Influence of esophageal motility on the outcome of laparoscopic total fundoplication

A Tailored Approach to Laparoscopic Fundoplication: Outcomes in Patients with Esophageal Dysmotility

BACKGROUND

Esophageal dysmotility is a common finding in patients being evaluated for antireflux surgery, although its implication remains unclear. We aimed to evaluate outcomes of patients with esophageal dysmotility after fundoplication.

METHODS

A retrospective review of a prospective quality-database was performed. All patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen (NF) or Toupet (TF) fundoplication were included. Esophageal dysmotility was defined using the Chicago Classification v4.0 and conventional metrics, creating three sub-groups: ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), distal/diffuse esophageal spasm (DES), and hypercontractile esophagus (HE). Quality of life (QOL) outcomes were measured by the Reflux Severity Index (RSI), Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease-Health Related Quality of Life (GERD-HRQL), and Dysphagia Scores.

RESULTS

Of 487 patients included, 99 (20.3%) had esophageal dysmotility (49 IEM, 40 DES, 10 HE). While a majority in the dysmotility group (81.8%) underwent TF, most patients in the normal group (76.5%) underwent NF (p < 0.001). On multivariable analysis controlling for sex, age, BMI, hiatal hernia, and surgery type, the normal group had higher Dysphagia Scores at 3 weeks (2.2 ± 0.9 vs. 1.7 ± 0.8, p < 0.001), but not at 6-month, 1-year, 2-year, or 5-year follow-up. There were no differences between normal and dysmotility groups in terms of RSI or GERD-HRQL scores at any time point. Patients with different sub-types of esophageal dysmotility had similar QOL outcomes at all time points.

CONCLUSION

Patients with esophageal dysmotility had similar outcomes compared to those with normal motility after fundoplication, suggesting the tailored approach favoring partial fundoplication for patients with dysmotility as part of an appropriate treatment algorithm.

Does the nissen fundoplication procedure improve esophageal dysmotility in patients with barrett's esophagus?

OBJECTIVE

to evaluate esophageal dysmotility (ED) and the extent of Barrett's esophagus (BE) before and after laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) in patients previously diagnosed with BE and ED.

METHODS

twenty-two patients with BE diagnosed by upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy with biopsies and ED diagnosed by conventional esophageal manometry (CEM) were submitted to a LNF, and followed up with clinical evaluations, upper GI endoscopy with biopsies and CEM, for a minimum of 12 months after the surgical procedure.

RESULTS

: sixteen patients were male (72.7%) and six were females (27.3%). The mean age was 55.14 (± 15.52) years old. and the mean postoperative follow-up was 26.2 months. The upper GI endoscopy showed that the mean length of BE was 4.09 cm preoperatively and 3.91cm postoperatively (p=0.042). The evaluation of esophageal dysmotility through conventional manometry showed that: the preoperative median of the lower esophageal sphincter resting pressure (LESRP) was 9.15 mmHg and 13.2 mmHg postoperatively (p=0.006). The preoperative median of the esophageal contraction amplitude was 47.85 mmHg, and 57.50 mmHg postoperatively (p=0.408). Preoperative evaluation of esophageal peristalsis showed that 13.6% of the sample presented diffuse esophageal spasm and 9.1% ineffective esophageal motility. In the postoperative, 4.5% of patients had diffuse esophageal spasm, 13.6% of aperistalsis and 22.7% of ineffective motor activity (p=0.133).

CONCLUSION

LNF decreased the BE extension, increased the LES resting pressure, and increased the amplitude of the distal esophageal contraction; however, it was unable to improve ED.

Pre-operative clinical and instrumental factors as antireflux surgery outcome predictors

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is nowadays a highly prevalent, chronic condition, with 10% to 30% of Western populations affected by weekly symptoms. Many patients with mild reflux symptoms are treated adequately with lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and low-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs). For those with refractory GERD poorly controlled with daily PPIs, numerous treatment options exist. Fundoplication is currently the most commonly performed antireflux operation for management of GERD. Outcomes described in current literature following laparoscopic fundoplication indicate that it is highly effective for treatment of GERD; early clinical studies demonstrate relief of symptoms in approximately 85%-90% of patients. However it is still unclear which factors, clinical or instrumental, are able to predict a good outcome after surgery. Virtually all demographic, esophagogastric junction anatomic conditions, as well as instrumental (such as presence of esophagitis at endoscopy, or motility patterns determined by esophageal high resolution manometry or reflux patterns determined by means of pH/impedance-pH monitoring) and clinical features (such as typical or atypical symptoms presence) of patients undergoing laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD can be factors associated with symptomatic relief. With this in mind, we sought to review studies that identified the factors that predict outcome after laparoscopic total fundoplication.

