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)

Sleeve Gastrectomy and Anterior Fundoplication (D-SLEEVE) Prevents Gastroesophageal Reflux in Symptomatic GERD

BACKGROUND

A worrying increase of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and Barrett esophagus has been reported after sleeve gastrectomy (SG). Recent reports on combined fundoplication and SG seem to accomplish initial favorable results. However, no study included manometry or pH monitoring to evaluate the impact of fundoplication in SG on esophageal physiology.

METHOD

In this study, 32 consecutive bariatric patients with GERD and/or esophagitis had high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) and combined 24-h pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII-pH) before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy associated to anterior fundoplication (D-SLEEVE). The following parameters were calculated at HRiM: lower esophageal sphincter pressure and relaxation, peristalsis, and mean total bolus transit time. The acid and non-acid GER episodes were assessed by MII-pH, symptom index association (SI), and symptom-association probability (SAP) were also analyzed.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 14 months, HRiM showed an increased LES function, and MII-pH showed an excellent control of both acid exposure of the esophagus and number of reflux events. Bariatric outcomes (BMI and EWL%) were also comparable to regular SG (p = NS).

CONCLUSION

D-SLEEVE is an effective restrictive procedure, which recreates a functional LES pressure able to control and/or prevent mild GERD at 1-year follow-up.

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.

Long term quality of life after laparoscopic antireflux surgery for the elderly

BACKGROUND

Studies have previously shown laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment for GERD even in elderly patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate patients receiving laparoscopic antireflux surgery before and after 65 years of age and to assess their surgical outcomes and improvements in long term quality of life.

METHODS

Patients were given a standardized symptoms questionnaire and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey for quality-of-life evaluation before and after laparoscopic total fundoplication.

RESULTS

Forty-nine patients older than 65 years of age were defined as the elderly group (EG) whereas the remaining 262 younger than 65 years of age were defined as the young group (YG).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, laparoscopic total fundoplication is a safe and effective surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease generally warranting low morbidity and mortality rates and a significant improvement of symptoms comparable. An improved long-term quality of life is warranted even in the elderly.

Sleeve gastrectomy and development of "de novo" gastroesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is currently gaining popularity due to an excellent efficacy combined to minimal anatomic changes. However, some concerns have been raised on increased risk of postoperative gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) due to gastric fundus removal, section of the sling muscular fibers of gastroesophageal junction, reduced antral pump function, and gastric volume. We undertook the current study to evaluate by means of high-resolution impedance manometry (HRiM) and combined 24-h pH and multichannel intraluminal impedance (MII-pH) the impact of SG on esophageal physiology.

METHODS

In this study, 25 consecutive patients had HRiM and MII-pH before and after laparoscopic SG. The following parameters were calculated at HRiM: lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and relaxation, peristalsis, number of complete esophageal bolus transit, and mean total bolus transit time. The acid and non-acid GER episodes were assessed by MII-pH with the patient in both upright and recumbent positions.

RESULTS

At a median follow-up of 13 months, HRiM showed an unchanged LES function, increased ineffective peristalsis, and incomplete bolus transit. MII-pH showed an increase of both acid exposure of the esophagus and number of non-acid reflux events in postprandial periods.

CONCLUSIONS

Laparoscopic SG is an effective restrictive procedure that creates delayed esophageal emptying without impairing LES function. A correctly fashioned sleeve does not induce de novo GERD. Retrograde movements and increased acid exposure are probably due to stasis and postprandial regurgitation.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and obesity: do we need to perform reflux testing in all candidates to bariatric surgery?

INTRODUCTION

Obesity is a strong independent risk factor of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and esophageal erosions. However the relationship between obesity and GERD is still a subject of debate. In fact, if in most cases bariatric surgery can diminish reflux by losing a large amount of fat, on the other hand some restrictive procedure can worsen or cause the presence of GERD. Thus, it is unclear if patients candidate to bariatric surgery have to perform pre-operative reflux testing or not.

