Manganese-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of nitrogen nucleophiles with aryl halides in water

A safety and effectiveness evaluation of refluxstop in the treatment of acid reflux comparing large and small hiatal hernia groups: results from 99 patients in Switzerland with up to 4-years follow-up

BACKGROUND

Standard-of-care surgical treatments for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), with large hiatal hernia (HH), result in a reoperation rate of up to 50% at 5 years. RefluxStop, acting as a mechanical stop without encircling the food passageway, offers a novel approach to treat large HH patients. This study assesses the safety and efficacy of RefluxStop surgery comparing large and small HH groups followed for up to 4 years.

METHODS

Two cohorts were retrospectively analyzed in a combined investigator-initiated study evaluating safety outcomes of RefluxStop in severe GERD subjects, comparing concomitant small (≤3 cm) and large HH (4-10 cm) in Switzerland. Primary outcomes were procedure-related adverse events (AEs/ADEs). The secondary outcome was improvement in GERD-HRQL score.

RESULTS

Ninety-nine subjects underwent the RefluxStop surgical procedure, whereof 50 subjects had small (≤3 cm) and 49 subjects had large HH (4-10 cm). One surgeon at each site operated on both small and large hernia patients. No significant difference in AEs between patients with small and large HH was shown. At 1-year follow-up, subjects in both groups experienced statistically significant improvements in median (IQR) GERD-HRQL score of 93.8% (81.8%; 98.7%) for those with large HH and 85.7% (76.5%; 92.3%) for those with small HH.

CONCLUSION

RefluxStop surgery for GERD effectively treats patients with large HH that currently have no optimal treatment options, while showing significantly improved results for up to 4 years. Furthermore, RefluxStop provides equally favorable results and a robust low risk profile for subjects with either concomitant small (n = 49) and large (n = 50) HH.

Discrepancies in the Reporting of Hiatal Hernia Size: A Review

BackgroundIn the current literature there is a paucity of both standardized diagnostic criteria and accurate methods for determining hernia size. The aim of this review is to describe the most common methods for reporting hiatal hernia size.MethodsLiterature search using PubMed and Embase databases was performed. After exclusion and screening, 67 articles were analyzed and data were collected on hernia type and subtype, diagnostic method, size reporting method, and the author's definition of hernia size (measurement protocol).ResultsAuthors publishing on hiatal hernia size employed 8 different methods for diagnosing hiatal hernias and reported data using 7 distinct measurement types. Within individual diagnostic methods there was a further lack of standardization of measurement protocols.ConclusionOur review underscores the critical need for standardized reporting methods in the assessment and reporting of hiatal hernia size. Moving forward, collaboration is essential to establish and adopt standardized guidelines for reporting hiatal hernia size, ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Computed tomography roadmap for post-operative fundoplication imaging with a novel structured reporting checklist

INTRODUCTION

With increasing numbers and acceptability of laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery (LARS) procedures over long-term medical treatment in the past decade, it follows that the complications of fundoplication wrap are seen intermittently with recurrent symptoms of heartburn and dysphagia. Endoscopy and barium swallow are the initial investigations performed for suspected fundoplication wrap failures. However, with easy availability of multislice computed tomography (CT) and the multiplanar reconstructions along with reduction in familiarity with barium examinations, it would be prudent for the surgeons to familiarise themselves with various appearances of wrap failure. Currently, there is no accepted standard to report a fundoplication wrap failure. We did a thorough literature review on the use of CT scans for fundoplication wrap failure, created a multidisciplinary hernia team with prominent radiologists and surgeons and discussed the role of CT scans in the management of suspected wrap failure. After completing a pilot study with around 43 patients of wrap failure, we created a standard CT reporting format which helped us in the management of even the most complex cases. This standard reporting format can be used by trainees and surgeons worldwide. This would lead to uniformity in reporting, would help in decision-making and would also help create national and international primary wrap failure and redo fundoplication registry.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 43 patients of wrap failure of multislice CT evaluation were analysed for type of failure along with factors responsible for the maintenance of integrity of the wrap. A novel checklist with structured reporting was used for the description of the post-operative imaging findings.

RESULTS

The demographic characteristics, post-operative imaging and intraoperative findings were described. The different types of wrap failure - Hinder types and associated pathologies were analysed for relative frequency in wrap failures. The novel structured reporting included wrap integrity and failure complications in post-operative patients of LARS.

