Does retching matter? Reviewing the evidence-Physiology and forces

The impact of delayed gastric emptying as measured by gastric emptying scintigraphy on the outcome of magnetic sphincter augmentation

INTRODUCTION

The impact of delayed gastric emptying (DGE) on the outcome of anti-reflux surgery (ARS) is controversial. There is concern that poor gastric emptying diminishes outcomes. Magnetic sphincter augmentation (MSA) may have a comparatively mild impact on gastric physiology, but the relationship between DGE and MSA outcomes is unknown. This study aims to evaluate the relationship between objective DGE and MSA outcomes over time.

METHODS

Patients who completed gastric emptying scintigraphy (GES) prior to MSA between 2013 and 2021 were included. DGE was defined as a 4 h retention > 10% or half emptying time > 90 min on GES. Outcomes were compared between DGE and normal gastric emptying (NGE) groups at 6 months, 1 and 2 years. Sub-analysis of patients with severe (> 35%) DGE and correlation analysis between 4-h retention and symptom and acid-normalization were performed.

RESULTS

The study population consisted of 26 (19.8%) patients with DGE and 105 with NGE. DGE was associated with more 90-days readmissions (18.5 vs 2.9%, p = 0.009). At 6 months patients with DGE had higher median (IQR) GERD-HRQL total [17.0(10-29) vs 5.5(3-16), p = 0.0013], heartburn [1(1-3) vs 0(0-1), p = 0.0010) and gas-bloat [4(2-5) vs 2(1-3), p = 0.033] scores. Outcomes at 1 and 2 years follow-up were comparable (p > 0.05). From 6 months to 1-year the gas-bloat score decreased from 4(2-5) to 3(1-3), p = 0.041. Total and heartburn scores decreased, but not significantly. Severe DGE (n = 4) patients had lower antiacid medication freedom at 6 months (75 vs 87%, p = 0.014) and 1-year (50 vs 92%, p = 0.046). There were non-significant trends for higher GERD-HRQL scores, dissatisfaction, and removal rates in severe DGE at 6 months and 1-year. There was a weak correlation between 4-h retention and 6-month GERD-HRQL total score [R = 0.253, 95%CI (0.09-0.41), p = 0.039], but not acid-normalization (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Outcomes after MSA are diminished early on in patients with mild-to-moderate DGE, but comparable by 1 year and durable at 2 years. Severe DGE outcomes may be suboptimal.

Outcome a decade after laparoscopic and open Nissen fundoplication in children: results from a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing long-term outcome after laparoscopic (LF) and open fundoplication (OF) in children are lacking. Here we report recurrence rates and time to recurrence, frequency of re-interventions, use of antisecretory drugs, gastrointestinal symptoms, and patient/parental satisfaction a decade after children were randomized to LF or OF.

METHODS

Cross-sectional long-term follow-up study of a two-center RCT that included patients during 2003-2009. Patients/parents were interviewed and medical charts reviewed for any events that might be related to the fundoplication. If suspicion of recurrence, further diagnostics were performed. Informed consent and ethical approval were obtained.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov: NCT01551134.

RESULTS

Eighty-eight children, 56 (64%) boys, were randomized (LF 44, OF 44) at median 4.4 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.0-8.9] years. 46 (52%) had neurological impairment. Three were lost to follow-up before first scheduled control. Recurrence was significantly more frequent after LF (24/43, 56%) than after OF (13/42, 31%, p = 0.004). Median time to recurrence was 1.0 [IQR 0.3-2.2] and 5.1 [IQR 1.5-9.3] years after LF and OF, respectively. Eight (19%) underwent redo fundoplication after LF and three (7%) after OF (p = 0.094). Seventy patients/parents were interviewed median 11.9 [IQR 9.9-12.8] years postoperatively. Among these, use of anti-secretory drugs was significantly decreased from preoperatively after both LF (94% vs. 35%, p < 0.001) and OF (97% vs. 19%, p < 0.001). Regurgitation/vomiting were observed in 6% after LF and 3% after OF (p = 0.609), and heartburn in 14% after LF and 17% after OF (p = 1.000). Overall opinion of the surgical scars was good in both groups (LF: 95%, OF: 86%, p = 0.610). Patient/parental satisfaction with outcome was high, independent of surgical approach (LF: 81%, OF: 88%, p = 0.500).

CONCLUSIONS

The recurrence rate was higher and recurrence occurred earlier after LF than after OF. Patient/parental satisfaction with outcome after both LF and OF was equally high.

Long-term outcomes following failure of Nissen fundoplication

PURPOSE

To determine the management and outcomes of patients with gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) that requires further intervention following failure of Nissen fundoplication (NF).

METHODS

After institutional audit department approval, a retrospective review of paediatric patients who had further intervention following failure of primary NF between January 2006 and December 2015 for GOR at our centre was performed. Data are presented as median (range).

RESULTS

Of 820 patients who underwent NF, 190 (23%) received further procedures for GOR management at a median of 21 months of age (6-186); 90/190 (47%) had gastro-jejunal feeding (GJ). Of these, 67 (74%) remained on GJ feeds up to a median of 48 months and 23/90 (26%) had a second NF after GJ feeding. 97/190 (51%) had a redo fundoplication without having had a GJ; thus, 120/190 (63%) of patients having a further procedure went on to have a second NF after a median period of 15 months (1-70 months). Three patients (2%) had early emergency wrap revision 4 days after first fundoplication (we classed this as an 'early complication'). Of the seven patients who failed a 3rd NF, 4 continued GJ feeding, 2 of had oesophagogastric dissociation; 2 had 4th NF of which 1 was successful and 1 patient had gastric pacemaker and is successfully feeding orally. Patients who were finally successfully managed with GJ underwent 2 (2-5) tube changes/year. We found patients who had a previous GJ were more likely to have failure of the redo fundoplication than those who had not to have the GJ (16/24 vs. 30/90, p = 0.005).

CONCLUSION

The chance of success decreases with every further attempt at fundoplication. The only factor significantly associated with failure of redo fundoplication was whether the patient previously had a GJ tube. In patients with failed fundoplications, when symptom free on jejunal feedings, further anti-reflux surgical intervention should be avoided. A randomized prospective study is needed for patient selection.

Postfundoplication retching: Strategies for management

BACKGROUND

Retching is a common symptom in children following antireflux surgery, particularly in those with neurodisability. There is now a strong body of evidence that implicates retching as a major cause of wrap breakdown. Retching is not a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease; it is a component of the emetic reflex. In addition to causing wrap breakdown, it is indicative of the presence of nausea. It is a highly aversive experience and warrants treatment in its own right.

METHODS

A framework was constructed for the management of postoperative retching, with strategies targeting different components of the emetic reflex. The impact of differing antireflux procedures upon retching was also considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Once treatable underlying causes have been excluded, the approach includes modifications to feeds and feeding regimens, antiemetics and motility agents. Neuromodulation and other, novel, therapies may prove beneficial in future. Children at risk of postoperative retching may be identified before any antireflux surgery is performed. Fundoplication is inappropriate in these children because it does not treat their symptoms, which are not because of gastroesophageal reflux, and may make them worse. They are also at risk of wrap disruption. Alternative strategies for symptom management should be employed, and fundoplication should be avoided.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

II-V.