Epiphrenic diverticula mini-invasive surgery: a challenge for expert surgeons--personal experience and review of the literature

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

While in the past, thoracotomy represented the traditional surgical approach for the treatment of epiphrenic diverticula, actually mini-invasive approach seems to be the preferred treatment as many series have been published in the recent years. This article describes the authors' experience with the laparoscopic approach for performing diverticulectomy, myotomy, and Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

From 1994 to 2010, 21 patients (10 men and 11 women), mean age 58.5 years (range 45-74 years), with symptomatic epiphrenic diverticulum underwent laparoscopic diverticulectomy, myotomy and Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication.

RESULTS

The mean operative time was 135 min (range = 105-190 min). Mean hospital stay was 14.2 days (range = 7-25 days). In 5 patients (23.8%), a partial suture staple line leak was observed. Conservative treatment achieved leak resolution in all the cases. One patient (4.8%) died of a myocardial infarction in the postoperative period. After a mean clinical follow-up period of 78 months (range = 6-192 months), excellent or good outcome was referred with no dysphagia in 16 patients (80%) and only mild occasional dysphagia in 4 patients (20%).

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical treatment of epiphrenic diverticula remains a challenging procedure also by mini-invasive approach, with major morbidity and mortality rates. For this reason, indications must be restricted only to selected and symptomatic patients in specialized centers.

Can different subsets of ineffective esophageal motility influence the outcome of nissen fundoplication?

BACKGROUND

Ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease includes three different subsets that may affect symptom profiles. Our aim was to assess symptoms and functional outcome in patients with erosive esophagitis according to different subsets of IEM, before and after Nissen fundoplication (NF).

METHODOLOGY

A retrospective study with prospective follow-up of 72 patients with reflux esophagitis and IEM in whom open NF was performed. Based on principal manometric esophageal body motility disorder, patients were divided in three groups: predominantly low-amplitude (LAC, N = 38), non-propulsive (NPC, N = 18), and simultaneous low-amplitude esophageal contractions (SC, N = 16). Patients underwent symptomatic questionnaire and stationary esophageal manometry before and 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after surgery.

RESULTS

Preoperatively, patients in NPC and SC groups had higher mean scores of dysphagia, without statistical significance as opposed to the LAC group (p = 0.239). Postoperative dysphagia occurred in 36 patients, without statistical significance between groups regarding dysphagia grades (p = 0.390). A longer duration of postoperative dysphagia was noted in the SC group (p < 0.05). Improvement of nadir values of contraction amplitudes in distal esophagus occurred postoperatively in all groups, significantly higher in LAC (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Three years after NF, successful symptomatic and functional outcome was achieved in analyzed groups of patients with erosive esophagitis regardless of IEM subtype.

EAES recommendations for the management of gastroesophageal reflux disease

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

Is the advanced age a contraindication to GERD laparoscopic surgery? Results of a long term follow-up

Background

In this prospective non randomized observational cohort study we have evaluated the influence of age on outcome of laparoscopic total fundoplication for GERD.

Methods

Six hundred and twenty consecutive patients underwent total laparoscopic fundoplication for GERD. Five hundred and twenty-four patients were younger than 65 years (YG), and 96 patients were 65 years or older (EG). The following parameters were considered in the preoperative and postoperative evaluation: presence, duration, and severity of GERD symptoms, presence of a hiatal hernia, manometric and 24 hour pH-monitoring data, duration of operation, incidence of complications and length of hospital stay.

Results

Elderly patients more often had atypical symptoms of GERD and at manometric evaluation had a higher rate of impaired esophageal peristalsis in comparison with younger patients. The duration of the operation was similar between the two groups. The incidence of intraoperative and postoperative complications was low and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups. An excellent outcome was observed in 93.0% of young patients and in 88.9% of elderly patients (p = NS).

Conclusions

Laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment for GERD even in elderly patients, warranting low morbidity and mortality rates and a significant improvement of symptoms comparable to younger patients.

Dysphagia postfundoplication: more commonly hiatal outflow resistance than poor esophageal body motility

BACKGROUND

Historically, risk assessment for postfundoplication dysphagia has been focused on esophageal body motility, which has proven to be an unreliable prediction tool. Our aim was to determine factors responsible for persistent postoperative dysphagia.

