Effects of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on esophageal motility

"Comparison of Nissen Rossetti and Floppy Nissen techniques in laparoscopic reflux surgery"

OBJECTIVE

The present study makes a comparative assessment of the Floppy-Nissen (FN) and Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication (NRF) procedures.

METHODS

Included in the study were 80 patients who presented to the General Surgery Department outpatient clinic of Balcalı Hospital of the Cukurova University Faculty of Medicine with gastroesophageal reflux between March 2010 and March 2013 All patients were operated on by the same surgeon using the laparoscopic FN or NRF techniques in a randomized controlled manner. The preoperative and postoperative reflux-specific and nonspecific gastrointestinal symptoms of the patients were compared.

RESULTS

The duration of symptoms had no effect on the level of satisfaction; regurgitation, bloating and heartburn were more common in those with a longer duration of symptoms Of the patients, 92.5% were satisfied with their resulting condition, and 92.5% were inclined toward the surgery. It was further found that there was no difference between the symptoms or satisfaction levels of the patient groups who underwent the FN procedure and those who underwent the NRF procedure, other than those related to the duration of surgery. laparoscopic NF and the NRF fundoplication treatments, aside from the duration of surgery.

CONCLUSION

Our study revealed no significant difference between the laparoscopic NF and the NRF fundoplication treatments, aside from the duration of surgery.KEY MESSAGESThe Nissen-Rossetti technique can be used safely based on the similarity of its outcomes with those of the classical Nissen technique.Despite the documented success of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery, the absence of studies comparing surgery and medical treatments prevents these discussions from being concluded.Comparison of Nissen Rossetti and Floppy Nissen Techniques in Laparoscopic Reflux Surgery.

Laparoscopic Nissen Versus Toupet Fundoplication for Short- and Long-Term Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the most common standard technique worldwidely for Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Another type of fundoplication, laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF), intends to reduce incidence of postoperative complications. A systematic review and meta-analysis are required on short- and long-term outcomes based on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) between LNF and LTF.

METHODS

We searched databases including PubMed, Cochrane, Embase, and Web of Knowledge for RCTs comparing LNF and LTF. Outcomes included postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, dysphagia and postoperative chest pain, inability to belch, gas bloating, satisfaction with intervention, postoperative esophagitis, postoperative DeMeester scores, operating time (min), in-hospital complications, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate, postoperative lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure (mmHg). We assessed data using risk ratios and weighted mean differences in meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Eight eligible RCTs comparing LNF (n = 605) and LTF (n = 607) were identified. There were no significant differences between the LNF and LTF in terms of postoperative reflux recurrence, postoperative heartburn, postoperative chest pain, satisfaction with intervention, reoperation rate in short and long term, in-hospital complications, esophagitis in short term, and gas bloating, postoperative DeMeester scores, postoperative use of proton pump inhibitors, reoperation rate in long term. LTF had lower LOS pressure (mmHg), fewer postoperative dysphagia and inability to belch in short and long term and gas bloating in short term compared to LNF.

CONCLUSION

LTF were equally effective at controlling reflux symptoms and improving the quality of life, but with lower rate of complications compared to LNF. We concluded that LTF surgical treatment was superior for over 16 years old patients with typical symptoms of GERD and without upper abdominal surgical history upon high-level evidence of evidence-based medicine.

Magnetic sphincter augmentation and high-resolution manometry: impact of biomechanical properties on esophageal motility and clinical significance for selection and outcomes

Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA)was introduced as an alternative to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF). This reproducible, outpatient procedure addresses the etiology of gastroesophageal reflux disease by implanting a ring of magnetic beads across the esophagogastric junction (EGJ). MSA is designed to resist effacement of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES) and, similar to LNF, results in restoration of anti-reflux barrier competency by increasing overall length, intraabdominal length and resting pressure of the sphincter. However, the novel use of magnets to augment the physiology of the LES poses unique challenges to the physiology of the EGJ and esophagus. These impacts are best revealed through manometry. The degree of restrictive forces at the EGJ, as measured by intrabolus pressure and integrated relaxation pressure, is higher after MSA compared with LNF. In addition, contrary to the LNF, which retains neurohormonal relaxation capability during deglutition, the magnetic forces remain constant until forcibly opened. Therefore, the burden of overcoming EJG resistance is placed solely on the esophageal body contractile force, as measured by distal contractile integral and distal esophageal amplitude. The main utility of preoperative manometry is in determining whether a patient's esophagus has sufficient contractility or peristaltic reserve to adapt to the challenge of an MSA. Manometric thresholds predictive of MSA outcomes deviate from those used to define named Chicago Classification motility disorders. Therefore, individual preoperative manometric characteristics should be analyzed to aid in risk stratification and patient selection prior to MSA.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease after peroral endoscopic myotomy: Short-term, medium-term, and long-term results

