Revista Española de Enfermedades Digestivas

Accuracy of colonoscopy in localizing colorectal cancer - A quality issue?

Endoscopic localization of colorectal cancer: Study of its accuracy and possible error factors

Introduction: accurate preoperative localization of colorectal cancer (CRC) is very important, with a wide range of published error rates. Aim: to determine accuracy of endoscopic localization of CRC in comparison with preoperative computed tomography (CT). To analyse variables that could be associated with a wrong endoscopic localization. Patients and methods: endoscopic and CT localization of a series of CRC without previous surgery were reviewed. We studied the concordance between endoscopic and radiologic localization against operative findings comparing accuracy of endoscopy and CT. We analysed the frequency of wrong endoscopic diagnoses with regard to a series of patient, endoscopy and tumor variables. Results: two hundred thirty seven CRC in 223 patients were studied. Concordance with surgical localization was: colonoscopy = 0.87 and CT = 0.69. Endoscopic localization accuracy was: 91.1%; CT: 76.2%: p = 0.00001; OR = 3.22 (1.82-5.72). Obstructive cancer presented a higher rate of wrong localization: 18 vs. 5.7% in non-obstructive tumors (p = 0.0034; OR = 3.65 (1.35-9.96). Endoscopic localization mistakes varied depending on tumor location, being more frequent in descending colon: 36.3%, p = 0.014; OR = 6.23 (1.38-26.87) and cecum: 23.1%, p = 0.007; OR = 3.92 (1.20-12.43). Conclusions: endoscopic accuracy for CRC localization was very high and significantly better than CT accuracy. Obstructive tumor and those located in the descending colon or cecum were associated with a significant increase of the error risk of CRC endoscopic localization.

Introducción: una correcta localización preoperatoria del cáncer colorrectal (CCR) es muy importante, siendo variables las tasas de error de localización endoscópica publicadas. Objetivo: determinar la precisión de la localización endoscópica del CCR, comparándola con la del TAC preoperatorio. Analizar las variables que pudieran asociarse a una localización endoscópica errónea. Pacientes y métodos: revisamos la localización endoscópica y por TAC de una serie de CCR sin cirugía previa. Estudiamos la concordancia entre localización endoscópica y radiológica frente a la operatoria, comparando la precisión de la endoscopia y del TAC. Analizamos la frecuencia de diagnósticos endoscópicos incorrectos con respecto a una serie de variables del paciente, de la endoscopia y del tumor. Resultados: estudiamos 237 CCR, en 223 pacientes. La concordancia con la localización quirúrgica fue: colonoscopia = 0,87 y TAC = 0,69. La precisión de la localización endoscópica fue: 91,1% (87,3-95); TAC: 76,2% (70,8-82): p = 0,00001; OR = 3,22 (1,82-5,72). El cáncer obstructivo presentó mayor frecuencia de localización errónea: 18% frente al no obstructivo: 5,7%, p = 0,0034; OR = 3,65 (1,35-9,96). Los errores endoscópicos de localización variaron según la ubicación tumoral, siendo más frecuentes en descendente: 36,3%, p = 0,014; OR = 6,23 (1,38-26,87) y ciego: 23,1%, p = 0,007; OR = 3,92 (1,20-12,43). Conclusiones: la precisión endoscópica para la localización del CCR resultó muy elevada y significativamente superior a la del TAC. El carácter obstructivo del tumor y el asentar en descendente o ciego se asocian con un significativo aumento del riesgo de error en la localización endoscópica del CCR.