CONCLUSION

Fundoplication wrap failure is not an uncommon complication seen after LARS. A novel structured report with checklist will help the surgeons to evaluate the post-operative patient with recurrent symptoms. Multislice CT is the ideal modality for imaging suspected wrap failures after primary endoscopic evaluation. Multiplanar imaging with coronal and sagittal reconstructions is useful for understanding the integrity of the wrap and its ability to detect failure/migration.

Laparoscopic Large Hiatal Hernia Repair With RefluxStop: Outcomes of Six Months Follow-up in Thirty Patients

OBJECTIVE

The antireflux surgical technique with the RefluxStop device is one of the latest approaches to treating patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The aim of this study was to assess the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic hiatal hernia (HH) repair with the RefluxStop device in patients with GERD and concurrent large HH (≥4 cm).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for the first 30 patients with a large HH who consented and underwent HH surgery with the RefluxStop device. The operative technique and outcomes were evaluated to assess safety and feasibility, HH recurrence, dysphagia, and patient satisfaction.

RESULTS

Between May 2020 and April 2022, 30 patients underwent laparoscopic HH repair with the RefluxStop device. All patients had typical symptoms of GERD, such as heartburn and regurgitation, and 15 patients (50%) had preoperative dysphagia. Median HH size was 5 cm (interquartile range, 4 to 5). Median operating time was 56 minutes (interquartile range, 52 to 63), with no intra and postoperative complications related to the device. One patient required laparotomy due to adhesions and associated bleeding when accessing the abdomen. All patients had postoperative imaging (video fluoroscopy) on postoperative day 1 and at 3 months, confirming the correct location of the RefluxStop device. One patient (3.3%) needed postoperative balloon dilatation due to severe dysphagia. Reflux symptoms (heartburn and acid regurgitation) resolved significantly in all patients ( P < 0.001) at 6 months. One episode of recurrence of HH (3.3%) occurred during the follow-up period of 6 months.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the short-term safety and feasibility of laparoscopic HH repair with the RefluxStop device in patients with large HH, with a low rate of postoperative dysphagia and subsequent improvement or resolution of reflux symptoms in all patients.

Measurement of oesophageal hiatus surface area by multiplanar reconstruction of MDCT: relationship with lower oesophageal sphincter pressure and acid reflux

AIM

To evaluate the relationship between oesophageal hiatus surface area (OHSA) and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent 24-h pH monitoring, oesophageal high-resolution manometry, and upper abdominal contrast-enhanced multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) during 2014-2021 were enrolled. Patients with a hiatus hernia (HH) on MDCT or who had a history of gastro-oesophageal surgery were excluded. Multiplanar reconstruction (MPR) of the MDCT image was used for the measurement of OHSA. Correlations of OHSA with acid exposure time (AET) and lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) pressure of all patients were analysed.

RESULTS

Seventy-eight patients were included in the study. OHSA was much less in the AET <4% group than in the AET >6% group (1.61 ± 0.42 versus 2.09 ± 0.55 cm2, p<0.001). Correlation analysis reveals that OHSA correlated positively with AET (correlation coefficient = 0.47, p<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis reveals that OHSA can significantly distinguish patients in different groups divided by AET (area under the ROC curve [AUC] = 0.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.63-0.90). OHSA was not related to LOS pressure (correlation coefficient = -0.268, p=0.051). There was no difference in OHSA between the low LOS pressure group and the normal LOS pressure group (1.84 ± 0.61 versus 1.74 ± 0.50 cm2, p=0.52).

CONCLUSIONS

OHSA significantly correlated with AET but has no relationship with LOS pressure. It may be an independent risk factor of GERD.

The effect of age and sex on esophageal hiatal surface area among normal North American adults using multidetector computed tomography

The size of the esophageal hiatus is clinically important for preserving the integrity of the lower esophageal sphincter mechanism. The purpose of this study was to systematically establish the mean hiatal surface area (HSA) for normal North American adults under physiologic conditions and assess the relationship between sex and age on HSA. Multi-Detector Computer Tomogram (MDCT) images of the esophageal hiatus in 119 healthy adult subjects (61 males and 58 females with an age range of 24-88 years) were retrospectively analyzed using the multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) technique to directly measure their hiatal length (long axis), width (short axis) and surface area at end inspiration. The mean HSA for males was 2.88 cm², with a standard deviation of 0.74 cm². The mean HSA for females was 2.51 cm², with a standard deviation of 0.68 cm². There was a statistically significant difference in HSA between males and females (p = 0.0053); however, there was no statistically significant difference between the HSA among different age groups (p = 0.8439). Similarly, significant differences between males and females were demonstrated in both the length (p = 0.0263) and width (p = 0.0311) measurements, but there was no evidence of an association of these parameters with age. For the first time, the normal size of the hiatus at end inspiration has been established noninvasively for a population of healthy adults from MDCT images.

