Recurrent symptoms after fundoplication with a negative pH study--recurrent reflux or functional heartburn?

Antireflux surgery - choosing the right candidate

INTRODUCTION

Surgical gastric fundoplication is an effective treatment option for gastroesophageal reflux disease. In contrast to acid suppression, fundoplication nearly abolishes all types of reflux, acid and nonacid. However, in some cases, lasting side effects of the procedure may overshadow its positive effects. It has remained difficult to determine which patients are the most suitable candidates for fundoplication.

AREAS COVERED

This review aims to evaluate the available data on preoperative factors that are associated with the outcome of fundoplication and to determine which combination of patient characteristics and preoperative test results provides optimal selection. In addition, we assess the need for tailoring the procedure on the basis of the preoperative quality of esophageal peristalsis.

EXPERT OPINION

Surgical treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease is underutilized as it may provide an excellent option for a subset of GERD patients. It is not sensible to restrict surgical treatment to patients who do not respond to acid suppression. However, meticulous patient selection is key. Most importantly, surgical treatment should not be considered in patients in whom there is no convincing evidence that the symptoms are caused by reflux. Impaired esophageal peristalsis should not be regarded as a contraindication against fundoplication.

Recent insights on functional heartburn and reflux hypersensitivity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Rome IV experts have proposed that gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) should be diagnosed only in patients with abnormal esophageal acid exposure, and that reflux hypersensitivity (RH) and functional heartburn (FH) both should be considered functional conditions separate from GERD. Although past and recent evidence support that FH can be completely distinguished from GERD, the concept that RH is not GERD is highly questionable. This review attempts to provide current data on these issues.

RECENT FINDINGS

Many recent investigations have provided new data on the different pathophysiological features characterizing RH and FH. Major differences have emerged from analyses of impedance-pH monitoring studies using the novel impedance metrics of baseline impedance (an index of mucosal integrity) and the rate of postreflux swallow-induced peristaltic waves (a reflection of the integrity of esophageal chemical clearance).

SUMMARY

The better ability to interpret impedance-pH tracings together with earlier data on the different prevalence of microscopic esophagitis in RH and FH patients, and recent studies documenting poor therapeutic efficacy of pain modulators and good results of antireflux surgery for RH support recategorization of RH within the GERD world. Further research is needed to correctly phenotype patients who have heartburn without mucosal breaks, and to guide their effective management.

Esophageal reflux hypersensitivity: Non-GERD or still GERD?

The most recent iteration of the classifications for functional esophageal disorders, Rome IV, proposed relevant modifications of the previous definitions for Rome III. They specifically considered increased esophageal acid exposure as the marker of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), including the remaining part of non-erosive reflux disease patients with normal acid in the group with functional alterations, considering both reflux hypersensitivity and functional heartburn. However, recent pathophysiological and therapeutic data suggest the need for a return to including reflux hypersensitivity in the GERD spectrum. Indeed, physiologic alterations in esophageal mucosal integrity and chemical clearance, the presence of microscopic esophagitis, and strict symptom-reflux association support the concept that reflux hypersensitivity pertains to GERD. Surgical anti-reflux therapy has resulted in positive outcomes, even in the long term, in patients with reflux hypersensitivity and not in those with functional heartburn. Moreover, clinical trials using neuromodulators have been scarce and provided conflicting results. As a result, the real progress of the Rome IV classifications is in dispute. This article aims to summarize the most recent knowledge of non-erosive reflux disease and reflux hypersensitivity to discuss the utility of Rome IV criteria in the identification and management of functional esophageal disorders.

How to select patients for antireflux surgery? The ICARUS guidelines (international consensus regarding preoperative examinations and clinical characteristics assessment to select adult patients for antireflux surgery)

OBJECTIVE

Antireflux surgery can be proposed in patients with GORD, especially when proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use leads to incomplete symptom improvement. However, to date, international consensus guidelines on the clinical criteria and additional technical examinations used in patient selection for antireflux surgery are lacking. We aimed at generating key recommendations in the selection of patients for antireflux surgery.

DESIGN

We included 35 international experts (gastroenterologists, surgeons and physiologists) in a Delphi process and developed 37 statements that were revised by the Consensus Group, to start the Delphi process. Three voting rounds followed where each statement was presented with the evidence summary. The panel indicated the degree of agreement for the statement. When 80% of the Consensus Group agreed (A+/A) with a statement, this was defined as consensus. All votes were mutually anonymous.

