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ABSTRACT Background: In the past decades, endoscopic ultrasound has developed from a diagnostic tool to a platform for many therapeutic interventions. Various technological advancements have emerged since the last Brazilian Consensus, demanding a review and update of the recommendations based on the best scientific evidence. Methods: A group of 32 renowned echoendoscopists selected eight relevant topics to be discussed to generate clinical questions. After that, a literature review was conducted to answer these questions based on the most updated evidence. Results: Thirty-three statements were formulated and voted on by the experts to reach a consensus. The Oxford System was used to grade the level of evidence. Conclusion: There is moderate evidence to support that the needle shape, gauge, or aspiration technique does not influence the yield of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided tissue sampling of pancreatic solid lesions. There is moderate evidence to support using EUS-TTNB of the cyst wall to differentiate between mucinous and non-mucinous cystic neoplasms. There is little evidence to support the EUS-guided treatment of gastric varices. There is a high level of evidence to support that EUS-guided biliary drainage and ERCP present similar outcomes in patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction. There is a high level of evidence for using EUS to diagnose neoplastic pancreatic cysts and detect necrosis before indicating drainage. There is moderate evidence to support EUS-GE over duodenal stent for malignant gastric outlet obstruction in patients with a life expectancy higher than 2 months. There is a high level of evidence to support the use of RFA in treating both functioning and non-functioning types of NET.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND Biliary complications remain one of the most important causes of morbidity and graft loss after liver transplant (LT). Endoscopic therapy of biliary complications has proven to be effective over time, leaving surgical treatment restricted to only very few cases. However, we cannot yet predict which patients will have the greatest potential to benefit from endoscopic treatment. OBJECTIVE On this premise we decide to conduct this study to evaluate the role and safety of single operator cholangioscopy (SOC) in the endoscopic treatment of post-LT biliary anastomotic strictures (AS). METHODS: Between March/2016 and June/2017, 20 consecutive patients referred for endoscopic treatment for biliary anastomotic stricture were included in this prospective observational cohort study. Inclusion criteria were age over 18 years old, and a deceased LT performed within at least 30 days. Exclusion criteria were non-anastomotic biliary stricture, biliary leakage, cast syndrome, any previous endoscopic therapy, pregnancy and inability to provide informed consent. All patients underwent SOC before endoscopic therapy with fully covered self-expandable metal stent (FCSEMS) and after stent removal. RESULTS: At pre-treatment SOC, stricture orifice and fibrotic changes could be visualized in all patients, vascular changes and surgical sutures in 60% and acute inflammatory changes in 30%. SOC was essential for guidewire placement in five cases. FCSEMS was successfully deployed in all patients. Stricture resolution rate was 44.4% (median stent indwelling 372 days). Stricture recurrence was 12.5% (median follow-up of 543 days). Adverse events were distal (66.6%) and proximal (5.5%) stent migration, stent occlusion (16.6%), severe abdominal pain (10%) and mild acute pancreatitis (10%). SOC was repeated after FCSEMS removal. Post-treatment SOC showed fibrotic changes in all but one patient; vascular and acute inflammatory changes were less frequent in comparison to index procedure. The disappearance of suture material was remarkable. None of the cholangioscopic findings were statistically correlated to treatment outcome or stricture recurrence. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography with SOC is feasible in post-LT patients with AS. Cholangioscopic findings can be classified into fibrotic, vascular and acute inflammatory changes. Cholangioscopy may be helpful to assist guidewire passage, but Its overall role for changing management is post-LT patients was not demonstrated.

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND: Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) has emerged as a revolutionary method allowing resection of colorectal lesions without submucosal injection. Brazilian literature about this technique is sparse. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was evaluate the efficacy and safety of UEMR technique for removing non-pedunculated colorectal lesions in two Brazilian tertiary centers. METHODS: This prospective study was conducted between June 2016 and May 2017. Naïve and non-pedunculated lesions without signs of submucosal invasion were resected using UEMR technique. RESULTS: A total of 55 patients with 65 lesions were included. All lesions, except one, were successfully and completely removed by UEMR (success rate 98.5%). During UEMR, two cases of bleeding were observed (3.0%). One patient had abdominal pain on the day after resection without pneumoperitoneum. There was no perforation or delayed bleeding. CONCLUSION: This study supports the existing data indicating acceptable rates of technical success, and low incidence of adverse events with UEMR. The results of this Brazilian study were consistent with previous abroad studies.

