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Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) placement of biliary stents is the procedure of choice for bile duct strictures. Complications of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography have a low incidence. Hepatic subcapsular hematoma is uncommon but potentially serious. It is caused by laceration of the bile duct with guidewire or biliary traction during the procedure. Initial management is conservative with supportive measures. In case of hemodynamic instability or superinfection, embolization of the affected branch or even surgery could be performed.

This position paper, sponsored by the Asociación Española de Gastroenterología [Spanish Association of Gastroenterology], the Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva [Spanish Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Society] and the Sociedad Española de Anatomía Patológica [Spanish Anatomical Pathology Society], aims to establish recommendations for performing an high quality upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for the screening of gastric cancer precursor lesions (GCPL) in low-incidence populations, such as the Spanish population. To establish the quality of the evidence and the levels of recommendation, we used the methodology based on the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). We obtained a consensus among experts using a Delphi method. The document evaluates different measures to improve the quality of upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in this setting and makes recommendations on how to evaluate and treat the identified lesions. We recommend that upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for surveillance of GCPL should be performed by endoscopists with adequate training, administering oral premedication and use of sedation. To improve the identification of GCPL, we recommend the use of high definition endoscopes and conventional or digital chromoendoscopy and, for biopsies, NBI should be used to target the most suspicious areas of intestinal metaplasia. Regarding the evaluation of visible lesions, the risk of submucosal invasion should be evaluated with magnifying endoscopes and endoscopic ultrasound should be reserved for those with suspected deep invasion. In lesions amenable to endoscopic resection, submucosal endoscopic dissection is considered the technique of choice.

Resumen Este documento de posicionamiento, auspiciado por la Asociacion Espanola de Gastroenterologia, la Sociedad Espanola de Endoscopia Digestiva y la Sociedad Espanola de Anatomia Patologica, tiene como objetivo establecer recomendaciones para realizar una endoscopia digestiva (EDA) de calidad en la deteccion y vigilancia de lesiones precursoras de cancer gastrico (LPCG) en poblaciones con incidencia baja, como la espanola. Para establecer la calidad de la evidencia y los niveles de recomendacion se ha utilizado la metodologia basada en el sistema GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Se obtuvo el consenso entre expertos mediante un metodo Delphi. El documento evalua diferentes medidas para mejorar la calidad de la EDA en este contexto y hace recomendaciones de como evaluar y tratar las lesiones identificadas. Se recomienda que la EDA de vigilancia de LPCG sea realizada por endoscopistas con capacitacion adecuada, administrando premedicacion oral y uso de sedacion. Para mejorar la identificacion de LPCG se recomienda el uso de endoscopios de alta definicion y cromoendoscopia convencional o digital, y para las biopsias debe utilizarse el NBI para dirigirlas a las areas mas sospechosas de metaplasia intestinal. En cuanto a la evaluacion de las lesiones visibles, el riesgo de invasion de la submucosa debe evaluarse con endoscopios de magnificacion y reservar la ecoendoscopia para aquellas con sospecha de invasion profunda. En las lesiones susceptibles de reseccion endoscopica, la diseccion endoscopica submucosa se considera la tecnica de eleccion.

Underwater endoscopic mucosal resection (UEMR) is an alternative procedure to conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (CEMR) to treat large nonpedunculated colorectal polyps (LNPCL). In this multicenter randomized clinical trial, we aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of UEMR versus CEMR on LNPCL.We conducted a multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial from February 2018 to February 2020 in 11 hospitals in Spain. A total of 298 patients (311 lesions) were randomized to the UEMR (n=149) and CEMR (n=162) groups. The main outcome was the lesion recurrence rate in at least one follow-up colonoscopy. Secondary outcomes included technical aspects, en bloc resection rate, R0 and adverse events, among others.There were no differences in the overall recurrence rate [9.5% UEMR vs. 11.7% CEMR; absolute risk difference -2.2% (CI 95%: -9.4% to 4.9%)]. However, considering the polyp sizes between 20 and 30 mm, the recurrence rate was lower for UEMR [3.4% UEMR vs. 13.1% CEMR; absolute risk difference -9.7% (CI 95%: -19.4% to 0%)]. The R0 resection showed the same tendency, with significant differences favoring UEMR only for polyps between 20 and 30 mm. Overall, UEMR was faster and easier to perform than CEMR. Importantly, both techniques were equally safe.UEMR is a valid alternative to CEMR of LNPCL and could be considered the first option of treatment for lesions between 20-30 mm due to its higher en bloc and R0 resection rates.