RESULTS

Patients with heartburn with a satisfactory response to PPIs, patients with a hiatal hernia (HH), patients with oesophagitis Los Angeles (LA) grade B or higher and patients with Barrett's oesophagus are good candidates for antireflux surgery. An endoscopy prior to antireflux surgery is mandatory and a barium swallow should be performed in patients with suspicion of a HH or short oesophagus. Oesophageal manometry is mandatory to rule out major motility disorders. Finally, oesophageal pH (±impedance) monitoring of PPI is mandatory to select patients for antireflux surgery, if endoscopy is negative for unequivocal reflux oesophagitis.

CONCLUSION

With the ICARUS guidelines, we generated key recommendations for selection of patients for antireflux surgery.

Refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease: Current status and perspectives

Patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who do not respond to an 8-12 wk course of acid-suppressive therapy with a proton pump inhibitor twice daily, with symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux symptoms persisting after therapy, can be diagnosed with refractory GERD (RGERD). It is estimated that RGERD accounts for approximately 10%-40% of all GERD cases. Due to complicated causes, the clinical recognition of RGERD is insufficient. Thanks to the advances in the basic and clinical research of RGERD in recent years, there have been updated consensus guidelines on the diagnosis and treatment of RGERD in America and Asia (including China). This paper reviews the definition, epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of RGERD.

Asia-Pacific consensus on the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: an update focusing on refractory reflux disease and Barrett's oesophagus

OBJECTIVE

Since the publication of the Asia-Pacific consensus on gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in 2008, there has been further scientific advancement in this field. This updated consensus focuses on proton pump inhibitor-refractory reflux disease and Barrett's oesophagus.

METHODS

A steering committee identified three areas to address: (1) burden of disease and diagnosis of reflux disease; (2) proton pump inhibitor-refractory reflux disease; (3) Barrett's oesophagus. Three working groups formulated draft statements with supporting evidence. Discussions were done via email before a final face-to-face discussion. We used a Delphi consensus process, with a 70% agreement threshold, using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria to categorise the quality of evidence and strength of recommendations.

RESULTS

A total of 32 statements were proposed and 31 were accepted by consensus. A rise in the prevalence rates of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease in Asia was noted, with the majority being non-erosive reflux disease. Overweight and obesity contributed to the rise. Proton pump inhibitor-refractory reflux disease was recognised to be common. A distinction was made between refractory symptoms and refractory reflux disease, with clarification of the roles of endoscopy and functional testing summarised in two algorithms. The definition of Barrett's oesophagus was revised such that a minimum length of 1 cm was required and the presence of intestinal metaplasia no longer necessary. We recommended the use of standardised endoscopic reporting and advocated endoscopic therapy for confirmed dysplasia and early cancer.

CONCLUSIONS

These guidelines standardise the management of patients with refractory gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's oesophagus in the Asia-Pacific region.

A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials to Compare Long-Term Outcomes of Nissen and Toupet Fundoplication for Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Aim

In recent years, several studies with large sample sizes and recent follow-up data have been published comparing outcomes between laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication. It is now timely to be re-evaluated and synthesized long-term efficacy and adverse events of both total and partial posterior fundoplication.

Materials and Methods

Electronic searches for RCTs comparing the outcome after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication were performed in the databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Center Register of Controlled Trials. The data of evaluation in positive and adverse results of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication were extracted and compared using meta-analysis.

Results

13 RCTs were ultimately identified involving 814 (52.05%) and 750 (47.95%) patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication, respectively. The operative time, perioperative complications, postoperative satisfaction, recurrence, and the rates of medication adoption or re-operation due to recurrence were not significantly different between two groups. The two types of fundoplication both reinforced the anti-reflux barrier and elevated the lower esophageal sphincter pressure. However, rates of adverse results involving dysphasia, gas-bloat syndrome, inability to belch and re-operation due to severe dysphasia were significantly higher after LNF. In the subgroup analysis of wrap length≤2cm, laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication was associated with a significantly higher incidence of postoperative dysphagia. However, in the subgroup wrap length>2cm, the difference was not statistically significant.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication might be the better surgery approach for gastroesophageal reflux disease with a lower rate of postoperative adverse results and equal effectiveness as Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication.

Outcome of medical and surgical therapy of GERD: predictive role of quality of life scores and instrumental evaluation

INTRODUCTION

Aim of this study is to determine whether quality of life (QoL) assessment in association with instrumental evaluation can help to identify factors predictive of outcome both in surgically and medically treated GERD patients.