METHODS

Fourteen postfundoplication patients with primary dysphagia were selected for focused study. Twenty-five asymptomatic post-Nissen patients and 17 unoperated subjects served as controls. Pre- and postoperative clinical and high-resolution manometry parameters were compared.

RESULTS

Thirteen of the 14 symptomatic patients (92.9%) had normal postoperative esophageal body function, determined manometrically. In contrast, 13 of 14 (92.9%) had evidence of esophageal outflow obstruction, 9 of 14 (64.3%) manometrically, and 4 of 14 (28.6%) on endoscopy/esophagram. Median gastroesophageal junction integrated relaxation pressure was significantly greater (16.2 mm Hg) in symptomatic than in asymptomatic post-Nissen patients (11.1 mm Hg, P = .05) or unoperated subjects (10.6 mm Hg, P = .02). Sixty-four percent (9/14) of symptomatic patients had an increased mean relaxation pressure. Dysphagia was present in 9 of 14 (64.3%) preoperatively, and elevated postoperative relaxation pressure was independently associated with dysphagia.

CONCLUSION

These data suggest that postoperative alterations in hiatal functional anatomy are the primary factors responsible for post-Nissen dysphagia. Impaired relaxation of the neo-high pressure zone, recognizable as an abnormal relaxation pressure, best discriminates patients with dysphagia from those without symptoms postfundoplication.

Reflux and sex: what drives testing, what drives treatment?

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) affects ∼10-20% of American adults. Although symptoms are equally common in men and women, we hypothesized that sex influences diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in patients with GER. PubMed database between 1997 and October 2011 was searched for English language studies describing symptoms, consultative visits, endoscopic findings, use and results of ambulatory pH study, and surgical therapy for GER. Using data from Nationwide Inpatient Sample, Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, we determined the sex distribution for admissions and reflux surgery between 1997 and 2008. Studies on symptoms or consultative visits did not show sex-specific differences. Even though women are less likely to have esophagitis or Barrett's esophagus, endoscopic studies enrolled as many women as men, and women were more likely to undergo ambulatory pH studies with a female predominance in studies from the US. Surgical GER treatment is more commonly performed in men. However, studies from the US showed an equal sex distribution, with Nationwide Inpatient Sample data demonstrating an increase in women who accounted for 63% of the annual fundoplications in 2008. Despite less common or severe mucosal disease, women are more likely to undergo invasive diagnostic testing. In the US, women are also more likely to undergo antireflux surgery. These results suggest that healthcare-seeking behavior and socioeconomic factors rather than the biology of disease influence the clinical approaches to reflux disease.

Impact of total fundoplication on esophageal transit: analysis by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and manometry

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic total fundoplication is considered the most effective surgical option for gastroesophageal reflux (GER) disease. Some authors assume that total fundoplication may expose the patient to delayed transit of the swallowed bolus and increased risk of dysphagia, particularly when peristaltic dysfunction is present. We undertook this study to evaluate by means of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and esophageal manometry (MII-EM) the impact of fundoplication on esophageal physiology. An objective measurement of the influence of the total wrap on bolus transit may be helpful in refining the optimal antireflux wrap (ie, partial vs. total).

METHODS

In this study, 25 consecutive patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication had MII-EM and combined 24-hour pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII-pH) before and after the surgical procedure. All patients completed preoperative and postoperative symptom questionnaires. The following were calculated for liquid and viscous deglutition lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation, distal esophageal amplitude, the number of complete esophageal bolus transits and the mean total bolus transit time. The acid and nonacid GER episodes were calculated by MII-pH with the patient in both upright and recumbent positions.

RESULTS

The postoperative MII-EM showed an increased lower esophageal sphincter pressure (P < 0.05), whereas lower esophageal sphincter relaxation and distal esophageal amplitude did not change after surgery (P = NS). Complete esophageal bolus transits and bolus transit time did not change for liquid swallows (P = NS), but was more rapid for viscous after surgery (P < 0.05). Twenty-four hour pH monitoring confirmed the postoperative reduction of both acid and nonacid reflux (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti is effective in controlling both acid and nonacid GER without impairment of esophageal function. Appropriate preoperative investigation, meticulous patient selection and correct surgical technique are extremely important in securing good results.

