the WGO Update on Endoscope Disinfection Guidelines, concerns about simethicone on endoscope channel surfaces compromising cleaning and disinfection were raised. Publications on simethicone, including modes of delivery, effectiveness, and risks, have been reviewed. The paper was written as a companion to the new guidelines with a focus on minimizing the risks of simethicone in endoscope reprocessing.

El cáncer colorrectal (CCR) ocupa los primeros puestos globales en incidencia y mortalidad. Existen guías para la detección precoz que deben ser adaptadas a los recursos disponibles. Sudamérica (SA) es una región con características especiales que influyen en el comportamiento de las enfermedades. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica de publicaciones originadas en SA utilizando las plataformas MEDLINE, EMBASE y LILACS. Dos investigadores en formaindependiente revisaron y seleccionaron la bibliografía. Resultados: Se incluyen para el análisis cuarenta y siete publicaciones. Existe un incremento de la incidencia, mortalidad y años de vida perdidos por CCR. Se observa mayor mortalidad en pueblos originarios, adultos mayores y personas de nivel socioeconómico bajo. Existen diversas barreras en el acceso al screening (falta de conocimientos en la población y el equipo de salud, recursos técnicos insuficientes). La prevención del CCR es un desafío donde el mejoramiento de las condiciones de vida es central. En SA la prevención del CCR está dando sus primeros pasos y ese camino debe contemplar elementos propios. Un punto central es la investigación y producción científica relacionada. Consideramos útil que cada país evalúe sus acciones preventivas ten iendo en cuenta la incidencia (alta, media o baja) para determinar si es conveniente realizar un screening oportunista o estructurado siempre partiendo de la premisa de que laconcientización y participación de la población es esencial. Conclusiones: El gran desafío para lograr una prevención efectiva del CCR puede resumirse en el concepto de equidad. El screening del CCR en SA requiere de liderazgo, creatividad y de la capacidad de diseñar respuestas adaptadas a cada realidad local. Colorectal cancer (CRC) occupies the first places of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. There are screening guidelines that must be adapted to the available resources. South America (SA) is a region with characteristics that influences in the behavior of diseases. Materials and methods: A bibliographic review focused on publications originating in SA in the last 10 years was performed by two independents reviewers using Medline, EMBASE and LILACS platforms. Results: Forty-sevenpublications were included. There is an increase in the incidence of CRC, mortality and years of life lost. Higher mortality is observed in indigenous populations, older adults, and low socioeconomic strata. Many barriers in the access to screening were observed (lack of knowledge about screening in the population and health professionals, insufficient technical resources). Prevention of CRC is a health challenge where improvement in living conditions is a central part. SA is taking its first steps in the prevention of CRC and the path must contemplate elements inherent of the region. A central point in the development ofeffective screening strategies is to increase research and scientific production. We consider useful for each country, to evaluateits screening actions taking into account the incidence (high, average or low) to determine if it is convenient to develop structured or opportunistic programs but always starting from the premise that the awareness of the population is essential. Conclusions: The great challenge to achieve effective CRC prevention can be summed up in the concept of equity. CRCscreening in SA requires leadership, creativity, and the ability to craft responses tailored to each local setting.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) occupies the first places of cancer incidence and mortality worldwide. There are screening guidelines that must be adapted to the available resources. South America (SA) is a region with characteristics that influences in the behavior of diseases.A bibliographic review focused on publications originating in SA in the last 10 years was performed by two independents reviewers using Medline, EMBASE and LILACS platforms.Forty-seven publications were included. There is an increase in the incidence of CRC, mortality and years of life lost. Higher mortality is observed in indigenous populations, older adults, and low socioeconomic strata. Many barriers in the access to screening were observed (lack of knowledge about screening in the population and health professionals, insufficient technical resources). Prevention of CRC is a health challenge where improvement in living conditions is a central part. SA is taking its first steps in the prevention of CRC and the path must contemplate elements inherent of the region. A central point in the development of effective screening strategies is to increase research and scientific production. We consider useful for each country, to evaluate its screening actions taking into account the incidence (high, average or low) to determine if it is convenient to develop structured or opportunistic programs but always starting from the premise that the awareness of the population is essential.The great challenge to achieve effective CRC prevention can be summed up in the concept of equity. CRC screening in SA requires leadership, creativity, and the ability to craft responses tailored to each local setting.

Acquired small bowel non Meckel diverticular disease is a rare entity. Symptoms and signs of its complications are generally nonspecific, making early diagnosis difficult to achieve. This determines an increasing risk of morbidity. The management is usually medical, consisting of intestinal resting and intravenous antibiotics. Surgical treatment is preferred only in selected cases. The aim of this report is to show a series of cases diagnosed with diverticulitis of the small bowel in Clínica Alemana, Santiago, putting emphasis in imaging findings.

