Primary bile reflux gastritis: diagnosis and surgical treatment

Duodenogastric reflux in health and disease: insights from a computational fluid dynamics model of the stomach

The stomach is responsible for physically and chemically processing the ingested meal before controlled emptying into the duodenum through the pyloric sphincter. An incompetent pylorus allows reflux from the duodenum back into the stomach, and if the amount of reflux is large enough, it could alter the low-pH environment of the stomach and erode the mucosal lining of the lumen. In some cases, the regurgitated contents can also reach the esophagus, leading to additional complications. In this work, "StomachSim", an in silico model of the fluid dynamics of the stomach, is used to study the mechanism of duodenogastric reflux. The effects of variations in food properties and motility disorders on reflux are investigated. The simulations show that the primary driver of reflux is the relaxation of the antrum after a stomach contraction terminates near the pylorus. The region of the stomach walls exposed to the regurgitated contents depends significantly on the density of the stomach contents. For stomach contents of higher viscosity, the increased pressure required to maintain gastric emptying reduces the amount of duodenogastric reflux. Concomitant stomach motility disorders that weaken the relaxation of the walls also affect the amount of reflux. The study illustrates the utility of in silico models in analyzing the factors at play in gastrointestinal diseases.NEW & NOTEWORTHY An in silico model of the stomach is presented to study the phenomenon of duodenogastric reflux. We use the model to investigate the role of pyloric incompetence, food properties, and gastroparesis on reflux. This first-ever in silico study of duodenogastric reflux provides new insights into the mechanisms and factors implicated in this reflux and the sequelae of conditions that result from the exposure of the stomach lumen to bile.

Comparative Study of Pyloromyotomy and H-M Pyloroplasty in Proximal Gastrectomy for Adenocarcinoma of Esophageal-Gastric Junction

INTRODUCTION

The incidence of adenocarcinoma of esophageal-gastric junction (AEJ) has been increasing in recent years. Esophagogastrostomy after proximal gastrectomy (PG-EG) is the most commonly used surgical method for this disease which causes a constant spasm of the pyloric sphincter by cutting the vagus nerve around the esophagus, so H-M pyloroplasty (Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty) is often operated after PG-EG to prevent delayed gastric emptying. However, H-M pyloroplasty destroys anti-reflux structure of pylorus and leads to serious bile reflux. The present study was designed to compare pyloromyotomy and H-M pyloroplasty in proximal subtotal gastrectomy through clinical studies and animal experiments.

METHODS

We retrospectively evaluated the outcomes of 73 AEJ patients (39 underwent PG-EG with an H-M pyloroplasty and 34 underwent PG-EG with a pyloromyotomy) between January 2016 and August 2020, and perioperative variables were compared. In the animal experiment, 48 rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 12): vagotomy group (V group), H-M pyloroplasty group (HM group), pyloromyotomy group (PM group), and control group (O group). Gastric emptying and bile reflux were evaluated in each group.

RESULTS

In the retrospective clinic study, pyloromyotomy and H-M pyloroplasty could all prevent delayed gastric emptying effectively, and the incidence of bile reflux found by electronic gastroscopy in the PM group was significantly lower than that in the HM group (HM, 14/39; PM, 4/34; P = 0.028). In the animal experiment, there was no significant between-group difference of gastric emptying rate (%) in the HM group and PM group (HM, 70.6 ± 16; PM, 72.3 ± 12; P = 0.68) while the gastric emptying rate (%) was significantly lower in the V group than in the HM, PM, and control group (P values were 0.037, 0.021, and 0.001 respectively). The gastric mucosa bile acid concentration was significantly higher in the HM group than other group (P values were all less than 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The pyloromyotomy could prevent delayed gastric emptying effectively after PG-EG for types II and III AEJ and reduce bile reflux compared to Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty.

Roles and action mechanisms of bile acid-induced gastric intestinal metaplasia: a review

Gastric intestinal metaplasia (IM) is a precancerous lesion that increases the risk of subsequent gastric cancer (GC) development. Therefore, the mechanism of IM has been the focus of basic and clinical research. Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection has been recognized as the main pathogenesis of gastric IM. However, more and more studies have shown that chronic inflammation of gastric mucosa caused by bile reflux is the key pathogenic factor of gastric IM. Bile reflux activates the expression of IM biomarkers via the bile acid receptor. In addition, microRNAs, exosomes, and epigenetics are also involved in the occurrence and development of bile acid-induced gastric IM. Currently, the relevant research is still very few. The molecular mechanism of the phenotypic transformation of gastrointestinal epithelial cells induced by bile acids has not been fully understood. This article mainly reviews the physiology and pathology of bile acid, mechanism of gastric IM induced by bile acid, bile acid receptors, and so on, in order to provide reference for further research.