Background and study aims Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at risk of a second primary tumor in the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the esophagus. Screening these patients for esophageal carcinoma may help detect asymptomatic dysplasia and early cancer, thus allowing curative treatment and more prolonged survival, but the impact of endoscopic screening remains uncertain. Here we aimed to describe the long-term results of an esophageal SCC screening program in patients with head and neck cancer in terms of prevalence, associated risk factors, and survival. Patients and methods We performed an observational study of a prospectively collected database including patients with HNSCC who had undergone high-definition endoscopy with chromoscopy between 2010 and 2018 at a Brazilian tertiary academic center. Results The study included 1,888 patients. The esophageal SCC prevalence was 7.9 %, with the majority (77.8 %) being superficial lesions. Significant risk factors for esophageal high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and invasive cancer included tumors of the oral cavity and oropharynx and the presence of low-grade dysplasia (LGD). Overall survival (OS) was significantly shorter among patients in whom esophageal cancer was diagnosed at an advanced stage (P

ABSTRACT Elastography is a widely used procedure in conventional ultrasonography that has recently been incorporated in echoendoscopy. This is an innovative and promising technology that aims to increase the negative predictive value of endoscopic ultrasonography and fine-needle aspiration punctures. It is useful for directing punctures in suspect areas and, consequently, improves diagnostic performance. This is a non-invasive technique, easy to perform, without additional costs or complications. The main indications are the analysis of solid pancreatic masses, lymph nodes, subepithelial lesions, lesions in the left hepatic lobe and in the left adrenal. Negative or inconclusive cases of fine-needle aspiration can be submitted to elastography when there is a strong suspicion of malignancy. Elastography has a high precision for the differential diagnosis of solid masses and in difficult-to-access anatomic sites, as well as in mediastinal lymph nodes and pancreatic tumors. The procedure is based on the degree of tissue elasticity measurement, with a good correlation between the elasticity index and histopathological features. We report the case of four patients evaluated by echoendoscopy and qualitative elastography who had differential diagnoses in mediastinal lymph nodes: sarcoidosis, lymphoma, histoplasmosis and esophageal neoplasia.

Background - Upper gastrointestinal bleeding implies significant clinical and economic repercussions. The correct establishment of the latest therapies for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with reduced in-hospital mortality. The use of clinical pathways for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding is associated with shorter hospital stay and lower hospital costs. Objective - The primary objective is the development of a clinical care pathway for the management of patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding, to be used in tertiary hospital. Methods - It was conducted an extensive literature review on the management of upper gastrointestinal bleeding, contained in the primary and secondary information sources. Results - The result is a clinical care pathway for the upper gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with evidence of recent bleeding, diagnosed by melena or hematemesis in the last 12 hours, who are admitted in the emergency rooms and intensive care units of tertiary hospitals. In this compact and understandable pathway, it is well demonstrated the management since the admission, with definition of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, passing through the initial clinical treatment, posterior guidance for endoscopic therapy, and referral to rescue therapies in cases of persistent or rebleeding. It was also included the care that must be taken before hospital discharge for all patients who recover from an episode of bleeding. Conclusion - The introduction of a clinical care pathway for patients with upper gastrointestinal bleeding may contribute to standardization of medical practices, decrease in waiting time for medications and services, length of hospital stay and costs.

Background. Management of pharyngoesophageal stenosis (PES) in patients after head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment remains a challenge. It is not uncommon that PES is refractory to dilation sessions. This study aimed at evaluating the efficacy of Mitomycin C (MMC) endoscopic injection for the treatment of refractory pharyngoesophageal stenosis. Patients and methods. This is a prospective study in patients with dysphagia following head and neck cancer treatment, without evidence suggestive of tumor recurrence, and refractory to endoscopic treatment. These patients were submitted to endoscopic dilation of the stenotic segment with thermoplastic bougies, followed by injection of MMC. We repeated the endoscopic sessions every three weeks. Results. From January 2015 to May 2015, we treated 13 patients with PES. Three patients were initially enrolled in the study for refractory stricture. We observed adverse events in all of them, with intense neck pain and ulcer development, justifying the interruption of the trial. Conclusion. The repeated injection in the short interval of MMC in refractory PES is not recommended, because it resulted in serious adverse events.