AIM

of the study was to verify the presence of GERD patterns in patients candidate to surgery and the need of pre-operative reflux testing.

METHODS

All patients underwent to a standardized questionnaire for symptoms severity (GERQ), upper endoscopy, high resolution manometry (HRiM) and impedance pH-monitoring (MII-pH). Patients were stratified into: group 1 (negative for both GERQ and endoscopy), group 2 (positive for GERQ and negative for endoscopy), group 3 (positive for both GERQ and endoscopy). A healthy-volunteers group (HV) was assessed.

RESULTS

One hundred thirty-nine subjects (obese, 124; HV normal weight, 15) were studied. Group 1 showed comparable mean LES pressure, peristaltic function, bolus transport and presence of hiatal hernia than HV. Group 2 showed a reduction of these parameters, while group 3 showed a statistical significant reduction in LES pressure, peristaltic function, bolus transport and increase in presence of hiatal hernia. At MII-pH, Group 1 showed a not significant increase in reflux patterns; group 2 and 3 showed a significant increase in esophageal acid exposure and in number of refluxes (both acid and weakly acid), with group 3 showing the higher grade of reflux pattern.

CONCLUSIONS

Obese subjects with pre-operative presence of GERD symptoms and endoscopical signs could be tested with HRM and MII-pH before undergoing bariatric surgery, especially for restrictive procedures. On the other hand, obese patients without any sign of GERD could not be tested for reflux, showing similar patterns to HV.

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.

Long term quality of life after laparoscopic antireflux surgery for the elderly

Background

Studies have previously shown laparoscopic antireflux surgery is a safe and effective treatment for GERD even in elderly patients. The aim of the current study was to evaluate patients receiving laparoscopic antireflux surgery before and after 65 years of age and to assess their surgical outcomes and improvements in long term quality of life.

Methods

Patients were given a standardized symptoms questionnaire and the Short-Form 36 Health Survey for quality-of-life evaluation before and after laparoscopic total fundoplication.

Results

Forty-nine patients older than 65 years of age were defined as the elderly group (EG) whereas the remaining 262 younger than 65 years of age were defined as the young group (YG).

There were 114 (36.6%) patients who filled out the SF36 questionnaire (98 in the younger group, rate: 37.4%; 16 in the elderly group, rate: 32.6%) pre- and post-operatively. There was no significant difference between the two age groups regarding preoperative PCS ( 45.6 ± 7.8 in YG vs. 44.2 ± 8.2 in EG; P = 0.51) and MCS ( 48.1 ± 10.7 in YG vs. 46.9 ± 9.2 in EG; P = 0.67). There was no significant difference between the two age groups regarding postoperative PCS (49.8 ± 11.9 in YG and 48.2 ± 9.5 in EG ; P = 0.61 and MCS (48.4 ± 10.7 in YG vs. 50.1 ± 6.9 in EG; P = 0.54).

Conclusions

In conclusion, laparoscopic total fundoplication is a safe and effective surgical treatment for gastroesophageal reflux disease generally warranting low morbidity and mortality rates and a significant improvement of symptoms comparable. An improved long-term quality of life is warranted even in the elderly.

Long-term outcomes of an endoscopic myotomy for achalasia: the POEM procedure

BACKGROUND

Esophageal achalasia is most commonly treated with laparoscopic myotomy or endoscopic dilation. Per-oral endoscopic myotomy (POEM), an incisionless selective myotomy, has been described as a less invasive surgical treatment. This study presents 6-month physiological and symptomatic outcomes after POEM for achalasia.

METHODS

Data on single-institution POEMs were collected prospectively. Pre- and postoperative symptoms were quantified with Eckardt scores. Objective testing (manometry, endoscopy, timed-barium swallow) was performed preoperatively and 6 months postoperatively. At 6 months, gastroesophageal reflux was evaluated by 24-hour pH testing. Pre-/postmyotomy data were compared using paired nonparametric statistics.