Preoperative measurement of the hiatal surface with MDCT: impact on surgical planning

Objective

To evaluate the accuracy and reproducibility of hiatal surface area (HSA) measurement on dedicated multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) acquisition, in patients, previously subjected to laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG), and affected by gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Intraoperative HSA measurement was considered the reference standard.

Methods

Fifty-two candidates for laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair were prospectively included in the study. MDCT images were acquired during swallowing of oral iodinated contrast media and during strain. Measurements were performed by nine readers divided into three groups according to their experience. Results were compared with intraoperative measurements by means of Spearman correlation coefficient. Reproducibility was evaluated with intra- and interreader agreement by means of weighted Cohen’s kappa and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

Significant differences between MDCT and intraoperative HSA measurements were observed for swallowing imaging for less experienced readers (p = 0.037, 0.025, 0.028 and 0.019). No other statistically significant differences were observed (p > 0.05). The correlation between HSA measured intraoperatively and on MDCT was higher for strain imaging compared to swallowing (r = 0.94—0.92 vs 0.94—0.89). The overall reproducibility of MDCT HSA measurement was excellent (ICC of 0.95; 95% CI 0,8993 to 0,9840) independently of reader’s experience

Conclusion

HSA can be accurately measured on MDCT images. This method is reproducible and minimally influenced by reader experience. The preoperative measurement of HSA has potential advantages for surgeons in terms of correct approach to hiatal defects in obese patient.

Measurement of hiatal surface area and other hiatus oesophageal diameters at computed tomography imaging in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and its relationship with hiatal hernia

Background:

The oesophageal hiatus is a long and oblique opening in the diaphragm where the thoracic section of the oesophagus passes into the abdomen. Enlarged hiatal surface and insufficiency are considered to be associated with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and hiatal hernia (HH). In this study, we aimed to retrospectively evaluate the relationship and the presence of GERD with HH by performing hiatal surface area (HSA) and other hiatal measurements at the thorax and abdominal computed tomography (CT) images in cases without any intra-abdominal or oesophageal surgery history.

Patients and Methods:

A total of 192 patients of GERD+ and 173 cases with GERD− as a control group were included in the study. In CT examinations of 365 patients included in the study, measurements and comments were made by an experienced radiologist in abdominal radiology. In CT scans, the following were evaluated for each case; HSA, hiatus anterior–posterior (A-P) diameter, hiatus transverse diameter, and HH types. The HSA measurement was made with the freehand region of interest in the picture archiving and communication system.

Results:

A total of 365 cases were included in this study; there was a significant difference between the median HSA, A-P diameter, and transverse diameter measurements between GERD− and GERD+ groups (P < 0.001). A statistically significant difference was found between the presence of GERD and HH types (P < 0.001).

Conclusions:

CT imaging helps investigate the presence of HH at GERD+ patients. In addition, pre-operative valuable data can be obtained from the detection of HH types and HSA measurements in cases with HH.

In vivo measurement of esophageal hiatus surface area using MDCT: description of the methodology and clinical validation

PURPOSE

Accurate estimation of esophageal hiatus surface area (HSA) prior to surgical repair of hiatal hernia is difficult. The ability to do so may assist with following progression of hiatal hernias, choosing the optimal surgical approach and post-surgical evaluation. We developed a method for measurement of HSA using multi-planar reconstruction (MPR) of multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) scans and sought to validate our method using intra-operative HSA measurements.

METHODS

Patients with thoracic or abdominal CT scans who were scheduled to undergo hiatal hernia repair were identified. A radiologist performed MPR of each MDCT scan to obtain the measured HSA (mHSA). Estimated HSA (eHSA) was obtained using intra-operative measurements of crura length and distance between crural edges. The association between eHSA and the corresponding mHSA was assessed using Pearson correlation. The intra-class correlation coefficient was calculated to assess both intra-observer and inter-observer agreement for the MDCT-MPR technique.

RESULTS

Of 30 subjects included, 16 (53.3%) were female and the median age was 68.5 years. All patients underwent robotic-assisted laparoscopic hiatal hernia repair. The median HSA was 8.1 cm² based on intra-operative measurements and 9.9 cm² based on CT measurements. The correlation coefficient for eHSA and corresponding mHSA was 0.83 (p < 0.001). The intra-class correlation coefficient was 0.97 (p < 0.001) for intra-observer agreement and 0.97 (p < 0.001) for inter-observer agreement.