Laparoscopic calibrated total vs partial fundoplication following Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia

AIM

To compare the mid-term outcomes of laparoscopic calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication with Dor fundoplication performed after Heller myotomy for oesophageal achalasia.

METHODS

Fifty-six patients (26 men, 30 women; mean age 42.8 ± 14.7 years) presenting for minimally invasive surgery for oesophageal achalasia, were enrolled. All patients underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy followed by a 180° anterior partial fundoplication in 30 cases (group 1) and calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication in 26 (group 2). Intraoperative endoscopy and manometry were used to calibrate the myotomy and fundoplication. A 6-mo follow-up period with symptomatic evaluation and barium swallow was undertaken. One and two years after surgery, the patients underwent symptom questionnaires, endoscopy, oesophageal manometry and 24 h oesophago-gastric pH monitoring.

RESULTS

At the 2-year follow-up, no significant difference in the median symptom score was observed between the 2 groups (P = 0.66; Mann-Whitney U-test). The median percentage time with oesophageal pH < 4 was significantly higher in the Dor group compared to the Nissen-Rossetti group (2; range 0.8-10 vs 0.35; range 0-2) (P < 0.0001; Mann-Whitney U-test).

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic Dor and calibrated Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication achieved similar results in the resolution of dysphagia. Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication seems to be more effective in suppressing oesophageal acid exposure.

Impact of ineffective oesophageal motility and wrap type on dysphagia after laparoscopic fundoplication

BACKGROUND

Laparoscopic 360° fundoplication is the most common operation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, but is associated with postoperative dysphagia in some patients. Patients with ineffective oesophageal motility may have a higher risk of developing postoperative dysphagia, but this remains unclear.

METHODS

From 1991 to 2010, 2040 patients underwent primary laparoscopic fundoplication for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease and met the study inclusion criteria; 343 had a 90°, 498 a 180° and 1199 a 360° fundoplication. Primary peristalsis and distal contraction amplitude during oesophageal manometry were determined for 1354 patients. Postoperative dysphagia scores (range 0-45) were recorded at 3 and 12 months, then annually. Oesophageal dilatations and/or reoperations for dysphagia were recorded.

RESULTS

Preoperative oesophageal motility did not influence postoperative dysphagia scores, the need for dilatation and/or reoperation up to 6 years. Three-month dysphagia scores were lower after 90° and 180° compared with 360° fundoplication (mean(s.e.m.) 8·0(0·6) and 9·8(0·5) respectively versus 11·9(0·4); P < 0·001 and P = 0·003), but these differences diminished after 6 years of follow-up. The incidence of dilatation and reoperation for dysphagia was lower after 90° (2·6 and 0·6 per cent respectively) and 180° (4·4 and 1·0 per cent) fundoplications than with a 360° wrap (9·8 and 6·8 per cent; both P < 0·001 versus 90° and 180° groups).

CONCLUSION

Tailoring the degree of fundoplication according to preoperative oesophageal motility by standard manometric parameters has no long-term impact on postoperative dysphagia. There is, however, a proportionate increase in short-term dysphagia scores with increasing degree of wrap, and a corresponding proportionate increase in dilatations and reoperations for dysphagia. These differences in dysphagia scores diminish with time.

Value of preoperative esophageal function studies before laparoscopic antireflux surgery

BACKGROUND

The value of esophageal manometry and ambulatory pH monitoring before laparoscopic antireflux surgery (LARS) has been questioned because tailoring the operation to the degree of hypomotility often is not required. This study evaluated a consecutive cohort of patients referred for esophageal function studies in preparation for LARS to determine the rates of findings that would alter surgical decisions.

METHODS

High-resolution manometry (HRM) was performed for each subject using a 21-lumen water-perfused system, and motor function was characterized. Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) was evident from ambulatory pH monitoring if thresholds for acid exposure time and/or positive symptom association probability were passed.