The Spatial Landscape of the Bacterial Community and Bile Acids in the Digestive Tract of Patients With Bile Reflux

Background

Bile reflux can lead to inflammation and increased intestinal metaplasia. Since bile acids can influence the gastrointestinal environment, it is possible that bile reflux may alter the gastric microbiota and potentially the oral or gut microbiota. Bile acids have a very complex interrelationship with microbiota. We aimed to explore the characteristics of the digestive tract microbiota and bile acids profile in bile reflux patients.

Methods

This study included 20 chronic gastritis patients with bile reflux and 20 chronic gastritis patients without bile reflux. Saliva, gastric fluid, and fecal samples were collected for bile acid testing. Buccal mucosal swabs, gastric mucosal tissues, and feces were collected for bacteria detection. The UPLC-MS/MS examined bile acids profiles. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was used to analyze the bacterial profile.

Results

Bilirubin in the blood increased in bile reflux patients. No other clinical factors were identified to be significantly associated with bile reflux. 12-DHCA, 6,7-diketo LCA, and βHDCA decreased while TUDCA increased in saliva of bile reflux patients. Streptococcus, Capnocytophaga, Neisseria, and Actinobacillus decreased in oral mucosa of bile reflux patients while Helicobacter, Prevotella, and Veillonella increased. Gastric bile acid levels were generally higher in bile reflux patients. Gastric mucosal microbiota was highly stable. The changes in fecal bile acids were insignificant. Bifidobacterium, Prevotella_2, Ruminococcus, Weissella, Neisseria, and Akkermansia decreased in fecal samples from bile reflux patients; while Alloprevotella, Prevotella_9, Parabacteroides, and Megamonas increased.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that bile reflux significantly alters the oral, gastric, and intestinal bile acids profiles but only influences the oral and gut microbiota composition. These findings indicate that bile reflux can modulate the gastrointestinal microbiota in a site-specific manner.

Analysis of Risk Factors and Establishment of a Prediction Model for Endoscopic Primary Bile Reflux: A Single-Center Retrospective Study

Background: Endoscopic primary bile reflux is one of the main diagnostic criteria for bile reflux gastritis (BRG). Presently, the risk factors and prediction models of endoscopic primary bile reflux (EPBR) in gastropathy patients who cannot or will not undergo endoscopy due to contraindications are not clear. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the risk factors of EPBR and to establish and verify a prediction model.

Methods: A series of 844 patients (564 subjects with EPBR and 280 control subjects) were retrospectively selected for this study and divided into a training set (n = 591) and a validation set (n = 253) according to the usual ratio of 70:30% for the subsequent internal validation of the logistic regression model for EPBR. Fifteen parameters that might affect the occurrence of EPBR were collected. Subsequently, univariate and stepwise logistic regression analyses were introduced to reveal the risk factors and the multivariate prediction model. An R package was dedicated to the corresponding internal validation of the EPBR model.

Results: The univariate analysis showed that gender, age, smoking, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection status, metabolic syndrome (MS), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) use history, and previous medical histories of chronic liver diseases, cholelithiasis, and erosive gastritis were statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Multivariate regression described that being a male [OR (95%confidence interval (CI)) = 2.29 (1.50–3.50), P < 0.001], age≥45 years old [OR (95% CI) = 4.24 (2.59–6.96), P < 0.001], H. pylori infection status [OR (95% CI) = 2.34 (1.37–4.01), P = 0.002], MS [OR (95% CI) = 3.14 (1.77–5.54), P < 0.001], NSAIDs use history [OR (95% CI) = 1.87 (1.03–3.40), P = 0.04], cholelithiasis history [OR (95% CI) = 3.95 (2.18–7.18), P < 0.001] and erosive gastritis history [OR (95% CI) = 6.77 (3.73–12.29), P < 0.001] were the risk factors for the occurrence of EPBR. Based on the results of these risk factors, an EPBR prediction model with an adequate calibration and excellent discrimination was established [area under the curve (AUC): 0.839, 95% CI = 0.806–0.872].

Conclusions: Being a male, age ≥ 45 years old, H. pylori infection, histories of MS, NSAIDs use, cholelithiasis, and erosive gastritis appear to be the risk factors for EPBR, and our favorable prediction model might be an option for the prediction of EPBR.