Bleeding from gastric varices is a life-threatening condition. We report our experience with cyanoacrylate injection. Twenty three patients with portal hypertension and gastric varices underwent intra-variceal injection of a cyanoacrylate/lipiodol solution (1:1). Study endpoint was variceal obliteration. Mean follow-up was 25.3 months. Variceal obliteration was achieved in 87% of patients. Recurrence occurred in one patient (4.3%) and rebleeding in another case (4.3%). Mild abdominal pain was described in 13% of patients. Overall mortality was 21.7% and rebleeding related mortality rate was 4.3%. Our results confirm that cyanoacrylate injection is effective and safe to eradicate gastric varices.Sangramento por varizes gástricas é grave. Relato de experiência com injeção de cianoacrilato. Vinte e três pacientes com hipertensão portal e varizes gástricas foram tratados com injeção intravasal de solução de cianoacrilato/lipiodol (1:1). O objetivo do estudo foi alcançar obliteração da variz. O tempo médio de acompanhamento foi 25,3 meses. Obliteração foi atingida em 87% dos pacientes. Recidiva foi observada em um (4,3%) e ressangramento em outro caso (4.3%). Dor abdominal ocorreu em 13% dos pacientes. A mortalidade global foi de 21,7% e 4,3% relacionada ao ressangramento. Estes resultados confirmam a injeção de cianoacrilato como efetiva e segura na erradicação das varizes gástricas.

Introducción: la ecografía endoscópica asociada a la punción guiada con aguja fina (EUS-FNA) permite el examen citológico y/o diagnóstico histológico de las lesiones dentro o junto al tracto gastrointestinal. Sin embargo, la cantidad de tejido obtenido con una aguja de calibre 22 G no es siempre satisfactoria. Con el desarrollo de una aguja XNA-10J-KB (Shot-Gun®) que se asemeja a la biopsia hepática automática como una aguja especial, se espera que se obtemgan muestras importantes con más frecuencia permitindo optimizar el mejor análisis histopatológico. Objetivo: comparar las muestras obtenidas con EUS-FNA con 3 diferentes sistemas de aguja: GIP ®, NA-10J-1 ® y Shot-Gun ®. Métodos: 19 pacientes fueron sometidos a EUS-FNA para el diagnóstico (5) para el análisis de las etapas del tumor (14). La edad media fue de 58,9 años (rango 27-82), siendo el 50% hombres. Todos los pacientes fueron sometidos a EUS-FNA con los 3 modelos de aguja. Del Shot-Gun ® fue "disparada" su punta cuando estaba cerca de la meta en el interior de la lesión, seguida de aspiración. Las muestras se sometieron a examen citológico e histológico. Resultados: el promedio de tamaño de la lesión fue de 3,0 cm (rango 0,8-5,5 cm). Los diagnósticos definitivos fueron hechos después de la cirugía o la biopsia intra-operatoria: 13 tumores de páncreas (12 adenocarcinomas y 1 tumor neuroendócrino), 4 de pancreatitis crónica, 1 de pancreatitis aguda, y 1 de colangiocarcinoma. Las muestras adecuadas para el diagnóstico citológico se obtuvieron en 13/19 (68,4%) pacientes que utilizan GIP ®, en 14/19 (73,7%) con NA10J-1 ®, y en 17/19 (89,5%) con Shot-Gun® (p = 0,039). El análisis histológico fue posible en 10/19 (52,6%) pacientes que utilizan el GIP®, en 14/19 (73,7%) con NA10J-1 ®, y en 17/19 (89,5%) con Shot-Gun® (p = 0,005). Suficientes muestras para citológico o histológico de evaluación en 16/19 (84,2%) pacientes que utilizan el modelo GIP ®, en 17/19 (89,5%) con NA10J-1 ®, y en 18/19 (94,7%) con Shot-Gun® (p = 0,223). En dos casos las biopsias fueron negativos debido a tumores muy duros. Conclusión: la aguja Shot-Gun ® ha obtenido mejores muestras para diagnóstico histológico que NA10J-1® aguja y GIP ®.