METHODS

Between January 2005 and June 2010, 301 patients affected with GERD were included in the study. QoL was evaluated by means of GERD-HRQL and SF-36 questionnaires administered before treatment, at 6 months, at 1 year follow-up and at the end of the study. The multivariate analysis was used to detect if variables such as sex, age, heartburn, acid regurgitation, dysphagia, presence of esophagitis, percentage of total time at pH < 4, symptom index score (SI), the SF-36 and HRQL scores before treatment, at 6 months and 1 year could affect the QoL questionnaires scores at the end of the study.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-seven patients were included in the surgical group and 154 in the medical group. No differences with regard to gender, age, mean SF-36 and HRQL scores before treatment were documented. At the end of the study, quality of life was significantly improved for SF-36 and HRQL scores, either for surgical or medical group. The multivariate analysis showed no factors individually affected the SF-36 and the HRQL scores, but symptom index score (SI) and QoL questionnaires scores at 6 months and 1 year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

The combined use of pHmetry with evaluation of SI and QoL questionnaires can predict the outcome of GERD patients managed either by medical or surgical therapy.

Development and validation of a patient-reported outcome instrument in partial responders to proton pump inhibitors

OBJECTIVE

The Reflux Symptom Questionnaire 7-day recall (RESQ-7) was developed, in line with the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) guidelines, to address the need for a patient-reported outcome (PRO) instrument assessing symptoms specifically in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are only partially responsive to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The RESQ-7 was constructed using patient interviews and expert consensus. The instrument was psychometrically validated in a clinical trial setting in patients with persistent GERD symptoms despite PPI therapy.

RESULTS

Evaluation of content validity yielded a 13-item structure for the RESQ-7, incorporating symptoms overlooked by existing GERD questionnaires, such as hoarseness, cough, difficulty swallowing and burping. Principal component analysis suggested a four-domain structure. All domains had a high inter-item correlation (Cronbach's α lower 95% confidence limits: 0.77-0.87 for intensity; 0.72-0.82 for frequency). Test-retest reliability was fair-to-good or excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient lower 95% confidence limits: 0.70-0.78 for intensity; 0.65-0.75 for frequency). Convergent and discriminant validity were confirmed by correlation comparisons with the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale.

DISCUSSION

The RESQ-7 demonstrated good content validity and psychometric properties in patients with GERD and a partial response to PPIs. The weekly recall makes the RESQ-7 appropriate for use in routine clinical care. The authors believe that it is the first instrument to be developed specifically for patients with a partial response to PPI therapy in line with FDA guidelines on PROs (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00703534).

Functional heartburn: definition and management strategies

Functional heartburn (FH) is a functional gastro-intestinal disorder characterized by symptoms of heartburn not related to gastro-esophageal reflux. The absence of evidence of reflux-related symptoms relies on absence of esophagitis at endoscopy (including biopsies to exclude eosinophilic esophagitis), a normal esophageal acid exposure during esophageal pH-monitoring together with a negative symptom-reflux association analysis and an unsatisfactory response to proton pump inhibitor therapy. Addition of impedance measurement to pH-monitoring is likely to increase the number of patients with recognized reflux-related symptoms. The pathophysiology of functional heartburn remains largely unknown but involves disturbed esophageal perception and psychological factors such as depression, anxiety and somatization. The treatment of FH remains largely empirical and an individual approach is therefore recommended. The clinician should provide reassurance and refrain from performing too many invasive tests or therapeutic procedures. The use of pain modulators is recommended by most experts despite the lack of appropriate clinical trials to support it.

Validation of the reflux symptom questionnaire electronic diary in partial responders to proton pump inhibitor therapy

OBJECTIVES

We aimed to develop and validate the Reflux Symptom Questionnaire electronic Diary (RESQ-eD) for use in clinical trials in patients with a partial response to proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, using methods that meet US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) regulatory standards.

METHODS

Patient interviews were performed to elicit new items and evaluate existing items from the Reflux Disease Questionnaire. The instrument's measurement properties were evaluated, based on data from two clinical trials of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with a partial response to PPIs who received lesogaberan or placebo as an add-on to PPI therapy.