Outcomes After Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy in Hyperkinetic Biliary Dyskinesia

BACKGROUND

Biliary dyskinesia (BD) is a poorly understood functional gallbladder disorder. Diagnosis is made with abdominal pain and an intact gallbladder without signs of anatomical obstruction on imaging or pathology. Our aim was to assess whether laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) resolves hyperkinetic BD symptoms.

METHODS

Records of patients ≥18 years of age, who underwent LC by four surgeons at a tertiary care center between 2012 and 2020, were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were excluded if they had a documented gallbladder ejection fraction (GBEF) <80% or had biliary stones or sludge on pathology or imaging. Demographic information, HIDA results, preoperative testing, operative details, gallbladder pathology, and symptom status at follow-up were collected from electronic medical records. Improvement in BD symptoms was assessed using McNemar's test. Risk differences with standard errors were employed to estimate percent reduction in symptoms.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients met inclusion criteria. Of those who presented for follow-up (n = 91), 92.3% (n = 84) reported partial or complete resolution of symptoms. Preoperative symptoms, including back pain (16.7%, 95% CI: [7.9%, 25.5%]; P < .0001), epigastric pain (31.1% [21.3%, 41.3%]; P < .0001), nausea (56.7% [45.0%, 65.8%]; P < .0001), RUQ pain (57.8% [46.1%, 66.9%]; P < .0001), and vomiting (27.8% [18.4%, 37.7%]; P < .0001) showed significant improvement after LC. Chronic cholecystitis and/or cholesterolosis were present on pathology in 79.8% of gallbladders.

DISCUSSION

Our study currently represents the largest cohort of patients with hyperkinetic BD. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy appears to result in resolution of symptoms for this clinical entity.

Outcomes of Long Pouch Gastric Bypass (LPGB): 4-Year Experience in Primary and Revision Cases

BACKGROUND

One of the most important complications of the one anastomosis gastric bypass (OAGB) is enterobilio acid reflux (EBAR). We report the concept of the long pouch Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LPRYGB) meaning a Roux-en-Y with a long pouch and a 100-cm alimentary limb to avoid EBAR, with a long biliopancreatic limb to increase metabolic effects.

METHODS

A total of 300 LPRYGB cases in a 4-year period, with a 90% follow-up rate, were analysed. Anthropometric, technical feasibility, morbidity, weight loss and comorbidity outcomes were analysed.

RESULTS

The percentage total weight loss (%TWL) was 30.5% at 4 years of follow-up (32.3% in primary and 28.3% in revisions). Six intra-operative (2%) and 28 postoperative complications (9.3%) were seen. Out of this 28 complications, 11 (3.6%) were late complications. Reoperations were performed in 15 patients (5.0%). Clinically relevant EBAR was present in 3 cases only (1%) 4 years after the operation.

CONCLUSIONS

The LPRYGB combines the main advantages of the OAGB (light restriction and moderate malabsorption) with the anti-reflux effect from the Roux-en-Y diversion.

Correlation Between Bile Reflux Gastritis and Biliary Excreted Contrast Media in the Stomach

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between biliary excreted contrast media in the stomach and the presence of bile reflux gastritis.

METHODS

Consecutive 111 patients who underwent both gadoxetic acid-enhanced magnetic resonance cholangiography (gadoxetic MRC) and gastric endoscopy were included in this study. We performed a review of the gadoxetic-MRC image sets acquired 60 minutes after intravenous injection of contrast media and endoscopic images. We recorded amount of contrast media in the stomach. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of duodenogastric bile reflux diagnosis were evaluated for the gadoxetic MRC. Statistical analysis was performed using the Fisher exact test and the linear-by-linear association test.

RESULTS

Among the 111 patients, 39 had 60-minute delayed images showing the presence of contrast media in the stomach. Of these 39 patients, 13 had bile reflux gastritis and 5 showed bile in the stomach without evidence of erythematous gastritis. Of the 72 patients who did not show contrast media in the stomach, none had bile reflux gastritis and 2 patients showed bile staining in the stomach without evidence of erythematous gastritis. Bile reflux gastritis was significantly more frequent in patients with contrast media in the stomach on gadoxetic MRC than in those without. Patients with high-grade extension of contrast media in the stomach had significantly frequent bile reflux gastritis than did those with low-grade extension.

CONCLUSION

Biliary excreted contrast media in the stomach on 60-minute delayed gadoxetic MRC has a correlation with the presence of bile reflux gastritis on endoscopic examination.

Individualized nomogram improves diagnostic accuracy of stage I-II gallbladder cancer in chronic cholecystitis patients with gallbladder wall thickening

BACKGROUND

Early diagnosis of gallbladder cancer (GBC) can remarkably improve the prognosis of patients. This study aimed to develop a nomogram for individualized diagnosis of stage I-II GBC in chronic cholecystitis patients with gallbladder wall thickening.