INTRODUCTION AND AIMS

Achalasia is characterized by incomplete relaxation of the lower esophageal sphincter and esophageal aperistalsis. The efficacy of peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) is similar to that of the Heller myotomy, with an apparently greater prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. Our aim was to determine the presence of GERD in a post-POEM cohort of Mexican patients with achalasia and follow-up of at least 12 months.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on post-POEM patients with a minimum of 12 months of follow-up, within the time frame of 2012 to 2017. Pregnant patients were excluded. Serial endoscopy, pH study, and GERDQ application were performed. Univariate and bivariate data analyses were carried out and statistical significance was set at a P<0.05.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight patients had post-POEM follow-up for 12 months. Of those patients, follow-up continued to 24 months for 58, 36 months for 47, 48 months for 39, and 60 months for 25. Mean patient age was 47.8±14.3 years, 57.3% of the patients were women, 77.9% were treatment-naïve, and 54.4% had type II achalasia. The pH study, endoscopy, and questionnaire were positive in 73, 28, and 18% at 3 months; 48, 35, and 13% at 6 months, and 55, 30, and 15% at 12 months, respectively. Once the proton pump inhibitor was begun, the percentages decreased to 5, 2, and 6% at 24 months; 6, 2, and 8% at 36 months; 4,1, and 6% at 48 months; and 3, 1, and 4% at 60 months, respectively. There was no relation between the efficacy of POEM and the presence or intensity of GERD. There were no secondary complications due to gastroesophageal reflux.

CONCLUSIONS

The post-POEM prevalence of GERD was 50% in the short term (12 months), with no evidence of complications at the medium term or long term (60 months). Gastroesophageal reflux was adequately controlled through proton pump inhibitors administration in over 95% of the cases.

Preoperative Gastroesophageal Reflux Disorder Is Associated With Increased Morbidity in Patients Undergoing Abdominal Surgery

BACKGROUND

In North America, the prevalence of gastroesophageal reflux disorder ranges from 18.1% to 27.8%. We measured the risk posed by preoperative esophageal disease for patients undergoing abdominal operations.

METHOD

American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP; 2005-2015) data were merged with institutional clinical data repository records to identify esophageal disease in surgical patients undergoing intra-abdominal procedures. Patients with esophageal disease were classified as gastroesophageal reflux disorder (GERD) or other, which included patients with esophageal stricture, spasm, ulcer, or diverticuli, achalasia, esophagitis, reflux esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and multiple esophageal diagnoses, excluding GERD. ACS NSQIP-targeted procedure groups included were colectomy, proctectomy, ventral hernia repair, bariatric surgery, hepatectomy, appendectomy, abdominal aortic aneurysm repair, open aortoiliac repair, hysterectomy, myomectomy, and oophorectomy. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model postoperative complication rates, adjusting for ACS NSQIP risk of morbidity, demographic factors, ACS NSQIP-targeted procedure groups, and open versus laparoscopic surgery.

RESULTS

Of 9172 intra-abdominal cases, 21.3% had preoperative esophageal disease (19.6% GERD and 1.7% other). After adjustment, patients with GERD were at higher risk for experiencing a number of complications, including all-cause 30-d complication (odds ratio [OR] = 1.21, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.05-1.41, P = 0.044), renal complication (OR = 1.43, 95% CI 1.09-1.87, P = 0.036), wound complication (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.10-1.79, P = 0.028), and readmission within 30 d (OR = 1.66, 95% CI 1.35-2.04, P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative GERD is associated with increased postoperative complication rate. Surgeons should consider assessing GERD in patients undergoing abdominal operations.

Effect of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on esophageal motility

BACKGROUND/AIMS

The effect of laparoscopic antireflux surgery on esophageal motility is incompletely understood, and any indication for this procedure in patients with motility disorder is disputed in literature. We evaluated the influence of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on impaired esophageal motility.

METHODS

In this pathological manometric study, we divided the patients into two groups preoperatively: the hypomotility group (mean amplitude of esophageal contraction wave <40 mm Hg; HYPO group, n = 11) and the normal group (mean amplitude of esophageal contraction wave >40 mm Hg; NORM group, n = 43). The amplitudes of esophageal contraction waves 3 and 8 cm above the lower esophageal sphincter and the percentage of peristaltic contraction waves of the tubular esophagus were analyzed pre- and postoperatively.

RESULTS

In total, 54 patients with GERD underwent esophageal manometry before and 6 months after Nissen fundoplication. The length and pressure of the lower esophageal sphincter were increased in both groups postoperatively (p < 0.01). Patients in the HYPO group (n = 11) showed a statistically significant increase of mean amplitude of esophageal contraction (32.8 vs. 57.3 mm Hg; p < 0.01), while no change was found in the NORM group (n = 43). A total of 72% of patients with preoperative motility disorder showed normal postoperative manometry.