RESULTS

The content validity phase resulted in 13 RESQ-eD items. Principal component analysis supported a four-domain structure. All domains had a high inter-item correlation (Cronbach's alpha lower 95% confidence limit: 0.87-0.95). Test-retest reliability was good to excellent (intraclass correlation coefficient: 0.65-0.85). Convergent and discriminant validity was confirmed by correlation assessments referencing the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. The RESQ-eD demonstrated a good ability to capture change in mean intensity and proportion of symptom-free days. Confirmatory psychometric evaluation verified internal consistency reliability, test-retest reliability, and ability to capture change.

CONCLUSIONS

The RESQ-eD demonstrated good content validity and psychometric properties in the clinical trial setting in patients with GERD who have a partial response to PPI therapy. To our knowledge, the RESQ-eD is the first electronic symptom diary for use in partial responders to PPI that has been developed in line with the FDA guidance on patient-reported outcomes.

Evaluation of clinical outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery in clinical practice: still a controversial issue

Background. Laparoscopic antireflux surgery has shown to be effective in controlling gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Yet, a universally accepted definition and evaluation for treatment success/failure in GERD is still controversial. The purpose of this paper is to assess if and how the outcome variables used in the different studies could possibly lead to an homogeneous appraisal of the limits and indications of LARS. Methods. We analyzed papers focusing on the efficacy and outcome of LARS and published in English literature over the last 10 years. Results. Symptoms scores and outcome variables reported are dissimilar and not uniform. The most consistent parameter was patient's satisfaction (mean satisfaction rate: 88.9%). Antireflux medications are not a trustworthy outcome index. Endoscopy and esophageal manometry do not appear very helpful. Twenty-four hours pH metry is recommended in patients difficult to manage for recurrent typical symptoms. Conclusions. More uniform symptoms scales and quality of life tools are needed for assessing the clinical outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery. In an era of cost containment, objective evaluation tests should be more specifically addressed. Relying on patient's satisfaction may be ambiguous, yet from this study it can be considered a practical and simple tool.

Laparoscopic Nissen versus Toupet fundoplication: assessment of operative outcomes

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to analyze the outcomes of Nissen fundoplication (NF) versus Toupet fundoplication (TF) in patients undergoing laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS).

METHODS

All perioperative data, operative/postoperative complications, and follow-up data were prospectively recorded. All patients were seen on the 2nd month postoperatively and by yearly intervals thereafter. All patients have at least 12-month follow-up. Using SPSS software, groups were compared by t-test and chi-square tests as appropriate.

RESULTS

One thousand consecutive patients underwent primary LARS from May 2004 to August 2009. Six hundred eighty-four patients had NF and 316 had TF fundoplication. The mean follow-up of the NF (51.26 months) group was slightly longer than the TF group (43.53 months) (P=.018). There was no mortality and conversion. Esophageal perforation, jejunal perforation, and pulmonary emboli were the sole three major complications in separate patients. Dysphagia occurred in 15.4% and 9.9% in NF and TF, respectively (P=.001). Corresponding numbers for bloating were 19.6% and 10.8% in NF and TF, respectively (P=.001). Seventeen patients underwent reinterventions such as dilatation and re-do surgery and all 17 were in the NF group (P<.05). All other minor complications were similar except hiccups, which were seen in 30 patients and all were in the NF group (P<.05). Recurrence of reflux was observed in 1.8% and 2.2% of the NF and TF, respectively (P=.620).

CONCLUSION

Both NF and TF are effective procedures in controlling the acid-reflux symptoms. The functional side effects appear more often in the NF group. These side effects can be minimized and reinterventions for severe/prolonged dysphagia can be avoided with TF.

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with throat symptoms: a word of caution

BACKGROUND

A subset of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication presents with atypical throat symptoms, and the benefit of surgery in these patients is debated. These patients can present with throat symptoms alone or in combination with typical reflux symptoms. We evaluated the clinical outcome in these patients and compared their outcomes with a larger group of patients who did not have throat symptoms before fundoplication.

METHODS

Outcome data for 893 consecutive patients who underwent a laparoscopic fundoplication from January 2002 to June 2008 were collected prospectively and managed on a database. Ninety-three patients with atypical throat symptoms were identified, and divided into subgroups with (n=66) and without (n=27) typical reflux symptoms (heartburn and/or regurgitation), and outcomes were compared with patients (n=800) who didn't have throat symptoms. Symptoms were assessed with analog symptom scores for heartburn and dysphagia, as well as satisfaction with the surgical outcome. Case records for patients with throat symptoms were also reviewed to obtain more detail about specific throat symptoms and their resolution.