Resumen Este documento de posicionamiento, auspiciado por la Asociacion Espanola de Gastroenterologia, la Sociedad Espanola de Endoscopia Digestiva y la Sociedad Espanola de Anatomia Patologica, tiene como objetivo establecer recomendaciones para el cribado del cancer gastrico (CG) en poblaciones con incidencia baja, como la espanola. Para establecer la calidad de la evidencia y los niveles de recomendacion se ha utilizado la metodologia basada en el sistema GRADE (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). Se obtuvo el consenso entre expertos mediante un metodo Delphi. El documento evalua el cribado en poblacion general, individuos con familiares con CG y lesiones precursoras de CG (LPCG). El objetivo de las intervenciones debe ser la reduccion de la mortalidad por CG. Se recomienda el uso de la clasificacion OLGIM y determinar el subtipo de metaplasia intestinal (MI) para evaluar las LPCG. No se recomienda establecer cribado poblacional endoscopico de CG ni de Helicobacter pylori. Sin embargo, el documento establece una recomendacion fuerte para el tratamiento de H. pylori si se detecta la infeccion, y su investigacion y tratamiento en individuos con antecedentes familiares de CG o con LPCG. En cambio, no se recomienda el uso de test serologicos para detectar LPCG. Se sugiere cribado endoscopico unicamente en los individuos con criterios de CG familiar. En cuanto a los individuos con LPCG, solo se sugiere vigilancia endoscopica ante MI extensa asociada a algun factor de riesgo adicional (MI incompleta y/o antecedentes familiares de CG) tras la reseccion de lesiones displasicas o en pacientes con displasia sin lesion visible tras una endoscopia digestiva alta de calidad con cromoendoscopia.

Resumen Introduccion La pandemia por COVID-19 ha conllevado la suspension de la actividad programada en la mayoria de las Unidades de Endoscopia de nuestro medio. El objetivo del presente documento es facilitar el reinicio de la actividad endoscopica electiva de forma eficiente y segura. Material y metodos Se formulo una serie de preguntas consideradas de relevancia clinica y logistica. Para la elaboracion de las respuestas, se realizo una busqueda bibliografica estructurada en las principales bases de datos y se revisaron las recomendaciones de las principales instituciones de Salud Publica y de endoscopia digestiva. Las recomendaciones finales se consensuaron por via telematica. Resultados Se han elaborado un total de 33 recomendaciones. Los principales aspectos que se discuten son: 1) la reevaluacion y priorizacion de la indicacion; 2) la restructuracion de espacios, agendas y del personal sanitario; 3) el cribado de la infeccion, y 4) las medidas de higiene y los equipos de proteccion individual. Conclusion La AEG y la SEED recomiendan reiniciar la actividad endoscopica de forma escalonada, segura, adaptada a los recursos locales y a la situacion epidemiologica de la infeccion por SARS-CoV-2.

Sixty year old female with hypertension and crampy abdominal pain episodes. Admitted to hospital (September-2020) by obstructive jaundice. MRCP: biliary dilation due to Todani Ic (fusiform) choledocal cyst (CC), distal sludge. ERCP: normal mucosa prominent papilla; biliary dilation compatible with CC; choledocholithiasis; 8-mm CHD filling defect. Sphincterotomy, removal of stones/sludge, brush-cytology of the filling defect (pathology: atypias). US: dilation resolution (CBD: 6.5 mm).

Electrosurgical units (ESUs) are indispensable devices in our endoscopy units. However, many endoscopists are not well-trained on their use and their physical bases are usually not properly studied or understood. In addition, comparative data concerning the settings that may be applied in different circumstances are scarce in the medical literature. Given that it is important to be aware of their strengths and risks, we conducted a review of the available information and research on this topic.