RESUMENEn 1983, hace 30 años, Warren JR y Marshall BJ publican el artículo en Lancet1, que revolucionó el entendimiento de varias patologías gástricas, al encontrar un bacilo curvo no identificado en el epitelio gástrico, en gastritis crónica activa, de forma casi fortuita, al bacilo llamado subsecuentemente, Campylobacter pylori y con la nomenclatura de hoy, Helicobacter pylori. Fue considerado por la OMS carcinogenético gástrico el año 2001 (Figura 1).En el 2005, fueron galardonados con el Premio Nobel de Medicina, por su contribución (Figura 2).Es el tópico que más publicaciones científicas ha generado en la literatura.En la presente revisión, nos ocuparemos de un enfoque eminentemente práctico, sobre hechos de relevancia clínica de su presencia, de su diagnóstico, de la terapéutica y sus variables actuales y de los diferentes escenarios, en los cuales nos desenvolvemos.Se hace mención de un excelente documento generado en un Consenso actualizado en Latinoamérica2.SUMMARYIn 1983, 30 years ago, Warren JR & Marshall BJ, published in Lancet, their leading revolutionary article1, modifying the understanding of several gastric pathologies, thanks to the discovery of an unidentified curved bacilli in the gastric epithelium, in chronic active gastritis, almost unvoluntariously, nominated sequentially Campylobacter pylori and according to the today's nomenclature Helicobacter pylori. It has been considered gastric carcinogen by WHO in 2001 (Figure 1).In 2005, they were awarded with the Nobel Prize of Medicine for their contribution (Figure 2).It is the topic generating the highest number of scientific publications, in the literature.In this publication, we deal with a practical focus on clinical relevant aspects, related with its presence, its diagnosis, the therapeutic approach and its variables, and tackling the different clinical scenarios.A recently published practical Latin American consensus, has been preferently considered2.

Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has fallen into disuse for some time because of the risk of severe complications. More recently, EPS has been advocated as an effective treatment modality for several pancreatic disorders, including severe chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst, ampulloma, pancreas divisum, and pancreatic sphincter dysfunction. Favorable outcomes in patients undergoing EPS to facilitate further interventions, in whom long-term follow-up was available, was 70%; complications occurred in 14% and reintervention was required in 23%. The results were as good as those of surgery after long-term follow-up. Patients who underwent some form of pancreatic drainage after sphincterotomy had fewer complications (p = 0.03). Approximately 75% of patients with pancreas divisum who presented with idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis improved after endoscopic therapy, but only 25% of patients experienced pain reduction of at least 50%. The National Institutes of Health Consensus recommends EPS in patients with type I sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). In patients with type II SOD, prior manometry should be performed. In our series of 17 patients, we obtained results similar to those of other studies, although the number of patients was small. EPS appears to be a safe and effective technique, but further, well-designed, multicenter, prospective and long-term studies are required to evaluate these results and settle current controversies.

Gastroenterology education has changed in recent years and the quality criteria are now the aim of it. Adult education is not intuited, it is to be learned. In our days post graduated education needs longer periods of training, because of the everyday development of new techniques and also because the e-learning /e-teaching has appeared in the arena.

Information is accumulating on exceptional cases of oily orange anal leakage, probably caused by certain foods and their form of consumption. The leakage is usually inadvertent and is worrisome for patients.Clinical data was gathered on a case series presenting with massive and inadvertent orange oily anal leakage, without sphincter sensation, causing the patients to feel alarmed. This condition usually occurs after eating fish, especially Japanese cuisine.Eleven patients were included (four women and seven men). The mean age was 47.3 years. Colonoscopy had previously been performed in four patients, with normal results. The symptoms, described as keriorrhea, were probably produced by accumulation of indigestible "wax esters", es Mero present in some oily fish, recently incorporated in raw fish dishes (sashimi) or as Japanese Mero sea bass. These oils, which cannot be absorbed or digested, accumulate in the rectum and may also filter spontaneously and induce toxin-related sphincter dysfunction. The same symptoms are sometimes produced after consumption of cooked versions of these species. The diagnosis is given by clinical data, prior ingestion of these types of fish and the self-limiting nature of the symptoms, without the need for further investigations.We describe a case series of a recently described entity associated with dietary changes. This entity is benign and self-limiting. Clinicians should be familiar with the symptoms to inform patients correctly and avoid unnecessary laboratory studies.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence is rapidly increasing. It has been demonstrated that it can be prevented and cured when the diagnosis is made in early stages.For this reason it is necessary to apply a screening program in asymptomatic patients.Since 2003, we conducted a CRC screening plan called "Mes del Colon" at Clínica Alemana Santiago. A press and local diffusion campaign was designed. Open to the community CRC talks were scheduled. An ad hoc database was designed. An informed consent was available. Patients older than 50 years and high risk patients were included. Total colonoscopy and a medical interview after the procedure were included in the plan with favorable economic conditions.Since 2003, 1158 patients were included The 1.8% of them were excluded because of incomplete data or because they did not meet the inclusion criteria. The 54% of patients were women. Mean age was 58.4 years old and mean body mass index 25.5 kg/m2. Polipoid lesions were seen in 45% of the patients. Six (1%) of them were adenocarcinomas, 291 (57%) adenomas (98% tubular adenomas), 189 (37%) hyperplastic polyps and 25 (5%) miscellaneous lesions. In this series, the necessary number to investigate for 1 adenoma was 3.9.CRC prevention campaigns are needed due to the continuous increase of the incidence in our country. The detection of precursor or early lesions that are longstanding before becoming advanced cancer allows its treatment avoiding progression.