RESULTS

Eighteen achalasia patients underwent POEMs between October 2010 and October 2011. The mean age was 59 ± 20 years and mean body mass index was 26 ± 5 kg/m. Six patients had prior dilations or Botox injections. Myotomy length was 9 cm (7-12 cm), and the median operating time was 135 minutes (90-260). There were 3 intraoperative complications: 2 gastric mucosotomies and 1 full-thickness esophagotomy, all repaired endoscopically with no sequelae. The median hospital stay was 1 day and median return to normal activity was 3 days (3-9 days). All patients had relief of dysphagia [dysphagia score ≤ 1 ("rare")]. Only 2 patients had Eckardt scores greater than 1, due to persistent noncardiac chest pain. At a mean follow-up of 11.4 months, dysphagia relief persisted for all patients. Postoperative manometry and timed barium swallows showed significant improvements in lower esophageal relaxation characteristics and esophageal emptying, respectively. Objective evidence of gastroesophageal reflux was seen in 46% patients postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

POEM is safe and effective. All patients had dysphagia relief, 83% having relief of noncardiac chest pain. There is significant though mild gastroesophageal reflux postoperatively in 46% of patients in 6-month pH studies. The lower esophageal sphincter shows normalized pressures and relaxation.

Objective outcomes of extra-esophageal symptoms following laparoscopic total fundoplication by means of combined multichannel intraluminal impedance pH-metry before and after surgery

Identifying and treating patients with extra-esophageal symptoms is a challenge. When the patient is unable to control his symptoms with pharmacological therapy alone, anti-reflux surgery may be indicated. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of total fundoplication in the resolution of extra-esophageal manifestations and verify changes in 24-h MII-pH monitoring before and after surgery. From October 2005 to October 2010, patients who reported respiratory symptoms, possibly related to GERD, have been sent to our Institute. All patients were practiced ambulatory 24-h MII-pH before and after surgery. Thirty-five patients selected for the antireflux surgery have undergone all the same surgical procedures. Data were collected prospectively at 6 and 12 months after laparoscopic fundoplication. After laparoscopic fundoplication, the total percentage of exposure time with esophageal pH < 4, and both in upright and supine position was very low. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in the number of detected refluxes at MII and detected refluxes at MII 15-cm segment in pre and post-operative period. Symptom relief was obtained in all patients. Laparoscopic fundoplication is a safe and effective procedure to protect from refractory GERD and extra-esophageal symptoms, when evaluated with a thorough pre-operative selection.

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.

Achalasia: A review of Western and Iranian experiences

Achalasia is a primary motor disorder of the esophagus, in which esophageal emptying is impaired. Diagnosis of achalasia is based on clinical findings. The diagnosis is confirmed by radiographic, endoscopic, and manometric evaluations. Several treatments for achalasia have been introduced. We searched the PubMed Database for original articles and meta-analyses about achalasia to summarize the current knowledge regarding this disease, with particular focus on different procedures that are used for treatment of achalasia. We also report the Iranian experience of treatment of this disease, since it could be considered as a model for medium-resource countries. Myotomy, particularly laparoscopic myotomy with fundoplication, is the most effective treatment for achalasia. Compared to other treatments, however, the initial cost of myotomy is usually higher and the recovery period is longer. When performing myotomy is not indicated or not possible, graded pneumatic dilation with slow rate of balloon inflation seems to be an effective and safe initial alternative. Injection of botulinum toxin into the lower esophageal sphincter before pneumatic dilation may increase remission rates. However, this needs to be confirmed in further studies. Due to lack of adequate information regarding the role of expandable stents in the treatment of achalasia, insertion of stents does not currently seem to be a recommended treatment. In summary, laparoscopic myotomy can be considered as the procedure of choice for treatment of achalasia. Graded pneumatic dilation is an effective alternative when the performance of myotomy is not possible for any reason.

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.