Predictions and estimations of colorectal cancer mortality, prevalence and incidence in Aragon, Spain, for the period 1998-2022

Objective: estimate colorectal cancer incidence and prevalence in Aragón, Spain, based on mortality and survival data from the period 1998-2007, and provide projections of incidence, prevalence and mortality until the year 2022. Methods: general and colorectal cancer mortality rates were obtained from the National Statistics Institute and survival data was obtained from the EUROCARE study. Estimations were carried out through the program MIAMOD. The joinpoint program was used to quantify the annual change expected in the projections. Results: in men, an increase in prevalence is expected, from 237.2 (Crude Rate - CR = 303.5) to 237.7 (CR = 412.7) per 100.000 inhabitants/year in 2022. Incidence rates would increase from 48.2 (CR = 61.6) in 2007 to 55.2 (CR = 83.1), and mortality would increase from 22.7 (CR = 29.4) to 26.0 (CR = 39.6) when comparing 2007 and 2022. In women, a reduction in prevalence is expected from 181.5 (CR = 268.3) to 167.9 (CR = 286.2) cases per 100,000 inhabitants/year. Incidence would change from 25.0 (CR = 38.0) in 2007 to 22.7 (CR = 39.2), and for mortality there is also an expected decrease, from 11.3 (CR =18.0) to 10.3 (CR = 18.5). Conclusion: the projections indicate that colorectal cancer in Spain follows an increasing trend in incidence, mortality and prevalence in men, in opposition to corresponding decreasing trends in women. These projections must be considered in order to plan more effective prevention and treatment measures.

Objetivo: estimar la incidencia y la prevalencia del cáncer colorrectal en Aragón, España, basándose en datos de mortalidad y supervivencia del periodo de 1998 a 2007, y proporcionar proyecciones de incidencia, prevalencia y mortalidad hasta el año 2022. Métodos: la mortalidad por todas las causas y para el cáncer colorrectal se obtuvo del Instituto Nacional de Estadística y los datos de supervivencia del estudio EUROCARE. Las estimaciones han sido realizadas utilizándose el programa MIAMOD. El programa Joinpoint ha sido utilizado para cuantificar el cambio anual que se espera en las proyecciones. Resultados: en los hombres, se prevé un aumento de la prevalencia con valor de tasa ajustada de 237,2 (tasa cruda - TC = 303,5) a 273,7 (TC = 412.7) casos por 100.000 habitantes/año en el año 2022. La tasa de incidencia aumentaría de 48,2 (TC = 61,6) a 55,2 (TC = 83,1) casos y la mortalidad de 22,7 (TC = 29,4) a 26,0 (TC = 39,6) al comparar los años de 2007 y 2022. En mujeres se espera una reducción de la prevalencia de 181,5 (TC = 268,3) a 167,9 (TC = 286,2) casos por 100.000 habitantes/año. La tasa de incidencia disminuiría de 25,0 (TC = 38,0) a 22,7 (TC = 39,2) y la mortalidad de 11,3 (TC = 18,0) a 10,3 (TC = 18,5). Conclusión: las proyecciones indican que el cáncer colorrectal en España sigue una tendencia de aumento en la incidencia, mortalidad y prevalencia en hombres y reducción en mujeres. Se necesitan planificar medidas de prevención y tratamiento más efectivas.

Factors associated with complete endoscopic resection of an invasive adenocarcinoma in a colorectal adenoma

Background and objective: endoscopic polypectomy may allow curative resection of invasive adenocarcinoma on colorectal adenoma. Our goal is was to determine the factors associated with complete endoscopic resection of invasive adenocarcinoma. Methods: retrospective observational study. We included 151 patients with invasive adenocarcinoma on adenomas endoscopically resected between 1999 and 2009. We determined those variables independently related to incomplete resection by a logistic regression. Relation was expressed as Odds Ratio (OR) and its 95% confidence interval (95% CI). Results: patients were predominantly male (66.2%) and their mean age was 68.03 ± 10.65 years. Colonoscopy was incomplete in 84% of the patients and 60.3% had synchronous adenomas. Invasive adenocarcinoma was mainly located in distal colon (90.7%) and morphology was pedunculated in 75.5%. The endoscopic average size was 22.61 ± 10.86 mm. Submucosal injection was required in 32.5%. Finally, the resection was in one piece in 73.5% and incomplete in 8.6% of the adenocarcinomas. Factors independently associated with incomplete endoscopic resection were size (mm) (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.03-1.14, p = 0.002), sessile or flat morphology (OR 8.78, 95% CI 2.24-34.38, p = 0.002) and incomplete colonoscopy (OR 4.73, 95% CI 1.15-19.34, p = 0.03). Conclusions: endoscopic polypectomy allows complete resection of 91.4% of invasive adenocarcinomas on colorrectal adenoma in our series. Factors associated with incomplete resection were the size of the lesion, sessile or flat morphology and incomplete colonoscopy.

