Efficacy of laparoscopic antireflux surgery in patients with Barrett's esophagus

FAILURE AFTER FUNDOPLICATION: RE-FUNDOPLICATION? IS THERE A ROOM FOR GASTRECTOMY? IN WHICH CLINICAL SCENARIES?

Background:

Re-fundoplication is the most often procedure performed after failed fundoplication, but re-failure is even higher.

Aim:

The objectives are: a) to discuss the results of fundoplication and re-fundoplication in these cases, and b) to analyze in which clinical situation there is a room for gastrectomy after failed fundoplication.

Method:

This experience includes 104 patients submitted to re-fundoplication after failure of the initial operation, 50 cases of long segment Barrett´s esophagus and 60 patients with morbid obesity, comparing the postoperative outcome in terms of clinical, endoscopic, manometric and 24h pH monitoring results.

Results:

In patients with failure after initial fundoplication, redo-fundoplication shows the worst clinical results (symptoms, endoscopic esophagitis, manometry and 24 h pH monitoring). In patients with long segment Barrett´s esophagus, better results were observed after fundoplication plus Roux-en-Y distal gastrectomy and in obese patients similar results regarding symptoms, endoscopic esophagitis and 24h pH monitoring were observed after both fundoplication plus distal gastrectomy or laparoscopic resectional gastric bypass, while regarding manometry, normal LES pressure was observed only after fundoplication plus distal gastrectomy.

Conclusion:

Distal gastrectomy is recommended for patients with failure after initial fundoplication, patients with long segment Barrett´s esophagus and obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett´s esophagus. Despite its higher morbidity, this procedure represents an important addition to the surgical armamentarium.

Antireflux Surgery and Barrett's Esophagus: Myth or Reality?

BACKGROUND

It may seem questionable if antireflux surgery still has a role in the management of patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) in the current era when antireflux surgery is facing a steady decline, obesity is increasing, pharmacologic treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is in its splendor, and endoscopic techniques are used more frequently. It is questionable if patients with BE should be operated to stop GERD and to prevent cancer. The aim of this study was to determine the role of antireflux surgery in patients with BE.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

The role of antireflux operations is, in fact, very controversial and neglected. BE is a different phenotype of GERD with a distinct pathophysiology linked to severe reflux of bile and acid, due to a marked anatomic disruption of the gastroesophageal barrier. Published series show that a fundoplication adequately controls GERD and symptoms in BE patients. A fundoplication (or even better a bile diversion antireflux procedure) may prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, a fundoplication efficiently controls GERD and symptoms in BE patients. A fundoplication (or even better a bile diversion procedure) may also prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma.

Long-term Efficacy of Laparoscopic Antireflux Surgery on Regression of Barrett's Esophagus Using BRAVO Wireless pH Monitoring: A Prospective Clinical Cohort Study

OBJECTIVE

To assess the long-term efficacy of antireflux surgery on Barrett's esophagus (BE) using BRAVO wireless pH monitoring.

BACKGROUND

BE is associated with chronic gastroesophageal reflux and esophageal cancer. Till date, studies have failed to demonstrate that preventing gastroesophageal reflux with antireflux surgery halts the progression of BE, often because of difficulties in objectively proving an effective antireflux barrier.

METHODS

Since 1991, all patients undergoing antireflux surgery across 2 hospital sites have been followed in a prospective database. Patients with BE and at least 5 years follow up after antireflux surgery were identified. All patients completed a clinical outcome questionnaire and underwent endoscopic assessment and histological evaluation of their BE. Fourty-eight hours pH monitoring was then performed with the wireless BRAVO system.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients (40 males:10 females) were included in the study, with an average follow up of 11.9 years. Approximately, 92% (46/50) reported their outcome of surgery as "excellent" or "good" and 86% (43/50) reported "none" or "mild" symptoms. Histological regression of BE was seen in 41% (20/49). Lower esophageal acid exposure (percentage time pH < 4) was significantly greater in those with no pathological regression (P = 0.008). Moreover, 64% (32/50) showed endoscopic reduction in the length of BE. Acid exposure was also significantly less in the group showing endoscopic reduction of BE (%time pH < 4, 0.2 vs 3.6, P = 0.007).