CONCLUSION

Nissen fundoplication normalizes esophageal motility, especially in patients with preoperative hypomotility. Patients with impaired esophageal motility should not per se be excluded from antireflux surgery.

Gastroesophageal reflux and altered motility in lung transplant rejection

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation has become an effective therapeutic option for selected patients with end stage lung disease. Long-term survival is limited by chronic rejection manifest as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). The aspiration of gastric contents has been implicated as a causative or additive factor leading to BOS. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and altered foregut motility are common both before and after lung transplantation. Further, the normal defense mechanisms against reflux are impaired in the allograft. Recent studies using biomarkers of aspiration have added to previous association studies to provide a growing body of evidence supporting the link between rejection and GER. Further, the addition of high-resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance technology to characterize bolus transit and the presence and extent of reflux regardless of pH might better identify at-risk patients. Although additional prospective studies are needed, fundoplication appears useful in the prevention or treatment of post-transplant BOS.

PURPOSE

This review will highlight the existing literature on the relationship of gastroesophageal reflux and altered motility to lung transplant rejection, particularly BOS. The article will conclude with a discussion of the evaluation and management of patients undergoing lung transplantation at our center.

Evaluating outcomes of endoscopic full-thickness plication for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with impedance monitoring

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic full-thickness plication allows transmural suturing at the gastroesophageal junction to recreate the antireflux barrier. Multichannel intraluminal impedance monitoring (MII) can be used to detect nonacid or weakly acidic reflux, acidic swallows, and esophageal clearance time. This study used MII to evaluate the outcome of endoscopic full-thickness plication.

METHODS

In this study, 12 subsequent patients requiring maintenance proton pump inhibitor therapy underwent endoscopic full-thickness plication for treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease. With patients off medication, MII was performed before and 6-months after endoscopic full-thickness plication.

RESULTS

The total median number of reflux episodes was significantly reduced from 105 to 64 (p = 0.016). The median number of acid reflux episodes decreased from 73 to 43 (p = 0.016). Nonacid reflux episodes decreased from 23 to 21 (p = 0.306). The median bolus clearance time was 12 s before treatment and 11 s at 6 months (p = 0.798). The median acid exposure time was reduced from 6.8% to 3.4% (p = 0.008), and the DeMeester scores were reduced from 19 to 12 (p = 0.008).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic full-thickness plication significantly reduced total reflux episodes, acid reflux episodes, and total reflux exposure time. The DeMeester scores and total acid exposure time for the distal esophagus were significantly improved. No significant changes in nonacid reflux episodes and median bolus clearance time were encountered.

Endoscopic full-thickness plication for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease using multiple Plicator implants: 12-month multicenter study results

BACKGROUND

The full-thickness Plicator (Ethicon Endosurgery, Sommerville, NJ, USA) was developed for endoscopic treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The goal is to restructure the antireflux barrier by delivering transmural pledgeted sutures through the gastric cardia. To date, studies using this device have involved the placement of a single suture to create the plication. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the 12-month safety and efficacy of this procedure using multiple implants to restructure the gastroesophageal (GE) junction.

METHODS

A multicenter, prospective, open-label trial was conducted at four tertiary centers. Eligibility criteria included symptomatic GERD [GERD Health-Related Quality-of-Life (GERD-HRQL) questionnaire, off of medication], and pathologic reflux (abnormal 24-h pH) requiring daily proton pump inhibitor therapy. Patients with Barrett's epithelium, esophageal dysmotility, hiatal hernia > 3 cm, and esophagitis (grade III or greater) were excluded. All patients underwent endoscopic full-thickness plication with linear placement of at least two transmural pledgeted sutures in the anterior gastric cardia.

RESULTS

Forty-one patients were treated. Twelve months post treatment, 74% of patients demonstrated improvement in GERD-HRQL scores by > or = 50%, with mean decrease of 17.6 points compared with baseline (7.8 vs. 25.4, p < 0.001). Using an intention-to-treat model, 63% of patients had symptomatic improvements of > or = 50%, with mean GERD-HRQL decrease of 15.0 (11.0 vs. 26.0, p < 0.001). The need for daily proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy was eliminated in 69% of patients at 12 months on a per-protocol basis, and 59% on an intention-to-treat basis. Adverse events included postprocedure abdominal pain (44%), shoulder pain (24%), and chest pain (17%). No long-term adverse events occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Endoscopic full-thickness plication using multiple Plicator implants can be used safely and effectively to improve GERD symptoms and reduce medication use.