Antecedentes y objetivo: la polipectomía endoscópica puede permitir la resección con intención curativa del adenocarcinoma invasivo sobre adenoma de colon. Nuestro objetivo es determinar los factores asociados a la resección endoscópica completa del adenocarcinoma invasivo. Métodos: estudio retrospectivo observacional. Se incluyeron 151 individuos con un adenocarcinoma invasivo sobre adenoma resecado endoscópicamente entre 1999 y 2009. Se determinaron las variables relacionadas de forma independiente con la resección incompleta mediante una regresión logística. La relación se expresó como Odds Ratio (OR) y su intervalo de confianza (IC 95%). Resultados: los pacientes fueron predominantemente hombres (66,2%) y la edad media fue 68,03 ± 10,65 años. El 84% de las colonoscopias fueron completas y en el 60,3% se detectaron adenomas sincrónicos. La localización del adenocarcinoma fue principalmente distal (90,7%) y la morfología pediculada en el 75,5%. El tamaño endoscópico de la lesión fue de 22,61 ± 10,86 mm. En el 32,5% de las resecciones se inyectó suero salino submucoso, en el 73,5% se realizó en bloque y en el 8,6% la resección fue incompleta. Los factores que se asociaron de forma independiente a la resección endoscópica incompleta fueron el tamaño (mm) (OR 1,08, IC 95% 1,03-1,14; p = 0,002), la morfología no pediculada (OR 8,78, IC 95% 2,24-34,38; p = 0,002) y la colonoscopia incompleta (OR 4,73, IC 95% 1,15-19,34; p = 0,03). Conclusiones: la polipectomía endoscópica permite la resección completa del 91,4% de los adenocarcinomas invasivos sobre adenoma en nuestra serie. Los factores asociados a la resección incompleta son el tamaño de la lesión, la morfología no pediculada y la colonoscopia incompleta.

Telomeric repeat factor 1 protein levels correlates with telomere length in colorectal cancer

Background: colorectal cancer is the third cancer cause of death in Spain. It is important to investigate new tumoral markers for early diagnosis, disease monitoring and prevention strategies. Telomeres protect the chromosome from degradation by nucleases and end-to-end fusion. The progressive loss of the telomeric ends of chromosomes is an important mechanism in the timing of human cellular aging. Telomeric Repeat Factor 1 (TRF1) is a protein that binds at telomere ends. Purpose: to measure the concentrations of TRF1 and the relationships among telomere length, telomerase activity, and TRF1 levels in tumor and normal colorectal mucosa. Method: from normal and tumoral samples of 83 patients who underwent surgery for colorectal cancer we analyzed TRF1 protein concentration by Western Blot, telomerase activity, by the fluorescent-telomeric repeat amplification protocol assay and telomere length by Southern Blot. Results: high levels of TRF1 were observed in 68.7% of tumor samples, while the majority of normal samples (59%) showed negative or weak TRF1 concentrations. Among the tumor samples, telomere length was significantly associated with TRF1 protein levels (p = 0.023). Conclusions: a relationship was found between telomere length and TRF1 abundance protein in tumor samples, which means that TRF1 is an important factor in the tumor progression and maybe a diagnostic factor.