METHODS

The nomogram was developed using logistic regression analyses based on a retrospective cohort consisting of 89 consecutive patients with stage I-II GBC and 1240 patients with gallbladder wall thickening treated at one biliary surgery center in Shanghai between January 2009 and December 2011. The accuracy of the nomogram was validated by discrimination, calibration and a prospective cohort treated at another center between January 2012 and December 2014 (n=928).

RESULTS

Factors included in the nomogram were advanced age, hazardous alcohol consumption, long-standing diagnosed gallstones, atrophic gallbladder, gallbladder wall calcification, intraluminal polypoid lesion, higher wall thickness ratio and mucosal line disruption. The nomogram had concordance indices of 0.889 and 0.856 for the two cohorts, respectively. Internal and external calibration curves fitted well. The area under the receiver-operating characteristic curves of the nomogram was higher than that of multidetector row computed tomography in diagnosis of stage I-II GBC (P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The proposed nomogram improves individualized diagnosis of stage I-II GBC in chronic cholecystitis patients with gallbladder wall thickening, especially for those the imaging features alone do not allow to confirm the diagnosis.

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass for intractable biliary reflux in an individual with incomplete tetraplegia

CONTEXT

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a common complication in the spinal cord injury (SCI) population. Surgical treatment of GERD has a unique risk/benefit profile in this population.

FINDINGS

This 68-year-old male with chronic incomplete tetraplegia, dyslipidemia, and well-controlled diabetes mellitus underwent Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGBP) for intractable biliary reflux. Postoperatively, the patient had resolution of his symptoms but he also presented with significant weight loss and dumping syndrome. While he did have improvement in his dyslipidemia there was no change in his functional status.

CONCLUSIONS

RYGBP is an option for refractory GERD treatment in the SCI population but preoperative risk assessment and close monitoring postoperatively is essential.

[Surgical treatment of duodeno-gastro-esophageal reflux disease: duodenal switch]

AIMS

To evaluate the efficacy of duodenal switch operation for patients with duodeno-gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS

Four female patients with therapy resistant epigastric pain and biliary regurgitation were enrolled in the study. In all cases, abnormal duodeno-gastric reflux was confirmed by 24-hour Bilitec monitoring. The average age of the patients was 41.75 years (range 32-53) and three of them had a cholecystectomy in the past. Importantly, all patients had previously undergone fundoplication, which had to be repeated in one of them due to recurrent symptoms. More recently, a duodenal switch procedure was performed in these four patients. Their mean follow-up time was 24.25 months (range 21-30).

RESULTS

Duodenal switch was performed without any perioperative complications. A good clinical outcome was found in all patients on their follow up; however, an abnormal acidic exposure was found in one case on 24-hour oesophageal pH monitoring.

CONCLUSION

Recurrent epigastric complaints developing after anti-reflux surgery in patients with a previous diagnosis of gastroesophageal reflux disease might be due to an abnormal duodeno-gastric reflux. Previous cholecystectomy may increase the risk of biliary reflux. Duodenal switch procedure can be applied with good results in patients with therapy resistant abnormal duodeno-gastric reflux confirmed with Bilitec monitoring.

Surgical perspectives in peptic ulcer disease and gastritis

For much of the twentieth century, surgery was frequently the solution for peptic ulcer disease. Our understanding of the pathophysiology of ulcers paralleled the development of potent pharmaceutical therapy. As the surgical world developed parietal cell vagotomy which would minimize the complications of surgery, patients failing medical therapy became rare. Emergent surgery for complicated peptic ulcers has not declined however. The development of proton pump inhibitors and the full understanding of the impact of H pylori has led to a trend towards minimalism in surgical therapy for complicated peptic ulcer disease. In addition to the changes in patient care, these developments have had an impact on the training of surgeons. This article outlines these trends and developments.