RACIONAL: Ainda que se reconheça a eficiência da ecoendoscopia para o diagnóstico e até mesmo para o tratamento de várias doenças do aparelho digestivo, a sua inclusão nos algoritmos de decisão clínica em gastroenterologia tem sofrido restrições. Este fato é comprovado indiretamente através da existência de vários estudos que se preocuparam em demonstrar o impacto do exame ecoendoscópio na mudança de condutas e na redução de custos. Outra evidência, esta direta e identificável em nosso meio, é a disponibilidade bastante limitada da ecoendoscopia no Brasil. Neste sentido, quiseram-se identificar as situações clínicas em que o exame ecoendoscópico é eficiente, através de revisões sistemáticas, graduando-se o grau da evidência e a força da recomendação, realizadas pelo grupo envolvido com o método em nosso país, apresentadas e votadas na forma de consenso. MÉTODO: O grupo de médicos que realiza ecoendoscopia foi formado a partir de informações obtidas junto às sociedades de especialidades e aos fabricantes de equipamentos. A lista de tópicos e perguntas relevantes foi formulada por dois membros do consenso (FMF, CMD), discutida com e distribuída aos consensualistas 5 meses antes da reunião de consenso. Foi solicitado que se realizassem, na medida do possível, revisões sistemáticas e que as respostas fossem apresentadas para a votação com o grau de evidência e a força da recomendação. Nos 2 dias da reunião de consenso, as respostas foram apresentadas, debatidas e votadas. Quando, no mínimo, 70% dos votantes concordaram com o texto da resposta, houve consenso. O relatório final foi submetido a apreciação e aprovado por todos os consensualistas. RESULTADOS: Setenta e nove questões foram debatidas na pré-reunião do consenso, resultando 85 questões que foram então distribuídas. Nos 2 dias da reunião do consenso, 22 participantes debateram e votaram as 85 respostas. O impacto causado pelo exame ecoendoscópico foi comprovado por evidências do nível 1, gerando recomendações grau A e consenso entre os participantes nas seguintes situações: diagnóstico diferencial da lesão subepitelial do tubo digestivo e do espessamento de pregas gástricas, estádio e identificação de lesão irressecável no câncer do esôfago, sinais indiretos de carcinomatose peritonial no câncer gástrico avançado, estádio de linfoma gástrico tipo Malt e estádio do câncer de reto, diagnóstico da litíase da vesícula biliar e do colédoco, diagnóstico da pancreatite crônica, diagnóstico diferencial do nódulo sólido da pancreatite crônica, diagnóstico diferencial do cisto pancreático, resultados do tratamento endoscópico das varizes esofágicas, diagnóstico e estádio do câncer de pulmão não-pequenas células. CONCLUSÃO: Já há evidências do melhor nível na literatura médica justificando a utilização do exame ecoendoscópico em várias doenças do sistema digestório e, até mesmo, no câncer do pulmão.BACKGROUND: In the last 20 years, several papers have focused on demonstrating the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography findings on the management of different clinical scenarios in digestive disease. This fact is an indirect evidence of the difficulty of popularization of the method. On other hand, the limited availability of endoscopic ultrasonography in Brazil is a direct evidence of this limitation. This was the rationale for the organization of a consensus meeting on endoscopic ultrasonography. It was aimed to identify the best evidence that support the use of endoscopic ultrasonography in gastroenterology. METHODS: A panel of experts on endoscopic ultrasonography was selected based on the files of the Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Societies and on the registries of endoscope manufacturers. Two members of the meeting selected the relevant topics that were transformed into questions. The topics and the questions were debated among the experts five months before the consensus meeting. The experts were asked to perform systematic reviews in order to answer the questions so it could be possible to grade the answers based on the strength of the evidence. During the two days of the meeting the answers were presented, debated and voted. Consensus was reached when a minimum of 70% of the voters were in agreement. The final consensus report was submitted to the experts' evaluation and approval. RESULTS: Seventy nine questions were debated by the experts at the pre-Consensus meeting. As the result of this debate 85 questions came out and were assigned to the members of the panel. During the Consensus meeting 22 experts debated and voted 85 answers. Consensus was reached for several clinical scenarios for which the impact of endoscopic ultrasonography findings were supported by level 1 evidences: differential diagnosis of subepithelial lesions and thickening of gastric folds, staging and diagnosis of unresectable esophageal cancer, indirect signs of peritoneal involvement of gastric cancer, MALT gastric lymphoma and rectal cancer staging, diagnosis of common bile duct and gallbladder stones, diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis and differential diagnosis of a solid mass in chronic pancreatitis, differential diagnosis of the pancreatic cyst, prediction of the results of the endoscopic treatment of esophageal varices and diagnosis and staging of non-small cell lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS: There are the highest levels of evidences that support the indication of endoscopic ultrasonography for several digestive diseases and even for non-small cell lung cancer.