CONCLUSIONS

Antireflux surgery is safe and effective in patients with Barrett's esophagus. An intact fundoplication, as assessed with BRAVO wireless pH monitoring, suggests that antireflux surgery may halt the progression of Barrett's esophagus, and this might reduce the risk of cancer development.

Surgical treatments for esophageal cancers

The following, from the 12th OESO World Conference: Cancers of the Esophagus, includes commentaries on the role of the nurse in preparation of esophageal resection (ER); the management of patients who develop high-grade dysplasia after having undergone Nissen fundoplication; the trajectory of care for the patient with esophageal cancer; the influence of the site of tumor in the choice of treatment; the best location for esophagogastrostomy; management of chylous leak after esophagectomy; the optimal approach to manage thoracic esophageal leak after esophagectomy; the choice for operational approach in surgery of cardioesophageal crossing; the advantages of robot esophagectomy; the place of open esophagectomy; the advantages of esophagectomy compared to definitive chemoradiotherapy; the pathologist report in the resected specimen; the best way to manage patients with unsuspected positive microscopic margin after ER; enhanced recovery after surgery for ER: expedited care protocols; and long-term quality of life in patients following esophagectomy.

Acid suppression and surgical therapy for Barrett's oesophagus

Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease is a common medical problem in developed countries, and is a risk factor for the development of Barrett's oesophagus and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Both proton pump inhibitor therapy and antireflux surgery are effective at controlling endoscopic signs and symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux in patients with Barrett's oesophagus, but often fail to eliminate pathological oesophageal acid exposure. The current available studies strongly suggest that acid suppressive therapy, both pharmacological as well as surgical acid suppression, can reduce the risk the development and progression in patients with Barrett's oesophagus, but are not capable of complete prevention. No significant differences have been found between pharmacological and surgical therapy. For clinical practice, patients should be prescribed a proton pump inhibitor once daily as maintenance therapy, with the dose guided by symptoms. Antireflux surgery can be a good alternative to proton pump inhibitor therapy, but should be primarily offered to patients with symptomatic reflux, and not to asymptomatic patients with the rationale to protect against cancer.

Incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in Barrett's esophagus with low-grade dysplasia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The natural history of low-grade dysplasia (LGD) in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is unclear.

OBJECTIVE

We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of studies that reported the incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) and/or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) among patients with BE with LGD.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies.

PATIENTS

Patients with BE-LGD, with mean cohort follow-up ≥ 2 years.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Pooled incidence rates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) of EAC and/or BE-HGD.

RESULTS

We identified 24 studies reporting on 2694 patients with BE-LGD, with 119 cases of EAC. Pooled annual incidence rates of EAC alone and EAC and/or HGD in patients with BE-LGD were 0.54% (95% CI, 0.32-0.76; 24 studies) and 1.73% (95% CI, 0.99-2.47; 17 studies). The results were stable across study setting and location and in high-quality studies. Substantial heterogeneity was observed, which could be explained by stratifying based on LGD/BE ratio as a surrogate for quality of pathology; the pooled annual incidence rates of EAC were 0.76% (95% CI, 0.44-1.09; 14 studies) for LGD/BE ratio <0.15 and 0.32% (95% CI, 0.07-0.58; 10 studies) for LGD/BE ratio >0.15. The annual rate of mortality not related to esophageal disease in patients with BE-LGD was 4.7% (95% CI, 3.2-6.2; 4 studies).

LIMITATIONS

Substantial heterogeneity was observed in the overall analysis.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of EAC among patients with BE-LGD is 0.54% annually. The LGD/BE ratio appears to explain the variation observed in the reported incidence of EAC in different cohorts. Conditions not related to esophageal disease are a major cause of mortality in patients with BE-LGD, although additional studies are warranted.

