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Background and study aims Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) is the most common secondary tumor in patients with head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). Currently, endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is the preferred approach to manage superficial ESCC, however, it remains to be elucidated whether patients with HNSCC and early ESCC managed by ESD have different outcomes. Patients and methods We retrospectively analyzed esophageal ESD for early ESCC from September 2009 to September 2017 and the following variables: demographics, tumor and specimen size, Paris classification, location, en bloc and R0 resection rates, overall survival (OS) and adverse events (AEs). To reduce selection bias, propensity score matching was applied to compare the results. Results Eighty-nine ESDs were performed in 81 consecutive patients (47 with HNSCC and 34 without HNSCC). Patients with HNSCC who developed superficial ESCC were found to be younger and to refer a more frequent history of alcohol ingestion and smoking. There was no difference in lesion size, number of lesions, procedure time, en bloc resection rate, R0 resection rate, local recurrence and adverse event rate between the two groups. The histological depth of invasion for patients with HNSCC was significantly shallower before (P = 0.016) and after (P = 0.047) matching. The overall survival rate was similar in both groups. Conclusions Patients with HNSCC have earlier detection of ESCC, probably due to endoscopic screening. Previous history of chemoradiation and surgery for HNSCC does not affect procedure time, AEs and OS.

Background: Zenker’s diverticulum is a rare disease in the general population. Its treatment can be carried out by either an endoscopic or surgical approach. The objective of this study was to systematically identify all reports that compare both treatment modalities and to assess the outcomes in terms of length of procedure, length of hospitalization, time until diet introduction, complication rates, and recurrence rates. Methods: A search of Medline and Embase selected all studies that compared different methods of surgical and endoscopic treatment for Zenker’s diverticulum published in the English, Portuguese, and Spanish languages between 1975 and 2014. The meta-analysis was developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) statement. Data were extracted and analyzed for five different outcomes. Results: Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria, describing outcomes of endoscopic versus surgical treatment for 596 patients with Zenker’s diverticulum. A meta-analysis of the studies suggested a statistically significant reduction in operating time and length of hospitalization, favoring endoscopic treatment (standardized mean difference (SMD) – 78.06, 95 %CI – 90.63, – 65.48 and SMD – 3.72, 95 %CI – 4.49, – 2.95, respectively), just as with the reduction in the fasting period (SMD – 4.30, 95 %CI – 5.18, – 3.42) and risk of complications (SMD – 0.09, 95 %CI 0.03, 0.43) for patients who had undergone the endoscopic approach in comparison with the surgical group. Also, a statistically significant reduction in the risk of symptom recurrence was seen when the treatment of Zenker’s diverticulum was carried out by a surgical approach compared with endoscopic treatment (SMD 0.08, 95 %CI 0.03, 0.13). Conclusion: Compared with a surgical approach, endoscopic treatment appeared to result in a shorter length of procedure and hospitalization, earlier diet introduction, and lower rates of complications, but in higher rates of symptom recurrence.

Context Tissue sampling of renal masses is traditionally performed via the percutaneous approach or laparoscopicaly. The utility of endoscopic ultrasound to biopsy renal lesions it remains unclear and few cases have been reported. Objectives To evaluate the feasibility and outcome of endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of renal tumors. Methods Consecutive subjects undergoing attempted endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration of a kidney mass after evaluation with computerized tomography or magnetic resonance. Results Ten procedures were performed in nine male patients (median age 54.7 years) on the right (n = 4) and left kidney (n = 4) and bilaterally (n = 1). Kidney masses (median diameter 55 mm ; range 13-160 mm) were located in the upper pole (n = 3), the lower pole (n = 2) and the mesorenal region (n = 3). In two cases, the mass involved more than one kidney region. Surgical resection confirmed renal cell carcinoma in six patients in whom pre-operative endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration demonstrated renal cell carcinoma. No complications were reported. Conclusions Endoscopic ultrasound fine needle aspiration appears as a safe and feasible procedure with good results and minimal morbidity. Contexto A amostragem de tecido de massas renais é tradicionalmente realizada através da abordagem percutânea ou pelo método laparoscópico. A utilidade do ultrassom endoscópico para biópsia de lesões renais ainda não está clara e poucos casos foram relatados na literatura. Objetivos Avaliar a factibilidade e os resultados da biópsia de tumores renais guiada por ultrassom endoscópico. Métodos Trata-se de uma série retrospectiva de casos de biópsias ecoguiadas de massa renal após avaliação com tomografia computadorizada ou ressonância magnética. Resultados Dez procedimentos foram realizados em nove pacientes do sexo masculino (idade média de 54,7 anos), no rim direito (n = 4), esquerdo (n = 4) e bilateralmente (n = 1). Massas renais (diâmetro médio 55 mm; variando de 13 a 160 mm) localizadas no pólo superior (n = 3), inferior (n = 2) e na região mesorenal (n = 3). Em dois casos, a massa envolvida mais de uma região renal. A ressecção cirúrgica confirmou carcinoma de células renais em seis pacientes nos quais a biópsia ecoguiada pré-operatória demonstrava carcinoma de células renais. Não foram relatadas complicações. Conclusões A biópsia de massas renais guiadas por ultrassom endoscópico é um procedimento seguro e viável, com bons resultados e mínima morbidade.