This positioning document, sponsored by the Asociacion Espanola de Gastroenterologia, the Sociedad Espanola de Endoscopia Digestiva and the Sociedad Espanola de Anatomia Patologica, aims to establish recommendations for the screening of gastric cancer (GC) in low incidence populations, such as the Spanish. To establish the quality of the evidence and the levels of recommendation, we used the methodology based on the GRADE system (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation). We obtained a consensus among experts using a Delphi method. The document evaluates screening in the general population, individuals with relatives with GC and subjects with GC precursor lesions (GCPL). The goal of the interventions should be to reduce GC related mortality. We recommend the use of the OLGIM classification and determine the intestinal metaplasia (IM) subtype in the evaluation of GCPL. We do not recommend to establish endoscopic mass screening for GC or Helicobacter pylori. However, the document strongly recommends to treat H.pylori if the infection is detected, and the investigation and treatment in individuals with a family history of GC or with GCPL. Instead, we recommend against the use of serological tests to detect GCPL. Endoscopic screening is suggested only in individuals that meet familial GC criteria. As for individuals with GCPL, endoscopic surveillance is only suggested in extensive IM associated with additional risk factors (incomplete IM and/or a family history of GC), after resection of dysplastic lesions or in patients with dysplasia without visible lesion after a high quality gastroscopy with chromoendoscopy.

Introduccion: la diseccion submucosa endoscopica (DSE) en colon es una tecnica en expansion en paises occidentales. Existen pocos estudios con seguimiento a largo plazo. Objetivo: analizar supervivencia libre de enfermedad a largo plazo tras DSE y comparar las tasas de recidiva en funcion de diferentes factores. Material y metodos: cohorte prospectiva de pacientes con DSE planeada entre septiembre de 2008 y diciembre de 2015. Cuando no fue posible tecnicamente completar DSE se realizo diseccion hibrida en bloque o fragmentada. Se analizo la tasa de recurrencia a cinco anos mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y se compararon en funcion de diferentes factores usando test de log-rank. Resultados: se incluyo una cohorte inicial de 89 pacientes en los que se consiguio seguimiento en 69. De los 69 pacientes, en 31 (45%) se realizo DSE; en once (16%), DSE hibrida; y en 27 (39%), DSE hibrida fragmentada. La mediana de seguimiento fue de 27 meses. La supervivencia libre de enfermedad a cinco anos fue del 81%. La media de endoscopias para eliminar la recurrencia fueron dos (rango 1-7) y ninguna requirio cirugia. La tasa de recidiva fue significativamente menor tras DSE “en bloque” respecto a fragmentada (15% vs. 27%, p = 0,036) y en resecciones R0 respecto a R1 (0% vs. 26%, p = 0,034). Las resecciones con margenes laterales negativos en lesiones resecadas en bloque presentaron menor tasa de recidiva respecto a aquellas con margenes afectos/desconocidos, que no alcanzaron la significacion estadistica (0% vs. 28%, p = 0,09). Conclusiones: en nuestro estudio, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad a cinco anos fue del 81% y ningun paciente requirio cirugia durante el seguimiento. Las resecciones fragmentadas y R1 se asociaron de forma significativa con mayor tasa de recurrencia.