Laparoscopic treatment of obese patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus: a prospective study

BACKGROUND

Short-segment Barrett's esophagus (SSBE) or long-segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE) is the consequence of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which is frequently associated with obesity. Obesity is a significant risk factor for the development of GERD symptoms, erosive esophagitis, Barrett's esophagus, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. Morbidly obese patients who submitted to gastric bypass have an incidence of GERD as high as 50% to 100% and Barrett's esophagus reaches up to 9% of patients.

METHODS

In this prospective study, we evaluate the postoperative results after three different procedures--calibrated fundoplication + posterior gastropexy (CFPG), fundoplication + vagotomy + distal gastrectomy + Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy (FVDGRYGJ), and laparoscopic resectional Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRRYGBP)--among obese patients.

RESULTS

In patients with SSBE who submitted to CFPG, the persistence of reflux symptoms and endoscopic erosive esophagitis was observed in 15% and 20.2% of them, respectively. Patients with LSBE were submitted to FVDGRYGJ or LRRYGBP which significantly improved their symptoms and erosive esophagitis. No modifications of LESP were observed in patients who submitted to LRRYGBP before or after the operation. Acid reflux diminished after the three types of surgery were employed. Patients who submitted to LRRYGBP presented a significant reduction of BMI from 41.5 ± 4.3 to 25.7 ± 1.3 kg/m(2) after 12 months.

CONCLUSIONS

Among patients with LSBE, FVDGRYGJ presents very good results in terms of improving GERD and Barrett's esophagus, but the reduction of weight is limited. LRRYGBP improves GERD disease and Barrett's esophagus with proven reduction in body weight and BMI, thus becoming the procedure of choice for obese patients.

The effects of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication on Barrett's esophagus: long-term results

OBJECTIVE

The aim of our study was to conduct a retrospective investigation of the efficacy of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication in patients with Barrett's esophagus.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A total of 78 patients with Barrett's esophagus underwent surgery. Patients were divided into three groups on the basis of the preoperative endoscopic biopsies: a non-intestinal group (n = 63) with fundic or cardiac metaplasia, an intestinal group (n = 18) with intestinal metaplasia, and a dysplastic group (n = 7) with low-grade dysplasia. Clinical follow-up was available in the case of 64 patients at a mean of 42 ± 16.9 months after surgery.

RESULTS

Check-up examination revealed total regression of Barrett's metaplasia in 10 patients. Partial regression was seen in 9 cases, no further progression in 34 patients, and progression into cardiac or intestinal metaplasia in 11 patients. No cases of dysplastic or malignant transformation were registered. Where we observed the regression of BE, among the postoperative functional examinations results of manometry (pressure of lower esophageal sphincter) and pH-metry were significantly better compared with those groups where no changes occurred in BE, or progression of BE was found. Discussion. Our results highlight the importance of the cases of fundic and cardiac metaplasia, which can also transform into intestinal metaplasia.

CONCLUSIONS

Antireflux surgery can appropriately control the reflux disease in a majority of the patients who had unsuccessful medical treatment, and it may inhibit the progression and induce the regression of Barrett's metaplasia in a significant proportion of these patients.

Barrett's esophagus: surgical treatments

The following on surgical treatments for Barrett's esophagus includes commentaries on the indications for antireflux surgery after medical treatment; the effects of the various procedures on the lower esophageal sphincter; the role of impaired esophageal motility and delayed gastric emptying in the choice of the surgical procedure; indications for associated highly selective vagotomy, duodenal switch, and gastric electrical stimulation; therapeutic strategies for detection and treatment of shortened esophagus; the role of antireflux surgery on the regression of metaplastic mucosa and the risk of malignant progression; the detection of asymptomatic reflux brfore bariatric surgery; the role of non-GERD symptoms on the results of surgery; and the indications of Collis gastroplasty and choice of the type of fundoplication.