BACKGROUND: Sphincter of Oddi manometry is the gold-standard method for sphincter of Oddi dysfunction. The prevalence of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction among patients referred to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is largely unknown. AIM: To evaluate prospectively the prevalence of biliary sphincter of Oddi dysfunction (B-SOD) among Brazilian patients referred to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography and to study the safety of sphincter of Oddi manometry in this setting. METHODS: Biliary sphincter of Oddi manometry was intended in 110 patients referred to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. The number of attempts to obtain deep cannulation with the manometry catheter was recorded and patients were divided into two groups: up to 5 (easy cannulation) and >5 attempts (difficult cannulation). RESULTS: Sphincter of Oddi manometry was successful in 71/110 patients (64.5%). Sphincter of Oddi dysfunction was found in 18/71 patients (25%). Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography findings were: normal in 16, biliary stones in 39, malignant biliary strictures in 9 and benign biliary strictures in 7. There was no statistical difference in sphincter of Oddi dysfunction prevalence regarding disease, gender or difficulty of cannulation. Only 2/71 patients developed post-procedure mild pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: We have found a high prevalence of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients referred to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Gender, nature of disease or difficulty of cannulation did not influence the prevalence of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction among these patients. Sphincter of Oddi manometry is a safe procedure for the evaluation of sphincter of Oddi dysfunction in patients referred to endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.RACIONAL: Manometria do esfíncter de Oddi é o método padrão-ouro para o diagnóstico da disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi. Atualmente, a prevalência de disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi em pacientes encaminhados a colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica é desconhecida. OBJETIVOS: Avaliar prospectivamente a prevalência de disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi em pacientes encaminhados a colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica e estudar a segurança da manometria do esfíncter de Oddi nesses pacientes. MÉTODO: Neste estudo, 110 pacientes encaminhados à colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica foram submetidos a manometria do esfíncter de Oddi biliar. Com base no número de tentativas de canulação da papila os pacientes foram divididos em dois grupos: até cinco tentativas (canulação fácil) e mais de cinco tentativas (canulação difícil). RESULTADOS: Manometria do esfíncter de Oddi foi realizada com sucesso em 71/110 pacientes (64,5%). Disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi foi encontrada em 18/71 pacientes (25%). Os achados das colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica foram: estudo normal em 16, coledocolitíase em 39, estenose biliar maligna em 9 e estenose biliar benigna em 7. Não foi observada diferença estatística na prevalência de disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi considerando-se a natureza da doença, sexo ou a dificuldade de canulação. Somente 2/71 pacientes evoluíram com pancreatite pós-procedimento de leve intensidade. CONCLUSÃO: Encontrou-se alta prevalência de disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi em pacientes encaminhados a colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica. Sexo, natureza da doença ou dificuldade de canulação não mostraram influência na prevalência da disfunção nestes pacientes. Manometria do esfíncter de Oddi mostrou-se um procedimento seguro na pesquisa de disfunção do esfíncter de Oddi em pacientes encaminhados a colangiopancreatografia retrógrada endoscópica.