RESULTS

Cough was the commonest atypical symptom, followed by sore throat. Heartburn scores improved following surgery in all patient groups. Dysphagia was more common 3 months after surgery in patients without throat symptoms, although there were no differences for dysphagia at later follow-up. Following surgery satisfaction scores were highest in patients with atypical throat symptoms who also had typical reflux symptoms, and the scores were lowest in patients who only had atypical throat symptoms. Nearly twice as many patients who had throat and reflux symptoms reported improvement or resolution of symptoms, compared to patients who only had throat symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Fundoplication achieves a good outcome in patients with atypical throat symptoms who also report typical symptoms of reflux. However, surgeons should be cautious about operating on the subgroup of patients with objective evidence of gastroesophageal reflux who describe throat symptoms but do not report heartburn or regurgitation. In this subgroup, expectations of a good outcome should be minimized.

The effect of long-term control of reflux by fundoplication on aberrant deoxyribonucleic acid methylation in patients with Barrett esophagus

OBJECTIVE

We investigated the relationship between reflux and aberrant deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) methylation, comparing methylation in the columnar epithelium following successful fundoplication to that in subjects with a failed fundoplication.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Gastroesophageal reflux is the main risk factor for Barrett esophagus and adenocarcinoma. In these diseases, there is a high level of DNA methylation.

METHODS

We enrolled 41 patients with Barrett esophagus and a fundoplication at least 5 years earlier for a 24-hour pH study, endoscopy, and collection of biopsies. Biopsies were obtained from 17 Barrett esophagus subjects who had not undergone esophageal surgery.

RESULTS

At the time of the study, 31 subjects were pH normal, 10 abnormal. Columnar biopsies were collected from 21 of the pH normal and 9 pH abnormal subjects, and all no surgery subjects. Complete regression of columnar mucosa was seen in 7 subjects with pH normal and 1 with pH abnormal. The length of Barrett esophagus did not differ between groups preoperatively, but was significantly less at the time of the study in the pH normal compared with pH abnormal or no surgery groups. Significantly, fewer genes were methylated in the pH normal than the pH abnormal or no surgery groups, which did not differ from each other. The number of methylated genes correlated with increased reflux, intestinal metaplasia, and increased columnar-lined esophagus length, but not acid-suppression medication.

CONCLUSIONS

Fundoplication that reduces reflux to normal levels can lead to regression of the columnar mucosa. Reflux is associated with aberrant DNA methylation, and control of reflux reduces deleterious genomic changes associated with cancer.

Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication for gastroesophageal reflux disease: a prospective, randomized trial

BACKGROUND

A prospective, randomized trial was performed to evaluate the long-term outcome and patient satisfaction of laparoscopic complete 360 degrees fundoplication compared with partial posterior 270 degrees fundoplication. Partial fundoplication is purported to have fewer side effects with a higher failure rate in controlling gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), while complete fundoplication is thought to result in more dysphagia and gas-related symptoms.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to either laparoscopic Nissen (LN) or laparoscopic Toupet (LT) fundoplication. Esophageal manometry, 24-h pH studies, a detailed questionnaire, and a visual analog symptom (VAS) score were completed before and after surgery. A final global outcome questionnaire was performed. Failure was defined as recurrent GERD requiring revision surgery, maintenance proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy, or surgery for postoperative dysphagia.

RESULTS

One hundred patients were randomized to LN (50) or LT (50). There were no differences between LN and LT with respect to postoperative symptoms and physiological variables except a higher wrap pressure in the LN group (15.2 vs. 12.0 mmHg). Dysmotility improved in 8/14 (57%) and 6/11 (54%) patients in the LN group and the LT group, respectively, after surgery. There was no correlation between dysmotility and dysphagia both pre- and post surgery in the two groups. Recurrent symptoms of GERD occurred in 8/47 (17.0%) and 8/48 (16.6%) in the LN group and the LT group, respectively. Outcome of patients with dysmotility was similar to those with normal motility in both groups. At final follow-up (59.76 + or - 24.23 months), in the LN group, 33/37 (89.1%) would recommend surgery to others, 32/37 (86.4%) would have repeat surgery, and 34/37 (91.8%) felt they were better off than before surgery. The corresponding numbers for the LT group (follow-up = 55.18 + or - 25.97 months) were 35/36 (97.2%), 30/36 (83.3%), and 33/36 (91.6%).

CONCLUSION

LN and LT are equally effective in restoring the lower esophageal sphincter function and provide similar long-term control of GERD with no difference in dysphagia. Esophageal dysmotility had no influence on the outcome of either operation.