Role of acid suppression in the development and progression of dysplasia in patients with Barrett's esophagus

Barrett's esophagus (BE) usually develops in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and therefore it has been suggested that esophageal acid exposure plays an import role in the initiation of BE and its progression towards esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The mechanisms whereby acid exposure causes BE are not completely revealed and the potential role of esophageal acid exposure in carcinogenesis is unclear as well. Since acid exposure is thought to play an important role in the progression of BE, therapies aimed at preventing the development of EAC have primarily focused on pharmacological and surgical acid suppression. In clinical practice, acid suppression is effective in relieving reflux symptoms and decreases esophageal acid exposure in most patients. However, in some individuals, pathological acid exposure persists and these patients continue to be at risk for developing dysplasia or EAC. To date, published trials suggest that acid suppression is able to prevent the development and progression of dysplasia in patients with BE, but definite and compelling proof is still lacking. This article reviews the mechanisms of acid-induced carcinogenesis in BE and the role of acid suppression in the prevention of neoplastic progression.

Effect of medical and surgical treatment of Barrett’s metaplasia

Barrett’s esophagus (BE) is a change in the esophageal mucosa as a result of long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease. The importance of BE is that it is the main risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, whose incidence is currently growing faster than any other cancer in the Western world. The aim of this review was to compare the common treatment modalities of BE, with the focus on proton pump inhibitors and operative fundoplication. We performed a literature search on medical and surgical treatment of BE to determine eligible studies for this review. Studies on medical and surgical treatment of BE are discussed with regard to treatment effect on progression and regression of disease. Although there is some evidence for control of reflux with either medical or surgical therapy, there is no definitive evidence that either treatment modality decreases the risk of progression to dysplasia or cancer. Even though there is a trend toward antireflux surgery being superior, there are no definitive studies to prove this.

The accordion severity grading system of surgical complications

BACKGROUND

A severity grading system is essential to reporting surgical complications. In 1992, we presented such a system (T92). Its use and that of systems derived from it have increased exponentially. Our purpose was to determine how well T92 and its modifications have functioned as a severity grading system and to develop an improved system for reporting complications.

METHODS

129 articles were studied in detail. Twenty variables were searched for in each article with particular emphasis on type of study, substitution of qualitative terms for grades, grade compression, and cut-points if grade compression was used. We also determined relative distribution of complications and manner of presentation of complications.

RESULTS

T92 and derivative classifications have received wide use in surgical studies ranging from small studies with few complications to large studies of complex operations that describe many complications. There is a strong tendency to contract classifications and to substitute terms with self evident meaning for the numerical grades. Complications are presented in a large variety of tabular forms some of which are much easier to follow than others.

CONCLUSIONS

Current methods for reporting the severity of complications incompletely fulfill the needs of authors of surgical studies. A new system-the Accordion Severity Grading System-is presented. The Accordion system can be used more readily for small as well as large studies. It introduces standard definition of simple quantitative terms and presents a standard tabular reporting system. This system should bring the field closer to a common severity grading method for surgical complications.

Medical or surgical management of GERD patients with Barrett's esophagus: the LOTUS trial 3-year experience

INTRODUCTION

The long-term management of gastroesophageal reflux in patients with Barrett's esophagus (BE) is not well supported by an evidence-based consensus. We compare treatment outcome in patients with and without BE submitted to standardized laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) or esomeprazole treatment.

METHODS

In the Long-Term Usage of Acid Suppression Versus Antireflux Surgery trial (a European multicenter randomized study), LARS was compared with dose-adjusted esomeprazole (20-40 mg daily). Operative difficulty, complications, symptom outcomes [Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS) and Quality of Life in Reflux and Dyspepsia (QOLRAD)], and treatment failure at 3 years and pH testing (after 6 months) are reported.