The appearance of inverted colonic diverticula (ICD) is similar to that of elevated polypoid lesions. The aim of this study was to describe the endoscopic characteristics of ICD with a view to avoiding misdiagnosis, and to report the frequency of these lesions.Using an endoscopic database, we retrospectively analyzed all patients who underwent colonoscopy at our institution between July 2001 and July 2004. Patients diagnosed with ICD were identified and both patient and ICD characteristics were recorded, including location, endoscopic characteristics, and the presence of synchronous colon polyps.Among the 4508 colonoscopies performed in the selected period, 33 patients (0.7%) were diagnosed with ICD. The mean age was 62.3 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 1:1.2. Most ICD (89%) were in an area of multiple colonic diverticula and 75% were located in the sigmoid colon. One patient had active bleeding directly from the inverted diverticulum and was treated with injection therapy. The endoscopic characteristics of ICDs were described. There were no complications in this series.ICD is a rare endoscopic finding that can be complicated by local bleeding. Misdiagnosis can be dangerous and biopsy or endoscopic resection could lead to serious complications. The endoscopic criteria described should be considered to avoid the complications associated with biopsy or resection.

Endoscopic pancreatic sphincterotomy (EPS) has fallen into disuse for some time because of the risk of severe complications. More recently, EPS has been advocated as an effective treatment modality for several pancreatic disorders, including severe chronic pancreatitis, pancreatic pseudocyst, ampulloma, pancreas divisum, and pancreatic sphincter dysfunction. Favorable outcomes in patients undergoing EPS to facilitate further interventions, in whom long-term follow-up was available, was 70%; complications occurred in 14% and reintervention was required in 23%. The results were as good as those of surgery after long-term follow-up. Patients who underwent some form of pancreatic drainage after sphincterotomy had fewer complications (p = 0.03). Approximately 75% of patients with pancreas divisum who presented with idiopathic acute recurrent pancreatitis improved after endoscopic therapy, but only 25% of patients experienced pain reduction of at least 50%. The National Institutes of Health Consensus recommends EPS in patients with type I sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (SOD). In patients with type II SOD, prior manometry should be performed. In our series of 17 patients, we obtained results similar to those of other studies, although the number of patients was small. EPS appears to be a safe and effective technique, but further, well-designed, multicenter, prospective and long-term studies are required to evaluate these results and settle current controversies.

Background: Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia or Watermelon stomach is a rare cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, often presenting as a chronic iron deficiency anemia. This condition can be associated with some other diseases such as cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases and others. We report two patients treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation, a 68 years old male with an ethanol related cirrhosis and a 72 years old female with an idiopathic Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia. The characteristic endoscopic features were mistaken for many years as gastritis. Both patients presented with severe anemia requiring multiple transfusions as treatment. Due to the poor operative risk, both patients were treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation with good results (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 547-51)

Background: Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia or Watermelon stomach is a rare cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, often presenting as a chronic iron deficiency anemia. This condition can be associated with some other diseases such as cirrhosis, autoimmune diseases and others. We report two patients treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation, a 68 years old male with an ethanol related cirrhosis and a 72 years old female with an idiopathic Gastric Antral Vascular Ectasia. The characteristic endoscopic features were mistaken for many years as gastritis. Both patients presented with severe anemia requiring multiple transfusions as treatment. Due to the poor operative risk, both patients were treated with Argon Plasma Coagulation with good results (Rev Med Chile 2001; 129: 547-51)

TO THE EDITOR: Barrett's esophagus is a well-known premalignant condition that could be associated with the development of dysplasia and adenocarcinoma. However, the risk of developing adenocarcinoma is variable according to the studied population. Then, the ablative treatment with argon plasma coagulator (APC) appears a valid alternative to avoid the progression from metaplasia to dysplasia and cancer.