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic sclerotherapy is an absolute indication for treating esophageal varices. Re-bleeding is common during the treatment period, before all varices become eradicated. AIM: To compare two techniques of endoscopic esophageal varices eradication: sclerotherapy with absolute alcohol and banding ligation. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Forty-six patients with liver cirrhosis and esophageal varices were prospectively randomized into two treatment groups: endoscopic sclerotherapy with absolute alcohol and banding ligation. Patients were included if they had large varices with signs of high bleeding risk. Informed writing consent was obtained from every patient and the Ethics Committee of Federal University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil, approved the study. After eradication, all patients were followed up to 1 year to look for re-bleeding episodes and variceal recurrence. RESULTS: Both groups were similar except that male gender was more common in the sclerotherapy group. There was no statistical difference regarding variceal eradication (78.3% in sclerotherapy group vs 73.9% in the ligation group), recurrence (26.7% vs 42.9%, respectively) and death related to any cause (21.7% vs 13.9%). In the sclerotherapy group more sessions were need to obtain complete variceal eradication. In this group we did observe a high re-bleeding rate (34.8%) and more ulcers associated with retrosternal pain right after the procedure. There was no difference regarding overall morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Banding ligation requires fewer sessions than sclerotherapy with absolute alcohol to eradicate esophageal varices. Both methods are equally efficient regarding variceal eradication and recurrence during a short follow-up period.RACIONAL: Escleroterapia endoscópica tem indicação absoluta no tratamento das varizes de esôfago. Ressangramento é comum durante o período de tratamento, antes que as varizes sejam erradicadas. OBJETIVO: Comparar duas técnicas de erradicação endoscópica de varizes de esôfago: escleroterapia com álcool absoluto e ligadura elástica. PACIENTES E MÉTODOS: Quarenta e seis pacientes com cirrose hepática e varizes de esôfago foram prospectivamente randomizados em dois grupos de tratamento: escleroterapia endoscópica com álcool absoluto e ligadura elástica. Os pacientes foram incluídos no estudo se tivessem varizes de grosso calibre com sinais de alto risco de sangramento. Consentimento informado por escrito foi obtido de cada paciente e o estudo foi aprovado pelo Comitê de Ética da instituição onde o estudo foi realizado. Após a erradicação, todos os pacientes foram seguidos durante 1 ano para avaliar a taxa de ressangramento e a recidiva das varizes. RESULTADOS: Ambos os grupos foram parecidos exceto no que se refere ao sexo masculino, mais comum no grupo da escleroterapia. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significante em relação a erradicação das varizes (78,3% no grupo da escleroterapia vs. 73,9% no grupo da ligadura), recidiva (26,7% vs. 42,9%, respectivamente) e mortalidade relacionada a qualquer causa (21,7% vs. 13,9%). No grupo da escleroterapia houve necessidade de maior número de sessões para obtenção da erradicação completa das varizes. Neste mesmo grupo observou-se alta taxa de ressangramento (34,8%) e presença de mais úlceras associadas com dor retroesternal logo após o procedimento. Não houve diferença na morbimortalidade global. CONCLUSÕES: O tratamento com ligadura elástica requer menos sessões do que a escleroterapia com álcool absoluto para erradicar as varizes de esôfago. Ambos os métodos são igualmente eficazes, a curto prazo, no que diz respeito à taxa de erradicação e recidiva das varizes.