RESULTS

Of 554 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease, 60 had BE-28 randomized to esomeprazole and 32 to LARS. Very few BE patients on either treatment strategy (four of 60) experienced treatment failure during the 3-year follow-up. Esophageal pH in BE patients was significantly better controlled after surgical treatment than after esomeprazole (p = 0.002), although mean GSRS and QOLRAD scores were similar for the two therapies at baseline and at 3 years. Although operative difficulty was slightly greater in patients with BE than those without, there was no difference in postoperative complications or level of symptomatic reflux control.

CONCLUSION

In a well-controlled surgical environment, the success of LARS is similar in patients with or without BE and matches optimized medical therapy.

Effect of Roux-en-Y surgery and medical intervention on Barrett's-type changes: an in vivo model

In animal models, mixed acid and bile reflux into lower esophagus induces histological changes comparable to Barrett's metaplasia (BM) and neoplasia. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of Roux-en-Y (REY) surgery and medical therapy on BM in animals before the development of neoplasia. Vagus preserving esophagojejunostomy operation was performed on Sprague-Dawley rats to achieve gastroduodenal reflux (GDR) into the esophagus in 30 animals. After 3 months, changes were reversed in 10 animals (Group REY) by REY operation, 10 animals (Group proton pump inhibitor [PPI]) were given PPI during the postoperative period, and 10 animals (Group GDR) did not have further intervention. At 4 months, histological examination of the lower esophagus was performed by an experienced pathologist. Physiological parameters were also analyzed in all animals preoperatively and at 4 months postoperatively. The length of columnar mucosa, degree of acute inflammation, degree of metaplasia, and composite BM score were significantly reduced by REY surgery compared with medical therapy and with control (columnar mucosa in cm [mean +/- standard error of the mean] Group REY 0.44 +/- 0.06, Group PPI 0.92 +/- 0.08, P < 0.001/Group GDR 1.17 +/- 0.31, P < 0.03). There was no neoplasia seen in any specimen. At 4 months, postoperatively controls Group REY surgery showed significantly more normalization of physiological parameters to preoperative levels than Group PPI (P < 0.05). REY surgery is potentially more beneficial than medical therapy in reversing the histological and biochemical changes of Barrett's esophagus due to GDR.

Is esophageal adenocarcinoma occurring late after antireflux surgery due to persistent postoperative reflux?

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux is the main risk factor for esophageal adenocarcinoma, but there is no strong support for a protective effect of antireflux surgery. We tested the hypothesis that esophageal adenocarcinoma that develops with long latency after antireflux surgery might be due to persistent postoperative reflux.

METHODS

A nationwide population-based case-control study in collaboration with 195 relevant Swedish hospital departments and tumor registries during the study period 1995-1997. Frequency-matched control persons were randomly selected from the population register. All study participants were personally interviewed regarding background data, exposures, symptoms, conditions, diseases, surgery, and medications. Differences between cases and controls in the occurrence of daily, long-standing antireflux medication 5 years or later after antireflux surgery were estimated using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

One hundred and eighty-nine out of 216 (88%) eligible cases of esophageal adenocarcinoma and 820 of 1,128 (73%) controls were prospectively enrolled. Seven (3.7%) patients and 8 controls had undergone antireflux surgery at least 5 years before the interview. All 7 case patients had Barrett's mucosa. Four of the case patients had used postoperative antireflux medications continuously (mean duration 10.2 years), while none of the control persons reported such use (P = 0.026). There was no difference in mean body mass index between patients with and without postoperative reflux (P = 0.81). No differences between the patients and controls were found regarding age, sex, body mass index, or tobacco smoking status.

CONCLUSIONS

Esophageal adenocarcinoma occurring late after antireflux surgery might at least partly be due to persistent postoperative reflux. Further research is required to establish the role of antireflux surgery in the etiology of this tumor.