Inverted Colonic Diverticulum: An Infrequent and Dangerous Endoscopic Finding R. Merino, T. Kinney, R. Santander, R. Yazigi, C. Navarrete, M. Saenz, R. Saenz Background: Inverted Colonic Diverticula (ICD) can be misinterpreted as elevated polypoid lesions, and biopsy or endoscopic resection of these lesions can lead to severe complications. These important lesions are rarely reported in the medical literature and marginally mentioned in classic texts. The aim of this study is to describe the endoscopic characteristics of ICD to avoid misdiagnosis and to report the frequency of these lesions in a large endoscopic series. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing colonoscopy at our institution between July 2001 and July 2004 using Medicaps 2.0 InfoCYS endoscopic database and selecting patients diagnosed with ICD. Patient characteristics as well as lesion characteristics were recorded, including location, endoscopic characteristics, and the presence of synchronous polypoid lesions.The following endoscopic characteristics were considered in diagnosing ICD: 1) elevated sessile appearance with fine concentric folds surrounding the lesion, 2) mucosal pattern on lesion is similar to surrounding mucosa, 3) umbilicated appearance, 4) found in an area of diverticula, 5) surrounding fine concentric folds enhance with Methylene Blue, and 6) lesion reverts to typical diverticular appearance with direct water infusion, air insufflation, or gentle pressure with biopsy forceps. Results: Among 4508 colonoscopies performed in the selected period, 33 (0.7%) were diagnosed with ICD according to the endoscopic criteria above. Mean patient age was 62.3 years, with 7/9 male/female ratio. 89% of ICD were in an area of multiple colonic diverticula, and 75% were located in the sigmoid colon. One had active bleeding from the inverted diverticulum and was treated with injection therapy. 2 cases required gentle pressure with the biopsy forceps for diagnosis and the remaining were diagnosed according to the other referred endoscopic criteria. No biopsies or resections were performed. There were no complications in this series. Conclusion: ICD is a rare endoscopic finding (0.7%) that is occasionally complicated by local bleeding. Misdiagnosis could be dangerous as these lesions appear similar to sessile polyps, and biopsy or endoscopic resection could lead to serious complications. The endoscopic criteria described should be considered to avoid complications.

Xenarthra (armadillos, sloths, and anteaters) constitutes one of the four major clades of placental mammals. Despite their phylogenetic distinctiveness in mammals, a reference phylogeny is still lacking for the 31 described species. Here we used Illumina shotgun sequencing to assemble 33 new complete mitochondrial genomes, establishing Xenarthra as the first major placental clade to be fully sequenced at the species level for mitogenomes. The resulting data set allowed the reconstruction of a robust phylogenetic framework and timescale that are consistent with previous studies conducted at the genus level using nuclear genes. Incorporating the full species diversity of extant xenarthrans points to a number of inconsistencies in xenarthran systematics and species definition. We propose to split armadillos in two distinct families Dasypodidae (dasypodines) and Chlamyphoridae (euphractines, chlamyphorines, and tolypeutines) to better reflect their ancient divergence, estimated around 42 million years ago. Species delimitation within long-nosed armadillos (genus Dasypus) appeared more complex than anticipated, with the discovery of a divergent lineage in French Guiana. Diversification analyses showed Xenarthra to be an ancient clade with a constant diversification rate through time with a species turnover driven by high but constant extinction. We also detected a significant negative correlation between speciation rate and past temperature fluctuations with an increase in speciation rate corresponding to the general cooling observed during the last 15 million years. Biogeographic reconstructions identified the tropical rainforest biome of Amazonia and the Guianan shield as the cradle of xenarthran evolutionary history with subsequent dispersions into more open and dry habitats. Fil: Gibb, Gillian C.. Universite de Montpellier; Francia. Massey Universit; Nueva Zelanda Fil: Condamine, Fabien L.. University of Gothenburg; Suecia. Universite de Montpellier; Francia. University of Alberta; Canadá Fil: Kuch, Melanie. McMaster University; Canadá Fil: Enk, Jacob. McMaster University; Canadá Fil: Moraes Barros, Nadia. Universidade Do Porto; Portugal. Universidade de Sao Paulo; Brasil Fil: Superina, Mariella. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Mendoza. Instituto de Medicina y Biología Experimental de Cuyo; Argentina Fil: Poinar, Hendrik N.. McMaster University; Canadá Fil: Delsuc, Frederic. Universite de Montpellier; Francia