Free radical production in the esophago-gastro-duodenal mucosa in response to acid and bile

Several studies have demonstrated the role of free radicals in causing esophagus-gastro-duodenal mucosal injury. The present study has been designed to investigate: whether acid, bile salts and a combination of bile + acid could determine the production of O2-derived free radicals by oesophageal, gastric and duodenal mucosa; which agent is capable of producing more free radicals and if O2-derived free radicals production depends on the duration of contact with acid, bile salts and their combination. Wistar rats' gastro-intestinal mucosa were perfused with bile, acid and a combination of bile + acid at pH4 and pH2 for 1 hour and 2 hours. Free radical production (FRP) was assessed by chemoluminescence. After 1 hour, the increase in FRP in comparison with control reached statistical significance (P < 0.05) at all tested pH levels in the duodenum, at pH1, 2 and 3 in the esophagus, and at pH1 in the stomach. Comparing different segments, both the esophagus and duodenum behaved similarly, producing more free radicals than the stomach at all pH values. However, this difference reached statistical significance at pH1 and 2 only. In comparison to control, FRP was increased by bile (pH7) infusion after 1 and 2 hours. There was increased FRP in all segments after the infusion of bile at pH2 and 4 in comparison to control. Infusion of bile at pH2 stimulates more FRP than infusion of bile at pH4 in all segments. This increased FRP reaches statistical significance in the esophagus after 2 hours of infusion, in the stomach after 1 and 2 hours of infusion, but in the duodenum it does not reach statistical significance. Acid, bile and bile + acid at pH2 and 4 can cause free radical production in esophageal, gastric and duodenal mucosa. Their role in producing free radicals is different according to the segment and the chemical composition of the solution.

Therapeutic effect of DA-9601 on chronic reflux gastritis induced by sodium taurocholate in rats

AIM

To investigate the therapeutic effects of DA-9601 on sodium taurocholate (TCA)-induced chronic reflux gastritis in SD rats.

METHODS

In this study, we have investigated the therapeutic effects of DA-9601 on chronic erosive and atrophic gastritis induced by 6 mo of TCA administration (5 mmol/L in drinking water) in SD rats.

RESULTS

Four weeks of DA-9601 administration (0.065%, 0.216% in rat chow), following the withdrawal of TCA treatment, resulted in a significant decrease in total length of erosions in rats in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the indicators of atrophic gastritis, such as reduced mucosal thickness and reduction in the number of parietal cells, were improved by the administration of DA-9601 in a dose-related manner. DA-9601 also attenuated inflammatory cell infiltration and the proliferation of collagenous fiber in the gastric mucosa. The improvement in the reduction of the gastric mucus was observed in the rats receiving a high dose of DA-9601 (0.216%). The therapeutic effect of DA-9601 on experimental chronic erosive gastritis was superior to that of rebamipide (1.08% in rat chow). Biochemical analyses showed increased mucosal prostaglandin E2 and reduced glutathione levels by DA-9601 treatment.

CONCLUSION

We suggest that DA-9601 is a promising agent for the treatment of chronic erosive and atrophic gastritis with an etiological factor of bile reflux. Increased mucosal prostaglandin E2 and reduced glutathione by DA-9601 treatment may be therapeutic mechanisms for chronic erosive and atrophic gastritis.

Effects of duodenogastric reflux on gastrin cells, somatostatin cells and serotonin cells in human antral gastric mucosa

Duodenogastric reflux (DGR) has been found to give rise to a hypochlorhydria secondary to alkaline reflux. We investigated whether there is a link between DGR and the gastrin, somatostatin, and serotonin cell numbers and the granular content of gastrin, somatostatin, and serotonin in endocrine cells in human antral mucosa. We investigated 38 selected Helicobacter pylori-negative patients with visual primary excessive DGR in upper endoscopy and symptoms of epigastric pain and bile vomiting. Ten control patients were included in this study. None of the patients had peptic ulcer or had received any medication. Antrum (10 biopsies from five different zones: the lesser and major curvature, the anterior and posterior wall, and the pylorus) and corpus (two biopsies from major curvature about 10 cm below the cardia) biopsy specimens were collected for routine histology, as well as for light and electron immunohistochemistry. In patients without atrophy or intestinal metaplasia and in patients with mild atrophy or mild intestinal metaplasia, the number of gastrin and somatostatin cells was not different from that in controls. In moderate atrophy or moderate intestinal metaplasia, however, the number of gastrin and somatostatin cells decreased. Serotonin cell number was significantly higher in all patients with DGR as compared with controls. The mean somatostatin granular content was increased (3.6+/-0.2 vs. 3.2+/-0.1). In addition, lysosomes with engulfed somatostatin granules were found. The mean serotonin granular content was decreased (2.3+/-0.3 vs. 2.9+/-0.3), while the mean gastrin granular content remained unchanged (2.5+/-0.3 vs. 2.4+/-0.2). Ultrastructurally, the granules in serotonin-positive cells corresponded to the gastric variant or to the intestinal variant of serotonin cells. The endocrine cells were found to have few granules positive for serotonin. It is concluded that DGR inhibits somatostatin granular release, but stimulates both serotonin granular release and serotonin cell growth.