The effect of antireflux surgery on esophageal carcinogenesis in patients with barrett esophagus: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether patients with Barrett esophagus who undergo antireflux surgery differ from medically treated patients in incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma and probability of disease regression/progression.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA

Barrett esophagus is a risk factor for the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma. A question exists as to whether antireflux surgery reduces this risk.

METHODS

Query of PubMed (1966 through October 2005) using predetermined search terms revealed 2011 abstracts, of which 100 full-text articles were reviewed. Twenty-five articles met selection criteria. A review of article references and consultation with experts revealed additional articles for inclusion. Studies that enrolled adults with biopsy-proven Barrett esophagus, specified treatment-type rendered, followed up patients with endoscopic biopsies no less than12 months of instituting therapy, and provided adequate extractable data. The incidence of adenocarcinoma and the proportion of patients developing progression or regression of Barrett esophagus and/or dysplasia were extracted.

RESULTS

In surgical and medical groups, 700 and 996 patients were followed for a total of 2939 and 3711 patient-years, respectively. The incidence rate of esophageal adenocarcinoma was 2.8 (95% confidence interval, 1.2-5.3) per 1000 patient-years among surgically treated patients and 6.3 (3.6-10.1) among medically treated patients (P = 0.034). Heterogeneity in incidence rates in surgically treated patients was observed between controlled studies and case series (P = 0.014). Among controlled studies, incidence rates were 4.8 (1.7-11.1) and 6.5 (2.6-13.8) per 1000 patient-years in surgical and medical patients, respectively (P = 0.320). Probability of progression was 2.9% (1.2-5.5) in surgical patients and 6.8% (2.6-12.1) in medical patients (P = 0.054). Probability of regression was 15.4% (6.1-31.4) in surgical patients and 1.9% (0.4-7.3) in medical patients (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Antireflux surgery is associated with regression of Barrett esophagus and/or dysplasia. However, evidence suggesting that surgery reduces the incidence of adenocarcinoma is largely driven by uncontrolled studies.

Normalization of intestinal metaplasia in the esophagus and esophagogastric junction: incidence and clinical data

BACKGROUND

Attention has focused on whether normalization, regression, and development of dysplasia and cancer in specialized intestinal metaplasia (SIM) differ among long-segment Barrett's esophagus (LSBE), short-segment BE (SSBE), and esophagogastric junction SIM (EGJSIM). We prospectively followed a cohort of SIM patients receiving long-term antisecretory medications to determine: (a) histologic normalization (no evidence of SIM on biopsy), (b) change in SIM length, (c) incidence of dysplasia and cancer, and (d) factors associated with normalization.

METHODS

One hundred forty-eight patients with SIM were identified in our original cohort. Of these, 60.5% (23/38) LSBE, 69.8% (44/63) SSBE, and 72.3% (34/47) EGJSIM patients underwent repeat surveillance over a mean 44.4 +/- 9.7 months. Demographic, clinical, and endoscopic data were obtained.

RESULTS

(a) With long-term, antisecretory therapy, normalization occurred in 0/23 LSBE, 30% (13/44) of SSBE, and 68% (23/34) of EGJSIM (P < 0.001). (b) Normalization was more likely with EGJSIM (odds ratio [OR] 6.7, CI 2.3-19.3, P= 0.005), female gender (OR 7.3, CI 2.3-23.1, P= 0.001), or absence of hiatal hernia (OR 2.9, CI 1.02-8.06, P= 0.002). (c) A significant decrease in mean SIM length was noted for the entire population (2.5 +/- 0.3 to 2.13 +/- 0.3 cm, P= 0.004). (d) Follow-up incidence of dysplasia and cancer was 26.1% (3 indefinite, 2 low-grade dysplasia [LGD], 1 cancer) for LSBE, 6.8% (2 indefinite, 1 LGD) for SSBE, and none for EGJSIM (P < 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

(a) Normalization of SIM occurs most frequently in EGJSIM>SSBE>LSBE. (b) Factors associated with normalization favor less severe GER and shorter segments of SIM. (c) Surveillance of LSBE results in the greatest yield for identifying dysplasia and cancer.