Introduccion: la diseccion submucosa endoscopica sobre lesiones gastricas (DSE-G) es una tecnica que permite la reseccion de tumores gastricos precoces en bloque, con una tasa de curacion similar a la cirugia y una morbimortalidad menor. Objetivo: analizar la supervivencia total, la supervivencia libre de enfermedad y la tasa de recidiva en pacientes sometidos a DSE-G en una cohorte espanola a lo largo de su evolucion clinica. Material y metodos: estudio observacional prospectivo. Inclusion de pacientes sometidos a DSE-G de 2008 a 2015, con seguimiento entre seis y 60 meses. Se analizo la recurrencia a cinco anos mediante curvas de Kaplan-Meier y los resultados fueron comparados entre diferentes factores (en bloque vs. reseccion fragmentada, resecciones curativas R0 vs. margen lateral afecto ML+) usando test log-rank. Resultados: se analizaron 35 pacientes sometidos a DSE-G, con una mediana de seguimiento de 33,62 meses. Se identificaron cuatro recidivas en este periodo (11,4%), tres de ellas tratadas mediante nueva DSE-G. La presencia de ML+ en la pieza histologica se relaciono con mayor tasa de recidiva local durante el seguimiento (p = 0,06). Las resecciones fragmentadas presentaron un mayor riesgo de recidiva pero sin detectarse diferencias estadisticamente significativas (p = 0,49). No se registraron fallecimientos por neoplasia gastrica ni gastrectomia por persistencia de enfermedad en este periodo. La tasa de supervivencia global en nuestra serie fue de 94,3%. Conclusiones: la DSE-G realizada en nuestro medio permite una tasa elevada de curacion a largo plazo evitando la cirugia. Estos resultados se asemejan a las series europeas publicadas y aun se encuentran lejos de las tasas de curacion y recidiva de las cohortes asiaticas. Los casos de recidiva local pueden ser controlados mediante endoscopia.

Introduction: the aim of our study was to develop a peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) program in our Unit following a two-step sequence: training on animal models and supervision by an experienced endoscopist during the first human cases. Methods: a single endoscopist experienced in advanced endoscopy was trained in POEM. After observing POEM in referral centers, training was implemented on swine models (preclinical phase). Technical aspects and adverse events were prospectively recorded. A first subset of cases (group A) was compared to a second one (group B) to assess our progression. Finally, POEM was implemented in humans under the supervision of an experienced endoscopist (clinical phase). The outcomes and adverse events were prospectively recorded. Results: during the preclinical phase, 15 POEM procedures were performed on live pigs. Severe adverse events (AE) were less frequent in group B than in group A (12 % vs 57 %, p = 0.07). After nine cases, a plateau of adverse events was reached. During the clinical phase, eleven POEM procedures were performed in patients under expert supervision. Technical and clinical (Eckardt score ≤ 3) success were 100 % and 91 %, respectively (follow-up 3-21 months). In two cases, intervention of an experienced endoscopist was required (cases 2 and 3) because of a difficult orientation at the esophagogastric junction. One mild pneumoperitoneum occurred, with no severe adverse events reported. Conclusions: training in animal models and supervision by an experienced endoscopist during the first cases could provide the necessary skills to perform POEM safely and effectively.

Background and aims: endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the Western setting remains a challenge. Therefore, other simplified techniques such as knife-assisted snare resection (KAR) have been reported to overcome this issue. Methods: patients who underwent an ESD for the treatment of gastrointestinal neoplasms were included in a retrospective cross-sectional observational study. Factors associated with the end of ESD as a salvage p-KAR were identified and a logistic regression model was developed. Results: a total of 136 lesions in 133 patients were analyzed. Operator experience of under 50 cases and the combination of lesion size > 30 mm and colorectal location were independent predictive factors for switching to a salvage p-KAR according to the multivariate logistic regression analysis. We developed a risk scoring system based on these four variables (experience, size, location and the combination of size and location) with a receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.81 (95% CI: 0.74-0.89). The diagnostic accuracy of the score for a cut-off point ≥ 5 had a sensitivity of 0.79 (95% CI: 0.66-0.93) and a specificity of 0.71 (95% CI: 0.61-0.80). Conclusion: a simple predictive score system that includes four preoperative factors accurately predicts ESD to finish as a p-KAR. A careful selection of cases considering these variables could be useful to achieve better outcomes in the Western setting.

RESUMEN Este documento resume el contenido de la Guía de resección mucosa endoscópica elaborada por el grupo de trabajo de la Sociedad Española de Endoscopia Digestiva (GSEED de Resección Endoscópica) y expone las recomendaciones sobre el manejo endoscópico de las lesiones neoplásicas colorrectales superficiales. ABSTRACT This document summarizes the contents of the Clinical Guidelines for the Endoscopic Mucosal Resection of Non-Pedunculated Colorectal Lesions that was developed by the working group of the Spanish Society of Digestive Endoscopy (GSEED of Endoscopic Resection). This document presents recommendations for the endoscopic management of superficial colorectal neoplastic lesions.