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is a good option in patients with abnormal esophageal motility

BACKGROUND

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and abnormal esophageal motility are the most controversial subgroup of surgically treated patients because of potentially increased risk of postoperative dysphagia. Our study aim was to determine if Nissen fundoplication is associated with increased postoperative dysphagia in patients with ineffective esophageal motility.

METHODS

Medical records of all adult (>18 years old) patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for GERD over 8 years were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 151 patients, 28 (group A) met manometric criteria for abnormal esophageal motility (<30 mmHg mean contractile pressure or <80% peristalsis), whereas 63 (group B) had normal esophageal function. Sixty patients had no manometric data and were therefore excluded from analysis. Follow-up time ranged from 1 month to 5 years. Outcomes (postoperative dysphagia, recurrence of GERD symptoms, free of medications) were compared between groups.

RESULTS

Group A had higher age and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score (p = 0.016 and 0.020), but this did not correlate with outcome. Two patients (7.1%) in group A and three patients (5.3%) in group B had postoperative dysphagia. When adjusted for follow-up time, there was no significant difference between the groups (p = 0.94). Group B had more cases of recurrent heartburn (10.7% versus 3.6%, p = 0.039), and more patients in this group were back on medications (21.4% versus 7.1%, p < 0.05)

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study found equally low rates of dysphagia following Nissen fundoplication regardless of baseline esophageal motility. Preoperative esophageal dysmotility therefore does not seem to be a contraindication for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Randomized clinical trial of laparoscopic total (Nissen) versus posterior partial (Toupet) fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease based on preoperative oesophageal manometry

Background

Laparoscopic fundoplication is an accepted treatment for symptomatic gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The aim of this study was to clarify whether total (Nissen) or partial (Toupet) fundoplication is preferable, and whether preoperative oesophageal manometry should be used to determine the degree of fundoplication performed.

Methods

Preoperative oesophageal manometry was used to stratify 127 patients with established gastro-oesophageal reflux disease into effective (75) and ineffective (52) oesophageal motility groups. Patients in each group were randomized to Nissen (64) or Toupet (63) fundoplication.

Results

No significant differences between the operative groups were seen in heartburn, regurgitation or other reflux-related symptoms up to 1 year after surgery. Dysphagia of any degree (27 versus 9 per cent; P = 0·018) and chest pain on eating (22 versus 5 per cent; P = 0·018) were more prevalent at 1 year in the Nissen group. There were no differences in postoperative symptoms between the effective and ineffective motility groups. Surgery failed in eight patients on postoperative pH criteria, three in the Nissen group and five in the Toupet group.

Conclusion

Any differences in the symptomatic outcome of laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplication appear minimal. There is no reason to tailor the degree of fundoplication to preoperative oesophageal manometry.

Severely disordered esophageal peristalsis is not a contraindication to laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) is the preferred operation for the control of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The use of a full fundoplication for patients with esophageal dysmotility is controversial. Although LNF is known to be superior to a partial wrap for patients with weak peristalsis, its efficacy for patients with severe dysmotility is unknown. We hypothesized that LNF is also acceptable for patients with severe esophageal dysmotility.

METHODS

A multicenter retrospective review of consecutive patients with severe esophageal dysmotility who underwent an LNF was performed. Severe dysmotility was defined by manometry showing an esophageal amplitude of 30 mmHg or less and/or 70% or more nonperistaltic esophageal body contractions.

RESULTS

In this study, 48 patients with severe esophageal dysmotility underwent LNF. All the patients presented with symptoms of GERD, and 19 (39%) had preoperative dysphagia. A total of 10 patients had impaired esophageal body contractions, whereas 32 patients had an abnormal esophageal amplitude, and 6 patients had both. The average abnormal esophageal amplitude was 24.9 +/- 5.2 mmHg (range, 6.0-30 mmHg). The mean percentage of nonperistaltic esophageal body contractions was 79.4% +/- 8.3% (range, 70-100%). There were no intraoperative complications and no conversions. Postoperatively, early dysphagia occurred in 35 patients (73%). Five patients were treated with esophageal dilation, which was successful in three cases. One patient required a reoperative fundoplication. Overall, persistent dysphagia was found in two patients (4.2%), including one patient with severe preoperative dysphagia, which improved postoperatively. Abnormal peristalsis and/or distal amplitude improved postoperatively in 12 (80%) of retested patients. There were no cases of Barrett's progression to dysplasia or carcinoma. During an average follow-up period of 25.4 months (range, 1-46 months), eight patients (16%) were receiving antireflux medications, with six of these showing normal esophageal pH study results.

CONCLUSION

The LNF procedure provides low rates of reflux recurrence with little long-term postoperative dysphagia experienced by patients with severely disordered esophageal peristalsis. Effective fundoplication improved esophageal motility for most of the patients. A 360 degrees fundoplication should not be contraindicated for patients with severe esophageal dysmotility.