Laparoscopic treatment of Barrett's esophagus: long-term results

BACKGROUND

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is considered the main etiologic process in the metaplastic development of Barrett's esophagus (BE). The most serious complication of BE is the possible dysplastic evolution to esophageal carcinoma. Many treatments have been described to prevent the progression of BE. The outcomes of these interventions are controversial. The aim of this study was to assess whether laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD had an impact on the development of BE.

METHODS

Prospective data were collected from patients who were treated with a laparoscopic fundoplication for BE. Data was collected and analyzed for a variety of clinical and pathologic outcomes.

RESULTS

Laparoscopic fundoplications were completed between 1993 and 2001, with a total sample size of 92 (mean age 53 +/- 11.8 years). Each patient was diagnosed with GERD associated with BE confirmed by both endoscopy and biopsy. A laparoscopic fundoplication was performed in all patients (360 degree fundoplication in 81 patients and partial fundoplication in 11 patients). There was no postoperative mortality or major complications from the procedure. The mean postoperative stay was 3 +/- 1 days. Seventy patients (76% of the overall sample size) were followed up for a mean 4.2 +/- 2.6 years. Of the patients available for follow-up, 33% (n = 23) had a complete regression of their BE; 21% (n = 15) had a decrease in the degree of metaplasia/dysplasia; 39% (n = 27) had no significant change; and 7% (n = 5) experienced a progression of the BE. Five patients required further procedures for three reasons: (1) GERD recurrence (n = 2), (2) progression of BE (n = 2), and (3) intrathoracic migration (n = 1). No patients developed high-grade dysplasia or esophageal carcinoma.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of this study suggest that laparoscopic fundoplication offers a safe and effective long-term treatment for BE. The procedure also demonstrated regression of BE in more than 50% of the sample size.

Optimization of outcome after laparoscopic antireflux surgery

Laparoscopic fundoplication has emerged as an effective treatment for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. The majority of patients who have undergone antireflux surgery report an improvement in reflux symptoms and in quality of life. However, some patients are dissatisfied with the outcome of antireflux surgery, and attempts have been made by surgeons to improve the results of this surgery. Careful case selection based on objective evidence of acid reflux, refinement of the surgical technique and 'tailoring' the wrap to suit the patient by selective use of a partial fundoplication may help to optimize the outcome from laparoscopic antireflux surgery.

Endobrachyœsophage : place de la chirurgie antireflux

The aim of this study was to review the literature about the effect of antireflux surgery on the metaplasia-dysplasia-adenocarcinoma sequence in patients with Barrett's oesophagus. Antireflux operations (by laparotomy or laparoscopy) can alter the natural history of Barrett's oesophagus, allowing disease stabilization in a substantial proportion of patients without high grade dysplasia at time of surgery. It also may induce complete or partial regression of Barrett's epithelium, especially for short segment of Barrett's oesophagus, but in unpredictable manner. While regression of low-grade dysplasia is commonly observed, histologic progression is rarely observed after effective antireflux surgery. However, ineffective antireflux surgery expose to histologic progression to high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinoma. These data support the need for a long-term clinical, endoscopic, and histologic follow-up program after antireflux surgery in patients with Barrett's oesophagus.

Technical Controversies in Fundoplication Surgery

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common health problem affecting more than 50% of the population. For those who experience more than occasional symptoms, GERD has a profound effect on their quality of life. With the advent of laparoscopic surgery, fundoplication has been used to treat GERD. Fundoplication also is used in the surgical management of paraesophageal hernias. Technical controversies are addressed in this article, including open versus laparoscopic approaches, the choice of complete (360 degres) or partial fundoplication, whether or not a gastroplasty is required, and the use of prosthetic materials in crural repair.