Introduction: Adequate sedation is one of the cornerstones of good quality gastrointestinal endoscopy (GIE). Propofol sedation has increased significantly but there has been much debate over whether it can be administered by endoscopists. The aim of this prospective trial was to compare nonanesthesiologist-administered propofol (NAAP) and monitored anesthesia care (MAC). Methods: A total of 2000 outpatients undergoing GIE at Hospital Albert Einstein (São Paulo, Brazil), a tertiary-care private hospital, were divided into two matched groups: NAAP (n = 1000) and MAC (n = 1000). In NAAP, propofol doses were determined by the endoscopist. A second physician stayed in the room during the entire procedure, according to local regulations. In MAC, the anesthesiologist administered propofol. Results: In total, 1427 patients (71.3 %) were ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) class I and 573 were ASA class II. In NAAP, patients received more propofol + fentanyl (61.1 % vs. 50.5 %; P

ABSTRACT Background - Adequate bowel preparation is critical for the quality of colonoscopy. Despite reported occurrence of colonic explosion due to methane and hydrogen production by bacterial fermentation during colonoscopy, gas exchange during the procedure is believed to be effective in lowering existing methane concentration, allowing for safe utilization of mannitol for bowel preparation. Thus, mannitol is widely used for bowel cleansing prior to colonoscopy, considering its low cost and effectiveness for bowel preparation. Objective - The aim of this study was to assess the safety of mannitol for bowel preparation, when compared to sodium phosphate (NaP). Methods - We conducted a prospective observational study in which 250 patients undergoing colonoscopy at Universidade Federal de São Paulo and Hospital Albert Einstein (São Paulo, Brazil) were approached for inclusion in the study. Patients received either mannitol (n=50) or NaP (n=200) for bowel preparation, based on physician indication. Study was conducted from August 2009 to December 2009. The main outcome of interest was presence of detectable levels of methane (CH4) during colonoscopy and reduction in such levels after gas exchange during the procedure. Methane concentrations were measured in three intestinal segments during scope introduction and withdrawal. Safety was assessed as the absence of high levels of methane, defined as 5%. Measurements were made using a multi-gas monitor (X-am 7000, Dräger Safety AG & Co. KGaA, Lübeck, Germany) connected to a plastic catheter introduced into the working channel of the colonoscope. Additional outcomes of interest included levels of O2. Methane and O2 levels are reported as ppm. Mean, difference and standard deviation of levels of gas measured in both moments were calculated and compared in both groups. Proportions of patients with detectable or high levels of methane in both groups were compared. Continuous variables were analyzed using t test and categorical variables using qui-square tests. The Ethics Committee in both study sites approved the study protocol. Results - Patients in both groups were similar regarding demographics, colonoscopy indication, ASA status and quality of bowel preparation. Seven (3.5%) patients in the NaP group had methane detected during introduction of the endoscope. Methane levels became undetectable during withdrawal of the scope. None of the patients in the mannitol group had detectable levels of methane. O2 levels did not differ in the groups. Conclusion - This is the largest study to assess the safety of mannitol for bowel preparation, considering methane measurements. Our results indicate that mannitol use is as safe as NaP, and gas exchange was efficient in reducing methane concentrations.

ABSTRACT The Brazilian Gastrointestinal Tumor Group developed guidelines for the surgical and clinical management of patients with billiary cancers. The multidisciplinary panel was composed of experts in the field of radiology, medical oncology, surgical oncology, radiotherapy, endoscopy and pathology. The panel utilized the most recent literature to develop a series of evidence-based recommendations on different treatment and diagnostic strategies for cholangiocarcinomas and gallbladder cancers.

ABSTRACT Liver and biliary tract diseases are common causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Invasive procedures are usually performed in those patients with hepatobiliary diseases for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Defining proper indications and restraints of commonly used techniques is crucial for proper patient selection, maximizing positive results and limiting complications. In 2018, the Brazilian Society of Hepatology (SBH) in cooperation with the Brazilian Society of Interventional Radiology and Endovascular surgery (SOBRICE) and the Brazilian Society of Digestive Endoscopy (SOBED) sponsored a joint single-topic meeting on invasive procedures in patients with hepatobiliary diseases. This paper summarizes the proceedings of the aforementioned meeting. It is intended to guide clinicians, gastroenterologists, hepatologists, radiologists, and endoscopists for the proper use of invasive procedures for management of patients with hepatobiliary diseases.

CONTEXT: Obstructive jaundice due to lymphoma is very rare. It may be difficult to distinguish between this condition and a large number of causes of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, even by endoscopic retrograde cholangiography. Its prognosis is poor. Combined chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy with bile duct drainage is a therapeutic option. CASE REPORT: We describe a case of obstructive jaundice as the initial presentation of Hodgkin's disease. After chemotherapy and endoscopic bile duct stenting, it was noted that the enlarged lymph nodes, jaundice and bile duct dilation disappeared.

ABSTRACT Objective To evaluate the feasibility and applicability of a low-cost cryotherapy system. Methods Experimental study with 25kg Landrace pigs submitted to a longitudinal cervico-thoraco-abdominal incision for exposure of the trachea, thorax and abdomen. The tissues were frozen by continuous spray application at different periods of time (5, 10 and 15 seconds). Spray cryotherapy was performed using a fluorinated gas (tetrafluorethane) delivered at - 47°C temperature (DermaFreeze®, Emdutos; ANVISA registration 80409950001; price R$ 394,00). via an adapted, disposable 1.8mm cholangiography catheter (Olympus; price R$ 280,00). The specimens were resected for histopathological analysis. Results Thirty samples were obtained from ten different organs and divided according to spray cryotherapy application time. System activation for 5, 10 or 15 seconds led to consumption of 14g, 27g and 40g of gas respectively (average gas consumption, 2.7g/s using a 1.8mm catheter). The system comprising a spray tube and catheter proved user-friendly and effective, with constant gas dispersion and adequate tissue freezing. In spite of effective freezing, microscopy failed to reveal tissue changes. This may have reflected methodological constraints precluding evaluation at tissue damage peak time (48 hours). Conclusion The low-cost spray cryotherapy system proved feasible and safe.