RESULTS

Of 1,081 subjects (age, 48.4 ± 0.4 years; 56.7% female) undergoing preoperative HRM, 723 (66.9%) also had ambulatory pH testing performed. Lower esophageal sphincter (LES) hypotension (38.9%) and nonspecific spastic disorder (NSSD) of the esophageal body (36.1%) were common. Obstructive LES pathophysiology was noted in 2.5% (achalasia in 1%; incomplete LES relaxation in 1.5%), and significant esophageal body hypomotility in 4.5% (aperistalsis in 3.2%; severe hypomotility in 1.3%) of the subjects. Evidence of GERD was absent in 23.9% of the subjects. Spastic disorders were more frequent in the absence of GERD (43.9% vs. 23.1% with GERD; p < 0.0001), whereas hypomotility and normal patterns were more common with GERD.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings considered absolute or relative contraindications for standard 360º fundoplication are detected in 1 of 14 patients receiving preoperative HRM. Additionally, spastic findings associated with persistent postoperative symptoms are detected at esophageal function testing that could be used in preoperative counseling and candidate selection. Physiologic testing remains important in the preoperative evaluation of patients being considered for LARS.

Predictors of objectively identified recurrent reflux after primary Nissen fundoplication

Background

Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication is the most frequently performed operation for gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD). Studies on predictors of subjective outcome of fundoplication have yielded inconsistent results. This study identified predictors of objective reflux control after Nissen fundoplication.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from patients who underwent Nissen fundoplication for proton pump inhibitor-refractory GORD with pathological acid exposure in a single centre between 1997 and 2005. The predictive value of demographics, endoscopic hiatal hernia size, oesophagitis, lower oesophageal sphincter pressure, distal oesophageal contraction amplitude, percentage of peristaltic contractions and acid exposure was determined. Endpoints were recurrent pathological acid exposure on 24-h pH monitoring at 6 months and surgical reintervention for recurrent GORD up to 6 years.

Results

Of 177 patients, 22 had recurrent pathological acid exposure at 6 months for which 11 had surgery within 6 years. Only low percentage of peristaltic contractions (odds ratio (OR) 0·97, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·95 to 0·99; P = 0·004) and high supine acid exposure (OR 1·03, 1·00 to 1·07; P = 0·025) were independent predictors of recurrent pathological acid exposure. The absolute risk of recurrent exposure was 45·5 per cent in patients with both predictors. High supine acid exposure was also an independent predictor of surgical reintervention (OR 1·05, 1·01 to 1·08; P = 0·006).

Conclusion

Nissen fundoplication should not necessarily be withheld from patients with poor oesophageal peristalsis or excessive supine acid exposure. As about half of patients with both variables experience recurrent pathological acid exposure after primary Nissen fundoplication, surgery should be restricted in this group.

Gastroesophageal reflux and altered motility in lung transplant rejection

BACKGROUND

Lung transplantation has become an effective therapeutic option for selected patients with end stage lung disease. Long-term survival is limited by chronic rejection manifest as bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS). The aspiration of gastric contents has been implicated as a causative or additive factor leading to BOS. Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and altered foregut motility are common both before and after lung transplantation. Further, the normal defense mechanisms against reflux are impaired in the allograft. Recent studies using biomarkers of aspiration have added to previous association studies to provide a growing body of evidence supporting the link between rejection and GER. Further, the addition of high-resolution manometry (HRM) and impedance technology to characterize bolus transit and the presence and extent of reflux regardless of pH might better identify at-risk patients. Although additional prospective studies are needed, fundoplication appears useful in the prevention or treatment of post-transplant BOS.

PURPOSE

This review will highlight the existing literature on the relationship of gastroesophageal reflux and altered motility to lung transplant rejection, particularly BOS. The article will conclude with a discussion of the evaluation and management of patients undergoing lung transplantation at our center.

Evidence-based appraisal in laparoscopic Nissen and Toupet fundoplications for gastroesophageal reflux disease

AIM: To demonstrate the optimal surgical procedure for gastroesophageal reflux disease.

METHODS: The electronic databases of Medline, Elsevier, Springerlink and Embase over the last 16 years were searched. All clinical trials involved in the outcomes of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) and laparoscopic Toupet fundoplication (LTF) were identified. The data of assessment in benefits and adverse results of LNF and LTF were extracted and compared using meta-analysis.

RESULTS: We ultimately identified a total of 32 references reporting nine randomized controlled trials, eight prospective cohort trials and 15 retrospective trials. These studies reported a total of 6236 patients, of whom 4252 (68.18%) underwent LNF and 1984 (31.82%) underwent LTF. There were no differences between LNF and LTF in patients’ satisfaction, perioperative complications, postoperative heartburn, reflux recurrence and re-operation. Both LNF and LTF enhanced the function of lower esophageal sphincter and improved esophagitis. The postoperative dysphagia, gas-bloating syndrome, inability to belch and the need for dilatation after LNF were more common than after LTF. Subgroup analyses showed that dysphagia after LNF and LTF was similar in patients with normal esophageal peristalsis (EP), but occurred more frequently in patients with weak EP after LNF than after LTF. Furthermore, patients with normal EP after LNF still had a higher risk of developing dysphagia than did patients with abnormal EP after LTF.