Barrett metaplasia: reassessment of treatment and follow-up

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma continues to rise in the Western world, with a mean 5-year survival of less than 20%. There has therefore been increasing interest in the precursor lesion, Barrett's esophagus. However, adenocarcinoma will not develop in most patients with Barrett's esophagus. This review summarizes the data on the management of Barrett's esophagus that have been published since January 2003.

RECENT FINDINGS

The control of reflux symptoms significantly improves quality of life, and surgical antireflux therapy may gradually cause regression of the Barrett segment compared with proton pump inhibitor therapy. The data substantiate the claim that the cancer risk in Barrett esophagus is lower than had hitherto been suggested. The risk factors for progression include increasing age and length of segment, macroscopic inflammatory changes, loss of heterozygosity over several genetic loci, and increased proliferation status. The extent of high-grade dysplasia may not accurately predict cancer development, and continued surveillance, rather than intervention, for such patients may decrease the chances of curative treatment. Long-term follow-up data are beginning to accumulate for nonsurgical treatment strategies. Chemoprevention trials are under way to evaluate the role of acid suppression and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and their derivatives.

SUMMARY

At this time, endoscopic surveillance and surgical management remain the mainstay, but continued research efforts should enable risk stratification and cancer prevention in the future.

Managing gastroesophageal reflux disease for the lifetime of the patient: evaluating the long-term options

Lifetime management goals of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are to control esophageal as well as extraesophageal symptoms, maintain a stable noninflamed esophageal mucosa, and prevent complications. Large randomized clinical trials and >16 years of worldwide experience have confirmed the high rate of efficacy and excellent safety profile of proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy in individuals with all grades of GERD, making these agents the mainstay of treatment. Despite these outcomes, some individuals may desire an alternative to pharmacologic therapy. In such patients, laparoscopic fundoplication may produce symptom relief and healing of esophagitis, but its invasiveness, cost, and inherent surgical risks have created an interest in a variety of endoscopic therapies for reflux disease. Several short-term uncontrolled trials of these endoscopic therapies have reported encouraging preliminary results; however, careful patient selection as well as clinician experience is critical for their success. In addition to clinician expertise with the procedure, success has been observed only in patients with nonerosive GERD and a hiatal hernia <3 cm, abnormal pH monitoring, and normal esophageal motility studies, as well as in those who have experienced at least partial symptom relief with PPI therapy. Endoscopic therapy should not be considered the standard of care in patients with erosive disease or large hiatal hernias.

Outpatient breast biopsy

Background/Aim:

Laparoscopic fundoplication can alter the natural course of Barrett’s esophagus (BE). This study was undertaken to assess this role in patients with non-complicated BE.

Materials and Methods:

From October 2004 to October 2009, 43 patients with BE (32 men and 11 women) underwent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication surgery in the Department of Surgery at Minia University Hospital. The median age of these patients was 46 years (range: 22–68 years). Patients with high-grade dysplasia, invasive cancer, or previous antireflux surgery were excluded. All 43 patients had gastroesophageal reflux symptoms. Heartburn was present in all patients, regurgitation in 41 (95.3%), dysphagia in 8 (18.6%), retrosternal pain in 30 (69.8%), upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 6 (13.9%), and respiratory symptoms in 19 (44.2%). Nissen fundoplication was performed in all patients. Thirty-four patients (79.1%) had concomitant hiatal hernia and nine patients (20.9%) had low-grade dysplasia.

Results:

The median follow-up period was 25.6 months. There was significant improvement of symptoms after surgery (P <0.05). Eight (18.6%) of those with short-segment BE had total regression and four (9.3%) of those with long-segment BE had a decrease in total length. Among the nine patients with preoperative low-grade dysplasia, dysplasia disappeared in seven, remained unchanged in one, and progressed to in situ adenocarcinoma in one patient.

Conclusions:

laparoscopic fundoplication succeeded in controlling symptoms but had unpredictable effect on dysplasia and regression of BE. Laparoscopic fundoplication does not eliminate the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma and therefore, endoscopic follow-up should be continued in these patients.