We present a case of intractable dysphagia in a 23-year-old female with type 1 esophageal atresia (EA) and subsequent postsurgical refractory esophageal strictures. The patient was referred due to increasing symptomatology and a slight response to balloon dilations. A biodegradable polydioxanone stent (ELLA) was placed, but this did not relieve the dysphagia. After the sequential placement of two siliconated polypropylene stents (Polyflex(tm), Boston Scientifics), the dysphagia was definitively relieved. To our knowledge, this is the first published case with a full resolution of dysphagia using this strategy in an adult patient.

The administration of propofol by endoscopists is a source of permanent friction with the Societies of Anesthesiology, which is based more on a clear conflict of economic interest on the part of the anesthesiologists than supported by scientific evidence. Maestro Antolin et al. (1) presented a series of more than 33,000 sedations performed with propofol by endoscopists, observing a frequency of cardiorespiratory adverse events of 0.13%. Rather than confrontation between different specialties, where the corporatism of the Anesthesiology Societies and their interest in monopolizing the use of a safe drug such as propofol prevails with no scientific support, anesthesiologists, endoscopists and nurses should instead work together for the benefit of our patients.

Resumen Este documento resume el contenido de la Guia de reseccion mucosa endoscopica elaborada por el grupo de trabajo de la Sociedad Espanola de Endoscopia Digestiva (GSEED de Reseccion Endoscopica) y expone las recomendaciones sobre el manejo endoscopico de las lesiones neoplasicas colorrectales superficiales.

The endoscopic treatment of early gastrointestinal neoplasms usually involves the resection of the superficial layers, mucosa and submucosa, of the wall. However, in some circumstances, a full-thickness resection may be necessary. Endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) may be an adequate approach in challenging lesions such as adenomas or early cancers with severe submucosal fibrosis or small sub-epithelial lesions in the lower GI tract. Furthermore, this novel technique has the potential to spare surgical therapy in a subset of cases. In this paper, we describe our results with the full-thickness resection device (FTRD) in three different situations.

Background & Aims We investigated clinical and molecular differences between the different phenotypes of serrated polyposis syndrome (SPS) and the frequency of mutations in BRAF or KRAS in polyps from patients with SPS. Methods We collected data on clinical and demographic characteristics of 50 patients who fulfilled the criteria for SPS. Polymerase chain reaction and sequence analysis were used to identify BRAF and KRAS mutations in 432 polyps collected from 37 patients; we analyzed CpG island methylator phenotypes in 272 of these polyps. Results Fifteen patients (30%) had type 1 SPS and 35 had type 2 SPS. There were no significant differences in age at diagnosis, sex, smoking frequency, body mass index, or colorectal cancer predisposition between groups of patients, or in the pathologic or molecular characteristics of their polyps. A familial history of colorectal cancer or colonic polyps was reported more frequently by patients with type 2 SPS. BRAF mutations were found in 63% of polyps and KRAS mutations were found in 9.9%; 43.4% of polyps had the CpG island methylator phenotype–high phenotype. A per-patient analysis revealed that all patients had a BRAF or KRAS mutation in more than 25% of their polyps; 84.8% of patients had a mutation in BRAF or KRAS in more than 50% of their polyps. Conclusions Except for a greater likelihood of familial history of colorectal cancer or colonic polyps in patients with type 2 SPS, we found no significant demographic, pathologic, or molecular differences between types 1 and 2 SPS. All patients had a BRAF or KRAS mutation in at least 25% of their polyps.