CONCLUSION

We developed a MDCT-MPR technique that measures HSA in vivo. This technique is reproducible and can be used for pre-operative planning and post-operative follow-up of patients with symptomatic hiatal hernia.

Hiatal Surface Area's CT scan measurement is useful in hiatal hernia's treatment of bariatric patients

INTRODUCTION

Hiatal surface area (HSA) measurement has been recently proposed as useful tool for tailored treatment of hiatal defects. Multidetector CT scan (MDCT) of the hiatal area was shown to be useful in hiatal hernia (HH) management.

PURPOSE

MDCT preoperative HSA measurements validation as a useful method in the surgical repair decision making process of hiatal defects in candidates to antireflux ± bariatric surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty-five obese patients (group A), candidates to laparoscopic cruroplasty ± bariatric surgery, were prospectively evaluated preoperatively and after one year, using an original MDCT algorithm, compared with intraoperative HSA measurement. Twelve non-obese (group B) and 12 obese patients (group C), without GERD or HH, were used as control groups.

RESULTS

Median preoperative HSA was 7.9 cm², (interquartile IQR 5.97-9.80) while intraoperative median HSA was 6 cm² (6-9.5), p = .84. Postoperative median HSA was 3.8 cm² (3.21-4.8), showing the efficacy of cruroplasty, comparable with HSA calculated in the control groups (3.98 for B and 3.69 cm² for C, p = .8547). No statistically significant difference between MDCT preoperative measurement and intraoperative findings was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary results demonstrate MDCT scan HSA measurements as a valid, non-invasive method to predict intraoperative findings. It allows the HSA monitoring in order to correlate the symptoms onset and failure of cruroplasty.

Multiplanar MDCT measurement of esophageal hiatus surface area: association with hiatal hernia and GERD

BACKGROUND

Accurate measurement of esophageal hiatus size is clinically important, especially when antireflux surgery is planned. We present a novel method for in vivo measurement of esophageal hiatal surface area using MDCT multiplanar reconstruction. We aimed to determine whether large hiatal area is associated with hiatal hernia and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed subjects prospectively enrolled in the COPDGene(®) project. We created two test groups, one with hiatal hernia on chest CT and one with GERD on medical treatment identified by history without hernia. Matched control groups were formed. We performed CT postprocessing to define the double-oblique plane of the esophageal hiatus, on which the hiatal surface area is manually traced.

RESULTS

Subjects with hernia (n = 48) had larger mean hiatus areas than matched controls (6.9 vs. 2.5 cm(2), p < 0.0001), and were more likely to have GERD (42 vs. 10 %, p < 0.0005). Subjects with mixed (type III) hernias had larger hiatuses compared to subjects with sliding (type I) hernias, who, in turn, had larger hiatuses than subjects without hernia (p < 0.0001). Hernia-negative subjects with GERD (n = 55) did not have significantly larger mean hiatal areas compared to matched controls (3.0 vs. 2.5 cm(2), p = 0.12). Twenty measurements obtained by two radiologists showed correlation of 0.93, with mean difference of 0.5 cm(2) (p = 0.20).

CONCLUSIONS

We devised a method to measure in vivo esophageal hiatal surface area using MDCT reconstruction and established the normal size range for the first time. This methodology has the potential to guide decision-making in antireflux surgery technique preoperatively, and assess surgical result postoperatively. The presence of hernia correlated with large hiatuses and GERD. However, hiatal area failed to identify those with GERD in the absence of hiatal hernia.

EAES recommendations for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is one of the most frequent benign disorders of the upper gastrointestinal tract. Management of GERD has always been controversial since modern medical therapy is very effective, but laparoscopic fundoplication is one of the few procedures that were quickly adapted to the minimal access technique. The purpose of this project was to analyze the current knowledge on GERD in regard to its pathophysiology, diagnostic assessment, medical therapy, and surgical therapy, and special circumstances such as GERD in children, Barrett's esophagus, and enteroesophageal and duodenogastroesophageal reflux.

METHODS

The European Association of Endoscopic Surgery (EAES) has tasked a group of experts, based on their clinical and scientific expertise in the field of GERD, to establish current guidelines in a consensus development conference. The expert panel was constituted in May 2012 and met in September 2012 and January 2013, followed by a Delphi process. Critical appraisal of the literature was accomplished. All articles were reviewed and classified according to the hierarchy of level of evidence and summarized in statements and recommendations, which were presented to the scientific community during the EAES yearly conference in a plenary session in Vienna 2013. A second Delphi process followed discussion in the plenary session.