Prevention or cure in times of crisis: the case of screening for colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is a serious health problem in which screening is capable of reducing both the mortality and the incidence of the disorder. Colonoscopy, the mainstay of this type of screening, allows to establish an early diagnosis and also to eliminate malignant precursor lesions. The screening test which is performed in Spanish programs is the determination of fecal occult blood using the immunochemical method which gives around 70% of positive values for colonoscopy for any type of neoplasia. As a result, in 2009 the National Health System set as an objective that these programs cover 50% of the population by 2015. It is well known that colon screening is highly cost effective with a ratio of around 2500€ per QALY, much lower than ratios of other programs. Only the direct costs of colon and rectal cancer in Spain can be estimated at more than one thousand million euros per year. Early diagnosis and the cancers avoided thanks to screening can reduce these costs by 40%. The impact that the introduction of this screening has on health services can be lessened if the indications for colonoscopy are followed adequately. In conclusion, there is no justification for not acting to prevent CRC and this is especially so in times of crisis as there is no better social cost invested than that which saves suffering, deaths and even money.

El cáncer colorrectal es un grave problema de salud en el que el cribado es capaz de reducir su mortalidad e incidencia. La colonoscopia, acto central de este tipo de cribado, permite tanto el diagnóstico precoz como la eliminación de los precursores malignos que son los adenomas. La prueba de cribado que se realiza en los programas españoles es la determinación de sangre oculta en heces por método inmunoquímico con lo que se consiguen valores predictivos positivos para la colonoscopia para cualquier tipo de neoplasia cercanos al 70%. Por todo ello, en 2009, el Sistema Nacional de Salud estableció el objetivo de un 50% de cobertura poblacional para 2015 para estos programas. Se sabe que el cribado de colon es altamente coste-efectivo con una ratio alrededor de los 2.500 euros por AVAC ganado, muy inferior al de otros programas. Solo los costes directos del cáncer de colon y recto en España pueden estimarse en más de mil millones de euros anuales. El diagnóstico precoz y los cánceres evitados gracias al cribado pueden disminuir estos costes en un 40%. El impacto que sobre los servicios sanitarios tiene implantar este cribado puede atenuarse si se trabaja en la adecuación de las indicaciones de la colonoscopia. En conclusión, no hay justificación para no actuar en prevención del CCR y especialmente no la hay en época de crisis ya que no hay coste social mejor invertido que el que ahorra sufrimiento, muertes e incluso dinero.

Fundoplication intrathoracic migration associated with gastric organoaxial volvulus

EUS visualization of the spinal cord from the cervical esophagus: an unusual finding

A novel system for endoscopic closure of iatrogenic colon perforations using the Ovesco^® clip and omental patch

The growing endoscopic activity, both diagnostic and therapeutic, are also globally makes frequent endoscopic complications, perforation being one of the most serious. However, we also have more possibilities for endoscopic resolution of iatrogenic caused. We report the case of a sigmoid perforation during a colonoscopy that was resolved satisfactorily, avoiding surgery, by endoscopic closure with a nitinol clip Ovesco®.

La cada vez mayor actividad endoscópica, tanto diagnóstica como terapéutica, hace que también sean globalmente más frecuentes las complicaciones endoscópicas, siendo la perforación una de las más graves. Sin embargo, también disponemos cada vez de mayores posibilidades a la hora de la resolución endoscópica de las complicaciones iatrogénicas causadas. Presentamos el caso de una perforación de sigma durante una colonoscopia que se resolvió de forma satisfactoria, evitando la cirugía, mediante cierre endoscópico con un clip de nitinol Ovesco®.

Chemoterapy in HBV positure patients

Colonic polyp secondary to Anisakis simplex

Atypical localization in Boerhaave's syndrome

Choledocholithiasis during pregnancy successfully resolved with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in pregnancy

Duodenal vascular compression syndrome: Cause to be considered in cases of intestinal obstruction

Appropriateness of indication for colonoscopies performed at VIII Health Care Area in Principado de Asturias (Spain)