Context Direct endoscopic visualization of biliopancreatic duct is certainly one of the greatest advances of therapeutic endoscopy. The use of a single-operator cholangioscopy platform (SpyGlass) is a promising technique in the evaluation of diseases such as indeterminate biliary stricture and giant choledocholitiasis. This is the first Brazilian case series using this technology. Methods We report a case series of 20 patients in whom SpyGlass was used with diagnostic and therapeutic intention. Results Most patients were female (60%) and the median age was 48 years (ranging from 14 to 94). Choledocholitiasis was the most common indication (12/20), and electrohydraulic lithotripsy was applied in eight (66%). Electrohydraulic lithotripsy was successful in seven (87.5%) patients. Partial stone fragmentation occurred in one patient with large stone causing stone-choledochal disproportion, which was conducted with biliary plastic stent placement and a second scheduled endoscopic approach in 3 months. In cases of undefined etiology of biliary strictures, it was possible to exclude malignancy due to direct visualization (7/8) or biopsy (1/8). One complication occurred (duodenal perforation) after papillary balloon dilation. Conclusion The use of SpyGlass demonstrated the benefits, especially in cases of large bile duct stones and indeterminate biliary strictures. Other potencial improvements such as reduction on radiation exposure should be confirmed in prospective studies. Contexto A visão endoscópica direta das vias biliopancreáticas é certamente um dos maiores avanços na endoscopia terapêutica. O uso da plataforma de colangioscopia de operador-único (SpyGlass) é uma técnica promissora na avaliação de afecções tais como estenoses de etiologia indefinida e coledocolitíase gigante. Essa é a primeira série de casos brasileira utilizando o método. Métodos Reportamos uma série de casos de 20 pacientes nos quais foi realizado Spyglass com objetivos diagnósticos e terapêuticos. Resultados A maioria dos pacientes era do sexo feminino (60%), com idade que variou de 14 a 94 anos (mediana de 48). Coledocolitíase foi a indicação mais comum (12/20) e litotripsia eletrohidráulica foi realizada em oito (66%). Litotripsia eletrohidráulica foi realizada com sucesso em sete (87,5%) pacientes. Fragmentação parcial dos cálculos ocorreu em um paciente com desproporção cálculo-coledociana, sendo conduzido com colocação de prótese plástica e reabordagem endoscópica programada em 3 meses. Nos casos de estenoses biliares de etiologia indeterminada, foi possível a exclusão de malignidade devido a visualização direta (7/8) ou biópsia (1/8). Uma complicação ocorreu (perfuração duodenal) após dilatação balonada da papila. Conclusão Foram demonstrados os benefícios do uso do Spyglass, principalmente nos casos de coledocolitíase gigante e estenoses biliares de etiologia indefinida. Outras potenciais vantagens como a redução da exposição à radiação deve ser confirmada em estudos prospectivos posteriores.

Traditionally, treatment of renal lesions is indicated based only on imaging features. Although controversy exists about tissue sampling from small renal masses, renal biopsy is indicated in some cases. In this review, we discuss the rationale for endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and summarize the recent advances in this field, providing recommendations for the practicing clinician. The use of EUS-FNA appears to be a safe and feasible means of confirming or excluding malignancy. EUS allows assessment and biopsy of masses or lesions within both kidneys and related complications are rare. The main advantages of EUS-FNA are that it can be done as an outpatient procedure, with good results, minimal morbidity and a short hospital stay. Nevertheless, EUS-FNA of renal masses should be indicated only in selected cases, in which there is potential to decrease unnecessary treatment of small renal masses and to best select tumors for active surveillance and minimally invasive ablative therapies. Additionally, some renal lesions may be ineligible for EUS-guided biopsy because of anatomical limitations. EUS-FNA renal biopsy will probably be best applied to central anterior renal masses, while tumors on the posterior aspect of the kidney, percutaneous access will probably be superior.