RESULTS

Recommendations for pathophysiologic and epidemiologic considerations, symptom evaluation, diagnostic workup, medical therapy, and surgical therapy are presented. Diagnostic evaluation and adequate selection of patients are the most important features for success of the current management of GERD. Laparoscopic fundoplication is the most important therapeutic technique for the success of surgical therapy of GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Since the background of GERD is multifactorial, the management of this disease requires a complex approach in diagnostic workup as well as for medical and surgical treatment. Laparoscopic fundoplication in well-selected patients is a successful therapeutic option.

Biomechanical analyses of prosthetic mesh repair in a hiatal hernia model

Recurrence rate of hiatal hernia can be reduced with prosthetic mesh repair; however, type and shape of the mesh are still a matter of controversy. The purpose of this study was to investigate the biomechanical properties of four conventional meshes: pure polypropylene mesh (PP-P), polypropylene/poliglecaprone mesh (PP-U), polyvinylidenefluoride/polypropylene mesh (PVDF-I), and pure polyvinylidenefluoride mesh (PVDF-S). Meshes were tested either in warp direction (parallel to production direction) or perpendicular to the warp direction. A Zwick testing machine was used to measure elasticity and effective porosity of the textile probes. Stretching of the meshes in warp direction required forces that were up to 85-fold higher than the same elongation in perpendicular direction. Stretch stress led to loss of effective porosity in most meshes, except for PVDF-S. Biomechanical impact of the mesh was additionally evaluated in a hiatal hernia model. The different meshes were used either as rectangular patches or as circular meshes. Circular meshes led to a significant reinforcement of the hiatus, largely unaffected by the orientation of the warp fibers. In contrast, rectangular meshes provided a significant reinforcement only when warp fibers ran perpendicular to the crura. Anisotropic elasticity of prosthetic meshes should therefore be considered in hiatal closure with rectangular patches.

Laparoscopic management of totally intra-thoracic stomach with chronic volvulus

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of patients who underwent laparoscopic repair of intra-thoracic gastric volvulus (IGV) and to assess the preoperative work-up.

METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of patient medical records identified 14 patients who underwent a laparoscopic repair of IGV. The procedure included reduction of the stomach into the abdomen, total sac excision, reinforced hiatoplasty with mesh and construction of a partial fundoplication. All perioperative data, operative details and complications were recorded. All patients had at least 6 mo of follow-up.

RESULTS: There were 4 male and 10 female patients. The mean age and the mean body mass index were 66 years and 28.7 kg/m², respectively. All patients presented with epigastric discomfort and early satiety. There was no mortality, and none of the cases were converted to an open procedure. The mean operative time was 235 min, and the mean length of hospitalization was 2 d. There were no intraoperative complications. Four minor complications occurred in 3 patients including pleural effusion, subcutaneous emphysema, dysphagia and delayed gastric emptying. All minor complications resolved spontaneously without any intervention. During the mean follow-up of 29 mo, one patient had a radiological wrap herniation without volvulus. She remains symptom free with daily medication.

CONCLUSION: The laparoscopic management of IGV is a safe but technically demanding procedure. The best outcomes can be achieved in centers with extensive experience in minimally invasive esophageal surgery.

Definition of the esophagogastric junction: a critical mini review

CONTEXT

Accurate diagnosis of diseases involving the esophagogastric junction (EGJ) is challenging because of difficulty in defining the EGJ endoscopically and histologically. Recent research results have redefined the EGJ, and the endoscopic and histologic diagnostic criteria of the mucosal EGJ have become available.

OBJECTIVE

To review the recent literature on endoscopy, histology, and pathology of the EGJ with critical analysis.

DATA SOURCES

Recently published research articles and guidelines in the peer-reviewed core journals and personal research results in this field.

CONCLUSIONS

At present, the mucosal EGJ can be defined endoscopically as the distal ends of esophageal longitudinal vessels that meet the proximal ends of gastric longitudinal mucosal folds. However, histologic validation of this criterion is needed. The histologic criteria of the EGJ include the distal ends of esophageal squamous mucosa, deep esophageal glands or ducts, or multilayered epithelium. The squamocolumnar junction is not a reliable landmark of the EGJ in patients with diseases involving the EGJ, such as hiatal hernias.