CONCLUSION: Compared with LNF, LTF offers equivalent symptom relief and reduces adverse results.

Failed laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery and indications for revision. A retrospective study

Revisional anti-reflux surgery is required in certain patients for either early post-operative complications or recurrence of their original symptoms. The aim of this study is to review our revisional surgeries, learn the lessons and to highlight the treatment options for recurrent gastrooesophageal symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Three hundred and fifty one patients underwent laparoscopic anti-reflux surgery through January 2000 to March 2006 at our minimal access unit. Thirty-seven patients were diagnosed with failure of anti-reflux surgery. Patient's data and follow up were retrieved from medical records. All recurrences were investigated for underlying cause and their managements were planned accordingly.

RESULTS

Thirty-seven (10.54%) patients who developed early post-operative complications or recurrence of gastroesophageal symptoms were 25 women and 12 men. Heartburn was the commonest recurrent symptom. The majority of failures occurred in the first two years. Fourteen patients underwent revisional surgery while 23 patients were treated with acid reducing medications and showed a good response. The re-operation rate is 3.98%. There was no mortality and the total morbidity rate for revisional surgery is 7.14%.

CONCLUSION

Early surgical complications of the initial procedures are managed by revisional surgery and the results were satisfactory provided these complications are detected early. Chronic failure of anti-reflux surgery can be managed by revisional surgery or medications depending on clinical symptoms and patients preference.

Prospective assessment of patient selection for antireflux surgery by combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring

INTRODUCTION

Selecting gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) patients for surgery on the basis of standard 24-h pH monitoring may be challenging, particularly if this investigation does not correlate with clinical symptoms. Combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH monitoring (MII-pH) is able to physically detect each episode of intraesophageal bolus movements, enabling identification of either acid or non-acid reflux episodes and thus establish the association of the reflux with symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We prospectively assessed and reviewed data from 314 consecutive patients who underwent MII-pH for GERD not responsive or not compliant to proton pump inhibitor therapy. One hundred fifty-three patients with a minimum follow-up of 1 year constituted the study population. Clinical outcomes and satisfaction rate were collected in all patients who underwent laparoscopic Nissen-Rossetti fundoplication. Outcomes were reported for patients with normal and ineffective peristalsis and for patients with positive pH monitoring, negative pH monitoring and positive total number of reflux episodes at MII, and negative pH monitoring and normal number of reflux episodes at MII and a positive symptom index correlation with MII.

RESULTS

The overall patient satisfaction rate was 98.3%. No differences were recorded in the clinical outcomes of the patients with preoperative normal and ineffective peristalsis. No differences in patients' satisfaction and clinical postoperative DeMeester symptom scoring system were noted between the groups as determined by MII-pH.

CONCLUSION

MII-pH provides useful information for objective selection of patients to antireflux surgery. Nissen fundoplication provides excellent outcomes in patients with positive and negative pH and positive MII monitoring or Symptom Index association. More extensive studies are needed to definitively standardize the useful MII-pH parameters to select the patient to antireflux surgery.

Objective assessment of gastroesophageal reflux after extended Heller myotomy and total fundoplication for achalasia with the use of 24-hour combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH)

This study aims to evaluate by the use of 24-hour combined multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH monitoring (MII-pH) the efficacy of the Nissen fundoplication in controlling both acid and nonacid gastroesophageal reflux (GER) in patients that underwent Heller myotomy for achalasia. It has been demonstrated that fundoplication prevents the pathologic acid GER after Heller myotomy, but no objective data exists on the efficacy of this antireflux surgery in controlling all types of reflux events. The study population consisted of 20 patients that underwent laparoscopic Heller myotomy and Nissen fundoplication for achalasia. All patients were investigated with manometry and MII-pH. MII-pH showed no evidence of postoperative pathologic GER. The overall number of GER episodes was normal in both the upright and recumbent position. This reduction was obtained because of the postoperative control of both the acid and nonacid reflux episodes. The Nissen fundoplication adequately controls both acid and nonacid GER after extended Heller myotomy. Further controls with MII-pH are warranted to check at a longer follow-up for the efficacy of this antireflux procedure in achalasic patients.