Background & Aims: Colorectal cancers (CRCs) with microsatellite instability (MSI) and a mismatch repair (MMR) immunohistochemical deficit without hypermethylation of the MLH1 promoter are likely to be caused by Lynch syndrome. Some patients with these cancers have not been found to have pathogenic germline mutations and are considered to have Lynch-like syndrome (LLS). The aim of this study was to determine the risk of cancer in families of patients with LLS. Methods: We studied a population-based cohort of 1705 consecutive patients, performing MSI tests and immunohistochemical analyses of MMR proteins. Patients were diagnosed with Lynch syndrome when they were found to have pathogenic germline mutations. Patients with MSI and loss of MSH2 and/or MSH6 expression, isolated loss of PMS2 or loss of MLH1 without MLH1 promoter hypermethylation, and no pathogenic mutation were considered to have LLS. The clinical characteristics of patients and the age- and sex-adjusted standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of cancer in families were compared between groups. Results: The incidence of CRC was significantly lower in families of patients with LLS than in families with confirmed cases of Lynch syndrome (SIR for Lynch syndrome, 6.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.58–9.54; SIR for LLS, 2.12; 95% CI, 1.16–3.56; P < .001). However, the incidence of CRC was higher in families of patients with LLS than in families with sporadic CRC (SIR for sporadic CRC, 0.48; 95% CI, 0.27–0.79; P < .001). Conclusions: The risk of cancer in families with LLS is lower that of families with Lynch syndrome but higher than that of families with sporadic CRC. These results confirm the need for special screening and surveillance strategies for these patients and their relatives. This work was supported by grants from Instituto de Salud Carlos III (PI-080726, INT-09/208, and PI11/026030), the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria/FEDER (PS09/02368, 10/00384, 10/00918, 11/00219, and 11/00681), Fundació Olga Torres (CRP) and FP7 CHIBCHA Consortium (SCB and ACar), the Ministerio de Economía y Competitividad (SAF2010-19273), and Agència de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i de Recerca (2009 SGR 849). SCB is supported by a contract from the Fondo de Investigación Sanitaria (CP03-0070). CIBERER and CIBERehd are funded by the Instituto de Salud Carlos III.

Over the last few years, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) has shown to be effective in the management of early colorectal neoplasms, particularly in Asian countries where the technique was born. In the Western world, its implementation has been slow and laborious. In this paper, the indications for ESD, its learning model, the available methods to predict the presence of deep submucosal invasion before the procedure and the published outcomes from Asia and Europe will be reviewed. Since ESD has several limitations in terms of learning achievement in the West, and completion of the procedure for the first cases is difficult in our part of the world, a short review on colorectal assisted ESD has been included. Finally, other endoscopic and surgical treatment modalities that are in competition with colorectal ESD will be summarized.

Objetivos: comparar la tolerancia subjetiva y los efectos adversos secundarios a la preparación para colonoscopia con dos productos, polietilenglicol (PEG) y fosfato de sodio (NaP), en pacientes adultos y en aquellos de 65 años o más. Material y métodos: estudio retrospectivo apareado, tras escoger aleatoriamente a 140 pacientes de todos los que se sometieron a colonoscopia entre marzo de 2004 y mayo de 2005. Se investigó la presencia de los siguientes efectos adversos durante la preparación para la colonoscopia: fiebre, rectorragia, dolor abdominal, dolor perianal, náuseas, vómitos, sed, somnolencia, agitación, temblor y convulsiones. Se consideró mala tolerancia objetiva si el paciente presentó uno cualquiera de estos efectos. Asimismo, se recogió la tolerancia subjetiva al proceso de limpieza. Resultados: se incluyeron 70 pacientes preparados con PEG y 70 pacientes con NaP (69 mujeres y 71 hombres, con edad media de 60,6 ± 14,8 años). No se demostró relación entre la tolerancia subjetiva o la presencia de efectos adversos y la limpieza con uno de los dos productos, ni en la población general ni en los pacientes de 65 años o más (p = 0,09 y p = 0,45 en los ancianos, respectivamente). A pesar de ello, los pacientes preparados con NaP presentaron más náuseas que los tratados con PEG (p < 0,009), sobre todo las mujeres de 65 años o más. No se observaron efectos adversos graves en los pacientes preparados con NaP. Los ancianos toleraron mejor cualquiera de las dos preparaciones mientras que las mujeres toleraron peor que los hombres la preparación, independientemente del producto empleado. La probabilidad de no completar la limpieza fue mayor en el grupo preparado con PEG y la calidad de ésta fue mejor en los que emplearon NaP. Conclusiones: la preparación previa a colonoscopia con NaP es tan bien tolerada, segura y eficaz como la realizada con PEG, también en pacientes ancianos sanos, a pesar de producir más náuseas. La limpieza obtenida con NaP es de mejor calidad.